3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is ideal for off-road terrain and provides the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also easier to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, making them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies may 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 ensure they are stable in all conditions. They should be able of turning at a whim and be able to steer with just one hand and have the front wheel rotate 360o that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces you should look for a model with air-filled tyres which are also referred to as pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It has a flat-reclining seat with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with big wheels. These are made to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease and still provide a smooth ride. They are also ideal for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy comes with 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child up to the age of 3. 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 on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection as well as a high quality hood. 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 with baby car seat for infants and toddlers.
Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the frame of the buggie rather than sitting on top of it as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is easier to push and is lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you'll do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are many options for seating in three wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is perfect for newborns (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate 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 give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is positioned inside the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This creates a lower center 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 dealt with challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other beneficial features like an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned in front of occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's the first in the world to take a single infant from day one and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your baby has developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and stable to push with one hand and is also ideal for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it also means that the basket won't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It will also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat which means you can use it from the time you are born.
Push Chairs And Prams have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing in case you're 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 most well-known. It can be used as early as day dot as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies once your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and must be replenished regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're still as robust. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also slide over flat and tidy surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels firm, then it's made of rubber, when it slides, it's a PU. You can also determine whether your buggy is equipped with PU tyres, by sliding them across a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. The drawback is that the foam can shrink and make your buggy feel less stable since it loses its springy nature. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they create a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way around town.