3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for your baby. They can also be easier to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric sling seats or seat units that are placed comfortably in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
3 wheeled pushchair -wheeled buggys are extremely stable, making them a great choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front for additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime, be easy to steer with just one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to store all your equipment (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for infants and can be used with a carrycot or car seat. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with big wheels. They are designed to tackle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily and still provide a smooth ride. These are also great for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with tyres filled with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the design of the seat and found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs and can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly within the buggie's frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is much easier to push and is lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. For newborns you have the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can use the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats do not recline completely however they can be lowered to the lowest level that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is located inside the frame rather than on top as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way that this style of seat dealt with these challenges.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that come 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 single baby buggy that can grow with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day one and change to take two or even 3 once your little ones have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed with one hand. It's also ideal for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your convenience. It should also be able to take a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking for a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats when your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and will help you 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 later converts to 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 typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said was "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are equally robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's moving, then it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy comes with PU tyres by sliding them onto a flat, clean surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle 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 also make a lot of noise because they generate lots of noise when you turn or drive around the town.