3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame and deliver the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough ground. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts which means they can topple over more readily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They must be able to pivot at a single click and be able to steer using just one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o that makes them great for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces, look out for models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on non-paved tracks and are able to deal with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners and those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially when you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has the flat-reclining seat, five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide a smooth ride for anyone. These are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped regularly. It can be used by children 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 seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a hood made 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 be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned inside the frame, not on top 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 think about the amount of times you'll have to do this as a new parent!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different options to choose from. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the world-facing or parent facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats don't recline fully however they can be lowered to the lowest setting which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this kind of seat dealt with these obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other beneficial features like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and a few innovative lights for visibility that can be placed in front of occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate infants and be modified to fit three or four children as they grow. All in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed, and it's also great for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your convenience. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to check out the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before buying.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (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 among the top of them that can be used as a single from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child an easier ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as sturdy. You can recognise PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide over smooth and tidy surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it is a PU. You can also test whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres by sliding them onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy feel less stable as it loses its springy quality. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they create a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way through the town.