3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for tackling off-road terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for your baby. They are also more convenient to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler, especially if they have fabric sling seats or seats that are set comfortably within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). three wheel pushchair feature oversized front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough ground. Some models even feature a lockable front tire for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they could fall more easily. But, the top 3-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also feature the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also a good option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for infants and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. It can also handle some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that will take on tricky terrain, you need one with big wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks while providing the smoothest ride for anyone. They are also ideal for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the design of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram with an infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the buggie's frame instead of sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design has 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 think about how often you'll do that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. For babies, there is the option to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can be seated in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats do not fully recline, but they can be lowered down to the lowest point. This should give your child plenty of room and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is placed 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 over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other features that are useful such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that can grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a first in the world designed to accommodate the newborn, and later be adapted to accommodate three or more children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed, and it's also great for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will accommodate a car seat, so you can use it from birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frames didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before buying.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most sought-after. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and later transformed into twin buggies after your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. You can tell PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft texture. They also glide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one, if it feels hard, then it's rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also verify that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam may shrink and make your buggy appear less stable because it loses its springy quality. These tyres also make a lot of noise due to the fact that they create lots of noise when you turn and drive around town.