3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and deliver the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). They typically have larger front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some models have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts which means they are more likely to fall over. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all weather conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces, look out for an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, and more. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is especially true if you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease while providing an enjoyable ride. They are also ideal for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, they are quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 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 a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with air tyres that require occasional pumping, and it can carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the seat shape and she found it easy to drive with her 3 year old riding along.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards 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 within the buggie's frame, as opposed to over it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the right 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 new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. The carrycot included is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats do not recline completely however, they can be adjusted to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It offers the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame, rather than on top like a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat dealt with these challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other features that are useful such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and some innovative visibility lights that can be placed on the front of the passengers to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that can 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 three or more children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle for your convenience. It will also be equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot so you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers discovered that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth looking into a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats as your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. 3 wheeler pushchair is among the most sought-after. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy and later converted into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with a more comfortable 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 offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to negotiate the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes tricky to keep inflated and need to be filled regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, and you should always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres, but they are just as durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also glide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres you can tell if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it's moving, then it is a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy nature. These tyres also make a lot of noise due to the fact that they create a lot noise when you turn or drive around town.