3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are positioned comfortably within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it is a great choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). They usually have large front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they topple over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been designed with perfect design to ensure they stay solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel, which makes them perfect for navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on mud, gravel, rocks and more. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel stroller is an ideal option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight compact and safe for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should pick one with large tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks and provide an enjoyable ride for anyone. They're also ideal for jogging as they have built in suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. However, they're a bit heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3 year old in the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, and can fit into the boot of a car that is small. It can be used as a stroller along with baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the buggie's frame rather than sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design delivers a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never think about how often you'll be doing this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. The carrycot included is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lying-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will enjoy the large and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats do not recline completely, but they can be lowered to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
3 wheeled pushchair Pushchairs And Prams made of cloth is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top as an open-back seat. This provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) that is the first in the world to take a single newborn from day dot and then adjust to take 2 or even 3 once your little ones have developed, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed, and it's also great for handling rough terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It will also be equipped with car seats and a carrycot so you can use it from birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure to verify the dimensions when the buggy is folded before buying.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and can save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used from day dot as a single buggie and later converted into twin buggies after your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're just as durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide across smooth and tidy surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels as if it is sliding then it's a rubber or PU. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam could expand and cause your buggy to appear less stable because it loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they create a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way through the town.