To open a Baby Trend 3 Wheel Stroller, place the folded stroller on level ground, release the fold latch on the side of the frame, and lift the handlebar until the frame locks open. Keep children away from the hinges while the frame moves. Before placing your child in the seat, confirm that both sides are fully latched and test the wheels, brakes, harness, seat, and canopy.
Last updated: July 19, 2026
Quick Answer
Stand the folded stroller upright with all three wheels on the ground. Unhook or pull outward the side fold latch, then raise the handlebar with both hands until the frame locks. Expedition Jogger models commonly place the latch on the right side. Other 3-wheel models may use a differently shaped latch, so match the model number to the official manual.
Key Takeaways
- Release the side fold latch before pulling on the handlebar.
- Use both hands and keep children clear of the folding joints.
- Do not rely on a click alone. Check that both sides of the frame are fully locked.
- Stop if the stroller resists, twists, or fails to lock. Clear obstructions and inspect for damage instead of forcing it.
At a Glance
| Time Required | Usually less than 1 minute after you find the correct latch |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tools Needed | None for normal unfolding |
| Stop Using It If | The frame will not lock, a wheel is loose, the brake fails, or a latch or hinge looks damaged |
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Before You Open The Stroller
Move to a flat, open area and keep your child away from the stroller. The side frame, hinges, and locking points move quickly during unfolding.
Warning: Do not let children touch or stand near the stroller while you open it. Folding joints can trap fingers before the frame locks.
Find Your Exact Model First
Baby Trend uses different fold systems across its joggers, travel systems, and standard 3-wheel strollers. Find the model label on the frame, record the model number, and match it to the official Baby Trend product manuals page.
The opening motion is similar on many models, but the latch location and frame-lock design can differ. For example, an Expedition Jogger commonly uses a right-side fold latch and spring-loaded locks on both sides. The Sonar Cargo uses a side fold latch that pulls outward before you lift the handle.
| Model Type | Common Opening Method | Final Check |
| Expedition Jogger | Release the right-side fold latch, then lift the handlebar with both hands | Both spring-loaded frame latches must be fully engaged |
| Sonar Cargo 3-Wheel Travel System | Pull the side fold latch outward, then pull upward on the stroller handle | The frame must lock before you adjust the tray or load the seat |
| Another Baby Trend 3-wheel model | Use the model manual because the release may be a different latch, button, or center-fold part | Never force a release that does not match the manual |
Clear The Fold Path
Remove loose items from the seat, trays, and storage basket. Check that the canopy, seat fabric, straps, and accessories are not trapped around a hinge or frame joint.
Do not remove a tray or another part unless your model manual says it is removable. If an infant car seat is attached, follow the travel-system manual before opening or adjusting the stroller.
Check The Latch, Wheels, And Brake
Find the latch that holds the folded stroller closed. Release it fully before pulling on the handle. Give each wheel a gentle pull and confirm that it is seated securely.
Set the rear brake if the pedal is accessible and the stroller remains stable in its folded position. Do not wrestle with the brake or turn the stroller onto an unstable angle just to engage it.
How To Open A Baby Trend 3 Wheel Stroller
Use this sequence for models that open with a side fold latch. Stop and consult the manual if your stroller has a different release system.
- Place the folded stroller on level ground. For an Expedition-style model, stand it with all three wheels touching the ground.
- Keep children clear. Make sure no hands, feet, clothing, or toys are near the hinges.
- Find the fold latch. Look along the side of the folded frame. On many Expedition models, it is on the right side.
- Release the latch completely. Pull it outward or unhook it from the frame rivet, depending on the model.
- Lift the handlebar with both hands. Raise it smoothly until the frame reaches the fully open position.
- Confirm the locks engaged. Check both sides of the frame instead of relying only on a click.
- Test the open frame. Apply gentle downward pressure to the handlebar. The stroller should remain rigid and open.
Pro Tip: Practice opening the empty stroller at home. You will learn the latch location before you need to unfold it beside traffic, in a parking lot, or while managing bags.
How To Open An Expedition Jogger
The official Baby Trend Expedition Jogger manual directs you to place all three wheels on the ground, release the folding latch on the right side, and lift the handle with both hands until the frame locks open.
These models use spring-loaded latches on both sides of the frame. Check that both are fully engaged before placing your child in the seat.
How To Open A Sonar Cargo 3-Wheel Travel System
The official Sonar Cargo 3-Wheel Travel System manual shows a side fold latch. Pull the latch outward, then pull upward on the stroller handle until the frame locks.
Do not assume that its advertised one-hand folding feature changes the unfolding instructions. Opening still requires you to release the side latch and confirm that the frame is locked.
How To Know The Frame Is Locked Open
A stroller can look open while one side remains partly engaged. Complete these checks before placing your child inside:
- Look at both sides: The left and right frame joints should be fully extended and aligned.
- Press the handlebar: Gentle downward pressure should not make the frame fold, sink, or twist.
- Check the latches: Expedition-style spring-loaded latches should be fully engaged on both sides.
- Stop if it feels uneven: Fold the stroller, clear the hinge area, and open it again. Do not load the seat while one side sits higher or looser than the other.
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Securing The Wheels
Check all three wheels before every outing. A wheel that is loose, crooked, partly seated, or missing hardware can affect steering and stability.
Check Each Wheel Attachment
Pull gently on the front and rear wheels. Do not use the stroller if a wheel slides on the axle, does not lock into its hub, or has a missing pin, washer, nut, or retainer.
Wheel hardware differs by model. Use the exact manual before tightening or replacing parts, especially on joggers with air-filled tires or double-nut front-wheel systems.
When Should You Lock The Front Wheel?
Leave a swivel wheel free for normal walking and tight turns unless your manual says otherwise. On an approved jogging model, lock the front wheel straight before jogging, running, or fast walking when the manual requires it.
Warning: A 3-wheel layout does not automatically make a stroller safe for jogging. Use it for jogging only if the exact manual permits that use and your child meets its age, weight, height, and support requirements.
Test The Rear Brake
Press the rear brake lever until it engages, then push the stroller gently. It should remain in place. Stop using the stroller if the brake slips or will not engage.
Checking The Handlebar
Hold the handlebar and push the empty stroller a few feet on a flat surface. The handle should feel firm and should not twist, slide, or separate from the frame.
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JOGGING STROLLER TRAVEL SYSTEM: Use as a standard jogging stroller or create a travel system with your infant car seat (car sear sold separately) ; SIZE/WEIGHT: 24.4”L x 44.9”W x 41.1”H ; 26 lbs.
Do Not Improvise A Height Adjustment
Some Baby Trend models have fixed handlebars. Others use a model-specific adjustment. Do not loosen screws, knobs, covers, or pivots unless the manual identifies them as an approved adjustment point.
Keep The Grip Clean
Clean a dirty grip with mild household soap or detergent, warm water, and a clean cloth. Avoid harsh solvents that may damage foam, rubber, or leatherette surfaces.
Testing The Stability
Run a short stability check after the stroller opens. This catches a missed latch or damaged part before you load the seat.
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Check The Frame And Seat
Look for cracked plastic, bent metal, loose joints, missing hardware, torn fabric, or a seat attachment that has pulled away from the frame. The seat should remain centered and securely attached when you tug it gently.
For age and seating guidance, see when your baby can sit in a stroller without a car seat.
Keep Weight In Approved Storage Areas
Place bags only in the basket, tray, or storage area allowed by your model manual. Heavy bags hanging from the handlebar can shift the stroller’s balance and increase tip-over risk.
Credit: babytrend.com
Ensuring Safety Features
Opening the frame is only the first part of setup. Before each ride, complete a quick safety check in this order.
Lock The Frame And Set The Brake
Confirm that the open-frame locks hold, then engage the rear brake before placing your child in the seat. The stroller should not roll when you press it gently.
Buckle And Adjust The Harness
Use the stroller’s harness every time. Keep each strap flat and untwisted, and adjust it so your child sits centered without loose webbing. The child tray is not a restraint.
Check The Seat, Recline, And Canopy
Make sure the seat attachment is secure, the recline mechanism holds its position, and the canopy moves without blocking a hinge, latch, tray, or handlebar.
Note: For a used or hand-me-down stroller, record the model number and manufacture information, inspect for missing or modified parts, and search the Baby Trend safety notices and CPSC recalls database before use.
Check The Model’s Use Limits
Child weight, height, age, car-seat compatibility, basket capacity, and tray limits vary by model. Follow the label and manual for your exact stroller rather than applying limits from another Baby Trend product.
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Troubleshooting: What If The Stroller Will Not Open?
Do not force a stroller that stops halfway, twists, or refuses to lock. Resistance usually points to an incomplete latch release, an obstruction, misalignment, or damage.
The Fold Latch Is Still Catching
Pull the latch fully away from its rivet or catch point. Keep it released while you begin lifting the handlebar. A latch can look open while its edge still holds the frame.
The Frame Stops Halfway
Lower the handle slightly and check the canopy, tray, basket, straps, seat fabric, and attached accessories. Remove anything caught near the hinges, then try again with slow, even pressure.
One Side Will Not Lock
Close the stroller and inspect both hinge areas for dirt, trapped fabric, bent parts, or a loose joint. Reopen it on level ground. Stop using it if one side still will not engage.
The Latch Or Hinge Looks Damaged
Do not bend, drill, tie, tape, lubricate, or replace a structural latch with a universal part. Contact Baby Trend customer support for model-specific guidance and replacement parts. The related guide on fixing a Baby Trend Expedition stroller can help you separate basic cleaning checks from problems that require service.
To close the stroller after use, follow the separate guide on how to fold a Baby Trend 3-wheel stroller. Folding controls vary more than the basic opening motion.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unlock a Baby Trend stroller?
Place the folded stroller on level ground and find the fold latch on the side of the frame. Pull it outward or unhook it from the frame, then lift the handlebar until the frame locks open.
Where is the fold latch on a Baby Trend 3-wheel stroller?
It is commonly on the side of the folded frame. Many Expedition Jogger manuals place it on the right side, but other models can use a different latch shape or location. Check the model label and manual if it is not obvious.
Why won’t my Baby Trend stroller click open?
The fold latch may still be catching, fabric or an accessory may block a hinge, or one frame lock may be misaligned or damaged. Do not snap the frame open with extra force. Clear the fold path, reopen it on level ground, and stop using it if both sides will not lock.
Do all Baby Trend 3-wheel strollers open the same way?
No. Many open by releasing a side latch and lifting the handlebar, but the release design and lock position vary. Expedition Joggers and Sonar Cargo travel systems use similar motions with different latch details.
Can I open a Baby Trend stroller with one hand?
Some models promote one-hand folding, but that does not always mean one-hand unfolding. Use both hands to raise and control the frame unless your exact manual gives a different opening method.
Should I lock the front wheel before jogging?
Lock it straight when the manual for an approved jogging model requires it. Not every Baby Trend 3-wheel stroller is built for jogging, so check the model manual before running or fast walking.
How do I fold the Baby Trend stroller again?
The closing method depends on the model. Expedition-style joggers may use dual trigger folds, while newer travel systems may use a center release or seat pull strap. Use the folding section of your exact manual.
Conclusion
Open your Baby Trend 3 Wheel Stroller by releasing the side fold latch and lifting the handlebar until both sides lock. Keep children away from the hinges and stop if the frame does not open evenly.
Before every ride, test the frame locks, wheels, rear brake, seat, canopy, and harness. If a latch, hinge, wheel, or brake appears damaged, do not use the stroller until Baby Trend provides model-specific guidance.
Sources
- Baby Trend Product Instruction Manuals — official model lookup and model-specific setup instructions.
- Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Instruction Manual — right-side fold latch, two-hand opening motion, dual frame locks, wheel checks, and maintenance guidance.
- Baby Trend Sonar Cargo 3-Wheel Travel System Manual — outward-pull fold latch, unfolding steps, brakes, wheel attachment, tray, and maintenance guidance.
- Baby Trend Sonar Cargo 3-Wheel Travel System Product Page — current product features and use limits.
- Baby Trend Frequently Asked Questions — manufacturer guidance on 3-wheel stroller use, jogging eligibility, manuals, cleaning, and damaged products.
- Baby Trend Safety Notices — manufacturer recall and safety-notice information.
- U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls — current recall search for strollers and other child products.
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