3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for tackling off-road terrain providing the most comfortable ride for your baby. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). They usually have large front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect geometry to ensure that they remain stable in any condition. They should be able to turn at a single click and be able to steer using just one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for a model with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with dirt, gravel, and so on. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is an excellent option for runners and those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a 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 equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with big tires. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for any passenger. These are also great for jogging because they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be 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 is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. 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 she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits into a the car's boot space in a small size. It can be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the buggie's frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This design delivers a lower center of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot underestimate how often you'll do that as new parents!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. For newborns it is possible to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest point. This should give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is located within the frame, instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a 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 kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other beneficial features, such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights which can be put in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that will grow along with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first, can accommodate the newborn, and later be adapted to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also ideal for difficult terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your comfort. It will accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, meaning you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and can help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the most popular and can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an amazing ride for my 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 sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be replenished regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, so you should always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option 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 smooth and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to identify 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 check that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain that's associated with this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam can compress and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy due to the fact that they create lots of noise when you turn and navigate around town.