3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain providing an easy ride for your infant. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, which makes them a great choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, could fall more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all weather conditions. They should be able of turning on a dime and be easy to steer with just one hand, and feature 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand rocks, mud, gravel and more. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an ideal option for runners or those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly when you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space for everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It also allows for a bit of moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can take on difficult terrain, you should choose one with large tires. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, while providing a smooth ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The best 3-wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to drive with her three-year-old riding along.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a hood made of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity and a perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. The included carrycot plus is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will love the large and comfortable seat unit with adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should still allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame rather than on top like the modular seat. This provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly over bumpy terrain and curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other useful features such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and some innovative visibility lights which can be put in front of occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
If you're seeking a single stroller that will grow with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day one and change to take two or even 3 after your children have grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable to push with one hand and is also ideal for handling rough terrain. However, it means that the basket won't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres, and padding for the handle to ensure your ease. It is also able to take a carrycot and car seat and you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth looking for a 3-wheeler that can take 2 (or even 3!) seats when your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tyres absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They're commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to negotiate the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
three wheel pushchair can be difficult to maintain and need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump handy when you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide on flat and tidied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, then you can tell if they are PU or rubber. If it feels like it's sliding, then it is a PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres onto an even, clean surface They'll roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam may compress and make your buggy feel less stable, as it loses its springy quality. These tyres also make a lot of noise because they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate around town.