3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the best shape and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front for extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they topple over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best design to ensure they stay stable in any condition. They should be able of turning at a whim and be able to steer using just one hand, and feature 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when dealing with extremely rough ground too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that can recline flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle a bit of light jogging, but isn't 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. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease, while still providing a smooth ride. Pushchairs And Prams are also great for jogging because they have a suspension built-in and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has tyres with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. 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 upwards and downwards and fits into a small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie rather than over it like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you should never overestimate how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. The carrycot included is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lying-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should allow your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of sitting on top as the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other features that are useful, such as an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility which can be put on the front of the passengers to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is the first in the world to take a single newborn from the moment of birth and adapt to take 2 or even 3 after your children have developed, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle to ensure your ease. It is also equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat so you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them and can be used as a single seat from day dot, and then transforms to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, so you should always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as durable. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they are 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 onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam may shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, because it loses its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate around town.