3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel compact strollers for all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller that you can use on a daily basis. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both pavement and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the seating comfort for children.

Stroller Features

The most effective strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. If you're shopping for a new small 3 wheel stroller-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as large storage baskets, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you can be content with.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested, and a glass opening at the top that allows children to see out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, which meant bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.

The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel system using certain 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 on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of any kind. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating bumps and potholes.

The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However it's not as simple to maneuver as some of our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It requires pressing an icon on the front of the stroller, opening a flap on the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is easier to maneuver, and more suitable for day-to-day use.

Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging, have larger wheels that can provide a smoother experience for infants. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.

Certain models we offer come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with various surfaces and last longer.

Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we suggest using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.

Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of reducing shopping time but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and may not function as well in the long haul. Many parents regret buying a bundle product because it may not have all the features they would like or be incompatible with their child's car seat or. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a capsule or car seat if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.

Stroller Folding

The best 3 wheel stroller compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive before going on an outing.

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

The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into position once opened.

Another nice-looking 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's a bit pricier than some of our top choices, but it's worth the cost If you're a lover of travel or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel stroller x 7.1) and comes with an adjustable, padded 5-point harness that is no-rethread 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, such as the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as possible, without the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features like a huge basket and a one handed fold. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage and they're not locking after the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review have 5-point harnesses that are padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from slipping when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they can be especially risky for children.

In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when loaded with children and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest, handlebar height and brakes and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).

We found that some 3 wheeler pushchairs from birth-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has hand brakes, which helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion as using body power alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers don't have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.

You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do this. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be pushed up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator with their security brake locked and engaged, but it's always safer to be to be sorry.