3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's a good choice for off road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road-style seat). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models even feature a lockable front tire to give extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which makes them ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging be sure to choose a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on non-paved tracks and are able to deal with rocks, mud, and so on. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough terrain.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat and comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It also allows for a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily, while still providing a smooth ride. They're also good for jogging since they have built in suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. However, the downside is that they are quite heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found steering it easy even with her 3-year-old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection, and a high quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits into a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity that is at the ideal height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you should never underestimate how often you'll be doing this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. For a newborn it is possible to use the carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered down to the lowest setting. This should allow your child plenty of room and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage that it is positioned inside the frame rather than on top as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled obstacles.
In addition to a large shopping basket, this kind of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and some games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed directly in front of the occupants to increase their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that can expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that's the first in the world to take one baby from day dot and then adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your children have developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved with one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It will accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, which means you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing if you're worried about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats once your family grows. They are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most sought-after. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggie and later transformed into twin buggies once your baby is walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more comfortable. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
They can be difficult to maintain and require air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are prone to punctures, so you should always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as robust. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels as if it is sliding then it is a PU. You can also check if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres sliding them across an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain that's associated with this kind of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy quality. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make lots of noise when you turn or drive around the town.