3 Wheel Buggies
Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, and have excellent maneuverability. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has a comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution, perfect from the moment of birth.
The wheels are larger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement over various terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and bulkier to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line, and you'll be able to move them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you try to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and may fall over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.
You can also conquer off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. 3 wheeler pushchair 'll also typically come with the option of locking the front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and less kerb pop (you don't need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat range however, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable for newborns with a carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels as well as an unique pewter-black frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. The smallest models will have a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension or an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in difficult places. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can assist. This will make them easier to push over uneven ground and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby, and she said that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces gravel tracks, dirt roads and a few hills."
Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand named Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a single-hand fold.
Its main selling point is its modularity, though it's compatible with all of the brand's infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a shorter walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres last longer. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and where it is that you live.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might want to consider an all-wheeler with more durable tyres. Take into consideration the kind of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful to handle bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
Another crucial aspect to take into consideration is the size of the tyre. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can be at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the tyre's dimensions. For example, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radius with 14 inches of rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, slide the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires slide smoothly and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension on a three wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled and that can be locked to provide stability while jogging are important. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Depending on the style of buggie you're seeking There are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, offering a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It sports an elegant design, a big wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also has a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its paces by going for a ride on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and said that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and even allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to suit your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, such as the chicly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It is also more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that is easily manoeuvred.
If you're looking to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it will have suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party across all terrains.