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3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone, whether you’re seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as assessing the comfort of children in the seats.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child more comfortable. If you’re shopping for a brand new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable 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 jogging. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn’t roll away when you’re running. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade in our testing group and has a large, clear window at the top to let children peek out while they’re resting. Jenni’s three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.

This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that will take only a tiny space in your trunk. You can also convert it into a travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

If you plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for any stroller. They’re not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they’re great to navigate bumps and potholes.

The jogging stroller folds in just two steps. It locks into position when folded, and is compact enough to fit in 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 hazy. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of the stroller and then lifting the handle. We’d prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.

Stroller Weight

The overall weight is an important consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.

The type and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, such as ones that jog have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable ride for baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.

Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening, and you have to replace them. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last longer.

Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries. They can be especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.

Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not function as well in the long term. In addition many parents regret buying a bundled product as it may not come with all the features they desire, or it could prove to not be compatible with their car or child’s seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.

Stroller Folding

The top 3 wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make transport and storage effortless. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to take a walk.

3 wheel buggy -wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your little one, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.

If you’re looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that won’t weigh you down the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It’s elegant and can also 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). 3 wheel pushchair folds down in two steps and locks into position once opened.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It’s a bit more expensive than our top picks, but it’s well worth the money for those who love to travel or reside in the city. The lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

Although the Babyzen has some nice features, like a roomy recline and extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn’t lie flat when reclined and there aren’t cup holders or snack tray for children. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without losing comfort or ease of use. It’s packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and don’t stay locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we’ve reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padded crotch straps. This allows 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 come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for walkers who jog, as it stops them from falling over when going up and down escalators or stairs.

In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We scored it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child on it, and its ability 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 its backrest, handlebar height and brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if applicable).

We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and stop with as little effort as using body power alone. However, many of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.

You should also consider how often you’ll need to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs and if it’s safe to do it. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk because they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if you have one, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with their safety brake engaged. It’s always safer to be secure rather than regretting.