3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They can also be easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned comfortably within the frame, providing the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some even have a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they topple over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain steady in any weather. They should be able of turning at a single click and be able to steer with just one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks and more. Many all-terrain buggies have an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that can recline flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with big wheels. They can handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, and provide an enjoyable ride for anyone. They're also good for jogging as they have built in suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 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 air-filled tyres that need to be pumped up from time to time. It can carry children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram that comes with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned in the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity at the perfect height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you will do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. For newborns, there is the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should still allow your child to have plenty of room and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This creates a lower center of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this kind of seat negotiated these obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to improve their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that will grow along with your family, the sport(tm) is a world first that can take in infants and be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved with just one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, which means you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure to verify the dimensions when the buggy is folded before buying.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the top of them; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
3 wheeler pushchair filled tyres are made to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be filled regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres, but they are just as durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide over flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually identify the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one, if it feels hard then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam will lose its springy nature. Also, these types of tyres can typically be noisy because they create a lot of noise when you turn and make your way around town.