3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-road jogging and tackling terrain that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also simpler to navigate up and down kerbs in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and 3 year old daughter, putting it through its paces on the road and on a rocky surface. Check out her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child's seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally thought to be more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worthwhile to consider as they are able to handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels, and one that locks on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to fall off when driving on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling unpaved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches or tracks in woodlands.
These are also the best buggies for running around in, as they offer great stability over rough terrain and help you keep pace with your jogging partner. They're also excellent at climbing and descending steep kerbs too, and most of them come with suspension built-in which means your child will be able to ride comfortably.
A stroller with 3 wheels isn't easy to maneuver because of its large frame. It can be more difficult to get through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. 3 wheeler pushchair have solved this issue with clever design that flips the wheels upwards when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to maneuver through doors.
You'll also need to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your child from birth or if you're planning on using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with a lie-flat feature and if it is compatible with second seat and buggy boards if you intend to bring your toddler along. A majority of 3-wheelers can fold flat, and later be placed upright. This is a good option if you only have a small boot space or a small amount of storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually offer better manoeuvrability than pushchairs with four wheels. They often have a swivelling front wheel which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some models come with wheels that lock to provide stability on rougher terrain. Some models can even be used with an additional seat or buggy board if you're looking to grow your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled vehicle off of tracks that are paved, it's worth choosing one equipped with tyres filled with air (also called pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require regular pumping but will be far more durable than tyres that are solid and more likely to be puncture-proof. Look for a model with the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to help you negotiate tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single wheel in front. Check to see if the model you're considering can fit in the boot of your car and can be stood up, should it be needed. Some models fold using one hand, and can be raised when folded. This will save space in small car boot.
A good three-wheel pushchair can take on any terrain from busy roads to forest tracks. But it's important to consider what you'll be using it for day-to-day. If you'll be running the school run using it, it should be able to handle the kerbs and steep slopes. If you'll be running with it, check that it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to keep the ride stable.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, found that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle both urban and walks in the countryside. She noted that it could navigate cobbles, rocky paths and uneven pavements with ease and was comfortable to jog with too. It's also a great choice for day trips as it is packed with storage space. This includes an ample, spacious zip-top basket that is covered and an expandable, 50+ UV hood. It can also be adapted for baby from birth with a lie-flat seat or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with most popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a seat made of fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It sits inside the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top like the modular chair. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically correct position of the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity, which is the ideal height. This leads to a smoother push, a more light curb-pop (you do not have to exert as much effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and more stability and balance.
The sling fabrics that are used in these kinds of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. Developed specifically with sling chair applications in mind, these fabrics are incredibly UV-resistant and air-tight. They also have a great anti-aging capability and are easy to clean using water and soap.
If you're a jogger or enjoy a bit of off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler could be more suitable than a buggy with four wheels. These types tend to have a wider base, more stable and utilise air filled tyres for agile smooth moving on uneven ground.
A brand most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. This all-terrain stroller boasts an enormous and spacious travel system seat unit which can be placed either parent or world facing. It also reclines flat and has an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used with car seats or a carrycot from birth. It comes with a large shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owners, is as beautiful to look at as it is to use. The angular frame features stunning pewter finish and touches of burnished aluminium. It is a real show-stopper. A big, padded seat that is world or parent-facing, with an improved 5-point safety harness and a full set of rain covers makes this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in a variety of ways to meet different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy setting for watching movies, or an open layout to entertain guests. Many modular seating systems also come with cushion covers that can be removed which makes it easier to clean spills and staining.
Modular Seating is available in different styles to match existing decor or as an accent piece. You can select from a variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to design an adjustable seating option that matches your personal style. Modular seating comes with many useful features, such as hidden storage compartments that make it easy to organizing.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large front wheel that is extremely maneuverable allows for smooth and swift movement. The tyres, which are usually air-filled and come with suspension, give you a great ride on the most difficult trails and roads. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they are with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them perfect for walking uphill.
Parents who like to run and jog with their babies usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they're more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features a sleek, burnished aluminum frame with a fast one-handed fold as well as rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features black frames with an infant carrycot that can be set in a full lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Another fantastic all-terrain choice is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy will last you from birth, and comes with a carrycot and toddlerhood with the modular seat. This is all done within the footprint of one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side vehicle that's small enough for urban living, yet large on innovation and control. It features an exclusive seat made of fabric that is placed snugly within the frame at the perfect height for weight distribution. This allows for easy crossing of kerbs and for navigating cities and neighborhoods.