3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

If you're a fitness fanatic in search of an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller for use in everyday life there's a compact three-wheel stroller out there for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry tested these models to the test on both roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the safety of the seats for children.

Stroller Features

The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. Look for features that make life easier, such as a large bin for storage, a tray for the parent 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 do without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents happy and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group, with a clear window at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3 wheel tandem stroller-year old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road don't shake him up too much.

This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It folds down to an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can convert into a travel system using certain 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.

If you plan on tackling rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for any stroller. Although they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're ideal to navigate potholes and bumps effortlessly.

This stroller is a jogging model and features a fold-up that takes just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and it's compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as some of our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is a little confusing. It's as simple as pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler system that clicks into the position or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, many parents find that a lighter stroller is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.

Another crucial aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Certain strollers, like those that run on jogging with larger wheels can offer a more comfortable ride for babies. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold and store, transport and fold.

Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are susceptible to flattening and will need to replace them. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.

Strollers with swivel wheel at the front are great for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it if your child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up or down.

Some strollers are sold as an entire travel system where the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. Although these strollers often have attractive prices and offer convenience by the time spent shopping but they are usually more expensive than their standalone counterparts and may not perform as well in the long haul. In addition many parents regret buying a bundled product as it might not have all of the features they would like, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. We suggest that you purchase an infant stroller that can be purchased separately from the capsule or car seat in case you wish to upgrade to a more advanced model in the future.

Stroller Folding

The most 3 wheel baby stroller wheel strollers with a compact size fold easily and put away. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families that frequently take public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.

Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other crowded areas. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your little one, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.

The Guava Roam is a light stroller for jogging. The stroller is an elegant stroller that can be used as a 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 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. It's more expensive than our top picks, but it's worth the cost if you love to travel or live in the city. The stroller is lightweight 3 wheel buggy and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 Wheeler Pushchair Off Road x 7.1) and has padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for newborns and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.

The Babyzen is a quality product with some nice features. It has a spacious recline, and it also has extra storage. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.

The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It's equipped with a lengthy list of amazing features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes could be a bit difficult to engage and don't stay 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 we've reviewed have a five-point safety harness with adjustable, cushioned straps for the crotch. This allows for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head should they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for jogging strollers as it stops them from slipping when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they can be especially dangerous for children.

In our tests, we rated the maneuverability of strollers in three different ways: a stroller's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps its ease of maneuvering when loaded with children and its capacity to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the height of its backrest and handlebar and operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).

We found that 3 wheel travel stroller-wheel strollers were easier to maneuver however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We recommend choosing the model that has a hand brake. It will allow you to slow down or stop without exerting the same amount of effort as your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not come with this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers 3 wheels has it.

You should also consider how often you'll need to use your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do it. Elevators and stairs pose more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movement of the stroller. If you are able use an elevator or having a second adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure than regretting.