Ten 3 Wheel Compact Strollers That Really Make Your Life Better
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child more convenient. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy and much more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you could live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window on top that lets kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's double buggy 3 wheels-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are essential for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds down in just two easy steps. It locks when folded and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold, transport and store.
Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and need to be changed out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common injuries to strollers. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend that you only use it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you when you go up or down.
Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. These are typically more expensive and less convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long term. Additionally many parents regret buying a bundled product as it might not have all of the features they would like or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families who regularly take public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. Many are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel set-up 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 boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also has storage space. However, some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there's no cups or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many moms who are petite.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of features that are impressive, such as a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head should they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that jog as it stops them from flipping over when they're going up and down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three wheel pushchairs different ways: a product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheel stroller wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake that allows you to slow down and stop without as much exertion as relying on body power alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.
It is important to think about how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do it. Escalators and stairs present more dangers 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 having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up the stairs or an escalator with their security brake locked and engaged however it's better to be safer than not be.