Time flies, and before you know it, your baby is now three years old. By this time, he’s starting to become more independent by exploring more of the world around him. Mobility-wise, he is now able to walk effortlessly and run confidently.
When you’re traveling by car with your bundle of joy, you have to make sure that he’s using only the best car seat for a three-year-old. Most three-year-olds would already fit in a booster seat; however, it’s very likely that they are not ready to ride on it yet. Unless your child is big and heavy for his age, he should be in a front-facing or extended rear-facing car seat.
By now, you’ll find it a lot easier to take your child out for a walk in the park or do a quick run to the grocery. But still, you need to make sure that he’s able to rest comfortably after long periods of walking or running — something that only the best toddler stroller can provide.
Stroller for 3-Year-Old Buying Considerations
As with any other baby gear, there are things that you need to consider when buying a stroller for a three-year-old carefully. At the very least, you don’t want to compromise your child’s safety and comfort. You also don’t want to have to buy another stroller because you got the wrong one the first time. This is why you need to choose the best stroller for 3-year-old!
Weight limit
The standard weight capacity of most strollers is 35 to 40 lbs which is just right for a three-year-old. However, you need to look for a stroller that your little one can use up until he’s four, five, or even six years old.
If your child is also big and heavy for his age, you have to make sure that the stroller will provide him with a comfortable ride. That said, go for a stroller that has a weight limit of at least 60 or 75 lbs. This should be enough not just for a three-year-old but also for when he gets older.
Stroller weight
The weight of the stroller itself should also be considered. A heavy and bulky stroller plus a heavy child will make it a challenge to push the stroller around and can also be tiring at the same time. Your best bet is to go with a stroller that has a high weight limit in addition to being lightweight and durable.
Seat and canopy
A best stroller for 3 year old needs to be padded to provide maximum comfort to your child when he is sitting on it. A reclining option is not necessary but is also nice to have for when your little man needs to recharge by sleeping. The canopy should also be wide enough to protect your child from the sun and other elements.
Best Stroller for 3 Year Old Top Picks
The strollers listed in here were chosen mainly because of their high weight capacity. This makes them ideal not just for three-year-olds, but also for children beyond that age. Most of them are even suited for newborns which means it is very unlikely that you’ll need to purchase another stroller when your child outgrows it.
Maclaren Techno XLR Stroller
The Techno XLR by Maclaren is the luxurious version of the Techno XT which is one of the bestselling strollers by the company. It’s very lightweight at only 14.79 lbs (without any extras attached) so taking it in and out of your car won’t get your arms tired for sure.
Despite how lightweight it is, you’ll be surprised at how sturdy this stroller is. The seat has four recline options with the lowest at more than 150 degrees. This makes it a perfect choice for newborns and even for toddlers who’d like take a nap after a tiring day at the park.
Pros
- Extendable and waterproof UPF 50+ sun canopy
- Compatible with top-selling car seats like Maxi Cozy (adaptors sold separately)
- Adjustable handlebar
Cons
- Shopping basket can only hold up to 2 kilograms
- Not an all-terrain stroller
- Non-reversible seat
Bob 2016 Revolution PRO Jogging Stroller
This stroller is perfect not just for any parent, but most especially if you jog a lot. It’s an all-terrain stroller with an adjustable state-of-the-art suspension system to provide the smoothest ride for your three-year-old. It also has a deep recline, but it’s not as deep to be suitable for a newborn so keep that in mind.
It can accommodate a child up to 75 lbs and an adjustable handlebar with a run-away strap. This means that you don’t have to worry about the stroller running away on its own especially when you’re going downhill. Other bonuses include a large canopy and plenty of storage.
Pros
- Adjustable padded handlebar
- Hand-activated rear drum brakes for superb downhill control
- Compatible with the BOB infant car seat (adapter sold separately)
Cons
- Not the lightest of strollers
- The canopy doesn’t have UV protection
- Stroller won’t fully collapse with the car seat adapter installed
Thule Urban Glide
Another stroller on this list with a high weight capacity (75 lbs) is the Thule Urban Glide. It is a jogging stroller which parents will love especially if you’re the type who wants to go long distances. It’s all thanks to its excellent suspension system which makes uneven parts of the sidewalk or even bumps unnoticeable.
It comes with an ultra-padded seat to provide your little passenger all the comfort he deserves. And don’t worry if you’re child gets sleepy while you jog because the seat can recline to a near flat position.
Pros
- Travel system compatible (adapters sold separately)
- Lightweight
- One-hand fold
Cons
- No cup holders
- Not-so-huge storage basket
- Snack tray is sold separately
UPPABaby G-LUXE Stroller
The G-LUXE stroller is also on the lighter side of the scale at only 15 lbs. This makes it an excellent option for parents who are always on the go with their little one in tow. Because of how lightweight it is, you can easily carry this stroller when you’re not in the car, and your child is walking.
If your precious passenger needs to rest or take a nap, the one-handed reclining seat is perfect so you don’t have to wake him up (if he already dozed off). It performs very well on flat terrains but not so much if it’s uneven, making it more suited for parents who live in the cities.
Pros
- Extendable SPF 50+ canopy
- Cup holder included
- Lightweight
Cons
- No peekaboo window
- Can be challenging to push on an uneven terrain
- Non-adjustable handlebars (comes with two)
JOOVY Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller
The stroller that tops this list is the JOOVY Zoom 360 Ultralight jogging stroller. There’s no such thing as a perfect stroller; however, this one has got almost everything covered. For starters, it has a very attractive price which is something that most parents look for.
Despite the affordable price, this stroller does not fail to impress especially those parents who’d like to stay fit and healthy. One of the strongest selling points of this stroller lies in the fact that it’s got 22 inches of headspace from the seat to the top. Add that to its 75 lbs maximum weight capacity, and you have a stroller that can accommodate even a six or a seven-year-old child.
And since it is an all-terrain stroller, you can expect it to perform well even on the rockiest terrain. While most strollers will have insufficient storage, the Zoom 360 Ultralight has one huge basket — perfect for groceries or other stuff for the baby.
Pros
- Very smooth ride
- Spacious storage basket
- Extra large canopy
- Lightweight
- Travel system compatible (car seat and adapters sold separately)
Cons
- Non-adjustable handlebar
- Has foot brake only
Conclusion
When it comes to strollers, it’s very important that you look far ahead. What you want to have is something that your little one can use for years and if possible, still be usable for your next children. Always remember that the best stroller for 3-year-old is one that is priced just right, but did not skimp on useful features.
Featured image from Flickr
