3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

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

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. Look for features that simplify your life including a big storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more when looking for the latest stroller. The most important thing is to determine which features are essential to you and your family, and which ones you can live without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap helps keep the stroller from slipping away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.

The stroller is equipped with an automatic hand brake that can help you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in the trunk of your car. You can also transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. Although they don't offer the best 3 wheel stroller same degree of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps with ease.

This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded, and is compact enough to fit into the majority of elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism for locking is a bit hazy. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, a flap that is located near the foot area, and then raising a handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The overall weight is a crucial aspect to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.

The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as those for jogging, which can make the ride smoother for your baby. Larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold, transport and store.

Some models in our collection come with air-filled wheels, which provide a comfortable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are more prone to flattening and must replace them. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.

Strollers with swivel wheel on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we advise using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat and hold them close to you as you walk up or down.

Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive prices and offer convenience by the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and may not function as well in the long haul. In addition many parents regret buying a bundled product as it may not come with all of the features they desire, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we suggest that you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.

Stroller Folding

The most compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive before going on walks.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate around tight spaces like grocery store aisles and other crowded areas easily. They are often equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.

If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy the Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel system, with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller comes with a simple two-step fold and locks in place when opened.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3 wheel stroller travel system-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is more expensive than our top picks, but is worth it if often or live in the city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an adapter for infant car seats.

While the Babyzen has some nice features, including an ample recline and additional storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack tray for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not losing comfort or ease of use. It comes with a plethora of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller must ensure that your child is safe using it. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable, padding straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is essential for jogging strollers as it stops them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs which can be particularly risky for children.

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

We found that 3-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however, the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake, which helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much effort than using your body alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers has it.

It's important to consider the frequency you'll have to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator and whether or not it will be safe to do this while the stroller is in its the same place. Elevators and stairs are more hazardous because they have moving mechanical parts that make it difficult to control your stroller. If you are able, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked but it's always better to be safer than not be.