3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and tackling terrain, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also more easy to maneuver around kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. Read her review here.
3 wheel buggy
With four wheels and a central point of gravity that is balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally thought to be more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are nevertheless worthwhile to consider as they are able to handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels and a lockable wheel on the front. This makes it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap apart on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres as well, which are excellent for handling surfaces that aren't paved and can even be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also excellent buggies to run with because they provide great stability in rough terrain and aid you in staying with your running companion. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs, and many of them come with spring suspension built-in so that your baby will have a smooth ride.
A stroller with three wheels can be difficult to maneuver due to its wide frame. It can be more difficult to get through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue with an innovative design that flips the wheels up when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to maneuver through doors.
If so, check for a lie-flat location and whether the design is compatible with second seating and buggy boards (if you'd like to add an infant onboard). Check if the buggy has a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to bring a toddler along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat, and later be placed upright. This is a great option when you have limited space in your boot or limited storage at home. Some 3-wheelers require you remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually provide better maneuverability than pushchairs with four wheels. A majority of them have a swivelling wheels on the front that allows you to steer and change direction with just one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheel that can provide security on more difficult terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board if you plan to expand your family.
If you plan to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are asphalted, you should choose one with pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres will need regular pumping but will be far more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and more likely to be puncture-proof. Choose a model that has a an adjustable swivelling front wheel that locks to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
The fact that there is only one front wheel can also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be bulkier than four-wheeled buggies when folded. Check that your chosen model fits in the boot of your car and can be raised if necessary. Certain models can fold in one hand and are freestanding when collapsed. This can save space in smaller car boots.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will handle most terrains from busy roads to forest tracks. It's important to consider the way you'll use it every day. If you'll be running the school run, it should be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If 3 wheel pushchair 'll be jogging with it, make sure it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to keep the ride safe.
Kath the MFM reviewer, found that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle both urban and rural walks. Kath said it was able to negotiate cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements with ease and was comfortable when jogging. It is also a good option for day trips because it has a lot of storage space. It comes with an enormous, spacious, zip-top basket that is covered and an extendable, 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted for baby from birth with an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with the majority of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric sling and a modular seats is that the fabric sling is placed comfortably inside the frame of the buggy instead of sitting on top like a modular seat. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity that is the ideal height. This leads to a smoother push, a more light curb-pop (you do not have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and improved balance and stability.
These buggy seats also feature Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. These fabrics were developed specifically for the sling chair and are UV resistant and air-tight. They also have excellent anti-aging capability and are easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger, or are a fan of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler will be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheel buggy. These styles generally have a larger base, more stable, and use air-filled tyres to ensure smooth, easy moving on uneven ground.
Maxi-Cosi, a brand known for its car seat range and has now added a brand new 3-wheeler, the Stella to its product line. This all-terrain stroller boasts an enormous and spacious travel system seat unit which can be placed either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also reclines flat and features an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot starting at birth. It also has an ample shopping basket.
For the most discerning buggy owners, this luxury 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is enjoyable to use. The angular frame has stunning pewter finishes with touches of burnished aluminum. It's a true show-stopper. A big, padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing with a more secure 5-point safety harness, as well as a full set of rain covers make this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be used to create an array of configurations to suit different seating needs. Whether it's a cozy setup to watch movies or a larger arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating can adjust easily. Many modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed which makes it easier to clean up spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decors or make a statement as an accent piece. A variety of fabrics, colors and shape options mean that you will find an option for modular seating that suits your style. Modular seating comes with many practical features, like hidden storage compartments for easy organization.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road and all-terrain adventures as they have more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel enables agile and smooth motion, while the tyres are generally filled with air and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on even the roughest roads and trails. They are also ideal for walking up hills as the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children, as they provide excellent mobility and are much more sleek than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a fast one-handed fold, rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features an all-black frame that comes with an infant carrycot that can be set in a full lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Another fantastic all-terrain option is the lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This is a buggy that truly future proofs your wallet and can be used from birth with the included carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood using the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). 3 wheel pushchair within the footprint of one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that's compact enough to be used in urban areas yet also creative and controlled. It has an exclusive fabric sling seat, which is placed in a comfortable frame at the perfect height for perfect weight distribution for easy popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.