3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them an ideal option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough ground. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts, which could mean they can topple over more readily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also have the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which makes them perfect for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when working on extremely rough terrain too.
3 wheeler pushchair -wheel stroller is an ideal option for runners or those who like to walk quickly and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with large tires. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging, as they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're quite 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 has air-filled tyres which require pumping up from time to time. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she found it easy to drive with her 3 year old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned in the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can 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 many different options to pick from. For newborns it is possible to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the parent-facing or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed inside the frame, rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled the obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first that can take in infants and be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling difficult terrain. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, which means you can use it from the time of birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure to check out the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the most popular and can be used as a single from day dot and then converts to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. These are found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be replenished regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump in case you go you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over each one. If it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, if it slides then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this kind of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam can compress and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy quality. Also, these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way around the town.