3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel strollers that fit anyone whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as testing children's comfort in the seats.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child much easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that are convenient, such as an ample storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, a movable 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 jogging. It is loaded with convenient features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all heights and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller won't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade of the strollers we tested and a glass window at the top allows children to see out while they rest. Jenni's 3 wheel running buggy-year-old daughter found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road don't make him feel too shaken.

This jogging stoller features the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds into an extremely compact and slim size that occupies a small 3 wheel stroller space in the trunk of your car. Additionally, it can be converted into a travel set-up with the best infant car seats from brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex with the purchase of an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

Solid tires are a must for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. While they don't offer the same level of comfort as foam-filled or air-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps with ease.

The jogging stroller folds in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded and is compact enough to fit in most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the lock mechanism is a bit 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 like to see a more simple system where it just clicks into the position or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The overall weight of a stroller is a crucial factor to take into account. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. However, a lot of parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and more suitable for daily use.

Another important feature of a stroller is the size of its wheels and the type. Certain strollers have bigger wheels, like jogging ones which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller, making it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.

Certain models we offer have air-filled tires that are designed to provide an enjoyable and stable ride for your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily become flat, which will require you to swap them out. If you are planning to travel a lot with your stroller, we suggest a model with solid tires that can withstand frequent contact with different surfaces and last for a longer time.

Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most frequent injuries to strollers. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you can't avoid using the 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 when you walk up and 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 by cutting down on shopping time, they are generally more expensive than standalone models and might not perform in the long haul. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they may not have all the features they desire or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. If you want to upgrade in the near future we recommend you purchase a stroller that is separate from car seats or capsules.

Stroller Folding

The top 3 wheel Stroller for running wheel compact strollers fold up quickly and easily to make storage and transport easy. Some even lock in place automatically when you open them. This feature is especially beneficial for families who regularly use public transportation or drive before going on walks.

Three-wheeled strollers can be maneuvered easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride. This is especially beneficial on sidewalks that are bumpy.

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

A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks, but worth it if you travel frequently or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can fold down to a smaller size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable five-point harness with no-rethread straps and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.

While the Babyzen offers some great features, like the spacious recline and the extra storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when reclined, and there's no cup holders or a snack tray for kids. The brakes can be a bit difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many mothers who are short.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as light as is possible, yet not sacrificing comfort or convenience. It comes with a long list of impressive features including a large basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes are difficult to activate, and they're not locking when the stroller has been folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should help to keep your child secure during use. Some of the top-scoring products in our review feature a five-point harness with adjustable, padded crotch straps that allow for a customised fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that shields your child's head in the event that they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is particularly important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over while going up or down escalators and stairs.

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

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 suggest choosing a model that has a hand brake that assists you in slowing down and come to a stop without as much effort as using body power alone. However, many of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't have this option and only one of our top fixed-wheel models does.

It's also important to think about the frequency that you will require to take your stroller up a set of stairs or an escalator, and whether or not it's safe to do it while the stroller is in its place. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical components which make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend looking for alternatives to these obstacles, like an elevator, if possible or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers may be taken up or down a set of stairs with the safety brake activated. But it's safer to be safe rather than sorry.