3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler, particularly those with fabric slings or seat units that are positioned tightly in 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 option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). They often feature oversized front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions which means they could fall more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs are built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain stable in any condition. They should be able of turning at a whim, be easy to steer using just one hand, and feature 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand mud, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when working on extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners or those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle 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 want one with big wheels. They will be able to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. They are also great for jogging as they come with suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. The trade-off is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air-filled tyres that require pumping up from time to time. It can be used by children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old in the seat.
double buggy 3 wheels is another great option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards, and can fit into the boot of a car that is small. It can also be used as a pram with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design has an lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot think about the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. For a newborn you have the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie 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 unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is located within the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This creates a lower center of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this type of seat handled these obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal and some game-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to improve their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that can grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a world first that can take in infants and be adapted to accommodate two or three children as they grow. All within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and stable to push one handed and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, meaning you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth considering 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the best choice for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them; it can be used as a single from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain and need to be filled 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 you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're just as durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also glide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they are PU or rubber. If it feels like it is sliding then it's a rubber or PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres on a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam could compress and make your buggy feel less stable as it loses its springy nature. You'll also find that these types of tyres can often be noisy as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way through town.