3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy 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 and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them a great option for off-roading (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they fall over more easily. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They should be able to turn on a dime and be able to steer with just one hand and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them ideal for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
Find 3 wheeled pushchair with pneumatic tyres. They are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel at the front which can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also a good option for runners or those who like to walk fast 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 wide-facing seat that reclines flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. 3 wheel pushchair can be used with a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with big wheels. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily, while still providing an enjoyable ride. These are also great for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are able 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 has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her 3-year-old on the board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a small car boot. It can also be used as a pram with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned in the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design delivers a lower center of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different choices to choose from. For babies it is possible to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can use the world-facing or parent facing seat that is spacious and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats aren't fully reclined, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which is placed snugly within the frame instead of sitting on top as a modular seat and this delivers a much lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this kind of seat handled these challenges.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other features that are useful such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned in front of occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family it's the sport(tm) is a world first designed to accommodate a newborn and then be adapted to accommodate two or three children as they grow. All in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push one handed, and it's also great for handling rough terrain. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will also be equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot and you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) 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 top of them; it can be used as a single seat from day dot, and then transforms to a twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tires of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it simple for her to negotiate kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and must be topped up frequently. These tyres are prone to punctures, which is why you should always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as sturdy. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and soft feel. They also glide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
You can usually discern 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. You can also determine whether your buggy comes with PU tyres by sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit comfortably into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy feel. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and make your way around town.