3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic looking for an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller for use in everyday life there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also tested the comfort of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Find features that simplify life for you, like a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy and more when you are shopping for a new stroller. It's crucial to decide what features are important to you and your family members and which you can do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of convenient features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping while you jog. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group with a clear view on top that lets kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that will take up a small space in your trunk. You can also transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
Solid tires are a must for strollers that are used on rough terrains. While 3 wheel buggy don't provide the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that takes just two steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit in the majority of 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's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for everyday use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones that makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. 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 for a longer time.
Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are perfect to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up and down.
Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it might not include all the features they want or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make storage and transportation easy. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can be used as a part of a travel system, with car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position after opening.
Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if a lot or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline and has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes can also be difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without skimping on comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate, and they're not locking 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 strollers in our test have five-point harnesses with adjustable crotch straps that are padded and padded that allow for a custom fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers have a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were easier to maneuver however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing one with hand brakes, which helps you slow down and stop without as much exertion as using body power alone. 3 wheel buggy of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.
You should also consider how often you'll be required to use your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, 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 motion of the stroller. If you can use an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always safer to be secure than sorry.