3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for rough terrain providing the most comfortable ride for your baby. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheeler, especially if they have fabric slings or modular seats that are set snugly in the frame, delivering the best 3 wheel stroller travel system ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, which makes them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They usually have large front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some models even feature a lockable front tire for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels and this can mean that they fall over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel that is ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheel stroller is a good option for runners or those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially when you plan to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store all your equipment (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It also handles some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should pick one with large tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, and provide an enjoyable ride for any passenger. These are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the Best Lightweight 3 Wheel Stroller 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air-filled tyres that need to be pumped up every now and then. It can be used by children up until the best 3 wheel stroller age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her 3 wheel stroller travel system-year-old son on the seat.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down, and can fit into the car's boot space in a small size. It can be used as a stroller along with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the frame of the buggie instead of on top of it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is easier to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will love the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest point. This should allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It is placed snugly within the frame instead of on top 3 wheel strollers like a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this kind of seat handled these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can adapt to your family's needs, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take a single infant from day dot and then change to take two or even 3 once your children have developed in the space of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will accommodate a car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats once your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the most popular; it can be used as a single from day dot and then converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres make it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain and need to be replenished regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're still as durable. You can tell PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
It's usually possible to identify the difference between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one. If it feels hard then it's rubber and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres on an even, clean surface They'll roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam can compress and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy feel. These tyres are also noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.