3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for a jogging stroller or just need a stroller to use for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your baby more comfortable. If you're shopping for a new 3 wheel stroller cheap-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like a large storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy and much more. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of the strollers we tested, and a clear opening at the top that allows kids to peek out when they are resting. Jenni's 3-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road won't make him feel too shaken.

This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

If you're planning to tackle rough terrains, solid tires are essential for any stroller. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.

The stroller folds up in just two easy 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 some of our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It involves pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that simply clicks into the position or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The overall weight of a stroller is a significant aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier tends to be more stable than one that is lighter and can provide more performance on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.

Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and type. Some strollers have larger wheels, such as jogging ones which makes the ride easier for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.

Some models in our selection include air-filled tires that are designed to offer a comfortable and stable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can quickly become flat and require you to swap them out. If you are planning to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend that you select a model with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.

Strollers that have swivel wheels on the front are perfect for safely navigating escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you cannot avoid taking the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we recommend using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.

Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. Although these strollers often have attractive price tags and offer convenience in terms of cutting down on shopping time but they are usually more expensive than standalone models and may not perform as well over the long haul. Additionally, many parents later regret buying a bundled product as it might not have all terrain 3 wheel stroller of the features they want, or it could prove to be incompatible with their vehicle or child seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you'd like to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.

Stroller Folding

The best compact 3 wheeler pushchair Wheel strollers (jonpin.com) are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.

Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces such as grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. They are often equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.

If you're seeking a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down, the Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can be used as part of a travel set-up with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into place after opening.

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

While the Babyzen offers some great features, including the spacious recline and the extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for many mothers who are short.

The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that is designed to be as light as it can without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller must keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers 3 wheels in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall out of the seat or roll off. Some strollers are equipped with the safety lock that locks both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as they are less likely to fall over while going up or down stairs and escalators.

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

We found that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes as your baby grows heavier. We suggest choosing the model that has a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body by itself. However, the majority of most efficient swivel wheel strollers come with this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models comes with it.

It is also important to consider how often you'll be required to utilize your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do this. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical components, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these hazards, like an elevator, if possible or have a person else take the stroller up and down with you. Some of the best 3 wheel travel system-scoring strollers can be pushed up the stairs or an escalator with their security brake locked and engaged but it's always safer to be safe than not be.