3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel strollers designed for anyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller that you can use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry The models were put to the test on pavement and off-road surfaces. They also tested the safety of the seats for children.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. Find features that simplify life including a big storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more, when shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could be content with.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder has the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a large, clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they're resting. And Jenni's 3 wheel stroller and car seat wheel stroller with infant car seat (Full File)-year-old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road don't shake him up too much.

This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

Solid tires are essential for strollers that are used on rough terrains. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.

This jogging stroller comes with a fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area on the front of stroller and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The overall weight of a stroller is a significant factor to take into account. 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 more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.

The shape and size of the wheels is another important aspect. Certain strollers, such as jogging strollers, have larger wheels that can provide a smoother ride for baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it harder to fold, transport and store.

Certain models we offer include air-filled tires that are designed to offer an enjoyable and stable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will need to be changed out. If you intend to take your stroller on the road a lot, we recommend you purchase one with solid wheels. They can endure contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.

Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent accidents involving strollers, and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the escalator and stairs with your stroller we suggest that you only use it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also keep them close to you as you walk up and down.

Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform as well in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundle products because they might not include all the features they desire or may not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from the car seat or capsule if you wish to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.

Stroller Folding

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

Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that give an easier ride for your baby which is especially helpful on bumpy sidewalks.

If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. The stroller is more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if frequently or live in the city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and features a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, such as an ample recline and additional storage, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are also difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of short moms.

The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of features that are impressive including a large basket and a one handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our review feature 5-point harnesses that are adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is essential for strollers that run jogging as it stops them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.

In our tests, we evaluated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a product's ability to rotate and bounce over dips and bumps its ease of maneuvering when loaded with a child and its capacity to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height, operating the brakes, as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).

We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. We suggest choosing one with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without putting in the same amount of effort as your body by itself. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.

It's also important to think about how often you will have to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and if it's safe to do so with the stroller in place. Stairs and elevators can be 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 having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the best lightweight 3 wheel stroller-rated strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be secure than sorry.