3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for off-roading, offering a smooth ride for your baby. They are also simpler to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with slings made of fabric or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them an ideal choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you extra stability when driving 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. The most reliable 3-wheeled pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry to ensure they remain stable in any condition. They should be able turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel that makes them ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to take on rocks, mud, gravel, etc. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough ground too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or enjoy walking fast uphill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that can recline flat and has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your equipment (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for jogging with a light pace, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you are looking for a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should pick one with large tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for anyone. They're also good for jogging because they're equipped with suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel which makes it very maneuverable. It comes with air tyres that require occasional pumping and can hold children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3 year old on board.
Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar as well as a hood that is of high-quality with 50+ UV protection. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs and fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller along with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity at the ideal height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. For a newborn you have the option to use the included carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie-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 spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats don't recline fully however they can be lowered to the lowest level which should still give your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.
A sling made of fabric is also available. It's a benefit that it is placed inside the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled the obstacles.
3 wheeler pushchairs of buggy has an enormous basket, along with other beneficial features like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and a few innovative lights for visibility which can be put on the front of the passengers to increase safety on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can expand with your family There's a brand new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single newborn from the moment of birth and change to take two or even 3 once your baby has developed, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A good quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and padding for the handle for your comfort. It should also be equipped with car seats and a carrycot so you can use it right from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing if you're worried about space.
It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) seats when your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these and can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to twin buggies when your baby starts walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. These are included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it simple for her to navigate the kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, and you should always carry a repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they're still as sturdy. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres you can determine if they're PU or rubber. 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 simply by sliding the tyres onto a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are commonly used in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. The drawback is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy feel less stable, since it loses its springy feel. Also, these types of tyres can frequently be noisy, as they make a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way around the town.