3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel compact strollers for anyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller for all-purpose 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 seating comfort for children.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child more enjoyable. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel stroller or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like an ample storage basket as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, an adjustable canopy, and more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you could live without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It has many practical features that keep parents happy 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 has the largest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a large, clear window at the top allows children to look out when they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable padding, which meant bumps on the road did not cause any discomfort for him.

This jogging stroller also has an automatic hand brake that can help you maintain control on slick surfaces. It folds down to the size of a compact, slim package that occupies a small space in the trunk of your vehicle, and it can be converted into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands such as Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

Solid tires are a must for strollers used on terrains that are rough. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.

This jogging stroller has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks in place when folded and is small enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver and the locking mechanism can be a bit confusing. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap near the foot area, and then lifting the handle. We'd rather have a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens by pulling.

Stroller Weight

The overall weight is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is more maneuverable, and is more suitable for daily use.

Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, like jogging ones, which can make the ride smoother for your baby. However, larger wheels also add to the overall weight of the stroller, which can make it harder to fold and transport as well as store.

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

Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are ideal for safely navigating escalators as well as stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common injuries to strollers. They can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we suggest that you only use it when the child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you as you walk up or down.

Some strollers come as an integrated travel system that incorporates both the car seat and the stroller. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long run. Additionally, many parents later regret buying a bundled product as it might not have all the features they desire or could turn out to be incompatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from the car seat or capsule.

Stroller Folding

The best 3 wheel stroller with car seat 3 wheel pushchair cheap wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transportation a breeze. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently take public transportation or drive prior to taking a a walk.

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

If you're looking for a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a good option. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the bassinet for the Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.

Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel often or live in a city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It has five-point, no-rethread padding on the harness. It can even be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

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 doesn't lie flat when reclined and there aren't cup holders or snack tray for children. The brakes can be a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars can be too high for certain moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to engage, and they don't lock when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring products in our test have five-point harnesses with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a cushioned cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that locks both wheels. This is crucial for walkers who jog, as they are less likely to fall over when going up and down stairs and escalators.

In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to rotate and bounce over bumps and dips, its maneuverability when loaded with a child and its ability to travel 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 as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if appropriate).

We have found that 3 wheel stroller with seat-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than the 4-wheel models, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. That's why we recommend choosing a model that has a hand brake that helps you slow down and come to a stop without as much effort than using your body alone. However, the majority of most efficient swivel wheel strollers have this option, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.

It is also important to think about how often you will need to take your stroller on the stairs or an escalator, and whether it's safe to do it with the stroller still in the same place. Elevators and stairs pose greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts, making it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having an adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto a set of stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake engaged and locked however it's safer to be sorry.