3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and offers an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or seat units, which are positioned tightly in the frame and deliver the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it is a great choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some models even have a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they can tip over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain stable in any condition. They must be able to pivot 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.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when tackling extremely rough terrain too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that can recline flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy to tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with big tires. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease while providing smooth riding. They're also ideal for jogging as they're equipped with suspension and are simple to climb and descend kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. 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 said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the board.
Another option that is great 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's also simple to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. 3 wheeler pushchair can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is much easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. For newborns you have the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the world-facing or parent facing seat unit that is roomy and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should still give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which offers the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame rather than on top like an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way that this style of seat handled these challenges.
This type of buggy has an enormous basket, along with other useful features such as an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights which can be put in front of the occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day one and adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your baby has developed and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable to push with one hand and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) 3 wheel pushchair when your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy and later converted into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are just as robust. You can recognise PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they are PU or rubber. If it feels as if it is sliding then it's a PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.