3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them an excellent choice for off-road walking (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 kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some models even have a lockable front wheel to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They should be able of turning at a whim and be able to steer with one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging you should look for an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock etc. 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 stroller is a good option for runners or for those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with car seats or a carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that will take on tricky terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks and provide a smooth ride for any passenger. These are also great for jogging because they have a suspension built-in and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with tyres filled with air that need to be pumped regularly. It can carry children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her 3-year-old riding along.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and a high quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit in small car boots. It can be used as a stroller and a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the frame of the buggie, as opposed to over it like modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you will do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. The carrycot that comes with it is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lay-flat bed that can be used in and out of the buggy). Older children and toddlers will love the spacious and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest position that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed inside the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are seeking a single stroller that can expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is the first in the world to take a single infant from the moment of birth and change to take two or even three once your little ones have grown and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It should also be able to take car seats and a carrycot which means you can use it from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure to 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 once your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular and can be used as a single seat from day dot, and then transforms to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
3 wheeler strollers and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide across smooth and tidy surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it is sliding then it's a rubber or PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres on flat, clean surfaces - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy quality. These tyres also make a lot of noise because they generate a lot noise when you turn or drive around town.