3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and offers the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are positioned perfectly in the frame, delivering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeled buggy offers excellent stability, which is the reason it is a great choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some models even have a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they topple over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be able to steer with just one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies feature an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an excellent option for runners and those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact, and suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with either a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with big wheels. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing an enjoyable ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy for use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has air tyres that require occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found steering it easy even with her three-year-old riding along.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs, 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 set within the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design has an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest position. This should allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling seat is also available. It offers the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame rather than on top like a modular seat and this provides a lower center of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that can expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) which is a world's first that can take one baby from day one and change to take two or even 3 after your little ones have developed in the space of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also more suitable for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle to ensure your convenience. It should be able to accept a carrycot or car seat, so you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best option for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them; it can be used as a single seat from day dot and then converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres have been designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain and require air pressure regularly topped up. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, so you should always have an repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide on flat and tidy surfaces.
You can usually tell the difference between air-filled and PU tire by running your fingers over each one, if it feels hard then it's a rubber tyre, and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres onto flat, clean surfaces They'll be able to roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam may shrink and make your buggy feel less stable because it loses its springy nature. 3 wheeler pushchair 'll also find that these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and make your way through town.