3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-roading and provides a smooth ride for baby. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheeler, especially if they have fabric sling seats or seats that are set snugly in the frame, offering the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). These buggys often have oversized front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower centre of gravity than 4-wheeled models, which can mean that they topple over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which is ideal to navigate difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks and more. A majority of all-terrain buggies come with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to provide stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel stroller is an excellent option for runners or for those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly if you're planning to attach a carrycot or car seat. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's light, compact and suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It can also be used for light jogging but is not intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that will take on tricky terrain then you want one with large wheels. 3 wheel pushchair are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily while providing a smooth ride. They're also ideal for jogging as they're equipped with suspension and are easy to climb and descend kerbs. However, they're quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front making it extremely maneuverable. such a good point comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and can hold a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a high-quality hood 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 sling seats are tucked inside the buggie's frame instead of sitting on top of it as modular seats. This design provides an lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, making it easier to push and lighter to pop the kerb (you cannot overestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this when you're a new parent!)
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different choices to choose from. For newborns, there is the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent-facing or world-facing seat unit that is roomy and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. The seats don't recline fully, but they can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should allow your child plenty of room and headroom.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which is positioned snugly inside the frame instead of over the top of the modular seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other useful features like an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights which can be put in front of the occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.
Alternatively, if you are seeking a single stroller that can grow with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that is the first of its kind to take one baby from day one and adjust to take 2 or even 3 once your little ones have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable to push with one hand and is also ideal for handling rough terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres and a padded handle for your ease. It will also be equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot which means you can use it from the time you are born.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame won'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 before purchasing if you're worried about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as 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 top of them; it can be used as a single unit from day dot and then converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. They are commonly found on pushchairs, such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath found to offer "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easier for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and must be topped up frequently. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can identify PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also glide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you move your hand over the tyres you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it is sliding then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres onto flat, clean surfaces They'll roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy feel. Additionally, these tyres may typically be noisy because they generate lots of noise when you turn and make your way through the town.