3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stroller or a stroller for all-purpose use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that allow you to travel with your little one more convenient. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets as well as a tray for the parent with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you're able to do without.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller with plenty of convenient features to keep moms and dads comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap can help ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away when you're jogging. The Wayfinder also features the biggest sunshade we've seen in our test group and has a large, clear window at the top to let children look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.

This stroller for jogging also comes with a hand brake that helps you keep control on slippery surfaces. It can be folded into a slim, compact package that takes up a small space in your car's trunk. It is also possible to transform it into an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

If you're planning to tackle rough terrain, tires are a must-have for any stroller. While pushchair 3 wheels don't provide the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect to navigate potholes and bumps easily.


This jogging stroller features a fold-up that requires just two steps. It locks when folded and is small enough to fit into most elevators. However, it's not as easy to maneuver as our other strollers with four wheels, and the lock mechanism is a bit hazy. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap near the foot area, and then raising the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that clicks in place or opens by pulling.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the overall stroller is a significant factor to take into account. A heavier stroller is likely to be more stable than one that is lighter and could provide more performance on rough terrain. However, many parents find that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.

The size and type of the wheels is an important feature. Certain strollers, like ones that jog with larger wheels will provide a more comfortable ride for babies. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller, making it harder to fold and transport, as well as store.

Some models in our collection have wheels filled with air that provide an enjoyable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you are planning to travel with your stroller often, we suggest that you select one with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with various surfaces more frequently and last longer.

Strollers with swivel front wheels are ideal for getting around stairs and escalators in a safe manner. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it when your child is safely strapped into the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk up and down.

Some strollers are sold as complete travel systems in which the car seat and stroller are sold together as a unit. These are typically more expensive and convenient than their stand-alone counterparts and could not last in the long term. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all of the features they want or could turn out to be incompatible 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 sophisticated model in the future.

Stroller Folding

The best compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and store. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who regularly use public transportation or take a car to go on a walk.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to navigate through tight spaces such as aisles of grocery stores and other crowded areas with ease. A lot of them are equipped with suspension systems to provide an easier ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.

If you're looking for a jogging stroller that isn't heavy, the Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex 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 once opened.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top choices, but worth it if you travel often or live in a city. The lightweight stroller can be folded down to a small 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with a five-point, no-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

While the Babyzen offers some great features, like an ample recline and additional storage, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't flat when reclined and there are no cupholders or snack trays for kids. The brakes can be difficult to engage and the handlebar's height is too high for a lot of moms who are petite.

The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without skimping on comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list 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 engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with a five-point safety harness with adjustable and padding crotch straps. This allows for a customized 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 feature a safety brake that locks two wheels, which is essential for strollers that jog since it prevents them from rolling over when they're going down escalators or stairs where they can be especially dangerous for children.

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 ability to travel over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the height of its backrest and handlebar as well as operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if necessary).

We have found that 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than four-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as your baby grows heavier. This is why we suggest choosing the model with a hand brake that helps you slow down and come to a stop with as little effort than using your body alone. However, many of the top-scoring swivel wheel strollers do not offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.

It is important to consider how often you will need to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator and whether or not it will be safe to do this with the stroller still in the same place. Escalators and stairs present greater risk due to the fact that they move mechanical parts that make it difficult to control the movements of the stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these obstacles, such as an elevator, if possible, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be taken up or down a set of stairs with their safety brake engaged. It's always safer to be safe rather than regretting.