3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller for all-purpose 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 test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that allow you to travel with your little one more convenient. If you're shopping for a brand new
3 wheel buggy for sale-wheel 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 much more. The key is determining what features are essential to you and your family and which ones you could live without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of useful features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. And Jenni's 3-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.
This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with select 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 plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
The jogging stroller folds in just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging which can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.
Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their separate counterparts and could not last in the long run. Additionally many parents end up regretting buying a bundled product as it may not come with all the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The most compact
3 wheel push chair wheel strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into place once opened.
Another stylish
3 wheel Pushchair Sale-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than our top choices, but it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or live in the city. This stroller is
lightweight 3 wheel buggy and can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padded harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.
Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there are no cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to kids. 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 light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It has a long list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should ensure your child's safety while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects 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 or down stairs or escalators, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We scored it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur and its comfort with a child loaded and its capacity to navigate over rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it was to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height, operate the brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without having to exert as much effort as using your body by itself. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't offer this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models comes with it.
It is important to consider how often you will require to transport your stroller down the stairs or an escalator and whether it's safe to do so while the stroller is in its place. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator with their safety brakes engaged and locked however it's safer to be safe than sorry.
