3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain, offering an easy ride for your child. They are also easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheeler, especially if they have fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned comfortably within the frame, providing the best geometry 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). They usually have large front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional 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 could mean they can topple over more readily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They must be able to pivot at a whim, be easy to steer with one hand, and feature a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces you should look for a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an excellent option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially if you're planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for infants and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with large wheels. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease and still provide a smooth ride. They're also good for jogging because they're equipped with suspension and are simple to get up and down kerbs. However, the trade off 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 is very maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old on the board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the buggie's frame rather than over it like modular seats. This design provides an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot think about how often you'll do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are many alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should still give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It has the advantage that it is located inside the frame instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push, especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this type of seat negotiated these challenges.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and a few game-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a single stroller that will expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single infant from the moment of birth and adapt to take 2 or even three once your baby has developed in the space of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed, and it's also great for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It should also be able to take the form of a car seat and carrycot and you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy and later transformed into twin buggies when your baby is walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. 3 wheeler pushchair are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, and you should always have an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels like it is sliding then it's a rubber or PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres on a clean, flat surface They'll roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy feel. Also, these tyres may frequently be noisy, as they create a lot of noise when you turn and make your way around the town.