3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-road jogging and taking on terrains, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also easier to navigate up and down kerbs as opposed to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on asphalt and on the muddy ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies with their center of gravity being balanced by your child's weight within the seat, are typically more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worthwhile to consider as they are able to handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
If you want a buggie that is easy to handle and will not fall over on bumpy roads, look for a model with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres too, which are great at handling surfaces that aren't paved and can even be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also the best buggies for jogging with, as they provide excellent stability on rough terrain and help you keep pace with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs and a lot of them come with spring suspension built-in so that your baby can enjoy a smooth ride.
The main factor that makes a pushchair with three wheels difficult to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which makes it more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and narrow doorways than a 4-wheeler. However, some manufacturers have tackled this issue by implementing an innovative design that makes the wheels fold up when they are not being used, which reduces their overall size and allows you to get through doorways with ease.
You'll also have to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, ensure that it is in the ability to lie flat and if the design is compatible with other seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add a toddler onboard). Many 3-wheelers can fold flat, and then be put up in a upright position. This is a great option when you have limited space in your boot or limited storage at home. Certain 3-wheelers require you to take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than strollers with four wheels. They usually have a swivelling wheel on the front that lets you change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some models also have a lockable front wheel which gives you security on more difficult terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board should you decide to grow your family.
If you plan to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are paved then you should opt for one that has pneumatic tyres. They can handle even the most difficult terrain. These tyres will need regular pumping but they'll be more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should look for models with a swiveling front wheel that is locked to help you navigate tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be heavier than four-wheeled buggies due to the single wheel in front. Make sure the model you choose can fit into the boot of your car and is able to be sat up in the event that it is needed. Some models are able to fold with one hand, and they're freestanding when collapsed. This can make them more compact in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with most terrain from busy high streets to tracks through woodlands. It's important to consider the way you'll use it every day. If you'll be running the school run with it, it should be able to handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you intend to jog with it, make sure it has a swivelling'stretch front wheel' that is locked. This will help keep the ride in place.
Kath, a MFM reviewer, found that her stroller on three wheels was able to take on urban and rural walks. She noted that it could navigate rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable to run with too. It is also a good choice for day trips as it offers plenty of storage space. It has a large, spacious, zip-top basket that is covered and an extended 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to accommodate babies from birth using an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with a variety of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling and a modular seat is that the fabric sling is placed comfortably inside the frame of the buggy rather than sitting on top like a modular seat. This enables a much more ergonomically correct position for baby and instantly provides a lower centre of gravity that is at the proper height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a lighter curb-pop (you don't have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and improved balance and stability.
These seats also have Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. These fabrics were developed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely UV-resistant and ventilated. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading then an all-terrain buggy is more likely to suit your requirements than a four-wheeler. These styles are generally larger, more stable base and utilise tyres with air for agile smooth moving over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a name that is well-known for its car seat range and has now added a brand new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its product line. This all-terrain buggy boasts a large spacious and impressively growing seat that can be used as a world facing or parent face and reclines flat thanks to a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with an infant car seat or carrycot and comes with a reasonably sized shopping basket and a hood that has zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
For the most discerning buggy owners, this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as stunning to look at as it is to operate. The sleek frame is finished in a striking pewter black with touches of burnished silver aluminium throughout and gives it a true wow factor. A large, padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing, with a new 5-point safety harness, as well as an entire set of rain covers makes this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be arranged in a variety of ways to meet different seating needs. If you want a cozy setting to watch films or a large configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating can adjust easily. Many modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed, making it easier to wash spills and stain.
Modular Seating is available in a variety of styles to match existing decor or as an accent piece. 3 wheeler pushchair can select from a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to design an adjustable seating option that matches your personal style. Many functional features are available in modular seating such as hidden storage compartments that permit an easy organization and cleaning of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are particularly good for off-road or all terrain adventures because they offer more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are generally air-filled and feature suspension, which gives you a great ride on even the roughest of roads and trails. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they are with 4 wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Parents who love to run and jog with their babies typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they are more nimble and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminum frame, a quick one-hand fold and forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with fully lie-flat position air-filled tyres, and three recline positions.
Another excellent all-terrain choice is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and stunningly elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy is truly future-proof for your wallet and will take you from birth with the included carrycot, right through to toddlerhood using the modular seat (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that is compact enough to be used in urban areas, but also creative and controlled. It features an innovative fabric sling seat that's placed snugly inside the frame and at just the right height for optimal weight distribution for effortless rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.