3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for your baby. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, making them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they fall over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also have a 360o rotating front wheel which makes them perfect to navigate difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is a good option for runners and those who like to walk fast and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should choose one with big tires. These are made to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily, while still providing smooth riding. They're also good for jogging because they come with suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. However, they are quite heavy to push.
3 wheeler pushchair 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 as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has tyres with air which require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children as young as 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 three-year-old child on the 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 a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits into a small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height. It is easier to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. For a newborn it is possible to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats do not fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should allow your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is located inside the frame instead of on top as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially 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 usually has pretty useful features such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to increase their safety when traversing difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that can grow with your family There's the new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take one baby from the moment of birth and change to take two or even 3 after your little ones have grown in the space of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable to push with one hand and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as padding for the handle for your convenience. It will accommodate a car seat, so you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies after your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. These are included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump in case you go you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly 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 glide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels firm, then it's a rubber tyre, and if it slides then it's a PU. 3 wheel pushchair can also check whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres by sliding them onto an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam can expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable as it loses its springy nature. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn or drive around the town.