3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller that you can use for every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. If you're shopping for a brand new
3 wheel pushchairs-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and much more. The most important thing is to determine which features are essential to you and your family and which ones you're able to live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested and has a large, clear window at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't shake him up too much.
This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you control slippery surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with certain infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are essential for strollers of any kind. While they don't offer the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating bumps and potholes easily.
This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and can provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, like jogging ones which makes the ride easier for your baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you must replace them. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also, keep them close to you while you go up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long run. Many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not have all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most compact
3 wheel double stroller wheel stroller and car seat (
more info) wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transport or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that give an easier ride for your baby which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish
3 wheel baby strollers-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in an urban area. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.
3 wheeler strollers x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, such as a roomy recline and extra storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they don't lock when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that shields your child's head if they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from slipping when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they can be especially dangerous for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered and its comfort with a child loaded and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height and brakes and attach and take off car seats (if necessary).
We have found that
3 wheel pushchairs-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than four-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. This is why we recommend a model that has hand brakes, which assists you in slowing down and come to a stop without as much exertion than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do this. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you can or have another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be pushed up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brakes engaged and locked, but it's always better to be safer than sorry.
