3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

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

Stroller Features

The best strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Find features that make life easier, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more, when shopping for a new stroller. It's important to determine what features are important to you and your family, and what you can live without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of convenient features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window up top to let kids observe the world while they rest. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps in the road did not bother him.

This stroller for jogging also comes with an automatic hand brake that can help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can be converted into a travel system with the best 3 wheel stroller travel system infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

If you're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. While they don't provide the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating bumps and potholes effortlessly.

The stroller folds up in just two easy steps. It locks when folded and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to move around as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It requires pressing a button near the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the overall stroller is a crucial factor to take into account. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for use in everyday situations.

Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers, such as ones that jog with larger wheels can provide a smoother ride for babies. However, larger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it harder to fold, transport, and store.

Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you plan to take your stroller with you often, we suggest that you select a model with solid wheels. These tires can be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.

Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only when your child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.

Some strollers can be purchased as complete travel systems where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These products are often more expensive and commodious than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long term. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it may not include all of the features they desire or may turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's 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 near future.

Stroller Folding

The best cheap 3 wheel buggy wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transportation easy. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families who frequently take public transport or drive to walk.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to move through tight spaces such as aisles in grocery stores and other crowded areas easily. They are often equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.

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

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3 wheel all terrain pushchair-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel stroller with infant car seat x 7.1) and has padding, a detachable 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).

Although the Babyzen offers some great features, such as an ample recline and additional storage, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. 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 lightweight as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes are a little difficult to engage and they're not locked when the stroller has been folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and padding straps for crotch. This allows 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 a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for those who run, since it prevents them from tumbling over while going up or down stairs and escalators.

In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We scored it based on a product's ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child loaded, and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if necessary).

We have found that 3-wheel strollers are more easy 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 a hand brake that allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much exertion as relying on body power alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top 3 Wheel Strollers-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.

You should also consider the frequency you'll have to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do this. Stairs and elevators are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. However, it's better to be safe rather than regretting.