3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and provides a smooth ride for baby. 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 geometry and distribution of weight.
Stability
Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, and this makes them a great option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels on the front to provide additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they can tip over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel buggies have the perfect geometry and engineering to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel, which makes them perfect for navigating difficult terrain.
Find models with pneumatic tyres. These are designed to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and are able to withstand rocks, mud, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies include an swivelling wheel at the front that can be locked to provide added stability when tackling very rough terrain.
A 3-wheeler is an excellent option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially when you plan to attach an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It is lightweight, compact, and suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with a car seat or a carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can tackle difficult terrain, then you should choose one with large tires. These will cope well over cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for any passenger. They are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they are 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 mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as a lockable front wheel. It comes with air tyres which require pumping occasionally and it can be used to carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the shape of the seat and she found it easy to steer with her three-year-old child on board.
Another great option is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, that comes with an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can also be used as a pram that comes with an infant car seat for newborns and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame and not on top as modular seats. pushchair 3 wheels provides a lower center of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate the amount of times you'll have to do this as a new parent!)
Seating
There are a variety of alternatives for seating options in 3 wheelers. For babies it is possible to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and padded and does have adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats do not recline completely however, they can be lowered to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A fabric sling seat is also available, which offers the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame, rather than sitting on top as an open-back seat. This gives a lower centre of gravity as well as 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 kind of seat handled these challenges.
This type of buggy has an enormous basket, along with other beneficial features such as an extended hood 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.
If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will adapt to your family's needs, there's the brand-new sport(tm) which is the first of its kind to take a single newborn from day dot and then change to take two or even 3 after your children have developed in the space of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame is much more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also better for difficult terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres with a padded grip for added comfort, and a superb suspension. It should be able to accommodate a car seat, which means you can use it right from the time of birth.
MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frame didn't pass through their doors at home or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to check out the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.
It's worth looking into an SUV with three wheels that can fit two (or even 3!) seats once your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and future proof your money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy and later transformed into twin buggies once your baby starts to walk.
Tyres
Air filled tyres are designed to give your child more comfort while riding by cushioning bumps and uneven surfaces. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an outstanding ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tyres on the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to maneuver around the kerbs as well as other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain their inflation and need to be filled regularly. These tyres are more prone to punctures, and you should always have a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube with you when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, but they're still as sturdy. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft texture. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
If you run your hand over the tyres you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels like it is sliding then it is a rubber or PU. You can also verify that your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres onto an even, clean surface - they'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly into their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are typically utilized in high-performance buggies and joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain that's common to this type of pushchair. The downside is that the foam may compress and make your buggy appear less stable as it loses its springy nature. Additionally, these types of tyres can often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise when you turn and make your way through town.