3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and provides the most comfortable ride for your child. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric slings or modular seats that are set perfectly in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, making them a great option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. 3 wheel buggy said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also feature the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which is ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. They are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your kit (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking 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 still providing smooth riding. These are also great for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're 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 making it extremely maneuverable. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold a child up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the frame of the buggie instead of over it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the right height. It is much easier to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you will do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. For babies you have the option to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however they can be adjusted to the lowest position that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which offers the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame instead of sitting on top as the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and 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 handled obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to increase their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport(tm), a world-first that can take in the newborn, and later be adapted to accommodate three or more children as they grow. 3 wheeled pushchair in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle for your ease. It is also equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking into a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) This is the best option for your future and will help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggy and later converted into twin buggies after your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easy for her to negotiate kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump handy when traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are equally durable. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over each one. If it feels firm, 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 onto a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain that's common to this type of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around town.