3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic in search of a stroller for jogging or seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for use in everyday life there's a compact three-wheel stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the seating comfort for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make life on the go with your little one more comfortable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you're able to do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a glass window at the top allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps in the road did not bother him.
This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It requires pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently 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 great for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend that you only use it if your child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you walk up and down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform as well over the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they might not include all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transportation effortless. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded easily. They also have suspension systems that offer a smoother stroll for your child which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller features a simple two-step fold and locks into place once it is opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or live in an urban area. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, cushioned harness. It can also be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline and comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. 3 wheel buggy can be a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller will keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over while going up or down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also looked at how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height and brakes and then attach and remove car seats (if necessary).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. That's why we recommend choosing the model with a hand brake that assists you in slowing down and stop with as little effort as relying on body power alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. 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 is safe to do it. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you're able to use an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be pushed up a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged however it's safer to be sorry.