3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for your child. 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, which are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are solid in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough terrain too.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for babies and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. 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 difficult terrain, then you should select one with large tires. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily while providing a smooth ride. They're also good for jogging because they're equipped with suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It comes with tyres filled with air which require pumping regularly. It can accommodate children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood 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 also be used as a pram with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design provides a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never underestimate how often you'll be doing this as a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. The carrycot included is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lying-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats aren't fully reclined, but they can be lowered to the lowest level which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which has the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame rather than over the top of an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way that this style of seat dealt with these 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 bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow 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. All in one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It is also equipped with the form of a car seat and carrycot and you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the best option for your child's future and will help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and later converted into twin buggies after your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. These are used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
3 wheeled pushchair are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are equally durable. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also glide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres you can tell if they are PU or rubber. If it feels like it's sliding, then it is a PU. 3 wheeler pushchair can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres sliding them across an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the 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 associated with this kind of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy quality. 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.