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3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking for an jogging stroller, or simply looking for an all-purpose stroller for everyday use there's a compact three-wheel stroller for you. Wendy Schmitz, Senior Review Writer and Managing Editor at Sentry, put these models to the test on both roads and off-road surfaces. They also evaluated the comfort of the seats for children.

Stroller Features

The top strollers come with features that allow you to travel with your little one more enjoyable. Find features that make life easier, such as a large storage bin, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy, and more when looking for the latest stroller. It's important to know which features are essential for you and your family members and which you can do without.

BOB Gear Wayfinder is our top-rated stroller for running. It comes with a variety of practical features that keep parents content and comfortable. The handlebar adjusts to three different positions to accommodate caregivers of all sizes and the wrist strap helps ensure that the stroller won't roll away when you're running. The Wayfinder also comes with the largest sunshade we've seen in our test group with a clear view on top that lets kids peek out while they're resting. Jenni's 3 wheel buggies-year old found the seat to be comfortably padded, so bumps in the road don't make him feel too shaken.

This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help keep control on slippery surfaces. It folds to an extremely compact and slim size that takes up a tiny space in the trunk of your car, and it can convert into a travel system with select infant car seats from brands including Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex using the purchase of an adapter. It can also be used with the Uppababy Mesa V2 bassinet.

Solid tires are a must for strollers that will be used on rough terrains. Although they don't offer the same degree of comfort as air-filled or foam-filled tires, they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps easily.

This stroller is a jogging model and has an easy-to-use fold that only requires two steps. It locks when folded, and it's small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple than our other four-wheel strollers to maneuver, and the locking mechanism can be a little complicated. It requires pressing a button on the front of the stroller, opening a flap that is located near the foot area, and lifting a handle. We'd like to see a simpler system that simply clicks into place or opens when pulled.

Stroller Weight

The overall weight is a significant consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and can perform better on uneven terrain. Many parents find a lighter stroller easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.

The size and type of the wheels is another important feature. Certain strollers, such as those that run on jogging with larger wheels will provide a more comfortable experience for infants. The larger wheels can add weight to the stroller and make it difficult to fold and store, transport and fold.

Some models in our selection come with air-filled tires, which are designed to provide a safe and comfortable ride for your child even over rough terrain. However, air-filled tires could quickly become flat and require you to change them out. If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller, we recommend an option with sturdy tires that can withstand regular contact with different surfaces 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-related injuries and can be particularly hazardous for infants. If you are unable to avoid the stairs or escalator with your stroller, we recommend using it only when the child is securely strapped in the seat. Keep them close to you when walking up or down.

Some strollers are a travel system which includes both the car seat as well as the stroller. These are typically more expensive and commodious than their separate counterparts and they may not be as effective in the long term. Many parents regret purchasing a bundle product because it may not have all the features they want or be incompatible with their car or child's seat. We suggest you select a stroller that can be purchased separately from a car seat or capsule if you want to upgrade to a more sophisticated model in the near future.

Stroller Folding

The best compact 3 wheel umbrella stroller wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some lock automatically into place when you open them. This feature is particularly useful for families who regularly take public transport or drive to walk.

Three-wheel strollers are designed to move around tight spaces like aisles in grocery stores and other areas that are crowded with ease. Many are equipped with suspension systems that provide an easier ride. This is especially useful on sidewalks that are bumpy.

The Guava Roam is a lightweight jogging stroller. It's a good-looking stroller that can be used as a travel system with the matching car seat adapters for Nuna Maxi-Cosi, and Cybex infant carseats, as well as the Uppababy bassinet (car seats and stroller board are sold separately). The stroller folds down in two steps and locks in place when it is opened.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another stylish 3-wheeled jogging stroller that looks nice. It's a bit more expensive than some of our top picks, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or reside in the city. The stroller is lightweight and folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1) and has a padded, adjustable 5-point harness that is no-rethread and a large basket. It can also be used as a pram for newborns or young toddlers (with an infant car seat adapter).

The Babyzen is a great product with some nice features. It is spacious in its recline, and it also has storage space. However, some parents are disappointed in its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when it's reclining, and there are no cup holders or a tray to serve snacks to children. The brakes are a bit difficult to activate and the handlebars are a bit high for some moms.

The Graco Fastaction is another stroller that's designed to be as light as it can without skimping on the comfort or convenience. It has an impressive list of features, including a large basket and a fold that is one-handed. The only downside is that the brakes can be difficult to engage and do not remain locked when the stroller is folded.

Stroller Safety

A stroller's safety features should aid in keeping your child safe while using it. Some of the best-scoring strollers we've reviewed have five-point safety harnesses with adjustable and cushioned straps for the crotch. This allows for a customized fit. Some strollers have a padded cushion that protects your child's head if they roll off or fall out of their seat. Some strollers are equipped with a safety lock that secures both wheels. This is especially important for jogging walkers, as it stops them from falling over while walking up and down escalators and stairs.

In our tests, we rated the strollers' maneuverability in three different ways: a product's ability to bounce and turn over dips and bumps, its ability to maneuver when loaded with children and its ability to maneuver over rough surfaces. We also evaluated the ease of opening and closing the safety harness folding and unfolding the stroller, changing its backrest and handlebar height as well as operating the brakes as being able to attach and remove car seats (if applicable).

We found that 3 wheel buggy-wheel strollers were more maneuverable however the advantages decreased as the weight of the baby increased. That's why we recommend choosing one with hand brakes, which helps you slow down and come to a stop with as little effort as using body power alone. However, the majority of best lightweight 3 wheel stroller-scoring swivel wheel strollers don't come with this feature and only one of our top-rated fixed-wheel models has it.

It is important to think about how often you'll be required to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs, and if it's safe to do it. Elevators and stairs are more risky because they contain moving mechanical components that make it difficult for you to control your stroller. We recommend finding an alternative to these hazards, like an elevator, if possible, or having another adult carry the stroller up or down with you. Some of the top-scoring strollers can be carried up the stairs or an escalator, with their safety brake locked and engaged however it's safer to be safe than not be.