3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or a stroller for all-purpose use for every day. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry tested these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Whether you're shopping for a new 3 wheeler buggy-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and more. It's crucial to decide 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 is loaded with practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also has the most extensive sunshade that we tested, with a clear window on top that lets kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, so bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.

The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds down to a slim, compact package that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can convert into a travel system with certain 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 plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are a must-have for any stroller. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.

This jogging stroller features a fold-up that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is small enough to fit into the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as some of our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat complicated. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap on the foot area, and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the overall stroller is an important factor to consider. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide better performance in rough terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and more suitable for everyday use.

Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers, such as jogging strollers, have larger wheels that can offer a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.

Certain models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you plan to travel with your stroller often, we suggest 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 front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we advise using it only if the child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.

Some strollers are available as a complete travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and offer convenience by cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than their stand-alone counterparts and may not function in the long haul. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not include all of the features they want or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you plan to upgrade in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.

Stroller Folding

The top 3 wheel reversible stroller wheel compact strollers fold quickly and easily to make storage and transport a breeze. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families who regularly take public transportation or drive before going on walks.

three wheeler pushchair-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered effortlessly in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They also have suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your little one, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.

If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller has a simple two-step fold and locks into place once opened.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. The stroller is more expensive than our top choices, but is worth it if a lot 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 features padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and an ample basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and toddlers, if you have an adapter for infant car seats.

Although the Babyzen comes with some nice features, including the spacious recline and the extra storage space, some parents are dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many moms who are petite.

The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as is possible without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has a long list of features that are impressive including a large basket and a single-handed fold. The only issue is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. Some of the best-scoring models in our test have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers have safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for strollers that run jogging since it prevents them from flipping over when they're going up or down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly dangerous for children.

In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips occur, its ease of use with a child loaded and its ability to travel over rough terrain. 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 applicable).

We have found that 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We recommend selecting one with a hand brake. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body by itself. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.

It is important to think about how often you'll be required to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do this. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible, or having another adult take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best lightweight 3 wheel stroller-rated strollers can be carried up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always better to be safe than sorry.