3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel compact strollers for everyone regardless of whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on pavement and off-road surfaces, as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers offer features that allow you to travel with your little one more comfortable. If you're shopping for a new 3 wheel stroller lightweight-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, an adjustable canopy and more. The key is determining what features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you could live without.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a wide range of features to keep moms as well as dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of different sizes and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't slide away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested and has a large, clear window up top to let kids look out while they're relaxing. Jenni's 3 Wheel stroller-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, so bumps on the road don't cause him to shake.
This jogging stroller also has a hand brake to help you control slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact 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 also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
Solid tires are essential for strollers that will be used on terrains that are rough. Solid tires aren't as comfortable as spongy or air-filled tires but they're great for navigating bumps and potholes.
This stroller for jogging has an easy-to-use fold that requires just two steps. It locks in place when folded, and is compact enough to fit in the majority of elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as our other 4-wheel strollers, and the mechanism to lock it is a bit difficult to understand. It involves clicking a button on the front of the stroller, closing a flap on 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 entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, a lot of parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.
The shape and size of the wheels is an important feature. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as those for jogging, which makes the ride easier for your baby. However, larger wheels increase the overall weight of the stroller which can make it more difficult to fold or transport and store.
Some models in our selection have wheels filled with air that provide a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, tires that are filled with air can easily get flat which will require you to swap them out. If you intend to travel with your stroller often, we suggest you purchase one with solid wheels. They can withstand contact with different surfaces more often and last longer.
Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for walking up and down escalators and stairs safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common stroller injuries. They are especially hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using an escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend using it when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Also ensure that they are close to you while you walk up or down.
Some strollers are available as a complete travel system that includes the car seat and stroller are sold together as a single unit. These types of products are usually more expensive and less convenient than their separate counterparts and may not perform well in the long-term. In addition many parents end up regretting purchasing a bundle product because it may not come with all of the features they want or could turn out to not be compatible with their vehicle or child's seat. If you are planning to upgrade in the near future we suggest that you purchase a stroller that is separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and put away. Some even lock into position automatically when you open them. This feature can be especially useful for families who frequently take public transportation or drive prior to going for a walks.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other crowded areas. Many are equipped with suspension systems for a smoother ride, which is particularly useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
The Guava Roam is a compact stroller for jogging. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel system, with the adapters for car seats 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 in two steps and locks into position after opening.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3 wheeler pushchair off road-wheeled jogging stroller. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if frequently or live in the city. This stroller is lightweight and can be folded down to a tiny 20 17x7 inch size. It comes with five-point, non-rethread, padding on the harness. It can be used as a pram for infants or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
The Babyzen is a quality product that has some great features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also has extra storage. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there's no cupholders 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 is another stroller that is designed to be as light as it can without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It has a long list of features that are impressive, such as a large basket and a one handed fold. The only downside is that the brakes could be difficult to engage and don't stay locked when the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
A stroller's safety features should help to keep your child safe during use. Some of the best-scoring models in our review have a five-point harness with padded, adjustable crotch straps that allow for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from slipping when they're going up and down escalators or stairs which can be particularly dangerous for children.
In our tests, strollers' maneuverability was evaluated in three distinct ways. We rated it based on the capability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child in it, and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also evaluated how easy it was to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust the backrest the height of the handlebar, operate the brakes, and attach and take off car seats (if appropriate).
We found that strollers with 3 wheel double pushchair wheels were more maneuverable however the advantages diminished as baby weight increased. We suggest choosing one with hand brakes. It will help you slow down or stop without exerting the same effort as your body on its own. However, a lot of the best-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't offer this feature, and only one of our top fixed-wheel models has it.
It is important to think about how often you'll need to use your stroller for going up and down escalators or stairs, and if it is safe to do this. Escalators and stairs present more of a hazard because they move mechanical parts which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you are able choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having another adult assist you in carrying the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. But it's safer to be safe than sorry.