3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for rough terrain and provides an easy ride for your child. They are also easier to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, especially those with fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed comfortably within the frame, providing the best geometry and weight distribution.
3 wheeled pushchair -wheeled buggys are extremely stable, which makes them an ideal option for off-road walks (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These buggys often have oversized front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they can tip over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all weather conditions. They should be able of turning at a single click, be easy to steer with one hand and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand mud, gravel, rocks, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel stroller is a good option for runners and those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight compact and safe for use from birth. It can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with big wheels. These are designed to handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily, while still providing an enjoyable ride. They're also good for jogging since they have built in suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. The downside is that they're quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has tyres with air that require pumping up every now and then. It can be used by children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a small car boot. It can be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed inside the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity at the ideal height. It is much easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll need to do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different options to choose from. The carrycot that comes with it is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lying-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the spacious and comfortable seat unit with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however they can be adjusted to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and room 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 modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity with perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat dealt with challenges.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and a few game-changing visibility lights that come up from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the passengers to improve their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that can grow with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first designed to accommodate infants and be modified to fit three or more children as they grow. All within one footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed with just one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A high-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle for your convenience. It is also equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot 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 booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Look for a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, so it is recommended to always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as sturdy. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also glide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres you can determine if they're rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers because they can cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. The downside of this is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy appear less stable since it loses its springy quality. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they create a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way around town.