3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

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

Stroller Features

The most effective strollers have features that allow you to travel with your child a lot easier. Look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and so on when looking for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you can live without.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with a variety of useful features to keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group, with a clear window at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortable cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't cause him to shake.

This jogging stoller has an automatic handbrake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a compact, slim package that takes only a tiny space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

If you plan on tackling rough terrains, solid tires are essential 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 bumps and potholes effortlessly.

This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy as our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism is a little complicated. It requires pressing a button near the foot area on the front of stroller and then lifting the handle. We'd like to see a more simple system that clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the entire unit is a crucial aspect to consider. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a lighter one and can provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable and more suitable for everyday use.

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

Certain models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide a comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you intend to travel frequently with your stroller, we suggest an option with sturdy tires that can stand up to frequent contact with various surfaces and last for a longer time.

Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs while using your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is secured in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk up and down.

Some strollers are a travel system that includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These products are often more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and may not perform well in the long run. Additionally many parents regret buying a bundled product as it might not have all the features they would like or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. We recommend you choose a stroller that is purchased separately from a capsule or car seat in case you'd like to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the future.

Stroller Folding

The best compact 3 wheel parent facing pushchair wheel strollers are easy to fold and to store. Some even lock into place automatically when you open them. This feature can be particularly beneficial for families who regularly use public transport or drive prior to going for a an outing.

Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other areas with a lot of people. Many are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is especially useful on bumpy sidewalks.

The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller which can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller features simple two-step fold, and locks into place once it is opened.

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. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel double pushchair x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can even be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

While the Babyzen comes with some nice features, like an ample recline and additional storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there are no cupholders or snack trays for children. The brakes are a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight 3 wheel stroller as possible, without losing comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

A stroller's safety features will help to keep your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and padded straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom 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 especially important for jogging strollers since it prevents them from rolling over 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: the product's ability to turn and bounce over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when laden with a child and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the backrest and height of the handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).

We found that some 3 wheel stroller with infant car seat-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as baby gets heavier. This is why we recommend one with hand brakes, which assists you in slowing down and stop with as little effort as relying on body power alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.

You should also consider how often you'll be required to use your stroller for going up or down escalators or stairs and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and escalators pose more dangers due to the fact that they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you're able to, we recommend using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be carried up a set or stairs with the safety brake activated. It's always better to be safe rather than regretting.