3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are positioned tightly in the frame and provide the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it is a great option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels, which can mean that they fall over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are solid in all conditions. They must be able to pivot at a whim and be easy to steer with just one hand and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. They are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks, etc. three wheel pushchair -terrain buggies come with a swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheel pram is also an excellent option for runners or for those who like to walk quickly and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also comes with a new 5-point harness as well as storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light compact and safe for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with the car seat or carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle difficult terrain, then you'll need one with large wheels. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks, and provide the smoothest ride for any passenger. These are also great for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. 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-wheeler is highly mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping, and it can carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she found steering it easy even with her 3 year old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and a high-quality hood. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the right height. It is much easier to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll need to do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. For a newborn, there is the option to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats do not recline completely, but they can be lowered to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available. It has the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame rather than sitting on top as an open-back seat. This provides a lower center of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this style of seat dealt with the obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, a simple brake pedal, and some game-changing visibility lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the passengers to increase their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
If you're searching for a stroller that will grow along with your family, the sport(tm), a world-first designed to 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 more stable and sturdy to push one-handed and is also ideal for handling rough terrain. However, it does mean that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres as well as an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your convenience. It should also be equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot and you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're worried about space, make sure to check out the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded prior to purchasing.
It's worth considering an SUV with three wheels that can fit two (or even 3!) seats as your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the top of them; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and then converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly included 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 tires of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be tricky to keep inflated and must be filled regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, which is why it is recommended to always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres but they're just as sturdy. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on uneven and tied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it's a rubber or PU. You can also check that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding the tyres onto a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and should fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy feel. You'll also find that these kinds of tyres can typically be noisy because they create lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way around town.