3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of these have a fabric sling with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger and typically have suspension to ensure smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they may be more heavy and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably solid - they don't fall over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line, and you'll notice that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they may lose their stability and fall over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails and other surfaces like rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also usually include an adjustable front wheel that locks to give stability over rough ground.
Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range, but it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. The 3 wheel stroller for newborn-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is suitable from birth with a newborn car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim' and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will come with a basic handlebar height adjustment, while others may have an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in tight spots. A model with larger front and rear wheels can aid. This will make them easier to push over uneven ground and can help in getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her infant and 3-year-old and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles dirt roads and gravel tracks, as well as on a few hills."
Stella Stella, the 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is a great alternative. It can be used from birth when used with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the lightweight 3 wheel pushchair 4-wheelers, but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its most appealing feature is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether you want to go on shorter walk or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel double buggy wheel buggies are offered in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you select will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or in rough terrain frequently, you might think about a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be important. Knowing how to read tyre sizing is crucial for ensuring safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall may be initially, but understanding it helps you understand the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial with 14 inches of rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, slide the tires on a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they do not then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a three wheeler pushchair-wheeled buggy can make it more comfortable for your child because it absorbs any bumps or knocks caused by rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to ensure stability when running are crucial. This will allow your buggy to navigate off-road surfaces with ease.
There are many choices for buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat rests comfortably within the frame, as opposed to being on top of modular seats, offering an lower center of gravity and sitting at the right height to ensure optimal weight distribution to easily tackle kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports an elegant design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and comes with a superb suspension. It also features a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads dirt tracks, and makes a light work of going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, such as the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly across the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity and is therefore easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that is easily manoeuvred.
However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is better suited as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have an exclusive suspension system that has been tested independently across all terrains.