3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, making them an ideal option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions which means they are more likely to fall over. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best design to ensure they stay steady in any weather. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also come with a 360o rotating front wheel which makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging you should look for models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with rocks, mud, etc. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when dealing with extremely rough ground too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to connect to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable from birth and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. It can also handle some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for all passengers. They are also ideal for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and the front wheel can be locked. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping, and it can carry a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that provides 50+ UV protection and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, and can fit into the car's boot space in a small size. It can be used as a stroller with baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design provides an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never think about the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For babies it is possible to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however, they can be lowered to the lowest level that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame rather than over the top of the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat dealt with the obstacles.
This type of buggy has an enormous basket, along with other useful features such as an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some innovative visibility lights that can be placed in front of the occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that will adapt to your family's needs, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from the moment of birth and adjust to take 2 or even 3 once your baby has developed in the space of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also ideal for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will also be equipped with car seats and a carrycot which means you can use it right from the moment you are born.
3 wheeled pushchairs have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these; it can be used as a single seat from day dot, and then transforms to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are commonly included on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels hard, then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres onto an even, clean surface They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam may shrink and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy quality. These tyres are also noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate around the town.