3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are positioned snugly within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, and this makes them an ideal choice for off-road walking (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving 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 fall over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using just one hand and have 360o swivelling front wheels that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners and those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. 3 wheel buggy has a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for babies and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle the tough terrain then you want one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, and provide a smooth ride for all passengers. They're also ideal for jogging as they come with suspension and are easy to move 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 because it has 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has tyres with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram that comes with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie instead of on top of it like modular seats. This design provides an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you should never overestimate how often you'll be doing that as new parents!)
Seating
There are a myriad of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For newborns you have the option to use the carrycot (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 padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats aren't fully reclined, but they can be lowered to the lowest level that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which is placed snugly within 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 and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat handled these challenges.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy generally has very useful features like 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 in front of the passengers to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a single stroller that will adapt to your family's needs There's a brand new sport(tm) which is a world's first that can take a single infant from the moment of birth and adapt to take 2 or even 3 after your little ones have developed in the space of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also better for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It should be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking into an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) seats as your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and later transformed into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as durable. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it's sliding, then it is a rubber or PU. You can also determine whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them across flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam can expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, since it loses its springy nature. Also, these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way through the town.