3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it's an ideal choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they can tip over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also have an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also a good option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It can also handle a bit of moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with large wheels. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide an enjoyable ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging because they come with suspension and are simple to climb and descend kerbs. However, three wheel pushchair off is that they can be 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 maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped regularly. It can accommodate children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she found it easy to drive with her 3 year old riding along.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection as well as a high-quality hood. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs and can fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the frame of the buggie rather than on top of it like modular seats. This design delivers a lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you should never underestimate how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in three wheelers. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should give your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is placed inside the frame rather than on top as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled the obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy generally has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the passengers to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family The sport(tm) is a first in the world, can accommodate the newborn, and later be modified to fit three or four children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also ideal for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It is also able to take car seats and a carrycot so you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying in case you're concerned about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and then converts to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as sturdy. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it's moving, then it's a rubber or PU. You can also check that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they create lots of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.