3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review


There are three-wheel strollers that fit all ages regardless of whether you're seeking a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well test the comfort of children in the seats.

Stroller Features

The top strollers come with features that make life on the go with your baby more enjoyable. If you're shopping for a new 3-wheel or a 4-wheel stroller look for features that make life easier, such as large storage baskets and a tray for parents with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more. The trick is determining which features are essential to you and your family and which ones you're able to be content with.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for jogging. It is loaded with useful features that will keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap keeps the stroller from slipping when you're jogging. The Wayfinder comes with the largest sunshade among the strollers we tested and a glass window on the top lets children to see out when they are resting. Jenni's three-year-old son reportedly found the seat to have a comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't bother him.

This jogging stoller has the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to a slim, compact package that takes up very little space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel set-up with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex by purchasing an adapter. 3 wheel buggy is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

If you're planning on taking on rough terrain, tires are essential for strollers of any kind. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires, but they're excellent to navigate bumps and potholes.

The jogging stroller folds in just two easy 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 mechanism for locking is a bit difficult to understand. It involves pressing a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting the handle. We'd like to see a simpler system where it just clicks into the position or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the entire unit is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a stroller that is lighter and may offer better performance in rough terrain. Many parents prefer a stroller that is lighter, as it is more maneuverable, and more suitable for everyday use.

The size and type of the wheels is another important feature. Some strollers have larger wheels, like jogging ones, which can make the ride smoother for your baby. The larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.

Some models in our collection have air-filled wheels that offer an enjoyable, stable ride for your child on rough terrain. Air-filled tires are prone to flattening, so you have to replace them. If you plan to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend that you select one with solid wheels. These tires are able to be able to withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.

Strollers with swivel wheels on the front are perfect to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller-related injuries. They are especially dangerous for infants. If you are unable to avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we advise using it only when the child is securely strapped into the seat. Keep 3 wheeled pushchair to you while walking up or down.

Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long run. In addition many parents regret purchasing a bundle because it may not come with all the features they want or could turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade your product in the future we recommend you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.

Stroller Folding

The most 3 wheel strollers with a compact size 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 that frequently take public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.

Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces like grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide a more comfortable ride for your little one and can be particularly helpful on slippery sidewalks.

If you're looking for a jogging stroller that doesn't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is an excellent option. 3 wheeled pushchair is elegant and can be used as part of a travel system, with car seat adapters to fit Nuna, MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller comes with simple two-step fold, and can be locked once it is it is opened.

A similar stroller with a nice design is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. It's more expensive than some of our top picks, however it's worth the cost for those who love to travel or live in an urban area. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has an adjustable, padded, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller suitable for infants or toddlers who are young, with an infant car seat adapter.

The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also comes with storage space. However some parents are disappointed by its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it reclines and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for kids. The brakes are 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 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 issue is that the brakes may be a bit difficult to engage and do not stay locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

A stroller's safety features will help to keep your child safe while using it. Some of the top-scoring strollers in our test have five-point harnesses with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a customised 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 have safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for jogging strollers as it stops them from rolling over when they're going down escalators or stairs where they could be particularly risky for children.

In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was rated in three different ways. We rated it based on the ability to bounce and turn when bumps and dips occur as well as its user-friendliness with a child in it and its ability to travel over rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness, folding and unfolding the stroller, altering its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as also the ability to attach and remove car seats (if necessary).

We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are more easy to maneuver than 4-wheel options however this benefit diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we suggest choosing the model with a hand brake that allows you to slow down and come to a stop with as little effort than using your body alone. A majority of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our best-rated fixed-wheel strollers comes with it.

It is also important to consider how often you'll need to utilize your stroller to go up or down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do it. Stairs and elevators can be more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components which make it difficult to control your stroller. We suggest finding a solution to these obstacles, like an elevator, if you have one or have another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the most highly-rated strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or an escalator with their security brake engaged and locked however it's better to be safer than sorry.