3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for tackling off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for your child. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them an excellent choice for off-road walking (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to make them very stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel, which makes them ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
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 connect to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or a carrycot. It can also handle a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with big wheels. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for all passengers. They are also great for jogging as they're equipped with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and the front wheel can be locked. It has tyres with air which require pumping up every now and then. It can carry children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old son on the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable 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 can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable 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 does have adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats don't recline fully however, they can be lowered to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. 3 wheeled pushchairs has the advantage that it is located inside the frame instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat dealt with obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate infants and be modified to fit three or more children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling difficult terrain. However, it means that the basket won't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and later converted into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. These are found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be topped up frequently. 3 wheeler pushchairs are prone to punctures, so you should always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally durable. You can tell PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide over smooth and tidy surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over them, if it feels firm, then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding them across flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam may compress and make your buggy feel less stable, because it loses its springy feel. These tyres are also noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around town.