3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for your child. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units that are positioned tightly in the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's a good choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best design to ensure they stay solid in all conditions. They should be able of turning at a single click and be easy to steer with just one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces you should look for an air-filled model which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It can also be used for light jogging, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with large wheels. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, while providing a smooth ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres, that require occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her 3 year old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with a movable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs and 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 are tucked inside the frame of the buggie, as opposed to on top of it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the right height. It is simpler to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll need to do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. For newborns you have the option to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be lowered to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is placed inside the frame instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity with 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 handled challenges.
This type of buggy has 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 unique visibility lights that can be placed on the front of the passengers to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that will grow with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) which is a world's first that can take one baby from day one and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your baby has grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your comfort. It is also equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot so you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car booties - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the most suitable option for your future and can save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among 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 begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. These are used on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to maneuver around kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more vulnerable 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 handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres, but they are still just as sturdy. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually identify the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over each one. If it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. 3 wheeler pushchair can also check whether your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres over an even, clean surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies as well as Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain that's associated with this kind of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam could compress and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate around the town.