3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for tackling off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for your baby. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some models even come with 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 lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also have the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel that makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging, look out for an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used with either a 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 handle the tough terrain then you want one with large wheels. They can handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging since they come with suspension and are easy to get up and down kerbs. The downside 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-wheeler has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she found steering it easy even with her 3 year old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a small car boot. It can be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the buggie's frame rather than over it like modular seats. This design has a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you should never underestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and padded seat unit with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline fully, but they can be lowered down to the lowest position. This should still give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed inside the frame rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way that this style of seat dealt with these challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other useful features such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be positioned in front of occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow along with your family The sport(tm) is a world first, can accommodate a newborn and then be modified to fit three or four children as they grow. All within one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle to ensure your convenience. It will also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and will help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular and can be used as a single from day dot and then converts to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and need to be filled regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, which is why you should always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also glide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
It's usually possible to identify the difference between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one. If it feels hard, then it's a rubber tyre, and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam will lose its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy because they generate a lot noise when you turn and drive around town.