3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheeler is ideal for tackling off-road terrain providing an easy ride for your baby. They can also be easier to move and push than a four-wheeler, especially if they have fabric sling seats or seat units that are placed comfortably in the frame, delivering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are very stable, and this makes them an excellent option for off-roading (especially when they are equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). They often feature oversized front wheels that can deal well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some have a lockable wheel in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they can topple over more readily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all conditions. They should be able of turning on a dime and be able to steer with one hand, and feature the front wheel rotate 360o that makes them great for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.
For surfaces that are extremely challenging, look out for a model with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres. They are designed to handle non-paved tracks and are able to deal with mud, gravel, rock etc. Many all-terrain buggies feature an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run and enjoy walking fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-facing seat that reclines flat. It also has improved 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extension of 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It also allows for a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with large wheels. They can handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for anyone. They're also ideal for jogging as they're equipped with suspension and are simple to get up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). The 3-wheel buggy is extremely mobile due to its 16 rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. It has air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry children up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler enjoyed the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a hood made of high-end materials that offers 50+ UV protection and a high quality hood. 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 stroller and baby carriers or toddlers.
Fabric slings are placed within the frame and not on top as modular seats. This style has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is easier to push, and lighter to kerb pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you'll need to do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The seating capacity of 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are many different choices to choose from. For 3 wheel pushchair is possible to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lying 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 that is spacious and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should give your child plenty of headroom and space.
A fabric sling is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed inside the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. 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 style of seat dealt with the obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has very useful features like an extended 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal and some bright, game-changing lights that pop up from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to increase their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are looking for a single buggy that can grow with your family There's the new sport(tm) that is a world's first that can take a single infant from the moment of birth and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your baby has grown and all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also ideal for terrain that is difficult. However, it also means that the shopping basket can't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A good quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres, and a padded handle for your comfort. It should also be equipped with a carrycot and car seat and you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boot - be sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking into an SUV with three wheels that can fit 2 (or even 3!) seats once your family grows - these are the best of both worlds and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most sought-after. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy and later transformed into twin buggies once your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are made to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to tackle kerbs and cobbles.
They can be difficult to maintain and need to be replenished regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres but are just as robust. You can tell PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide across flat and tidied surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres, you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it's a PU. You can also test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres sliding them across flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain of high-performance buggies. The downside of this is that the foam may expand and cause your buggy to feel less stable, because it loses its springy quality. You'll also find that these tyres may often be noisy as they make lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way around the town.