3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for off-roading providing a smooth ride for your infant. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the best shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). They usually have large front wheels that can deal well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect design to ensure they stay steady in any weather. They should be able turn on a dime and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and are able to withstand rocks, mud, gravel and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies have an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should choose one with big tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. They're also ideal for jogging as they come with suspension and are simple to get up and down kerbs. However, they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air-filled tyres that require pumping up every now and then. It can carry children up until 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 three-year-old in the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar as well as a hood that is 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 also be used as a pram with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the buggie's frame instead of over it like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot think about the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. For babies you have the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can use the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. 3 wheeled pushchair are not able to fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest point. This should give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is positioned inside the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat handled these obstacles.
This type of buggy has an extensive basket and other features that are useful like an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned in front of the occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a world first designed to accommodate infants and be adapted to accommodate three or more children as they grow. All in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and stable to push one handed and is also ideal for handling difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your ease. It should also be able to take the form of a car seat and carrycot so you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frames didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure to check out the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and can help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and later converted into twin buggies once your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They're commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be tricky to keep inflated and must be filled regularly. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, so it is recommended to always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between PU and air-filled tires by running your hands over them, if it feels firm, 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 across flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly 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 common to this type of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam can compress and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy nature. These tyres also make a lot of noise because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around the town.