3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these have an upholstered sling that has an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are suitable from birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.
Stability
Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when they're in a straight line, and you'll be able to move them more quickly and easily. If you stop or turn abruptly, they may lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.
You can also take on off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Find models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces like rock and sand. These models also come with wheels that lock on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're looking for a cloth sling, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up a curb).
Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its line-up with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 model is designed for urban living and is suitable for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with four wheels as well as a unique pewter-black aluminium frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold compactly to fit in smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. The smallest models will feature a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension or an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.
The most reliable 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain
A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, but both models can get stuck in tight places. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels on both sides will help. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and will help you get up and down steep curbs.
3 wheeled pushchair is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her child and said that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles gravel tracks, dirt roads and some hills."
Another alternative is the newest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth if used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the lightweight 4-wheelers, but it has air-filled tires with three recline positions and a one-handed fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity. It's compatible with all of the brands' infant strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or a longer one by using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres for 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and types of materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the place you live.
For instance, if you intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you may want to consider a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. Consider the type of suspension you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.
The size of the tyre can be crucial. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you will be able to understand the tyre dimensions. For instance, a tyre size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14 inch rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on an even surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they do not then the tires are composed of rubber.
Suspension
The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled, and can be locked to provide stability when running are crucial. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.
Depending on the style of buggie you're looking for, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric sits snug within the frame, as opposed to on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and found that it adapted to the terrain well. She said that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of getting up and down kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket and an ultraviolet hood that is 50+. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants up to 12 month old.
Safety
Four wheels make a buggy more stable and less likely to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.
A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and therefore is more easy to roll up and over curbs. The seats made of fabric are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and an automobile that is easily moved.
If you're planning to run with your child, then an all-wheeler is the best option. It comes with a suspension system which allows the front wheel to move independently from the rear one. This will allow you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However there are some limitations to four-wheel buggies can be used for running. Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all terrains.