3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road walking & dealing with terrain that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also more easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a central point of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child's seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally thought to be more stable than 3 wheel twin stroller-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worth considering as they can handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels and a lockable wheel on the front. This makes it more comfortable to drive and less likely to break apart when you're on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling unpaved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches and tracks through woodlands.
These are also the best buggies for jogging with, as they provide excellent stability over rough terrain and aid in keeping up with your jogging partner. They are also great for climbing and descending steep kerbs too, and most of them have a built-in suspension which means your child will be able to ride comfortably.
A stroller with three wheels can be a challenge to maneuver because of its large frame. It is more difficult to maneuver through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue by implementing clever design that lets the wheels flip upwards when not being used, which reduces their overall size and allows you navigate through doorways with ease.
You'll also need to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your baby from birth or if you're thinking of using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, check for a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you want to add a toddler onboard). Many 3 wheeler pushchair-wheelers fold flat and can be positioned upright when collapsed and is handy if you have a small car boot or a small storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically provide better maneuverability than four-wheeled pushchairs. A lot of them feature a swivelling wheel on the front, which allows you to steer and change direction with one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheels that can provide stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board should you decide to grow your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled vehicle off of paved tracks, it's worth choosing one with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the toughest terrain. These tyres may need to be regularly pumped up from time time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof compared to solid tyres. Choose a model that has a the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to help you negotiate tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single front wheel. Be sure that the model you select fits in your car's boot and can be placed upright if needed. Some models can fold in one hand and stand on their own when collapsed, which will save space in boot spaces that are smaller.
A good 3 wheeler pushchairs from birth wheel pushchair will be able to deal with any terrain, from busy high streets to tracks through woodlands. It is important to consider the way you'll use it every day. If you will be making the school run with it, it should be able handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, ensure it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to ensure that the ride is stable.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, found that her stroller on three wheels was able to take on urban and rural walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable to jog with. It's also a great option for day trips since it offers plenty of storage space. It comes with an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket as well as an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can be modified to fit a baby's needs from birth, including the option of a carry cot or a lay-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most popular second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seat is that the fabric sling fits in the frame of the buggy instead of being positioned on top like a modular seat would. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position of the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity, which is just the right height. This results in an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't need as much weight and effort to lift the buggy off the curb's edge) and a better balance and stability.
These seats also come with sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. They were designed specifically with applications for sling chairs in mind they are UV resistant and breathable. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or are a fan of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler is likely to be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheeler. These styles have a wider base and are more stable. They also use air-filled tyres to provide smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new twin 3 wheel stroller-wheeler to its range with the Stella. The all-terrain stroller has a large and spacious seat unit for the travel system that can be positioned either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also reclines flat and features an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used with car seats or a carrycot from birth and has a large shopping basket.
For the most discerning buggy drivers, this luxurious 3 wheeler is as stunning to look at as it is to use. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black with touches of burnished silver aluminium throughout making it a complete wow factor. A big, padded seat that is world or parent facing with a new 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 requirements. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable setup to watch films or a large configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating can adjust easily. A lot of modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed, making it easier to wash spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or make a statement as an accent piece. You can choose from a variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to design an elegant and modular seating design that fits your personal style. Modular seating comes with a variety of functional features, including storage compartments hidden from view for easy organization.
3-wheel buggies are particularly good for off-road and all terrain adventures as they have more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are generally filled with air and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on the roughest of trails and roads. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Often 3 wheel parent facing pushchair-wheel prams are a popular choice for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children, as they provide excellent mobility and are much more sleek than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a fast, one-handed fold and forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, comes with an all-black frame that comes with a carrycot that can be set in a full lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's extremely lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly fashionable. This buggy will last you from birth, with the carrycot included, to toddlerhood with the modular seat. All this is within the footprint of one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban use yet large on innovation and control. It features a unique fabric seat that is set comfortably within the frame at the perfect height for weight distribution. This makes it easy for crossing of kerbs and for navigating cities and neighborhoods.