3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and offers a smooth ride for baby. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler especially those equipped with slings made of fabric or modular seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame and deliver the best geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have larger front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough ground. Some even come with a lockable front wheel to give 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 fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been made with the best design to ensure they stay steady in any weather. They should be able of turning at a whim and be easy to steer using just one hand, and feature a 360o swivelling front wheel that makes them great for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. 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 kit (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should select one with large tires. These will cope well over grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for any passenger. They 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 quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold children up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old riding along.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection as well as a 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.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the buggie's frame instead of over it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you don't know how many times you'll do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are many alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. The carrycot included is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lying-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will love the large and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats do not recline completely however they can be adjusted to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is placed within the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a modular seat. This results in 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 type of seat dealt with challenges.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that will grow 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 adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your children have developed and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also more suitable for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking into an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) seats as 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 most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and later transformed into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly included on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be topped up frequently. 3 wheeled travel system www.pushchairsandprams.uk are more susceptible to punctures, and you should always have a repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as robust. You can tell PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
You can usually discern the distinction between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also determine if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres, by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this type of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy feel. These tyres are also noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate around town.