3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road walking & taking on terrains from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. 3 wheeler pushchair are also simpler to move up and down kerbs in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and three year old daughter, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies with their centre of gravity balanced by your child's weight in the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are worthwhile to consider as they are able to handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
For a buggy that's really easy to control and won't let you down on muddy roads, opt for one with big rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. 3 wheeler pushchair for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires that are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They are also great buggies to jog with as they provide excellent stability on rougher terrain and help you stay with your running partner. They're also good at climbing and descending steep kerbs too and a majority have a built-in suspension which means your child will have a pleasant ride.
The main thing that makes a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the broad frame, which makes it harder to fit through narrow and tight doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue by using clever design that flips the wheels up when they are not being used. This reduces their dimensions and makes it easier to maneuver through doors.
If yes, make sure to check for a lie-flat position and also whether the design is compatible with second seating and buggy boards (if you want to add a toddler onboard). If so, check for an upright position and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add an infant onboard). Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and be upright when folded and is handy if you have a small car boot or a small storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you remove the front wheel in order to fold into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally provide better maneuverability than pushchairs with four wheels. They typically have a swivelling front wheel which allows you to change direction quickly and steer with just one hand. Some also have a lockable front wheel which gives you security on more difficult terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board, in case you want to expand your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled vehicle off of tracks that are paved, it's worth choosing one equipped with tyres filled with air (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the toughest terrain. These tyres will need periodic pumping, but will be far more durable than tyres that are solid and more likely to be puncture-proof. Find a model with a an adjustable swivelling front wheel that locks to help you negotiate tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single wheel on the front. Check that the model you select can fit in the boot of your car and can be placed upright if required. 3 wheeler pushchair can be folded by one hand and can be raised when folded. This will save space in a small car boot.
A quality 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with any terrain, from busy high streets to woodland tracks. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use it for in the daytime. If you're planning to run the school run, it ought to be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be running with it, make sure it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to ensure that the ride is safe.
Kath, a MFM reviewer, discovered that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle both urban and rural walks. Kath said it negotiated rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to run with too. It's also a great choice for day trips as it is packed with storage space. It has an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adapted to meet the needs of babies starting at birth, using the option of a carry cot or a lay-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most popular second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a seat made of fabric and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the frame of the buggy as opposed to being placed on top like an adjustable chair. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at the ideal height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a more light curb-pop (you don't have to exert as much effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabrics used in these types of buggy seats are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were specifically designed for the sling chair and are UV resistant and air-tight. They also have an excellent anti-aging capability and are easy to clean with mild soap and water.
If you are a jogger, or like to do some off-roading then an all terrain buggy is more likely to suit your requirements than a four-wheeled buggy. These types have a bigger base and are more stable. They also have air-filled tyres that allow for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts a large huge and spacious seat that can be world facing or parent-facing and reclines flat thanks to an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth and has an enormous shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to admire as it is to use. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black with hints of silver-burnished aluminum throughout and gives it a true wow factor. A big, padded seat that is world or parent facing with an improved 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers make this an ideal choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers many different configurations that can be adapted to various seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable setting for watching movies, or a spacious arrangement for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems also have cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to clean spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decors or make a statement as an accent piece. You can select from a variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to create a modular seating that suits your style. Modular seating also has a variety of useful features, such as hidden storage compartments that make it easy to storage.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than 4-wheel strollers, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel allows for a quick and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are generally filled with air and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on the roughest of roads and trails. They are also ideal for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are favorite for parents who love running and jogging with their children as they offer great agility and are less bulky than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for example, has a sleek, burnished aluminum frame with a fast one-handed fold as well as forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features black frames with an infant carrycot that can be placed in a fully lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Another fantastic all-terrain choice is the incredibly light, extremely maneuverable and stylish Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This is a buggy that will truly protect your wallet from the future and will take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood using the seat that is modular (and beyond!). All of this is done within the footprint of one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side-by-side buggy that is small enough to be used in urban areas, but also innovative and controlled. It has an exclusive seat made of fabric that is placed snugly within the frame at the ideal height for weight distribution. This allows for easy jumps over kerbs, and navigates neighborhoods and cities.