There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry The models were put to the test on both road surfaces and off-road ones. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make life on the go with your child more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a new 3 wheel pushchair off road-wheel stroller or 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 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 comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap is designed to ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window at the top to let children observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't cause him to shake.
This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake to help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel set-up with certain infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are crucial for strollers used on rough terrains. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes with ease.
The jogging stroller folds in just two easy steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the lock mechanism is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap on 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 overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is more maneuverable and more suitable for use in everyday situations.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers, such as ones that jog, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it difficult to fold or transport and store.
Certain models we offer come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening, so you will need to replace them. If you plan to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest you purchase a model with solid wheels. They can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.
Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you while walking up or down.
Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long-term. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase a bundle product because it may not come with all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best 3 wheel travel system compact 3 wheel twin stroller wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently take public transport 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 also have suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on slippery sidewalks.
If you're looking for a jogging stroller that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller has simple two-step fold, and locks into place once it is opened.
A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, however it's worth the investment for those who love to travel or reside in an urban area. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small 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 be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.
While the Babyzen has some nice features, such as an ample recline and additional storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many mothers who are short.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has a long list of features that are impressive like a huge basket and a single-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should help to keep your child safe during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over when going up and down escalators and stairs.
In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We rated it on the basis of a stroller's capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered and its comfort with a child in it and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also looked at how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest and handlebar height and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if applicable).
We found that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options However, this advantage decreases as baby gets heavier. That's why we recommend choosing one with a hand brake that assists you in slowing down and stop with as little effort as relying on body power alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to think about the frequency you'll need to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it will be safe to do so while the stroller is in its place. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you can, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's better to be safe rather than regretting.