3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for an jogging stroller, or simply seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell test the comfort of children in the seats.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child easier. If you're shopping for a brand new 3 wheeler stroller-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could do without.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with plenty of convenient features that will keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from rolling away while you jog. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade that we tested and has a large, clear window up top to let kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.

This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact 3 Wheel Stroller package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

If you plan on tackling rough terrain, tires are a must for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.

This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and then raising the 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 stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and could provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents discover that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.

The type and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as jogging ones that can make the ride smoother for your baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it harder to fold, transport and store.

Certain models in our collection include air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily become flat, which will need to be changed out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.

Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you while you walk up or down.

Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and may not function in the long haul. In addition many parents regret buying a bundled product as it may not include all of the features they would like or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the near future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller separately from a capsule or car seat.

Stroller Folding

The most compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and store. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to taking a an outing.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.

If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel system with car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller comes with an easy two-step fold that locks in place when it is opened.

A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than some of our top picks, but it's well worth the money if you love to travel or live in an urban area. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.

The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It offers a large recline and comes with storage space. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there are no cups or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of mothers who are short.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features including a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage and they're not locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to protect your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers have the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is particularly important for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over when going up and down stairs and escalators.

In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest and handlebar height and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).

We found that 3-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we suggest choosing the model with a hand brake that helps you slow down and come to a stop with as little effort as relying on body power alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.

It is also important to consider how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up or down stairs or escalators, and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and elevators can be more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be safe than regretting.