3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road walking & tackling terrain from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath who is the editor of MadeForMums reviews, tried one of these 3-wheelers on tarmac and on a variety of terrains. Read her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their centre of gravity balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worth considering as they can take on anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
For a buggy that's easy to control and will not fall over on bumpy roads, look for a model with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres too, which are great at handling uneven surfaces and can even be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
These are also the best buggies to be running with, since they provide great stability over rough terrain and can aid in keeping up with your jogging partner. They are also great for climbing and down steep kerbs Most buggies come with a suspension built in that ensures your child will be able to ride comfortably.
A stroller with three wheels can be difficult to maneuver because of its wide frame. It is more difficult to get through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this problem with a clever design which turns the wheels upside down when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes it easier to squeeze through doors.
You'll also have to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your little one from birth, or if you're thinking of using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with a second seat and buggy boards if you plan to bring your toddler along. Many 3-wheelers can fold flat, and later be placed upright. This is a great option when you have a small boot space or limited storage at home. However, some will require you to remove the front wheel prior to folding in order to fit in even smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. Many of them have a swivelling wheels on the front, which allows you to steer and change direction using just one hand. Some also have a lockable front wheel that can provide the stability you need on rough terrain. Some models can even be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled bike off the roads, you should consider opting for a vehicle that has tyres with air in them (also called pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres will need periodic pumping, but they'll be more durable than tyres that are solid and are more likely to be puncture-proof. It is recommended to choose models with a swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you in navigating difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be heavier than buggies with four wheels because of the single front wheel. Check that your chosen model can fit in the boot of your vehicle and can be stood up, if needed. 3 wheeler pushchair fold with one hand, and they can be rearranged when folded. This can save space in small car boot.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with most terrain from busy high streets to woodland tracks. But it's important to consider what you'll be using it for day-to-day. If you'll be running the school run, it must be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, ensure it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to ensure that the ride is steady.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy able to cope really well on both rural and urban walks. She noted that it could navigate rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to run with too. It's also a great option for day trips as it offers plenty of storage space, including a huge ample basket with a zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified for baby from birth with an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with the majority of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric sling and modular seats is that the fabric sling fits in the frame of the buggy rather than being positioned on top like a modular seat would. This enables a much more ergonomically-correct position for babies, which instantly delivers an lower centre of gravity that is at the proper height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't need much effort or weight to push the buggy over the nose of a curb) and a better balance and stability.
3 wheel buggy come with Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. These fabrics were developed specifically for the sling chair and are UV resistant and breathable. They also have a great aging resistance and are very easy to clean using water and soap.
If you're a jogger, or enjoy a bit of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler will be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheeler. These models tend to have a wider base, more stable and utilise tyres with air to allow for smooth and agile movement on rough ground.
A brand that is most famous for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts a large spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be used as a world facing or parent face and reclines flat with an improved 5-point safety harness. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth. It comes with an ample shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler, designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to admire as it is functional. The angular frame is finished in a striking pewter black with touches of burnished silver aluminium throughout, giving it a real WOW factor. This is a great choice for parents who are active. It comes with a large cushioned seat that can be set either with the child or in a world-facing position. It also features an upgraded 5-point harness and a set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for many different configurations to suit various seating requirements. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable setup to watch movies or a larger configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating is able to adjust easily. A lot of modular seating systems come with cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to clean spills and stains.
Modular Seating is available in different designs to complement your current decor or as an accent piece. A wide range of fabrics, colors and shape options ensures that you will find an alternative seating option that is a perfect fit for your preferences. Modular seating also comes with many practical features, like hidden storage compartments for easy storage.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The huge, highly maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are typically filled with air and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on the most difficult trails and roads. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they are with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Often, 3-wheel prams are a favorite for parents who love running and jogging with their baby, as they provide excellent mobility and are much more sleek than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example features a sleek, burnished silver aluminum frame, which has a quick one-hand fold and forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with full lie flat position with air-filled tyres as well as three recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly fashionable. This buggy can last from birth, with the carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood with the modular seat. All this is within the footprint of one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban living yet big on innovation and control. It has an exclusive seat made of fabric that is set snugly within the frame at the ideal height for weight distribution. This allows for easy crossing of kerbs and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.