3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and offers an easy ride for babies. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are positioned snugly in the frame, delivering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel in the front to give you extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3 wheel infant stroller-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts and, therefore, could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect design to ensure they stay solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also come with a 360o rotating front wheel, which makes them ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with either 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 handle difficult terrain, you need one with large wheels. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for anyone. These are also great for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front making it extremely maneuverable. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping regularly. It can carry children as young as the age of three wheeler pushchairs. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old son on the seat.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller along with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot think about the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to choose from. The included carrycot plus is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It has the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame, rather than on top like a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat dealt with obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other useful features like an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and a few innovative lights for visibility which can be put in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family The sport(tm) is a first in the world, can accommodate the newborn, and later be adapted to accommodate three or four children as they grow. All in one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable to push one handed and is also ideal for handling rough terrain. However, it also means that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle to ensure your comfort. It should also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
Find a 3 wheel push chair-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your child's future and will help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy and then converted into twin buggies after your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are typically found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted’s Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to negotiate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and require air pressure regularly topped up. 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 in case you go you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres, then you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's moving, then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam may shrink and make your buggy appear less stable because it loses its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate around town.