3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain and provides an easy ride for your infant. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed perfectly in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, making them an ideal option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, can topple over more readily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best geometry to ensure that they remain stable in any condition. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also have an incline of 360o for the front wheel which makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and are able to withstand rocks, mud, gravel and more. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has 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 light and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with big wheels. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily and still provide an enjoyable ride. They are also ideal for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, they're quite heavy to push.
3 wheeler pushchair for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping regularly. It can accommodate children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her three-year-old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection and a high quality hood. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram, with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the buggie's frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This design delivers a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot think about the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and padded seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is located within the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way that this style of seat handled these obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that is a world's first that can take one baby from the moment of birth and adapt to take 2 or even three once your children have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved with just one hand. It's also ideal for difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will also be able to take the form of a car seat and carrycot so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 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 the day of birth as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies after your baby is walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and must be filled regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, but they're just as robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels like it's moving, then it is a rubber tyre, which is a. You can also test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres, by sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy appear less stable as it loses its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around the town.