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 on a daily basis. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that make traveling with your baby more convenient. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for convenience features like an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family and what you can live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window on
top 3 wheel strollers that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system using the
best 3 wheel pushchair infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. While they don't provide the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.
The stroller folds up in just two easy steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be a bit confusing. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap that is located near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The type and size of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers with larger wheels can provide a smoother experience for infants. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled wheels, which provide an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening and have to replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and might not perform in the long term. In addition many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it may not come with all the features they would like or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.
Stroller Folding
The best
3 wheel stroller travel system wheel infant stroller -
read review, wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and to store. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas with a lot of people. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give a more comfortable stroll for your child and can be particularly helpful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. The stroller is elegant and can be used as part of a travel system with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller has an easy two-step fold that locks in place when opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel often or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.
3 wheel twin stroller x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a quality product with a few nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without the comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of amazing features, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller must ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the
best lightweight 3 wheel stroller-scoring strollers in our review have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, padding crotch straps. This allows for a customised fit. Others come with a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall from the seat or roll off. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from slipping when they're going down escalators or stairs which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capacity to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if necessary).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we recommend one with hand brakes, which helps you slow down and stop without as much effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It's also important to think about how often you will require to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator and whether or not it's safe to do it while the stroller is in its position. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's safer to be secure rather than sorry.