3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your little one more convenient. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family and what you can live without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable padded, so bumps in the road won't make him feel too shaken.

This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

Solid tires are essential for strollers used on rough terrains. While they don't provide the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.

The stroller folds up in just two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are more maneuverable and more suitable for daily use.

The shape and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for babies. However, larger wheels also increase the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it difficult to fold, transport, and store.

Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.

Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we suggest using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.

Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive price tags and provide convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and may not function in the long term. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all of the features they would like or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. We recommend you choose an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you want to upgrade to a higher-end model in the near future.

Stroller Folding

The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size are easy to fold and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive prior to taking a an outing.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.

The Guava Roam is a lightweight jogging stroller. It's an elegant stroller that can be used as part of a travel system, with matching car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place after opening.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3 wheeled pushchair-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, but it's worth the investment If you're a lover of travel or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel pushchairs x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

Although the Babyzen offers some great features, such as a roomy recline and extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it's reclining, and there aren't any cup holders or a snack tray for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for some moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of amazing features like a huge basket and a one handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is essential for strollers that jog because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they can be especially dangerous for children.

In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when laden with a child and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar and operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).

We discovered that strollers with three wheels were easier to maneuver however, the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. We suggest choosing a model with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body alone. However, a lot of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers have this option and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.

It is also important to think about the frequency you'll need to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it will be safe to do so while the stroller is in its position. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be carried up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged, but it's always better to be safer than sorry.