3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seats that are set comfortably within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them an excellent option for off-road walks (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 wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts which means they can topple over more readily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. They also have an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which makes them perfect to navigate difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with a car seat or a carrycot. It can also handle a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with big tires. 3 wheel pushchair are designed to tackle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks easily while providing an enjoyable ride. They are also ideal for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb 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 to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air tyres, that require occasional pumping, and it can carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on the seat.
Another option that is great 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 can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram 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 that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can use the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest position. This should still give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is positioned inside the frame, rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This creates a lower center of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat handled these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day dot and then adjust to take 2 or even three once your baby has developed in the space of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will also be equipped with a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it right from birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats when your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these and can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, which is why it is recommended to always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres but they're still as sturdy. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide well on smooth and tightly woven 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 rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain that's common to this type of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable as it loses its springy nature. These tyres also make a lot of noise, as they make lots of noise when you turn and drive around the town.