3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seats that are set perfectly in the frame, delivering the best geometry 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 typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models even have a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they could fall more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on rocks, mud, gravel and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're 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 features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It also allows for a bit of moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should choose one with large tires. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide a smooth ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old on board.
3 wheel pushchair is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that offers 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll need to do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different options to pick from. The carrycot included is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should still allow your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It has the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame instead of over the top of a modular seat and this delivers a much 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 was impressed with the way this kind of seat dealt with these challenges.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to increase their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that will grow along with your family The sport(tm) is a first in the world designed to accommodate a newborn and then be modified to fit two or three children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it from the time of birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded prior to purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and can help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggie and later transformed into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're just as sturdy. You can recognise PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually identify the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels hard then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them across flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam loses its springy quality. These tyres also make a lot of noise, as they make a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.