3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler can be used for off-road walking and for tackling terrain such as uneven paths or tracks in woodlands. They are also easier to navigate up and down kerbs as opposed to 4-wheel models.
Kath who is the editor of MadeForMums reviews, tried one of these 3-wheelers on tarmac and on various terrains. Check out her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, which have their center of gravity being balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean an older model with three wheels isn't worth considering, since the majority of them are built to cope with everything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels, and a lockable wheel on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to fall apart when you're on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also come with pneumatic tires, which are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches or tracks in woodlands.
They're also great buggies to jog with since they offer excellent stability on rougher terrain, and can aid you in staying with your running partner. They are also great for climbing and descending steep kerbs too, and most of them come with a suspension built in that ensures your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels can be difficult to maneuver because of its wide frame. It can be more difficult to get through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with an innovative design that makes the wheels flip up when they are not in use, which decreases their overall size, and allows you navigate through doorways with ease.
It's also important to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your baby from birth, or if you're planning on using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with the ability to lie flat, and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to bring an infant along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and can be stood upright when collapsed and is handy if you have limited space in your car boot or a small storage space at home. However, some will require you to remove the front wheel when folding if you wish to fit in even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically offer better manoeuvrability than pushchairs with four wheels. They typically come with a swivelling front wheel that allows you to shift direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some models have wheels that lock to give you stability on more rough terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board in case you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you intend to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are paved then you should opt for one with pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require regular pumping but will be far more durable than tyres that are solid and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should choose models with an swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you in navigating difficult terrains.
The fact that there is only one front wheel may also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check that the model you choose can fit in the boot of your car and can be placed upright if needed. Some models fold with one hand, and can be raised when folded. This can save space in a small car boot.
A good three-wheel pushchair can handle most terrains from busy roads to forest tracks. It's important to think about the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you're planning to run the school run, it must be able to cope with steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be jogging with it, check that it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to ensure that the ride is stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy able to cope really well with rural and urban walks. Kath said it negotiated cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to run with. It's also a great choice for day trips as it is packed with storage space. It comes with an enormous, spacious, zip-top covered basket and an extendable, 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to fit babies as young as a lie-flat seat or carry cot, as well as being compatible with a variety of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the frame of the buggy instead of being placed on top like a modular chair. 3 wheeler pushchair allows for a more ergonomically correct position of the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at just the right height. This translates into an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't require much effort or weight to lift the buggy off the nose of a curb) and better stability and balance.
These seats also come with sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. These fabrics were designed specifically for the sling chair and are UV resistant and ventilated. They are also easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or enjoy off-roading, then an all-terrain buggy is more likely to meet your needs than a four-wheel buggy. These styles have a wider base and are more stable. They also use air-filled tyres to provide smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a name that is well-known for its car seat collection and has now added a brand new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its product line. This stroller is all-terrain and has a spacious and large seat that can be positioned either parent or world facing. 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 an ample shopping basket.
For the most discerning buggy owners, this luxury 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black with hints of silver-burnished aluminium all over, giving it a real WOW factor. A large, padded seat that can be world or parent-facing with a new 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers make this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in various ways to meet a variety of seating requirements. Whether it's a cozy setup to watch films or a large configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating is able to be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems come with removable cushion covers which make it easier to wash spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decor or make a statement as an accent piece. You can select from a variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to design a modular seating that suits your style. There are many functional features available in modular seating such as hidden storage compartments that permit easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel allows for a quick and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are usually filled with air and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on even the roughest trails and roads. They're also great for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are a favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their child, as they provide excellent agility and are less bulky than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminum frame, which has an easy fold that can be folded in one hand and forward and rear facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a the ability to lie flat in full with air-filled tyres as well as three recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's incredibly lightweight and extremely maneuverable, as well as fashionable. The buggy will last from birth, with a carrycot included, to toddlerhood, with the seat that is modular. All this is within the footprint of just one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban living yet large on innovation and control. It comes with a unique fabric sling seat, which is placed in a comfortable frame at just the right height to ensure a perfect weight distribution for easy popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.