3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for tackling off-road terrain providing an easy ride for your baby. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is why it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). They usually have large front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they can tip over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able 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 to navigate difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks and more. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if 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 keep all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight compact and safe to use from birth. 3 wheeler pushchairs can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should select one with big tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing the smoothest ride for all passengers. They're also good for jogging as they come with suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. However, they are quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with tyres filled with air which require pumping up every now and then. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the design of the seat and found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
Another option that is great 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 into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design delivers a lower center of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot think about the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different options to choose from. For a newborn you have the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can use the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however, they can be lowered to the lowest setting which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It is placed snugly within the frame, rather than on top like an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to improve their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) which is the first in the world to take a single infant from day one and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your little ones have grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It should also be equipped with the form of a car seat and carrycot 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 of their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and can save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain and need to be replenished regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they are still just as sturdy. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide across flat and tidy surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over each one. If it feels hard then it's rubber and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres, by sliding them across an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy appear less stable because it loses its springy nature. 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.