3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). They usually have large front wheels that can deal well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts, which could mean they are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect design to ensure they stay solid in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with rocks, mud, and more. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. 3 wheeled pushchair features a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to store all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It also handles some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should pick one with big tires. These are made to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease while providing an enjoyable ride. They are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback 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-wheel buggy is very mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping regularly. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller with baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot underestimate how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. The carrycot included is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and padded seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be lowered down to the lowest point. This should allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which offers the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame, rather than on top like an open-back seat. This provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other useful features, such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be placed in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that can adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) which is a world's first that can take a single infant from day one and adapt to take 2 or even three once your little ones have developed in the space of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your convenience. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames didn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure to check out the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the top of them that can be used as a single from day dot and then converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to negotiate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and require air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
3 wheeled pushchair can be used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's sliding, then it is a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres on a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate around the town.