3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

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

Stroller Features

The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child easier. Look for features that simplify your life, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family and which you can do without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window on top that lets kids observe the world while they rest. And Jenni's cheap 3 wheel buggy-year-old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't shake him up too much.

This jogging stoller comes with a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands including 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 that are used on terrains that are rough. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're great to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.

The stroller folds down in just two steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as easy to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

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

The size and type of the wheels is an important aspect. Certain strollers, like ones that jog with larger wheels can provide a smoother ride for babies. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it more difficult to fold, transport, and store.

Certain models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening and have to replace them. If you are planning to take your stroller on the road often, we suggest you purchase a model with solid wheels. These tires can withstand contact with different surfaces more often 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 injuries to strollers. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is secured in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up or down.

Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. While these products often boast attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and might not perform as well over the long run. In addition, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle because it may not include all of the features they want, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. We suggest you select an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you want to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.

Stroller Folding

The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to take a walk.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to maneuver through tight spaces such as grocery store aisles and other areas that are crowded easily. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that offer a more comfortable stroll for your child and can be particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.

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

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3 wheel pushchair with car seat-wheeled jogging stroller. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel running stroller x 7.1) and features padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants and young toddlers with an adapter for infant car seats.

Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, including a roomy recline and extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there's no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can also be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for some moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as is possible, yet not the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of impressive features, such as a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned 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. This is essential for jogging strollers because it prevents them from flipping over when they're going down stairs or escalators, which can be particularly dangerous for children.

In our tests the maneuverability of strollers was rated in three different ways. We scored it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn 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, adjusting its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if appropriate).

We found that strollers with 3 wheel stroller for running wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend selecting a model with hand brakes. It will allow you to slow down or stop without putting in as much effort as using your body by itself. However, a lot of the most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.

It is also important to consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down stairs or escalators, and if it's safe to do so. Elevators and stairs pose more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you can or have a person else take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be safe than sorry.