3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or seats that are set snugly in the frame, delivering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, which makes them an excellent choice for off-road walking (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some even feature a lockable front tire to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they topple over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel that makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces you should look for an air-filled model, also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on non-paved tracks and are able to deal with rocks, mud, and so on. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that can recline flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight compact and safe to use from birth. It can be used with either a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. These are made to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks easily while providing a smooth ride. They are also ideal for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback 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-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with tyres filled with air which require pumping up from time to time. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her 3 year old in the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram with baby car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked within the frame of the buggie rather than sitting on top of it as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the ideal height. It is easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in three wheelers. For newborns you have the option to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest position. This should still allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is positioned within the frame, rather than on top as a modular seat. This creates a lower center of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this kind of seat negotiated these challenges.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple 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 they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a first in the world that can take in a newborn and then be adapted to accommodate two or three children as they grow. All within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle to ensure your comfort. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to 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 best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, which is why it is recommended to always carry a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. 3 wheeler pushchairs slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's sliding, then it is a rubber tyre, which is a. You can also verify that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by slipping the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy quality. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.