3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-roading and taking on terrains that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath, the editor of MadeForMums reviews, tried one of these 3-wheelers on tarmac as well as on a variety of terrains. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that's balanced by weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than three-wheelers. However, that doesn't mean the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, as many of them are built to handle everything from rough terrain to bustling high-streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, as well as a lockable wheel on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to fall off when driving on bumpy roads. These buggies are typically equipped with pneumatic tyres, too. They are great at handling surfaces that aren't paved and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They are also the best buggies for jogging with, as they provide excellent stability over rough terrain and help you keep up with your running partner. They are also great for climbing and descending steep kerbs as well and a majority come with suspension built-in that means your baby will be able to ride comfortably.
The main thing that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair difficult to maneuver is the broad frame, which makes it difficult to squeeze through narrow and tight doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue with a clever design which flips the wheels up when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes it easier to fit through doors.
You'll also need to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're planning on using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with an option to lie flat and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to take your toddler along. Many 3-wheelers fold flat and can be stood upright when collapsed which is useful if you have a an insufficient car boot or limited storage space at home. However, some require you to remove the front wheel before folding in order to fit in even smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically provide better maneuverability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They typically come with a swivelling front wheel that lets you change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheels which gives you security on more difficult terrain. Some models can even be used with a second seat or buggy board in case you're planning to grow your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled vehicle off of tracks that are paved, it's worth opting for a vehicle with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the toughest terrain. They may have to be regularly pumped up from time time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. Find a model with a an adjustable swivelling front wheel that locks to aid you in navigating difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than buggies with four wheels because of the single front wheel. Check to see if the model you're considering can fit into the boot of your car and can be stood up, if required. Certain models can fold in one hand and stand on their own when they're collapsed, which can make them more compact in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A good three-wheel pushchair can handle most terrains, from busy streets to forest 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 must be able to cope with steep slopes and kerbs. If you plan to jog on it, ensure it has a swivelling "stretch front wheel' that is locked. This will keep the ride stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well on both rural and urban walks. Kath noted that it was able to navigate cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements with ease and was comfortable when jogging. It's also a great option for day trips because it offers plenty of storage space. It has an enormous, spacious, zip-top covered basket and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to fit a baby's needs from birth, with an infant carry cot or a lay-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most well-known second seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling and modular seat is that the fabric sling fits in the frame of the buggy as opposed to sitting on top of it as a modular seat would. This allows for a more ergonomically-correct posture for the baby and instantly provides lower center of gravity and a more appropriate height. This results in a smoother push, a lighter curb-pop (you don't need to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and more stability and balance.
These buggy seats also feature sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. Made specifically for sling chair applications in mind, these fabrics are incredibly UV resistant and air-tight. They also have a great anti-aging capability and are easy to clean with water and soap.
If you're a jogger, or like to do some off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler could be more suitable than a 4-wheeler. These types have a bigger base they are more stable and have air-filled tyres that allow for smooth movement over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seats, has added a new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its product line. The all-terrain buggy has an impressive huge and spacious seat that can be a world-facing or parent face and reclines flat with an improved 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or car seat and comes with a generously size shopping basket, hood with zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
Created for the most discerning buggy drivers, this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as beautiful to behold as it is to use. The sleek frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black with touches of silver-burnished aluminium all over making it a complete wow factor. This is a great choice for parents who are active. It has a large cushioned seat that can be set either parent or world facing. 3 wheeled pushchair comes with an upgraded 5-point harness and a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be set up in many ways to accommodate different seating requirements. Whether it's a cozy setup for watching movies or a larger arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating is able to adjust easily. Many modular seating systems have cushions that can be removed, making it easy to clean up spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. A wide range of fabric, color and shape options mean that you will find an alternative seating option that is a perfect fit for your preferences. Modular seating also comes with many practical features, like hidden storage compartments that make it easy to organizing.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The large front wheel that is extremely maneuverable allows for smooth and swift movement. The tyres that are typically air-filled and have suspension, provide an excellent ride even on the roughest trails and roads. They are also ideal for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who love to run and jog with their kids often choose 3-wheel prams because they are more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminum frame, which has an easy fold that can be folded in one hand and rear and forward facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with the ability to lie flat in full, air-filled tyres and 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's incredibly lightweight and extremely maneuverable, as well as fashionable. This buggy truly future proofs your wallet and can be used from birth using the carrycot all the way to toddlerhood using the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of just one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side-by-side buggy that is compact enough for city life yet also innovative and controlled. It has a unique fabric sling seat that's positioned in a comfortable frame at the perfect height to allow for a optimal weight distribution for effortless popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.