3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and offers the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it is a great choice for off road walking (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 models have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they are more likely to fall over. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best design to ensure they stay stable in any condition. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with a 360o rotating front wheel, which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is a good option for runners or those who like to walk quickly and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It can also be used for light jogging but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should choose one with big tires. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks and provide a smooth ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, they're quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 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, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air-filled tyres which require pumping regularly. It can accommodate children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on board.
Another option that is great 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 move up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram, with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie instead of on top of it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is much 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 seating of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats aren't fully reclined however they can be adjusted to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is positioned within the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat dealt with the obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other beneficial features like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be placed in front of occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow along with your family The sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate a newborn and then be modified to accommodate three or four children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle to ensure your convenience. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and can save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and later transformed into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be tricky to keep inflated and need to be topped up frequently. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres, yet they're still as sturdy. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, you can determine if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it is sliding then it is a PU. You can also confirm that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres on a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies as well as Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's common to this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these tyres may often be noisy as they create a lot of noise as you turn and make your way around the town.