3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and offers an easy ride for babies. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame to provide the most efficient shape and weight distribution.
Pushchairs And Prams -wheeled buggys are extremely stable, making them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when they are equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They usually have large front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some have a lockable wheel on the front to provide extra stability when driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than their 4-wheeled counterparts, which could mean they could fall more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They must be able to pivot on a dime and be able to steer using just one hand, and have a 360o swivelling front wheel which makes them perfect for maneuvering and navigating challenging terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks and more. Many all-terrain buggies have an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when working on extremely rough terrain.
A tri-wheeled pram is a great option for those who run and love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you intend to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a world-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 for use starting at birth. It can be used in conjunction with a car seat or a carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging, but isn't designed for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can tackle terrain that is difficult, you should choose one with large tires. They are designed to tackle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily and still provide an enjoyable ride. These are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable because it has 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has tyres with air which require pumping up every now and then. It can be used by children until the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old in the seat.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits into a small car boot. It can also be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame, not on top like modular seats. This model has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you will do that as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is quite impressive and there are a variety of different choices to choose from. For newborns you have the option to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) In addition, older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. It's worth noting that the seats aren't fully reclined however, they can be lowered to the lowest level which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling is also available. It has the advantage that it is placed within the frame, instead of being placed on top of it as a seat that is modular. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, especially when you're on bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath really liked the way this type of seat handled these challenges.
This type of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other useful features, such as an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.
If you're looking for a buggy that will grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a world first that can take in a newborn and then be modified to accommodate three or four children as they grow, all within a single footprint.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy much more stable to push with one hand and is also ideal for handling rough terrain. However, it does mean that the shopping basket can't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have excellent suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your comfort. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, meaning you can use it from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame can't pass through all doors in their homes or small car boots - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing if you're worried about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and will help you save money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most popular. It can be used from day dot as a single buggy, and then converted into twin buggies when your baby is walking.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to provide your child with more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.
These tyres are sometimes difficult to maintain their inflation and must be filled regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres. So it is essential that you have repair kits, spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're just as robust. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide easily on even and tied surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between PU and air-filled tires by running your hands over them, if it feels hard, then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them on a flat, clean surface. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain associated with this kind of pushchair. The downside is that the foam could shrink and make your buggy appear less stable since it loses its springy feel. The tyres can also be noisy due to the fact that they create lots of noise when you turn or drive around the town.