3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

If you're a health-conscious person seeking a stroller for jogging or seeking a stroller that is all-purpose for use in everyday life, there's a three-wheel compact stroller out there for you. 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 top strollers come with features that make traveling with your baby more enjoyable. Whether you're shopping for a brand new 3 wheel pushchair cheap-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that are convenient, such as a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family, and those you can live without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents happy 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 are jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a clear window on the top lets children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.

This jogging stroller also has a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that takes only a tiny space in your trunk. It is also possible to convert it into an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for strollers of all kinds. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes with ease.

The jogging stroller folds in just two simple steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-best 3 wheel pushchair strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit hazy. It's as simple as pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it 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 those for jogging that can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which makes it more difficult to fold or transport and store.

Some models in our selection have air-filled tires that are designed to offer a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to change them out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand regular contact with various surfaces and last longer.

Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are 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. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their separate counterparts and could not last in the long run. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from the car seat or capsule.

Stroller Folding

The top lightest 3 wheel stroller wheel compact strollers fold easily and quickly to make transport and storage a breeze. Some of them lock automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive before going on a walk.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give a smoother ride for your little one which is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.

If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller features simple two-step fold, and can be locked once it is opened.

A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel parent facing pushchair x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable, five-point no-rethread harness 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 quality product with a few nice features. It offers a large recline and comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined, and there aren't any cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes are a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many moms who are petite.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and don't remain locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller will keep your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, padding straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head if they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have a 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 escalators and stairs.

In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We rated it on the basis of a stroller's ability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered and its comfort with a child loaded, and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, altering the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).

We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable, but the advantage diminished as baby weight increased. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has a hand brake that assists you in slowing down and come to a stop without as much effort as using body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.

You should also consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do it. Stairs and escalators pose more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movements of the 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 3 wheel stroller travel system-rated strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always safer to be safe rather than regretting.