3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for a jogging stroller or just need a stroller for use in everyday life there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your little one more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you're able to be content with.
3 wheel stroller travel system is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many practical features that keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a glass window on the top lets children to look out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that will take only a tiny space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it to a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must for any stroller. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
This jogging stroller comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It involves pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and may offer better performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as jogging ones that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we recommend using it only if the child is safely strapped into the seat and is close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as an entire travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long-term. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they may not come with all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and store. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas that are crowded. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel set-up with car seat adapters to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of amazing features including a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes can be difficult to activate and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to turn and bounce over bumps and dips, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children 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 its backrest and handlebar height and operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend selecting a model with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body by itself. Many 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's also important to think about the frequency you'll have to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do so with the stroller still in position. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you can or have another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be safe rather than sorry.