3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain and provides an easy ride for your infant. They are also simpler 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 positioned tightly in the frame and deliver the best geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them a great option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). three wheel pushchair have larger front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember 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 pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also have the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel, which is ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging be sure to choose an air-filled model which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with rocks, mud, etc. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat. It also features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to tackle terrain that is difficult, you should choose one with large tires. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease while providing a smooth ride. They're also ideal for jogging because they have built in suspension and are simple to climb and descend 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-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has tyres with air that need to be pumped regularly. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat and found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on the board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie rather than sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design provides an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this as a new parent!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lay-flat bed that can be used both 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 fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest position. This should give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame rather than on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way that this style of seat negotiated these obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other beneficial features such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned in front of the occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that can grow with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take one baby from day one and change to take two or even 3 after your little ones have developed in the space of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your ease. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, meaning you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and can help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these and can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tires of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres but they're still as robust. You can identify PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft feel. They also slide over flat and tidied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it's sliding, then it's a rubber or PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres onto flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy appear less stable since it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.