3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for tackling off-road terrain providing a smooth ride for your infant. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned comfortably in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). 3 wheeled pushchair Pushchairs & Prams have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some even feature a lockable front tire to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they topple over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also have a 360o rotating front wheel, which makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. They are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and are able to withstand mud, gravel, rocks and more. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an excellent option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (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 however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should choose one with large tires. These are made to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease and still provide a smooth ride. They are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down 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). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels with an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with air tyres that require occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the design of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the seat.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller along with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design has an lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never overestimate how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different choices to choose from. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can be seated in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should still give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It is positioned snugly inside the frame rather than over the top of a modular seat and this provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat handled these challenges.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) that is the first in the world to take one baby from day one and change to take two or even 3 once your children have developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. However, it means that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your ease. It will be able to accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best option for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these; it can be used as a single from day dot, and then transforms to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like 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 the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide across flat and tidy surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between PU and air-filled tires by running your hands over each one. If it feels firm, then it's made of rubber, when it slides, it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain that's associated with this kind of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy feel less stable because it loses its springy nature. These tyres also make a lot of noise, as they make lots of noise when you turn or drive around the town.