3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is great for off-road walking & tackling terrain that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also simpler to navigate between kerbs and up and down them in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and three year old, putting it through its paces on the road and on a rocky surface. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, which have their centre of gravity balancing by the weight of your child in the seat are generally more stable than three-wheelers. However, that doesn't mean 3 wheeler pushchairs -wheel buggy isn't worth considering, as the majority of these models are made to cope with everything from rough terrain to bustling high-streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels and an lockable wheel on the front. This will make it easier to drive and less likely to snap apart on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres as well, which are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies to be running with, since they provide excellent stability over rough terrain and help you keep up with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs and a lot of them come with built-in spring suspension so your baby can enjoy a comfortable ride.
One thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to maneuver is the large frame, which can make it more difficult to maneuver into narrow spaces and tight doors than a four-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue with a clever design which turns the wheels upside down when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to squeeze through doorways.
It's also important to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your baby from birth, or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Make sure that the buggy has the ability to lie flat, and if it is compatible with a second seat as well as buggy boards, if you are planning to take an infant along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and be put up in a upright position. This is a good option if you only have limited space in your boot or limited storage at home. However, some require you to remove the front wheel when folding if you wish to fit in even smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically offer better manoeuvrability than pushchairs with four wheels. They often come with a swivelling front wheel which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some models have locks on the wheel to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can even be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're looking to grow your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled vehicle off of roads, you should consider opting for a vehicle with air-filled tyres (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. Find a model with a a lockable swivelling front wheel to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
Having a single front wheel may also mean that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check that your chosen model can fit into the boot of your vehicle and can be stood up, in the event that it is needed. Certain models can fold with one hand and stand on their own when collapsed. This can save space in smaller car boots.
A good 3 wheel pushchair will be able to deal with any terrain, from busy main streets to tracks through woodlands. But it's important to consider what you'll be using it for in the daytime. If you'll be doing the school run with it, it should be able handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, check that it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to keep the ride safe.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy able to cope really well on rural and urban walks. She noted that it could navigate cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to jog with. It is also a good choice for day trips as it is packed with storage space. It has an ample, spacious zip-top basket that is covered and an extended 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to fit babies as young as a lie-flat seat or carry cot, as well as being compatible with most popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top like an adjustable chair. This allows for a more comfortable and ergonomically-correct position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at just the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a less hefty curb-pop (you don't need to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
These buggy seats also feature sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. These fabrics were developed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely UV-resistant and breathable. They also have excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean with water and soap.
If you're a jogger, or are a fan of off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler could be more suitable than a 4-wheel buggy. These types have a bigger base, 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 and has now added a brand new 3-wheeler, the Stella to its product line. The all-terrain stroller has an enormous and spacious seat that can be placed either facing the parent or the world. It also reclines flat and has an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used with an infant car seat or carrycot from birth and has a large shopping basket.
This 3 wheeler of luxury, designed for the most discerning buggy owner, is as beautiful to admire as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black, with hints of silver-burnished aluminium all over making it a complete WOW factor. A big, padded seat that can be world or parent facing with a new 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers make this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers a wide range of configurations to meet various seating requirements. If you want a cozy setting for watching movies or a larger arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating can adjust easily. Many modular seating systems also have cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to wash spills and stains.
Modular Seating is available in various styles to fit with your existing decor or as an accent piece. You can pick from a variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to design an adjustable seating option that matches your style. Modular seating also comes with various useful features, such as storage compartments hidden from view for easy organization.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road or all terrain adventures as they have more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and swift movement. The tyres, which are usually filled with air and have suspension, offer a comfortable ride even on the roughest roads and trails. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs, as they are with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them perfect for walking uphill.
Parents who love to run and jog with their babies often choose 3-wheel prams because they're more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminum frame, which has an easy one-hand fold as well as forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with full lie flat position, air-filled tyres and three recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's extremely lightweight and extremely maneuverable, as well as stylish. This is a buggy that will truly protect your wallet from the future and can take you from birth with the included carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood using the seat that is modular (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side-by-side buggy that is small enough for city life, but also creative and controlled. It features an exclusive seat made of fabric that is placed snugly within the frame at the right height to distribute weight. This makes it easy crossing of kerbs and for navigating cities and neighborhoods.