3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it's a good choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions which means they are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been designed with perfect design to ensure they stay steady in any weather. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, and so on. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an 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 or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space for all your equipment (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with big tires. They can handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks and provide a smooth ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging as they come with 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 most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels with an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old son on the board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits into a the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll need to do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. For newborns you have the option to use the included carrycot plus (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 be seated in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of sitting on top as the modular seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way that this style 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 some innovative visibility lights that can be placed in front of occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're seeking a single stroller that can expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take a single infant from day one and adapt to take 2 or even 3 after your little ones have grown and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle for your comfort. It should be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, meaning you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats when your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy and then converted into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with 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 found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to maneuver around kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be topped up frequently. These tyres are more prone to punctures, which is why you should always have a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than tyres filled with air, but they are just as durable. You can identify PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres you can determine if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it is sliding then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
3 wheeler pushchairs are able to withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam could expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable because it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate around the town.