3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for everyone regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. Look for features that make life easier including a big storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more when you are shopping for a new stroller. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you're able to be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many practical features that keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group with a clear view at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps on the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller comes with a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in your trunk. 3 wheel buggy can also transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are a must for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it harder to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common injuries to strollers. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long-term. Many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make transport and storage effortless. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive before going on walks.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight jogging stroller. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that locks into place once it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit more expensive than our top choices, but it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or live in an urban area. The stroller is lightweight and can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can also be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline and has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for strollers that jog because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on the ability to bounce and turn when bumps or dips are encountered and its comfort with a child loaded and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We suggest choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It is important to think about how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and elevators can be more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure rather than sorry.