3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces as well as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers come with features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can be content with.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many useful features that will keep parents happy 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 are jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group with a clear view on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a compact, slim package that will take up little space in your trunk. It is also possible to transform it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.
If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must for any stroller. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
3 wheeler pushchairs jogging stroller features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit confusing. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and more suitable for everyday use.
The type and size of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable 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.
Certain models we offer come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and could not last in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they may not have all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and put away. Some even lock in the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly take public transport or drive to go on a walk.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. They also have suspension systems that give a more comfortable stroll for your child and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great alternative. It's an elegant stroller that can be used as a part of a travel system, with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place after opening.
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 frequently or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline and comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined, and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for kids. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of amazing features including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to activate, and they're not 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 strollers in our review have a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over when going up and down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with children and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also assessed how easy it was 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 applicable).
We found that strollers with 3 wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We suggest choosing one with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body alone. However, many of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.
You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do so. Elevators and stairs pose greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto the stairs or an escalator with their security brake engaged and locked, but it's always safer to be to be sorry.