3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and offers the most comfortable ride for infants. They can also be easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy particularly those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned perfectly within the frame, providing the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them an ideal option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough ground. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are made with the best geometry to ensure they remain solid in all conditions. They must be able to pivot at a single click and be easy to steer using just one hand, and feature 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces you should look for models with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies feature a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when dealing with extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel stroller is a good option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, especially in the event that you're planning to connect a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for infants and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. 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 big tires. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing the smoothest ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping regularly. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the seat shape and she found it easy to drive with her three-year-old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection, and an extremely high-quality hood. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram, with an infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric sling seats are tucked inside the buggie's frame, as opposed to sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design delivers a lower center of gravity and a perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never think about how often you'll be doing this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in three wheelers. The included carrycot plus is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lay-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be lowered down to the lowest position. This should still give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It offers the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of on top like an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way that this style of seat negotiated these obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy generally has very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that come up from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are seeking a single stroller that will grow with your family There's the new sport(tm) that's the first in the world to take a single newborn from day dot and then change to take two or even 3 after 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 it's also great for handling rough terrain. However, it does mean that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your ease. It is also equipped with the form of a car seat and carrycot so you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes or small car boot - be sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and later converted into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres make it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump handy when out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than tyres filled with air, but they are equally robust. PU tires are easily distinguished by their matte finish and supple feel. They also glide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, then 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 test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres, by sliding them on a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
3 wheel pushchair are able to withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy quality. These tyres are also noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn or drive around the town.