3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces as well test the comfort of children in the seats.

Stroller Features

The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. Find features that simplify life for you, like a large storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and more when looking for a new stroller. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family and those you can live without.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep 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 three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.

This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

Solid tires are crucial for strollers used on rough terrains. They're not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.

The stroller folds up in just two easy steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as simple to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit hazy. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and could provide better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver, and more suitable for everyday use.

Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, like jogging strollers, have larger wheels that will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.

Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you intend to travel with your stroller a lot, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.

Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid taking the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we advise using it only if the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.

Some strollers are available as an entire travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they might not include all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their car or child seat. If you want to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.

Stroller Folding

The best 3 wheel stroller with seat wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transport or drive prior to going for a walks.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver around tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that give a more comfortable ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.

If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that isn't heavy the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats and the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller has simple two-step fold, and locks into place once it is opened.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3 wheel pushchair-3 wheeled travel system jogging stroller. It's a bit pricier than our top picks, but it's well worth the money for those who love to travel or reside in an urban area. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a compact 20 17x7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread cushioned harness. It can be used as a stroller for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.

The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It offers a large recline, and it also has extra storage. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined and there aren't any cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It has a long list of impressive 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 remain locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, cushioned straps for crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Others have a padded seat cushion to safeguard your child's head in the event that they fall out of the seat or fall off. Some strollers come with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as 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 stroller's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its maneuverability when loaded with children and its capability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).

We found that some 3 wheel stroller travel system-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models However, this advantage decreases as your baby grows heavier. That's why we recommend choosing the model with hand brakes, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop with as little effort as using body power alone. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.

It is important to think about how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do so. Stairs and elevators are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these hazards, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be carried up the stairs or an escalator with their safety brakes engaged and locked however it's better to be safer than sorry.