3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler especially those equipped with slings made of fabric or modular seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
3 wheeler pushchairs -wheeled vehicles are very stable, which makes them an excellent choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have larger front wheels, which cope well with bumps and kerbs as well as rough terrain. Some models even have a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they can tip over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to make them very stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also have the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging be sure to choose models with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies have an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run and like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with either the car seat or carrycot. It also allows for some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with large wheels. They will be able to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for all passengers. They're also ideal for jogging as they come with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they are quite heavy to push.
The most suitable 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front which makes it very maneuverable. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to drive with her 3 year old in the seat.
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 easy to move up and down kerbs, and it can fit into 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 over it like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is simpler to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you will do that as a new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The carrycot that comes with it is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfortable and cosy lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy). Older babies and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully, but they can be lowered to the lowest position which will give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame rather than sitting on top as a modular seat and this delivers a much lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
This type of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other features that are useful like an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to increase safety on rough terrain.
If you're seeking a buggy that will grow along with your family, the sport(tm) is a first in the world that can take in infants and be modified to accommodate three or four children as they grow. All within a single footprint.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved with just one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. However, it means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will feature pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It should also be equipped to carry a carrycot and car seat so you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying for those who are concerned about space.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) seats as your family grows - these are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the most popular; it can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
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 outstanding ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to maneuver around kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be topped up frequently. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres, so it is essential that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as sturdy. You can identify PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over each one. If it feels hard, then it's rubber and if it slides then it's a PU. You can also verify whether your buggy has PU tyres simply by sliding the tyres onto a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can withstand the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside is that the foam may compress and make your buggy feel less stable because it loses its springy nature. Additionally, these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they create lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way around town.