3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for your child. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units that are positioned tightly in the frame and provide the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it is a great choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). They usually have large front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some models even feature a lockable front tire for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they can tip over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best design to ensure they stay stable in any condition. They should be able of turning at a whim and be able to steer using just one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to take on mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat. It also comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for infants and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It can also handle a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with big tires. They are designed to tackle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks with ease while providing smooth riding. They are also great for jogging as they have built in suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels with a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It comes with air tyres which require pumping occasionally and can hold a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that offers 50+ UV protection, and a high-quality hood. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram with a carrycot or infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the buggie's frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This design has a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot overestimate how often you'll be doing this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in three wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will love the spacious and padded seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should still allow your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It offers the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame, rather than on top like the modular seat. 3 wheeled pushchair gives a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push, especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has pretty useful features such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to improve their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
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Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. However, it does mean that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, so you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best option for your future and will help you save money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these and can be used as a single unit from day dot, and then transforms to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it simple for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure maintained regularly. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, and you should always have a 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 less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are equally robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide over flat and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels hard then it's rubber and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also verify that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding the tyres on a clean, flat surface They'll roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain that's associated with this kind of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam can expand and cause your buggy to appear less stable since it loses its springy nature. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way around town.