3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy can be used for off-road walks and to tackle terrain from bumpy pavements or woodland tracks. They can also be easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath who is the editor of MadeForMums' reviews, tested one of these three-wheelers on tarmac and on various terrains. You can read her full review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that is balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. Three-wheel buggies are worth considering as they can take on anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, and one that locks on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap apart when you're on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres as well, which are ideal for handling uneven surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They are also excellent buggies to run with since they offer excellent stability on rougher terrain, and can help you stay with your running companion. They're also excellent at going up and down steep kerbs too Most buggies come with a suspension built in that means your baby will be able to ride comfortably.
The main thing that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to maneuver is the large frame, which can make it harder to fit through tight spaces and narrow doors than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with clever design that lets the wheels fold up when not being used, which reduces their overall size, and allows you navigate through doorways easily.
You'll also need to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're thinking of using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. Check if the buggy has an option to lie flat and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards if you intend to bring your toddler along. Many 3 wheel stroller for newborn-wheelers will fold flat and be stood upright when collapsed and is handy if you have a small car boot or a small storage space at home. Some will require you to remove the front wheel before folding if you wish to fit in even more compact space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. A majority of them have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to control and change direction with only one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheel that can provide stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you're considering taking your three wheeler pushchair-wheeled buggy off tracks that are paved, it's worth opting for a vehicle that has tyres with air in them (also called pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most challenging terrain. These tyres may require pumping up occasionally but they'll be more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and are more likely to be puncture-proof. You should look for one with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to help you navigate tricky surfaces.
The fact that there is only one front wheel can also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check that the model you select can fit in the boot of your car and can be positioned upright if required. Some models can fold in one hand and are freestanding when collapsed. This can make them more compact in smaller car boots.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can be used on all terrains, from busy streets to forest tracks. It is important to consider how you will use it every day. If you'll be doing the school run, it must be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If you plan to jog with it, make sure it has a swiveling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will keep the ride smooth.
MFM reviewer Kath discovered her three-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well on the countryside and urban walks. She noted that it could navigate cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements easily and felt pleasant to jog with too. It's also a great choice for day trips, since it has plenty of storage space, including a huge and spacious basket that has a zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to fit babies as young as an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with most popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling and a modular seats is that the fabric sling fits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy instead of sitting on top as a modular seat would. This enables a much more ergonomically correct posture for the baby, which instantly delivers an lower centre of gravity and a more appropriate height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a less hefty curb-pop (you do not have to exert as much effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these kinds of buggy seats are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely UV-resistant and air-tight. They also have a great durability and are easy to clean with water and soap.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, then an all-terrain buggy is more suited to your requirements than a four-wheeler. These types have a bigger base they are more stable and have air-filled tyres that allow for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
A brand that is most famous for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts an impressive spacious and impressively growing seat that can be a world-facing or parent facing and reclines flat using an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot starting at birth. It also has an ample shopping basket.
Designed for the most discerning buggy owners this luxury twin 3 wheel stroller wheeler is as stunning to look at as it is to operate. The angular frame features stunning pewter finishes with touches of burnished aluminium. It is a real eye-catching piece. A big, padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing with an improved 5-point safety harness, as well as a full set of rain covers make this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in various ways to accommodate different seating needs. If you want a cozy setting to watch movies or a larger arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating can adjust easily. A lot of modular seating systems come with cushions that can be removed making it simple to clean spills or stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with the existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. A variety of color, fabric and shape options ensures that you can choose an option for modular seating that suits your style. Modular seating also comes with a variety of practical features, like hidden storage compartments that make it easy to organizing.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road and all-terrain adventures as they have more stability than strollers with four wheels. The huge, highly maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are typically filled with air and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on even the most difficult roads and trails. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they are on four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them ideal for walking uphill.
Often, 3-wheel prams are a favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children as they offer great mobility and are much more sleek than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminium frame, with a quick one-hand fold and rear and forward facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with the ability to lie flat in full with air-filled tyres as well as 3 recline positions.
Another excellent all-terrain choice is the incredibly light, extremely maneuverable and stunningly elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This is a buggy that is truly future-proof for your wallet and will take you from birth using the carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood using the modular seat (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of just one buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that is small enough for city life but is also a bit more creative and controlled. It has a unique fabric sling seat, which is placed comfortably inside the frame and at just the right height to allow for a optimal weight distribution for effortless kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.