3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading, offering an easy ride for your infant. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric slings or modular seats that are set comfortably in the frame, delivering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts which means they are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. look these up feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough terrain too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for runners and those who love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It can also handle some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should pick one with big tires. They are designed to tackle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease, while still providing smooth riding. These are also great for jogging because they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air tyres which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat and found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high-quality hood. 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 stroller with an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the frame of the buggie instead of sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design has a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never think about how often you'll do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to choose from. For a newborn you have the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can use the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should still allow your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is located inside the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other beneficial features like an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned in front of occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that can expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single infant from day one and change to take two or even 3 once your little ones have grown and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling rough terrain. However, it does mean that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle to ensure your ease. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, meaning you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking for a 3-wheeler that can take two (or even 3!) seats when your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggie and later transformed into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They're commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are equally durable. PU tires are easily distinguished 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 rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's sliding, then it is a rubber or PU. You can also confirm that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface They'll roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam could compress and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy quality. These tyres also make a lot of noise, as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate around town.