3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of these feature an upholstered sling seat that has a comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution that is ideal from birth.
The wheels are larger and often have suspension to ensure smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll notice that you can maneuver them more quickly and efficiently. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose their stability and fall over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Find models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces such as rocks and sand. They'll also typically come with the option of locking the front wheel to add stability over really rough terrain.
The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor - instantly delivering a smoother ride and less kerb pop (you don't have to exert as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a Kerb).
Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat range However, it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact' - it's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a variety of 3 wheel buggies that fold down to fit into smaller space. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will feature a simple adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may have an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They could also come with a large, spacious basket and a quick-release brake lever.
The most reliable 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain
A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more able to deal with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both can get stuck in tight places. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can aid. This makes it easier to push them over rough terrain, and can aid in getting up and down the steep slopes.
The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on some hills."
Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi named Stella. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each one has its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example, offer an effortless ride and superior maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your needs and where you live.
If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often, you might think about a three-wheeler that has more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you require. The suspensions that are strong are great for tackling bumps and humps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.
Another aspect to be considered is the tyre's size. Understanding the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might be confusing however, once you understand it, you can understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14 inch rim diameter.
In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If they do not, then the tires are made of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it will absorb the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels which are filled with air and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging is crucial to ensure your buggy is capable of maneuvering off roads with ease.
There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on the kerb pops.
The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another great option. It has sleek design, a large wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she found that it handled the terrain really well. 3 wheeler stroller said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of going up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes in a variety of colours that will match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also pick from a range of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.
Safety
The presence of four wheels makes a buggy much more stable, less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore easier to lift over curbs and up the stairs. The seats made of fabric are built into the frame and not on top as modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a buggy that can be easily maneuvered.
If you're planning to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the ideal option. It comes with an suspension system that allows the front wheel of the buggie to move independently from the rear. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However it is not the case that all four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested independently across all kinds of terrain.