3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed snugly in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, which makes them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts, which could mean they 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 weather conditions. 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 makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to take on mud, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies come with a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should select one with big tires. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide an enjoyable ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped up from time to time. It can accommodate children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the seat.
Push Chairs And Prams 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 into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly within the frame of the buggie, as opposed to on top of it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the ideal height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you don't know how many times you will do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats aren't fully reclined however, they can be lowered to the lowest level that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which offers the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame, rather than over the top of the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push, especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow with your family The sport(tm) is a world first designed to accommodate the newborn, and later be adapted to accommodate three or four children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also better for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and a padded handle to ensure your comfort. It will also be able to take car seats and a carrycot which means you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to check out the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) seats once your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy and then converted into twin buggies once your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. These are used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain and need to be topped up frequently. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also glide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres, you can determine if they're rubber or PU. If it feels like it's moving, then it is a rubber or PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them across an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain that's associated with this kind of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable since it loses its springy quality. Also, these tyres may typically be noisy because they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through town.