3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for rough terrain and provides a smooth ride for your infant. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed perfectly in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, making them an ideal option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they topple over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all weather conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to steer using just one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel at the front which can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an ideal option for runners or those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features the flat-reclining seat, five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to store all your equipment (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with big wheels. These will cope well over grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. They are also great for jogging because they have built in suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very mobile due to its 16 rear wheels and the front wheel can be locked. It comes with tyres filled with air which require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on the board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits into a the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the frame of the buggie instead of over it like modular seats. This design delivers an lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in three wheelers. For newborns it is possible to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats do not recline completely however, they can be lowered to the lowest setting which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It has the advantage that it is located within 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 easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled challenges.
This type of buggy has an enormous basket, along with other beneficial features such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility which can be put on the front of the passengers to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate a newborn and then be modified to accommodate three or four children as they grow, all within one footprint.
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 can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle to ensure your ease. It is also equipped with a carrycot and car seat so you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions when the buggy is folded prior to purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them that can be used as a single unit from day dot, and then transforms into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil and 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 and will need to be filled regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are equally durable. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide over flat and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels hard then it's made of rubber, when it slides, it's a PU. You can also confirm that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding the tyres over an even, clean surface They'll be able to roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around town.