3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.

Stroller Features

The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. Find features that simplify your life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cups holders, adjustable canopy and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you could live without.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a clear window at the top allows children to see out when they're resting. And Jenni's pushchair 3 wheels-year-old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road don't shake him up too much.

This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in your trunk. It is also possible to convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

Solid tires are a must for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating bumps and potholes.

This stroller is a jogging model and comes with a fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap on 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 is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide more performance on rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.

Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, such as those for jogging that can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, bigger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it harder to fold or transport and store.

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

Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent stroller-related injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.

Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of the time spent shopping, they are generally more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not perform in the long term. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it might not have all of the features they would like or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.

Stroller Folding

The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who regularly take public transport or drive to take a walk.

Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They are often equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.

If you're looking for a jogging stroller that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks in place once opened.

A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in a city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel all terrain Buggy x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and toddlers, if you have an infant car seat adapter.

Although the Babyzen has some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there's no cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to kids. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

A stroller's safety features should assist in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a safety lock that secures 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 maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of being able to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes and attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).

We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has a hand brake, which allows you to slow down and stop without as much effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.

You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers are able to be carried up the stairs or an escalator with their safety brake locked and engaged but it's always better to be safer than not be.