3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain, offering the most comfortable ride for your infant. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric slings or seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's a good choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they topple over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect design to ensure they stay stable in any condition. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with an incline of 360o for the front wheel that is ideal for navigating 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 take on dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline 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's lightweight and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It also allows for some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks while providing the smoothest ride for any passenger. These are also great for jogging because they come with built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the seat shape and she found steering it easy even with her 3 year old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 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 a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly inside the frame of the buggie instead of sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design delivers an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot underestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are many different choices to choose from. The carrycot included is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will love the spacious and comfortable seat unit with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however they can be lowered to the lowest position that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is placed inside the frame instead of on top as a seat that is modular. This creates a lower center of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled the obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some games-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the occupants to improve their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) that is a world's first that can take a single infant from day dot and then adapt to take 2 or even 3 after your little ones have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also ideal for difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle to ensure your comfort. It should also be able to take car seats and a carrycot and you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frame didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before purchasing.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and future proof your 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 starts to walk.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are typically found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump handy when traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres, but they are equally robust. You can identify PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
It's usually possible to tell the difference between PU and air-filled tires by running your hands over each one, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres on flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
three wheel pushchair are often used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, because it loses its springy nature. You'll also find that these tyres may often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise when you turn and navigate your way through town.