The One 3 Wheel Compact Stroller Mistake That Every Beginner Makes
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that allow you to travel with your baby more comfortable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging.
3 wheel buggy has many useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. 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 doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window on the top lets kids to peek out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
This jogging stoller features an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are a must-have for any stroller. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
This stroller for jogging comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be a bit complicated. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap on the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd like to see a more simple system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
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 can provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother experience for infants. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold and transport as well as store.
Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long run. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it might not include all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that can be purchased separately from the 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 transport a breeze. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive prior to going for a an outing.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. They also have suspension systems that offer an easier stroll for your child, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a lightweight stroller for jogging. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can be used as a part of a travel system with matching 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 comes with a simple two-step fold and locks in place when it is opened.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money If you're a lover of travel or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen offers some great features, like an ample recline and additional storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are also difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing the comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and they're not locked after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is especially important for jogging strollers as it stops them from rolling over when they're going up and down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's ability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered and its comfort with a child in it, and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar 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. We recommend selecting a model with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body alone. However, a lot of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not have this option and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do so. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you have one or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be safe than sorry.