3 wheel baby strollers 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 that is suitable for you. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.
Stroller Features
The Best 3 wheel Buggy strollers come with features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy, and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family members and which you can do without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the best 3 wheel stroller stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a large, clear window at the top allows kids to peek out while they rest. Jenni's 3 wheel jogger stroller-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
This jogging stoller features a handbrake to help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are a must-have for strollers of any kind. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires but they're great to navigate bumps and potholes.
The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller which makes it difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid taking the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat. 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. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform as well over the long term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they may not come with all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. If you plan to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.
Stroller Folding
The top 3 wheel buggy wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make transport and storage easy. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families that frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. They are often equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's a stylish stroller that 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 sold separately). The stroller comes with a simple two-step fold and can be locked once it is it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but worth it if you travel a lot or live in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It has a five-point, no-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
Although the Babyzen offers some great features, including the spacious recline and the extra storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many short moms.
The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features will help to keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, cushioned crotch straps. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over while going up or down escalators or stairs.
In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated how easy it was to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest, handlebar height and brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has a hand brake that allows you to slow down and stop without as much effort than using your body alone. However, a lot of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It is also important to think about the frequency you'll require to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do so while the stroller is in its place. Stairs and elevators can be more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be carried up the stairs or an escalator with their security brake locked and engaged, but it's always better to be safer than sorry.