3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

If you're a fitness fanatic in search of a jogging stroller or just looking for an all-purpose stroller to use for everyday use there's a Compact 3 wheel stroller three-wheel stroller for you. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the 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 traveling with your child more convenient. Look for features that make life easier including a big storage bin, parent tray with cups holders, adjustable canopy, and more when you are shopping for the latest stroller. The trick is determining which features are non-negotiable for you and your family, and which ones you're able to live without.

The BOB Gear Wayfinder, our top-rated jogging stroller, comes with a variety of useful features that will keep moms and dads content and comfortable. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from slipping while you are jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade that we tested and has a large, clear window up top to let kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have a comfortable padding, so bumps in the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.

This jogging stoller has a handbrake to help you keep your grip on slippery surfaces. It can fold into a slim, compact package that will take up a small space in the trunk of your car. It is also possible to convert it to an entire travel system by buying an adapter. It is also compatible with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

If you're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are a must for strollers of all kinds. They're not as comfortable as air-filled or spongy-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.

The stroller folds down in just two simple steps. It locks into position when folded and is small enough to fit in most elevators. However it's not as easy to maneuver as some of our other 4-wheel strollers and the mechanism to lock it is a bit difficult to understand. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, closing a flap near the foot area, and then lifting a handle. We'd like to see a more simple system where it just clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The weight of the entire unit is an important consideration. A heavier stroller tends to be more stable than a lighter one and could provide superior performance in rough terrain. However, many parents discover that strollers with lighter weights are easier to maneuver and is more suitable for everyday use.

Another important aspect of a stroller is the size of its wheels and type. Some strollers, such as those that run on jogging have wheels that are larger and will provide a more comfortable ride for baby. Larger wheels can weigh more on the stroller and make it difficult to fold and transport, as well as store.

Some models in our selection have air-filled wheels that offer a safe, comfortable ride for your child on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will require you to change them out. If you intend to take your stroller with you frequently, we recommend that you choose a model with solid wheels. These tires are able to endure contact with different surfaces more frequently and last longer.

Strollers with front wheels that swivel are ideal for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on stairs or escalators are the most common accidents involving strollers, and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you can't avoid using the escalator or stairs with your stroller, we recommend that you only use it if your child is securely strapped in the seat. Also, keep them close to you as you go up or down.

Some strollers are sold as a complete travel system that includes 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. In addition many parents regret buying a bundled product as it might not have all of the features they desire, or it could prove to not be compatible with their vehicle or child seat. If you want to upgrade in the future, we recommend that you purchase a stroller separately from the car seat or capsule.

Stroller Folding

The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and to store. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be particularly useful for families who frequently use public transport or drive before going on a walk.

Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed effortlessly in tight spaces, like aisles of grocery stores or other crowded areas. Many are also equipped with suspension systems that provide a smoother ride for your baby, which can be especially helpful on slippery sidewalks.

The Guava Roam is a compact jogging stroller. 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 and the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller board sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks into place after opening.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another nice-looking 3-wheeled jogging stroller. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, however it's well worth the money If you're a lover of travel or live in an urban area. This lightweight stroller folds down to a compact size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel stroller with seat x 7.1) and comes with padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can be used as a pram for infants or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

The Babyzen is a good product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and also comes with storage space. However, some parents are disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lie flat when it reclines and there are no cupholders or snack tray for children. The brakes can be difficult to engage, and the handlebar height is too high for many short moms.

The Graco Fastaction stroller is designed to be as lightweight as it is possible, but without sacrificing comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only issue with this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and they don't lock after the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

A stroller's safety features should help to keep your child safe while using it. The top-scoring strollers in our review have a five-point safety harness that has adjustable and padding straps for crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some have a cushioned seat cushion to shield your child's head should they fall from the seat or fall off. Some strollers feature safety brakes that lock two wheels. This is particularly important for strollers that jog because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going down stairs or escalators, where they can be especially risky for children.

In our tests, the maneuverability of strollers 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 on it and its capacity to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed how easy it is to open and close the safety harness, fold and unfold the stroller, adjust its backrest the height of the handlebar and brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).

We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than 4-wheel options, but this advantage diminishes when your baby becomes heavier. This is why we recommend a model that has hand brakes, which allows you to slow down and come to a stop with as little effort as using body power alone. Many of the top-scoring, swivel-wheel strollers don't have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.

It's important to consider how often you will need to take your stroller up an escalator or a set of stairs. an escalator, and if or not it's safe to do this with the stroller in place. Elevators and stairs are more dangerous because they have moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. If you're able to use an elevator or having a second adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with their safety brake engaged. However, it's safer to be secure rather than sorry.