3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for your child. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric slings or seat units, which are positioned tightly in the frame and deliver the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They usually have large front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. lightweight 3 wheel stroller pushchairsandprams have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using just one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel that makes them great for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces, look out for a model with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is a good option for runners and those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. These are designed to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease, while still providing a smooth ride. These are also great for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped up every now and then. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat and 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 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 fits in a the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the buggie's frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you'll do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different options to pick from. The carrycot included is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lying-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should still give your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It offers the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame, rather than over the top of a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat dealt with challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other beneficial features, such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family The sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate the newborn, and later be modified to accommodate three or more children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it also means that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle for your convenience. It should also be able to take car seats and a carrycot and you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used from 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 a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain and must be topped up frequently. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit, 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 just as robust. You can recognise PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide across smooth and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres onto flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam could expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, as it loses its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn or drive around town.