3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They can also be easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed snugly within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models even feature a lockable front tire to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they can tip over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best geometry to ensure they remain steady in any weather. They should be able to turn on a dime and be able to steer using just one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners or those who like to walk quickly and uphill, especially if you're planning to attach a carrycot or car seat. three wheel pushchair is an excellent example. It features the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep all your equipment (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with large wheels. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, while providing a smooth ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel which makes it very maneuverable. It has air tyres which require pumping occasionally and can hold a child up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the design of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It has an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a small car boot. It can be used as a stroller with baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the frame of the buggie, as opposed to on top of it like modular seats. This design has a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you should never overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. The included carrycot plus is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lay-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be lowered down to the lowest point. This should allow your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame rather than on top like the modular seat. This provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this kind of seat dealt with these obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's a brand new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single infant from day one and change to take two or even 3 once your little ones have developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it means that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will also be equipped with a carrycot and car seat so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car booties - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) This is the best choice for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular that can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. These tyres are more prone to punctures, and it is recommended to always carry a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres are typically found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally robust. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels firm, then it's made of rubber, if it slides then it's a PU. You can also verify that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding the tyres over flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam may compress and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy quality. These tyres are also noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.