3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for your baby. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, which makes them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they fall over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all weather conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to steer using just one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3 wheel strollers-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is especially true if you plan to connect to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It also allows for a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy to take on difficult terrain, you should pick one with big tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. They are also great for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb 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 you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold children up to 3 Wheel baby Strollers. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her 3 year old riding along.
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 is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits into a the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a stroller 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 center of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest position. This should still give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is located within the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This creates a lower center of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat dealt with obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and some games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that can adapt to your family's needs There's a brand new sport(tm) which is the first in the world to take a single newborn from the moment of birth and adjust to take 2 or even three once your baby has grown and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also ideal for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will also be able to take a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying in case you're concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3 wheel buggy for sale!) seats. seats when your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best 3 wheel stroller travel system of these that can be used as a single unit from day dot and then converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that its grippy tyres made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more vulnerable 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 traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're still as sturdy. You can tell PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also confirm that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres onto an even, clean surface They'll roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy appear less stable since it loses its springy feel. Also, these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they make a lot of noise as you turn and make your way through town.