3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

If you're a fitness fanatic looking for an jogging stroller, or simply seeking a stroller that is all-purpose to use for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor of Sentry, put these models to the test on roads and off-road surfaces. They also tested the seating comfort for children.

Stroller Features

The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child much easier. If you're looking for a new 3 wheel all terrain pushchair-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket and a tray for parents with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. It's crucial to decide which features are essential for you and your family, and those you can live without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It has many convenient features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested, with a clear window at the top to let children peek out while they're resting. And Jenni's 3 wheeler pushchair off road-year-old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road don't make him feel too shaken.

This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that takes up very little space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, sturdy tires are essential for any stroller. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect to navigate bumps and potholes.

The stroller folds down in just two steps. It locks into place when folded, and is small enough to fit into most elevators. However it's not as easy to move around as our other strollers with four wheels, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit confusing. It's as simple as pressing the button in the foot area on the front of the stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the overall stroller is a significant factor to consider. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.

Another crucial aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as jogging ones, which makes the ride easier for your baby. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it more difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.

Certain models in our collection have air-filled tires that are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you intend to take your stroller with you a lot, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires can be able to withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.

Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller we recommend using it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you when you walk up or down.

Some strollers are available as a complete travel system in which the car seat and stroller are sold as a unit. While these products often boast attractive price tags and provide convenience in terms of the time spent shopping however, they are typically more expensive than their standalone counterparts and might not perform as well in the long haul. Many parents regret buying bundles because they may not come with all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest that you purchase a stroller that is purchased separately from the capsule or car seat if you'd like to upgrade to a higher-end model in the future.

Stroller Folding

The best 3 wheel push chair wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport effortless. Some even lock into the position automatically after you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly use public transportation or drive to go on a walk.

Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces like aisles of grocery stores or other areas that are crowded. Many are equipped with suspension systems to provide a smoother ride. This is particularly useful on bumpy sidewalks.

The Guava Roam is a compact stroller that can be used for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel set-up with the car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that can be locked once it is it is opened.

A similar stroller with a nice design 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 compact size (20.5 x 17.3 wheeled buggy x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded five-point harness with no-rethread straps and an ample basket. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It offers a large recline and has extra storage. However there are some parents who are dissatisfied by its performance. The seat isn't completely flat when reclined and there are no cups or a tray for snacks for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.

The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It's packed with a variety of features, including a spacious basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only drawback is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to activate 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 in our review feature five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for strollers that jog as it stops them from slipping when they're going up or down escalators or stairs which can be particularly risky for children.

In our tests, we evaluated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: the product's ability to rotate and bounce over bumps and dips, its ease of maneuvering when laden with a child and its capability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, adjusting the backrest and height of the handlebar, operating the brakes, as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).

We discovered that strollers with three wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. This is why we recommend a model that has a hand brake, which assists you in slowing down and come to a stop with as little effort as using body power alone. However, the majority of top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not offer this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.

It's important to consider the frequency you'll require to transport your stroller down a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do this with the stroller in the same place. Elevators and stairs pose greater risk because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having a second adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be safe than regretting.