3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain, offering the most comfortable ride for your baby. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, and this makes them an ideal option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best geometry to ensure that they remain stable in any condition. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to steer using just one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock and so on. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent 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 a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. 3 wheeled pushchair Push Chairs & Prams can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that will take on tricky 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 are also great for jogging because they're equipped with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally and can hold children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape 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, which has an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits into a the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the buggie's frame instead of sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different options to choose from. The carrycot included is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lying-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest point. This should still allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is located inside the frame rather than on top as a modular seat. This creates a lower center of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat dealt with obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other features that are useful like an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights which can be put in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate infants and be adapted to accommodate three or four children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and stable to push with one hand and also perfect for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames didn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before purchasing.
Choose 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 most popular. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy, and later converted into twin buggies after your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. These tyres are more prone to punctures, which is why it is recommended to always carry 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 durable. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide across smooth and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres sliding them onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam may shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy nature. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they make a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way through town.