3 Wheel Compact Stroller Review

There are three wheel buggies-wheel strollers that fit all ages, whether you're looking for a jogging stoller or an all-purpose stroller to use for every day. Managing Editor Sentry and Senior Review Writer Wendy Schmitz put these models through the paces on both pavement and off-road surfaces, aswell as testing children's comfort in the seats.

Stroller Features

The best strollers have features that make traveling with your child a lot easier. If you're shopping for a new 3 wheel stroller lightweight-wheel stroller or a 4-wheel stroller, look for features that make life easier, such as a large storage basket, parent tray with cup holders, a movable canopy and more. The most important thing is to determine 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 comes with a variety of useful features that will keep parents comfortable and happy. The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights to accommodate caregivers. A wrist strap prevents the stroller from rolling away while you are jogging. The Wayfinder features the biggest sunshade of all the strollers we tested and a glass window on the top lets children to see out when they're resting. Jenni's 3-year old found the seat to be comfortably cushioned, which means bumps on the road won't shake him up too much.

This jogging stoller comes with the handbrake to help maintain control on slippery surfaces. It folds into a slim, compact package that takes up little space in your car's trunk. You can also convert it to an e-travel system by purchasing an adapter. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.

Solid tires are crucial for strollers that are used on rough terrains. Solid tires are not as comfortable as spongy-filled or air-filled tires, but they're perfect for navigating potholes and bumps.

This jogging stroller features a fold-up that takes just two steps. It locks in place when folded and is small enough to fit in the majority of elevators. It's not as simple as our other four-wheel strollers, and the locking mechanism can be somewhat complicated. It involves clicking an icon on the front of the stroller, a flap near the foot area, and lifting a 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 overall stroller is an important aspect to take into consideration. A heavier stroller is more stable and will perform better on rough terrain. However, many parents find that a stroller with a lighter weight is easier to maneuver and is more suitable for daily use.

The shape and size of the wheels is an important aspect. Some strollers, such as ones that jog have wheels that are larger and can provide a smoother experience for infants. However, larger wheels add to 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 comfortable, stable ride to your child even on rough terrain. However, air-filled tires can quickly become flat and need to be changed 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 that have swivel wheels at the front are great to safely navigate escalators and stairs. Falls on escalators or stairs are the most frequent stroller-related injuries and can be particularly dangerous for infants. If you cannot avoid using the stairs or escalator in your stroller, we suggest using it only when the child is safely strapped into the seat and hold them close to you when walking up or down.

Some strollers are available as complete travel systems that includes the car seat and stroller are sold as a single unit. While these types of products typically boast attractive prices and offer convenience by cutting down on shopping time however, they are typically more expensive than standalone models and might not perform in the long run. Many parents are disappointed when they purchase bundles because they may not have all the features they would like or may not be compatible with their child's car seat or. If you are planning to upgrade in the future we recommend you purchase a stroller separately from car seats or capsules.

Stroller Folding

The best compact 3 wheel strollers are easy to fold and store. Some even lock in position automatically when you open them. This feature is especially useful for families who frequently use public transportation or drive to take a walk.

Three-wheeled strollers can be pushed easily in tight spaces, such as grocery store aisles or other areas that are crowded. Many are equipped with suspension systems for an easier ride. This is especially beneficial on bumpy sidewalks.

If you're looking for a stroller that is jogging-friendly that won't weigh you down Guava Roam Crossover is a great option. The stroller is a stylish stroller that can also be used as part of a travel set-up with adapters for car seats to fit Nuna MaxiCosi, Cybex, and Nuna infant carseats, and the Uppababy Bassinet. (Car seats and stroller boards are sold separately). The stroller features an easy two-step fold that can be locked once it is opened.

The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is another attractive 3-wheeled jogging stroller with a nice design. It's a bit more expensive than our top picks, but it's worth the investment if you love to travel or live in the city. This lightweight stroller folds down to a small size (20.5 x 17.3 wheel jogger x 7.1) and has padding, a detachable, five-point no-rethread harness and a large basket. It can be used as a stroller for infants and young toddlers with an infant car seat adapter.

While the Babyzen has some nice features, like the spacious recline and the extra storage space, certain parents have been dissatisfied with its performance. The seat isn't fully flat when reclined and there are no cups or a snack tray for children. The brakes can be a little difficult to engage and the handlebars are too high for certain moms.

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

Stroller Safety

The safety features of a stroller should aid in keeping your child secure during use. The top-scoring strollers we've reviewed come with five-point safety harnesses with adjustable, cushioned straps for the crotch. This allows for a custom fit. Some strollers come with a padded cushion that protects your child's head in the event that they fall off or roll out of their seat. Some strollers come with a safety brake that locks two wheels. This is especially important for jogging strollers because it prevents them from rolling over when they're going up and down escalators or stairs where they can be especially risky for children.

In our tests strollers' maneuverability was assessed in three different ways. We evaluated it based on a product's capability to turn and bounce when bumps and dips are encountered, its ease of use with a child in 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 the backrest, handlebar height, operate the brakes, and attach and remove car seats (if necessary).

We found that some 3-wheel strollers are simpler to maneuver than the 4-wheel models however this benefit diminishes as your baby grows heavier. This is why we recommend one with a hand brake that allows you to slow down and come to a stop without as much effort as using body power alone. Many of the top-scoring swivel-wheel strollers do not have this option. Only one of our top-rated fixed wheel strollers comes with it.

You should also consider the frequency you'll have to use your stroller to go up and down escalators or stairs and if it is safe to do it. Escalators and stairs present greater risk because they move mechanical components which make it difficult to control the motion of the stroller. If you can choose to, we suggest using an elevator or having an adult help you carry the stroller. Some of the best-scoring strollers are able to be taken onto the stairs or an escalator with their safety brake engaged and locked, but it's always better to be safer than sorry.