3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for your baby. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame and deliver the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, making them an excellent choice for off-road walking (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 have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, can topple over more readily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime, be easy to steer with one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging, look out for an air-filled model, also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock and so on. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, and provide an enjoyable ride for any passenger. These are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres which require pumping regularly. It can carry children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the design of the seat and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs and can fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller along with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly within the buggie's frame, as opposed to on top of it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll need to do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. For a newborn it is possible to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is located inside the frame, instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other beneficial features, such as an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be placed on the front of the passengers for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that can grow with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single infant from day one and adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your children have grown, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also ideal for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat so you can use it right from the time you are born.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 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 best of these that can be used as a single seat from day dot and then converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and require air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
You can usually identify the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. recommended site can also check that your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres over flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy nature. Also, these kinds of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way around the town.