If you have ever tried shopping or going to the market with a three-year-old, then you understand how difficult it can be to keep your child happy for a long trip. Having a reliable stroller on hand is essential to making your trip stress-free (or maybe just less stressful), so I put together my list of best strollers for 3 year olds.
Yes, toddlers can walk, run, crawl and climb for several hours on end when they are having fun, but take them to the store and within five minutes you will hear the dreaded “My feet hurt” and “I’m tired!”
The good news is that there are several strollers out there that can accommodate three years old. While it can be a little overwhelming considering all the options out there, there really is a perfect stroller out there for everyone – whether you like biking, jogging, or just need something when going to the supermarket or mall.
We’ve tried to make it a little easier for you to find that perfect stroller by giving you all the details on our top stroller picks. We’ve even included two or three unconventional strollers to help you keep an open mind!
But first, let’s consider some factors you will need to keep in mind when you are looking for that perfect stroller for your three year old.
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What to look for in a stroller for a three year old
1. What will you use the stroller for?
The most important factor to take into consideration when purchasing a stroller for your toddler is its purpose – How, when, and where will you use this stroller and how will it fit your lifestyle?
If you need a stroller simply for running errands, you’re probably looking for something small that is easy to maneuver inside shops and offices.
If you are very active and love the outdoors, something sturdy with wheels that can handle different terrains and weather conditions is more suitable. If traveling is more your thing, you are looking for something that folds up in seconds and that is compact enough to fit into the car or the airplane.
2. Weather conditions
You also want to keep in mind the weather conditions when looking at strollers. Do you get a lot of rain where you live or scorching sun regularly? Do you need a waterproof cover or a stroller that is breathable on really hot days?
Also, ask yourself whether you will need a canopy. Most parents prefer the ones that can recline with a peek-a-boo window.
3. Weight restrictions
When buying a stroller, make sure that the weight limit is suitable for your little one and that you have wriggle room in terms of the weight limit – We all know that toddlers tend to grow overnight and if you are going to invest in a stroller, make sure you will get some good use from it.
4. Size of the stroller
Finding the right size stroller is probably the hardest part when it comes to looking for a stroller for a three-year-old. You will want something that is strong and sturdy enough for your toddler with room to grow, but also small enough to maneuver in busy shopping centers and big crowds or to fit in the car.
If you do not have a lot of space to “park” your stroller at home, you’ll probably need a stroller that folds easily and that is compact.
5. Trays
At the age of three, your little one will be snacking all the time – Seek a stroller with a nice snack tray and cup holders that can be wiped and cleaned easily. I also prefer a parent tray – mamma needs a little luxury in her life as well, right? Be wary of those cup holders that can barely fit a cup though!
6. Seat position
If your little one still takes regular naps, look for a stroller with multi-recline options. Outings can often still be overwhelming at this age.
One can only imagine the sensory input that occurs in a place such as a zoo or even the mall which in return can lead to very grumpy, overstimulated toddlers. For that same reason, I also like a canopy that can fold down to block out the view for some down-time.
7. Storage
When your little rock star is three, you would think that you no longer need to carry around as much baggage, right? I’m here to tell you that you are probably wrong.
Dippers are replaced by the 20 toys “they suddenly cannot live without”, their favorite blanket and enough snacks to feed an army! Not to mention when you need space for a few of your own things like groceries or bags. Look for a big storage basket that is easy to access.
Now that you know what to look for, let’s have a look at some of the top strollers on the market. I’ve even included a few wacky ones near the end!
Best Strollers for 3 Year Olds: Our Top Picks
1. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
This neat little stroller will have you gliding to wherever you need to be thanks to its large bicycle tires and front-wheel swivel capabilities.
Due to the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger stroller being a jogging stroller, you also have the ability to lock the front wheel when jogging or moving at a fast pace versus leaving it unlocked during low speeds.
Many non-jogging parents are put off by the fact that this stroller is classified as a jogging stroller but don’t be – even if you plan on never going jogging, this stroller can still be used with ease in the mall or the park.
The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller is suitable for ages 6 months and older and has a weight capacity of 50 pounds.
It not only has a child tray with a cup holder but also features a parent tray with two cup holders and a large storage area at the bottom. If you do plan on using this stroller in rough terrain, you will be happy to know that the stroller has a fully adjustable 5 point safety harness and tether strap to keep your little one secure during your adventures.
Unlike your basic strollers, the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller also has reflectors that are ideal for that early morning or late evening strolls and features two brakes.
The canopy can easily adjust to block out the environment and the multi-recline seat will make taking a nap a walk in the park.
The stroller folds easily for transport and you can even remove the wheels if you need to. The stroller weighs 25.5 pounds which is quite average for a stroller this size. We love that this stroller is so slick and easy to maneuver no matter where you are.
2. Graco Verb Stroller
The Graco Verb Stroller is a great alternative if you are looking for something a little lighter that is still sturdy and easy to get around with.
The stroller features lockable front-swivel wheels and good suspension, all while only weighing 19 pounds. It is suitable for toddlers up to 50 pounds, perfect for a three-year-old with room to grow. While it is not our main focus today, it is worth mentioning that the stroller can also be used in conjunction with the Graco Click Connect infant car seat for infants.
The Graco Verb Stroller features both a child and parent tray, each with a cup holder. We also like the storage basket at the bottom of the seat which is easy to access and can fit quite a few items.
The seat can recline and an option of either a three- or five-point harness will keep your little one in place. The Graco Verb Stroller has a canopy that can be adjusted to block out the sun, rain or the outside world if you need to. We love that this stroller can be folded using one hand only and come with a convenient carry strap!
3. Chicco Bravo LE Quick-Fold Stroller
We love this nifty tri-modal stroller from Chicco because of its sturdy frame and versatility. It can transform from a light frame carrier to a basket with ease and can hold a toddler of up to 50 pounds.
Like our previous stroller, the Chicco Bravo also boasts a one-hand fold and stands on its own once folded. The stroller weighs 23 pounds on its own.
There is a parent and child tray for easy snack times that can be cleaned with one easy wipe. The seat has several reclining positions but what caught our attention was how large the moveable canopy is. You will be able to shield your little one with the hassle.
The all-wheel suspension and auto-positioning wheels promise a smooth ride though due to the size of the wheels, this is probably not an off-road stroller.
4. BOB Gear Rambler Jogging Stroller
The BOB Gear Rambler Jogging stroller promises an ultra-smooth ride for you and your toddler with its 12” air-filled tires and suspension system. The swivel front wheel allows for great maneuverability but also has the option of being locked in when stability matters (when jogging).
The BOB Gear Rambler is a little on the heavy side, weighing in at 25.2 pounds but does give you a sturdy, aluminum frame in return.
The maximum weight it can hold is an astonishing 75 pounds! We particularly favored the extra-large canopy that comes with a UPF 50+ rating but unlike the previous stroller, it is not as flexible.
The seat can recline when your toddler is ready for a nap and a five-point harness will keep your one safe in his or her seat. The storage basket at the bottom also provides ample storage space. Unfortunately, there’s no snack tray for your toddler but it does come with a tether strap to provide you peace of mind while out and about.
5. Jeep Deluxe Patriot Open Trails Jogger
The Jeep Deluxe Patriot Open Trails Jogger stroller is an all-terrain jogging stroller that provides a smooth, stylish ride for your toddler.
The swivel front wheel can be locked into place when going out for a jog which will increase stability and all three wheels are manufactured from rubber (air-filled) to absorb any bumps in the road with ease.
The canopy can extend and your little one will easily be able to take a nap with the reclining seat. We love the soft, comfy, durable fabric of this stroller. It has a five-point harness.
The stroller is suitable for kids up to 50 pounds and features a sturdy storage basket at the bottom with easy access. The stroller also comes with a parent tray.
The stroller weighs around 27 pounds which is normal for this stroller category. It also comes with a cool safety tether strap that runs from the handlebars to your wrist.
A narrow profile makes it easy to steer and easier to fit in your car. Incredible price point. Space for mobile phone and keys at the top of the stroller. Lots of storage space underneath. Does not shake while jogging when the front wheel is locked.
6. Pockit Lightweight Stroller
The Pockit Lightweight stroller is exactly that – A stroller that is light and easy to use without bells or whistles. This doesn’t make it any less impressive though as it can still hold a toddler up to 55 pounds, all while only weighing 9,6 pounds!
The Pockit Lightweight Stroller also features a storage basket that can hold up to 9.5 pounds! That’s not all – In 2014 it was recorded by the Guinness World Records as the most compact stroller! When folded, its dimensions are a mere11.8” x 7” x 13.8”.
The stroller has lockable front swivel wheels and a rear-wheel parking brake for safety. There’s also a small overhead canopy but this only offers mild protection.
There’s also no child tray but given how much weight it can hold for such a small stroller, we were impressed nonetheless. This is your perfect grab-and-go stroller for everyday outings or regular traveling.
7. Graco Ready2Grow LX Double Stroller
This is the part of the article where we start to look at a few non-traditional strollers. The Graco Ready2Grow LX Double Stroller is perfect for when you have an older child and a baby.
The stroller features a rear seat (for a baby or toddler up to 40 pounds) as well as a front seat that can be turned into a bench seat or even a standing platform for your toddler – each capable of carrying up to 50 pounds.
Both baby and toddler have their own canopy and while bulkier than your average stroller, it is quite easy to fold using one hand.
The wheels swivel for better maneuverability which is handy considering the weight you could possibly be pushing around. The toddler seat features a snack tray. Parents also have their own tray with a cup holder and we do love the big storage basket at the bottom of the stroller.
The stroller weighs just short of 34 pounds which is certainly heavier than most strollers but keeps in mind that you can have a load of around ninety pounds at one time if the stroller is at full capacity.
I was a little worried about whether or not this stroller will have a seat recline but it does indeed, front seat only. I’ve also seen parents complain about the size of the stroller but when removing the tray; you should be able to fold it up to 41 inches.
8. Aosom Elite 360 Cargo Trailer and Jogger
This stroller is a great alternative to your more conventional stroller. You can easily transform the Aosom Elite 360 into a jogging stroller, a trailer behind your bike, or just a normal stroller. The stroller can hold up to 88 pounds and is suitable for two passengers, both with a 5 point safety harness.
We love the removable canopy that shields from both sun and rain (plastic covering for rain that rolls up and mesh down the sides). The Aosom Elite 360 even has space for your groceries, diaper bag, or perhaps even a picnic basket. The wheels are great, featuring a suspension system to ensure that you have a smooth ride, even when biking.
Like most jogging strollers, this trailer also features a locking swivel front wheel. The stroller weighs around 41 pounds in total which is rather heavy but hey, it can hold 88 pounds!
You can fold this stroller but it is a little tricky and this is probably more the type of stroller that you park as is. We like that this stroller has reflectors at the back and front for good visibility. If traveling alone, there will be more than enough space for toys and comfy blankets for your three year old.
9. WonderFold Multi-function Double Folding Stroller
This stroller is probably the coolest thing since sliced bread! I genuinely got so excited about this stroller that I rang up all of my friends and told them to check it out! The only thing that could possibly make this stroller any cooler would be if you could convert it into a proper camping cot!
The WonderFold Multi-function Double Folding Stroller features raised detachable seats with five-point harnesses. These raised seats provide toddlers with a fantastic view and also allows for some convenient storage space under the seat.
A front zipper allows kids to crawl into the wagon by themselves and without you having to physically pick them up to put them inside. You can also remove the seats completely, creating a wagon-like stroller.
While the WonderFold can hold an impressive 200 pounds, I have to mention that seats can only hold 33 pounds which was a little disappointing.
The wagon itself weighs 44,5 pounds and as one can imagine, is still rather bulky even when folded. The stroller has 8” front wheels and 10” rear wheels, both with suspension and bearings. The canopy provides good shade and can be removed. We suggest that you purchase the additional rain cover just in case.
Easy one-step folding & unfolding stroller wagon. Double seats with a 5-point harness. Adjustable & removable canopy; Adjustable push handle. Extra pockets on front, sides, and rear. Removable fabric for easy cleaning!
FAQs
Answer: No, a jogging stroller can be used just like any other stroller. They usually handle very well on various terrains and most of them have excellent suspension and control. You do tend to pay a little extra for a smoother ride though.
Answer: If you live in an area with a lot of rain fall, we suggest that you buy a plastic rain cover. Though the thought of covering your toddler in plastic sounds terrifying, keep in mind that it never fully covers the stroller and there will be enough airflow to make it a safe option for your toddler.
Overall, we were very impressed by the different types of strollers available on the market. It is exciting to see the innovative and creative designs people are coming up with, each with its own pros and cons. At the end of the day, the purpose that you need the stroller for will be your guiding force when deciding on that perfect stroller for your three-year-old.
Answer: Certainly not. The weight of the stroller is mostly determined by the type of material used. There are some heavy strollers out there that can’t hold a lot of weight while you get some lightweight strollers on the market that can hold a good amount of weight. Never exceed the maximum weight suggested by the manufacturer.
Best Strollers for 3 Year Olds: Our top pick
With so many outstanding best strollers for 3 year olds, picking our favorite was quite a hard task. We finally settled on the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller mainly due to its versatility and slick design. It is a sturdy stroller that handles really well when jogging but its design is still small and slick enough to maneuver between shopping isles. It can hold up to 50 pounds and weighs 25,5 pounds, pretty average for a stroller in this category.
The Pockit Lightweight Stroller came in second due to its incredible ability to hold 50 pounds while hardly weighing 10 pounds!