15 Things You Didn't Know About 3 Wheel Compact Stroller
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use 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 as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your baby more convenient. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you're able to be content with.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a glass window on the top lets kids to peek out while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This stroller for jogging also comes with an automatic hand brake that can help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that will take up a small space in the trunk of your car. You can also convert it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.
This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit hazy. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.
The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as those for jogging which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening and will need to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available 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 are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they might not include all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the near future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and to store. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive prior to taking a a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that give a smoother stroll for your child, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and locks into place once opened.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if often or live in the city. 3 wheel pushchair can be folded down to a compact 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padded harness. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, including a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes can also be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of features that are impressive like a huge basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will aid in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to protect your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly risky for children.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to turn and bounce over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when laden with a child and its capability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing the model that has hand brakes. It can help you slow down or stop without having to exert the same effort as your body alone. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't have this option and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.
You should also consider how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do this. Elevators and stairs pose greater risk because they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's better to be safe than sorry.