3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for tackling off-road terrain providing the most comfortable ride for your child. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have larger front wheels that can deal well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough ground. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they fall over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They must be able to pivot at a whim and be easy to steer using just one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features the flat-reclining seat, five-point harnesses, 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 suitable for infants and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. It also handles a bit of moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that will take on tricky terrain, you need one with big wheels. These are made to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks easily, while still providing smooth riding. They are also ideal for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high-quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design delivers a lower center of gravity that is at the ideal height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot underestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this as a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat unit with 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 fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is positioned within the frame, instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat handled challenges.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the occupants to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that can grow with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single infant from day one and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your baby has developed, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also ideal for difficult terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It is also equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot which means you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) seats when 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 top of them that can be used as a single unit from day dot and then converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and require air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over them, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres by sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. 3 wheeler pushchair could make your buggy less stable as the foam loses its springy feel. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around town.