3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. They can also be easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are placed perfectly in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They often feature oversized front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some even have a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they topple over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for runners and those who love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily, while still providing an enjoyable ride. They're also ideal for jogging since they come with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit 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-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres that require pumping up every now and then. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her three-year-old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits into a small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller along with baby carriers or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the buggie's frame, as opposed to sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height. It is easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you will do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is located within the frame, instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This creates a lower center of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled challenges.
This type of buggy has a large basket and other useful features like an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be placed in front of occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single newborn from day one and change to take two or even three once your little ones have developed in the space of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It should be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) seats when 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 top of them; it can be used as a single seat from day dot, and then transforms to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be filled regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can tell PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, then you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels as if it is sliding then it is a PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres on a clean, flat surface They'll roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy appear less stable as it loses its springy feel. Also, these tyres may typically be noisy because they make a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way around town.