3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially if they have fabric sling seats or modular seats that are set snugly within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). These buggys often have oversized front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, can topple over more readily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain steady in any weather. They should be able turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also have a 360o rotating front wheel which makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies include a swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners and those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. 3 wheel pushchair will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, and provide a smooth ride for anyone. They're also ideal for jogging since they have built in suspension and are easy to get up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has air-filled tyres which require pumping regularly. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her three-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's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller along with baby carriers or toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the buggie's frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you will do this as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in three wheelers. For a newborn, there is the option to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy 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 unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should still allow your child plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned inside the frame, rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat dealt with the obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the passengers to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that can expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single newborn from day one and adjust to take 2 or even three once your little ones have grown, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also ideal for difficult terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It will also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat so you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular; it can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts 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 offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than tyres filled with air, but they are just as durable. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide on 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 hard then it's made of rubber, if it slides then it's a PU. You can also confirm that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres 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 that comes with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam could expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, since it loses its springy feel. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and make your way around the town.
