3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and offers the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or seat units, which are placed in a tight position within the frame to provide the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers 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 usually have large front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs and rough ground. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you 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 models with four wheels and this can mean that they can tip over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best design to ensure they stay solid in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime, be easy to steer with one hand, and have the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces you should look for a model with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock and so on. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run or enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It also handles some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should select one with big tires. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease while providing smooth riding. They are also great for jogging as they're equipped with suspension and are easy to move up and down kerbs. However, 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-wheel buggy is very maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has tyres with air that need to be pumped up from time to time. It can be used by children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her 3 year old on board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked within the buggie's frame rather than over it like modular seats. This design has a lower center of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot think about the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. For babies it is possible 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) and older infants and toddlers can use the world-facing or parent facing seat unit that is roomy and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats aren't fully reclined, but they can be lowered to the lowest level which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is positioned within the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this kind of seat handled these obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy generally has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that will adapt to your family's needs There's the new sport(tm) that is the first in the world to take a single newborn from the moment of birth and change to take two or even three once your children have developed in the space of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved with just one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It should be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats when your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the top of them that can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to provide your child with more comfort while riding by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres are sometimes tricky to keep inflated and must be filled regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres are typically used on pushchairs because they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are just as robust. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over each one, if it feels hard then it's a rubber tyre, and If it slides, then it's a PU. 3 wheeler pushchair can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam could expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable because it loses its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and drive around the town.