3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and offers the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front for extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain steady in any weather. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to steer with one hand, and feature 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to take on mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheeler is an excellent option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially when you plan to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle a bit of moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should pick one with big tires. These are designed to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease while providing smooth riding. They are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, 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 comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to drive with her 3-year-old riding along.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards, and can fit into the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly within the buggie's frame, as opposed to over it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different choices to choose from. For newborns it is possible to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent-facing or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is positioned inside the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with challenges.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some games-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take one baby from day one and change to take two or even 3 after your baby has grown in the space of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking for a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats once 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 most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy and later transformed into twin buggies after your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres, yet they're just as robust. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they are PU or rubber. If it feels like it's sliding, then it is a PU. You can also confirm that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by slipping the tyres over flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy nature. Also, these types of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through town.