3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. 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 tightly positioned in the frame and deliver the best shape and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been built with the perfect geometry to ensure they remain steady in any weather. They must be able to pivot at a whim, be easy to steer with one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces you should look for an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres, which are made to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with rocks, mud, and more. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an ideal option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially if you're planning to attach a carrycot or car seat. 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 equipment (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact, and suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should select one with large tires. They can handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks, while providing an enjoyable ride for any passenger. They are also ideal for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has air-filled tyres that require pumping regularly. It can accommodate children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she found it easy to drive with her 3 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's also simple to get up and down kerbs and can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is simpler to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you will do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. For babies it is possible to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can sit in the world-facing or parent facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to fully recline, but they can be lowered down to the lowest setting. This should still allow your child to have plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is placed inside the frame instead of being placed on top of it as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity with 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 dealt with obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other features that are useful, such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a first in the world, can accommodate a newborn and then be modified to accommodate two or three children as they grow, all in one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car boots - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before purchasing for those who are concerned about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. These are the best of both worlds and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the top of them that can be used as a single 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 journey 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 tires of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so it is essential that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as robust. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide easily on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they are PU or rubber. If it feels as if it's sliding, then it's a rubber or PU. 3 wheeler pushchair can also check whether your buggy comes with PU tyres sliding them across an even, smooth surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This could make your buggy less stable because the foam will lose its springy feel. These tyres also make a lot of noise due to the fact that they create lots of noise when you turn and drive around the town.