3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller that you can use 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 top strollers come with features that make life on the go with your child more comfortable. Look for features that simplify life for you, like a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and so on, when shopping for a new stroller. The trick is determining which features are not negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade that we tested, with a clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3 wheel tandem stroller-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road didn't bother him.

This jogging stoller comes with an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are a must for any stroller. While they don't provide the same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.

The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is somewhat complicated. It requires pressing the button in the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for day-to-day use.

Another important feature of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Certain strollers, like ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother ride for baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.

Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, and you must replace them. If you plan to take your stroller on the road frequently, we recommend that you choose one with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure contact with different surfaces more frequently 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 accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we suggest using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk 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. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and might not perform as well over the long run. Many parents regret purchasing bundle products because they may not come with all the features they would like or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.

Stroller Folding

The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.

Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. They also have suspension systems that offer a more comfortable ride for your little one which is especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.

The Guava Roam is a light jogging stroller. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller comes with simple two-step fold, and locks into place once opened.

Another stylish 3 wheel strollers-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if often or live in a city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and an ample basket. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

While the Babyzen offers some great features, like a roomy recline and extra storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there are no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for certain moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller will ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padding straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that run jogging because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.

In our tests strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We scored it on the basis of a stroller's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its ability to navigate over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is 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 applicable).

We have found that 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes as baby gets heavier. We recommend selecting a model with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same effort as your body by itself. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not come with this feature, and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models does.

It is important to think about how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do this. Stairs and escalators pose greater risk because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible, or having another adult to carry the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure than sorry.