3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for rough terrain providing an easy ride for your baby. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and deliver the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, and this makes them an ideal option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions which means they are more likely to fall over. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all weather conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel, which is ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to work on non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect a 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 equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable for use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It also handles some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy to take on difficult terrain, you should pick one with large tires. These are made to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks easily while providing a smooth ride. They are also ideal for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as the front wheel can be locked. It has air-filled tyres which require pumping up every now and then. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she found steering it easy even with her three-year-old riding along.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits in a the boot of a car that is small. It can be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned in the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in three wheelers. For babies it is possible to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the world-facing or parent facing seat that is large and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats don't recline fully however, they can be adjusted to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which is placed snugly within the frame, rather than sitting on top as the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. 3 wheeled pushchair makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with obstacles.
In addition to a big 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 game-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family The sport(tm) is a world first, can accommodate a newborn and then be adapted to accommodate three or four children as they grow. All within one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also more suitable for difficult terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It will accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, so you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying in case you're concerned about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats when your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. 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
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
3 wheel pushchair can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be topped up frequently. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
You can usually tell the distinction between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels hard, then it's a rubber tyre, and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres onto a clean, flat surface They'll roll easily and fit snugly in their 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 associated with this type of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam loses its springy quality. These tyres are also noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn or drive around town.