3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for off-roading, offering an easy ride for your baby. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is why it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they could fall more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They must be able to pivot at a single click, be easy to steer with one hand, and feature 360o swivelling front wheels that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to take on mud, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling wheel at the front which can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an ideal option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, especially when you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering a world-facing seat that can recline flat and features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight, compact, and suitable to use from birth. It can be used with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but is not intended for serious runners.
3 wheeler pushchair
If you are seeking a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should pick one with large tires. They are designed to tackle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks easily, while still providing smooth riding. They're also ideal for jogging since they come with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. However, 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 and a lockable front wheel. It has tyres with air that require pumping up from time to time. It can be used by children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she was able to steer it easily with her 3 year old in the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It has an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection and a high quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller with baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric sling seats sit snugly within the frame of the buggie, as opposed to sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design delivers an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never underestimate how often you'll be doing that as new parents!)
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. For newborns you have the option to use the included 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 large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats do not recline completely, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which is positioned snugly inside the frame rather than over the top of an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this type of seat handled these obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other features that are useful such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned in front of occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that can grow with your family The sport(tm) is a world first designed to accommodate infants and be modified to accommodate three or more children as they grow, all within one footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also better for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as a padded handle to ensure your convenience. It should also be equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot which means you can use it right from birth.
The MFM reviewers noted that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy once it is folded before purchasing.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the best choice for your child's future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the top of them and can be used as a single unit from day dot, and then transforms into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They are typically used on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an outstanding ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easier to handle kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and will need to be replenished regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go you're out and about in your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres, but they're just as robust. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres, then you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres over an even, clean surface - they'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy quality. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way through the town.