3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast seeking a jogging stroller or just need a stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller that is suitable for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also tested the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your baby more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy and much more. It's important to know what features are important to you and your family members and those you can live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features that will keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a large, clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't bother him.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in the trunk of your car. You can also transform it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is a little complicated. It requires pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents discover that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, like jogging ones, which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid taking the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform as well over the long run. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all the features they would like or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller separately from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The most 3-wheel strollers that are compact fold easily and put away. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. 3 wheel buggy of them are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight jogging stroller. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel system, with car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can also be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also comes with storage space. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it's reclining, and there's no cup holders or a tray for snacks for kids. The brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a long list of impressive features like a huge basket and a one handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes could be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and padding straps for crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head should they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is essential for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its ease of maneuvering when laden with a child and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We recommend selecting the model that has a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body by itself. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is important to think about the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do so. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their security brake engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be not be.