3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed perfectly within the frame, providing the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). These buggys often have oversized front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been designed with perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They must be able to pivot at a single click, be easy to steer with just one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, and more. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough ground too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for infants and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle the tough terrain then you want one with large wheels. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for any passenger. They're also ideal for jogging as they come with suspension and are simple to climb and descend kerbs. However, the trade off 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 has 16 rear wheels with an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has air tyres, that require occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old riding along.
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 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 that comes with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is easier to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll need to do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. For babies you have the option to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It is placed snugly within the frame instead of sitting on top as a modular seat and this delivers a much lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with the obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the passengers to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take one baby from day dot and then adjust to take 2 or even 3 once your children have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable and stable to push with one hand, and it's also great for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, three wheel pushchairs does mean that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle to ensure your convenience. It will also be equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot and you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home's 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 a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) This is the best choice for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy and later transformed into twin buggies once your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and need to be replenished regularly. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, which is why you should always have a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres you can tell if they're PU or rubber. If it feels as if it is sliding then it's a rubber tyre, which is a. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres onto flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam may compress and make your buggy feel less stable, as it loses its springy quality. You'll also find that these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way through the town.