How 3 Wheel Compact Stroller Became The Hottest Trend In 2023
3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
If you're a fitness fanatic seeking a jogging stroller or just looking for an all-purpose stroller to use for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as testing children's comfort 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 brand new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy and 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 is loaded with useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're running. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested, and a clear window on the top lets children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.
The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to convert 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 will be used on terrains that are rough. While they don't provide the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps easily.
The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is a little confusing. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap on the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable ride for baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.
Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you plan to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend you purchase a model with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator and stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you go up or down.
Some strollers are an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by reducing shopping time, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and might not perform in the long term. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all of the features they would like, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you want to upgrade to a more advanced model in the near future.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and put away. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently take public transportation or drive before going on walks.
Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride, which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If three wheel pushchair looking for a jogging stroller that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller comes with a simple two-step fold and locks in place when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps 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 it also has storage space. However, 3 wheel buggy are disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should assist in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review feature a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head should they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers feature a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is essential for jogging strollers because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up or down escalators or stairs, where they could be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was evaluated in three distinct ways. We rated it based on a product's capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it, and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it was to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and then attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).
We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. We suggest choosing the model that has hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body by itself. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.
It's also important to think about how often you will require to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and if it's safe to do it with the stroller in position. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these hazards, like an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be safe than sorry.