3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road walking & taking on terrains that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They can also be easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child's seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally thought to be more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, as the majority of these models are designed to withstand everything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels, and an lockable wheel on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to break apart on rough roads. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires that are ideal for handling unpaved surfaces. They can be used on sandy beaches or tracks through woodlands.
They're also excellent buggies to run with as they provide excellent stability on rougher terrain, and can help you stay with your running companion. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and many of them come with built-in spring suspension so your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
One thing that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to maneuver is the large frame, which can make it difficult to squeeze into narrow spaces and tight doors than a four-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue with clever design that turns the wheels upside down when they are not in use. This reduces their dimensions and makes it easier to squeeze through doorways.
If yes, make sure to check for a lie-flat positioning and also whether the design is compatible with second seats 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 other seats and buggy boards (if you're planning to put an infant onboard). Many 3-wheelers fold flat and can be stood upright when collapsed - handy if you have limited space in your car boot or a small storage space at home. However, some require you to take out the front wheel before folding in order to fit into more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than strollers with four wheels. A lot of them feature a swivelling wheels on the front that allows you to steer and change direction with only one hand. Some models come with a lockable wheel that can offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can even be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're planning to grow your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled buggy off tracks that are paved, it's worth choosing one that has tyres with air in them (also called pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the toughest terrain. These tyres may need to be filled from time to intervals, but they'll be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. Choose a model that has a an adjustable swivelling front wheel that locks to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
The fact that there is only one front wheel can also indicate that three-wheelers can be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Make sure the model you pick fits inside your car's boot and can be positioned upright if needed. Some models can fold with one hand, and they're freestanding when collapsed, which will save space in boot spaces that are smaller.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can be used on all terrains from busy streets to forest tracks. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you'll be doing the school run with it, it should be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you're planning to run with it, make sure it has a swiveling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will keep the ride in place.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy was able to handle well on both the countryside and urban walks. She noted that it could navigate cobbles, rough paths and uneven pavements with ease and felt pleasant to jog with. It's also a great choice for day trips, since it offers plenty of storage space, including a huge ample basket with a zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to fit babies as young as an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with the majority of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seats is that the fabric sling sits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy as opposed to being positioned on top like a modular seat. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity, which is the ideal height. 3 wheeler pushchair in turn makes for an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't need the same amount of effort and weight to push the buggy over the nose of a curb) and better balance and stability.
The sling fabrics used in these kinds of buggy seats are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. Developed specifically with sling chair applications in mind they are durable and extremely breathable. They also have an excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean with mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, an all-terrain buggy is more suited to your requirements than a four-wheeled buggy. These models are generally larger base, more stable and utilise tyres with air to allow for smooth and agile moving over rough terrain.
3 wheel buggy known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts an enormous, spacious and impressively growing seat that can be world facing or parent facing and reclines flat with an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used with car seats or a carrycot from birth and has an enormous shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler is designed for the most discerning buggy owners is as stunning to look at as it is functional. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black, with hints of silver-burnished aluminium all over, giving it a real WOW factor. This is a fantastic choice for active parents. It features a spacious cushioned seat that can be set either parent or world facing. It also features an upgraded 5-point harness and a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be arranged in a variety of ways to meet different seating needs. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable setup for watching movies or a larger configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating can adjust easily. Many modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating is available in different styles to fit with your existing decor or as an accent piece. A variety of color, fabric and shape options ensures that you can find an alternative seating option that fits your taste. Modular seating also comes with many useful features, such as storage compartments hidden from view for easy organization.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The huge, highly maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are typically air filled and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on the most difficult trails and roads. They're also great for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Often, 3-wheel prams are a favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children because they offer superior agility and are less bulky than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example features a sleek, burnished silver aluminium frame, with an easy one-hand fold as well as forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a full lie flat position with air-filled tyres as well as 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's extremely light and highly maneuverable. It's also incredibly stylish. This is a buggy that will truly protect your wallet from the future and can take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot all the way to toddler-hood with the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). This is all done in the footprint of a single buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side vehicle that's small enough for urban living, yet big on innovation and control. It comes with a unique fabric sling seat that's positioned in a comfortable frame at the perfect height to allow for a perfect weight distribution for easy popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.