3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric sling seats or seats that are set snugly in the frame, offering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, and this makes them an ideal choice for off-road walking (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they topple over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been designed with perfect geometry to ensure that they remain solid in all conditions. They must be able to pivot at a whim, be easy to steer with just one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to handle rocks, mud, gravel and more. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel at the front which can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with car seats or a carrycot. It can also handle some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. These will cope well over grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they are quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that offers 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards, and can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the frame of the buggie instead of on top of it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. The included carrycot plus is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lying-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest point. This should still allow your child to have plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling seat is also available. It has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame rather than on top like a modular seat and this provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with obstacles.
In addition to a big 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 games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to improve their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can grow with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day one and change to take two or even 3 after your baby has developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more stable to push with one hand and also perfect for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. 3 wheeler pushchair shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your convenience. It should also be equipped with the form of a car seat and carrycot which means you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car booties - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth considering a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats once your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular that can be used as a single seat from day dot, and then transforms to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
They can be difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be filled regularly. They are also more prone 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 are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also glide well on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over them, if it feels hard, then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit comfortably 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 common to this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy nature. Additionally, these types of tyres can typically be noisy because they generate a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way through the town.