3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is perfect for rough terrain, offering a smooth ride for your baby. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units that are tightly positioned in the frame to provide the best design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheeler has great stability, which is the reason it is a great choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road-style seat). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models even feature a lockable front tire for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions, which could mean they are more likely to fall over. That said, the best 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also have a 360o rotating front wheel which makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and are able to withstand dirt, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel at the front which can be locked for added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an ideal option for runners and those who like to walk quickly and uphill, especially if you're planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, offering 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 and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with either 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 seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain then you want one with large wheels. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks with ease while providing a smooth ride. They are also great for jogging as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, 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 has 16 rear wheels and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It comes with tyres filled with air that need to be pumped up from time to time. It can accommodate children up until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat and found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on 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 in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This design has a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you can never think about how often you'll do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different options to pick from. For love it have the option to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats don't recline fully however they can be lowered to the lowest level which will give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It is advantageous in that it is placed inside the frame instead of being placed on top of it as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this kind of seat dealt with these obstacles.
Alongside a huge shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the occupants to improve their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that can adapt to your family's needs, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's the first of its kind to take a single infant from the moment of birth and adjust to take 2 or even 3 once your baby has grown and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more sturdy 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 four-wheeled buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres, and padding for the handle to ensure your ease. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, which means you can use it right from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boots - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.
Choose a 3-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your child's future and will help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most sought-after. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy and later converted into twin buggies when your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to provide your child with more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to be "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tires of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it simple for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure regularly topped up. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, which is why you should always carry a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube when you're out and about.
PU tyres can be seen on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as durable. PU tyres are easily identified by their matte finish and soft feel. They also slide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
It's usually possible to discern the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over each one, if it feels hard, then it's a rubber tyre, and If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also determine if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres sliding them onto flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are often utilized in high-performance buggies and Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam will lose its springy feel. Additionally, these kinds of tyres can often be noisy as they make lots of noise when you turn and make your way around town.