3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for off-roading, offering a smooth ride for your child. They can also be easier to move and push than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed perfectly in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, and this makes them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They usually have large front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some models even feature a lockable front tire for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they can topple over more readily. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are solid in all conditions. They should be able of turning at a whim and be able to steer using just one hand and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for 3 wheeler pushchair with pneumatic tyres. They are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle rocks, mud, gravel and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight compact and safe for use starting at birth. It can be used with either a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy to take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with big tires. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, while providing an enjoyable ride for any passenger. They are also ideal for jogging because they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping regularly. It can carry children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old in the seat.
3 wheel pushchair 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 get up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is simpler to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you'll need to do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats don't recline fully however, they can be adjusted to the lowest position that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
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 an open-back seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat negotiated these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some game-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to improve their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a single buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day one and adjust to take 2 or even three once your baby has developed in the space of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed, and it's also great for handling rough terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle to ensure your ease. It will be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide across smooth and tidy surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they are PU or rubber. If it feels like it's moving, then it's a PU. You can also determine if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy appear less stable as it loses its springy nature. Also, 3 wheeler pushchair may typically be noisy because they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way around town.