3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review
There are three-wheel strollers designed for all ages whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use on a daily basis. The Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through their paces on pavement and off-road surfaces as well as testing children's comfort in the seats.
Stroller Features
The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child easier. If you're looking for a new 3-wheel or 4-wheel stroller, look for convenience features like a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, adjustable canopy and much more. The most important thing is to determine which features are non-negotiable for you and your family and which ones you're able to do without.
BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It is loaded with practical features that keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes, and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller doesn't roll away while you're jogging. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade in our testing group with a clear view on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's three-year-old son found the seat to have comfortable cushion, so bumps on the road didn't cause any discomfort for him.
The stroller is equipped with a hand brake that helps you maintain control on slick surfaces. It can fold into a compact, slim package that will take up a small space in your car's trunk. It is also possible to convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
If you're planning on taking on rough terrains, solid tires are essential for strollers of all kinds. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're excellent for navigating potholes and bumps.
The stroller folds up in just two simple steps. It locks when folded, and is compact enough to fit into most elevators. It's not as easy than our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism is somewhat difficult to understand. It requires pressing an arrow near the foot area at the front of stroller, and then lifting the handle. We'd prefer a simpler method that just clicks in place or opens by pulling.
Stroller Weight
The weight of the overall stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A stroller that is heavier is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. Many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver, and is more suitable for daily use.
Another important aspect of a stroller is its wheel size and the type. Some strollers come with larger wheels, such as jogging ones which can make the ride more comfortable for your baby. However, bigger wheels add to the overall weight of the stroller which makes it difficult to fold, transport, and store.
Certain models in our collection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child, even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can easily get flat which will need to be changed out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend the use of tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces and last longer.
Strollers with swivel front wheels are great for navigating stairs and escalators safely. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most common accidents that occur due to strollers and are particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator while using your stroller, we advise using it only when your child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you as you walk up or down.
Some strollers come as a travel system which includes both the car seat and the stroller. These products are often more expensive and convenient than their standalone counterparts, and they may not be as effective in the long run. Additionally, many parents later regret purchasing a bundle product because it might not have all of the features they desire or may turn out to not be compatible with their car or child's seat. If you plan to upgrade your product in the future, we recommend that you buy a stroller separate from a capsule or car seat.
Stroller Folding
The best compact 3 wheel strollers fold easily and put away. Some locks automatically lock into place when you open them. This feature can be especially beneficial for families that frequently use public transportation or drive prior to going for a a walk.
Three-wheeled strollers are able to maneuver easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many also come equipped with suspension systems that offer an easier ride for your baby, which can be especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.
If you're seeking a jogging stroller that isn't heavy Guava Roam Crossover is a good alternative. It's a stylish stroller that can be used as a travel set-up with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats as well as the bassinet Uppababy (car seats and stroller boards sold separately). The stroller folds in two steps and locks into position when it is opened.
Another stylish 3-wheel jogging stroller is the Babyzen Yoyo 2. This stroller is a little more expensive than our top picks but is worth it if you travel frequently or live in the city. This lightweight stroller can be folded down to a tiny 20 x 17 x 7 inch size. It comes with five-point, no-rethread padded harness. It can be used as a pram to carry newborns or toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).
While the Babyzen offers some great features, including an ample recline and additional storage space, some parents have been disappointed with its performance. The seat doesn't lay flat when it is reclining and there aren't cup holders or snack trays for children. The brakes are difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.
The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as possible without sacrificing comfort or ease of use. It has an impressive list of features, including a spacious basket and a one-handed fold. The only drawback to this stroller is that the brakes can be a bit difficult to engage and they're not locked after the stroller is folded.
Stroller Safety
The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child safe during use. The top-scoring strollers in our review have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, padding straps for the crotch. 3 wheeler stroller allows for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that shields your child's head if they fall or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with safety brakes that lock two wheels, which is particularly important for jogging strollers 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 the maneuverability of strollers was evaluated in three distinct ways. We rated it based on the ability to turn and bounce when bumps or dips are encountered and its comfort with a child in it, and its ability to traverse rough terrain. We also assessed the ease of opening and closing the safety harness as well as folding and unfolding the stroller, changing the backrest and height of the handlebar and operating the brakes as well as attaching and removing car seats (if applicable).
We discovered that some 3-wheel strollers are easier to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit 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 do not have this feature. Only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel strollers has it.
It is also important to think about how often you will have to take your stroller up the stairs or an escalator and whether it's safe to do this while the stroller is in its 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 are able, we recommend using an elevator or having another adult assist you with the stroller. Some of the best-rated strollers can be carried up a set of stairs or a set with the safety brake engaged. But it's safer to be safe than sorry.