3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler can be used for off-road walks and to tackle terrain from rough roads or tracks in woodlands. They are also easier to maneuver up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old daughter, putting it through its paces on tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, which have their centre of gravity balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worth considering since they can take on anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
For a buggy that's easy to control and won't let you down on bumpy pavements, look for a model with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires that are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches and tracks in woodlands.
They are also the best buggies to be running with, since they offer great stability over rougher ground and can help you keep up with your jogging partner. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs and many come with a spring suspension that is built-in, so your child will enjoy an enjoyable ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels can be a challenge to maneuver due to its large frame. It is more difficult to get through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by using an innovative design that flips the wheels up when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to fit through doors.
It's also important to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your little one 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 is compatible with a second seat as well as buggy boards if you plan to take a toddler along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and can be upright when folded and is handy if you have a small car boot or limited storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you remove the front wheel to fold into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. Many of them have a swivelling wheels on the front that allows you to control and change direction with only one hand. Certain models come with locks on the wheel to provide stability on rougher terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board should you decide to grow your family.
If you are planning to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are asphalted it is recommended to choose an option that has pneumatic tyres. They are able to handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres might need to be regularly pumped up from time intervals, but they'll be more durable and puncture-proof compared to solid tyres. You should look for models with a swiveling front wheel that is locked to help you navigate tricky surfaces.
The fact that there is only one front wheel may also mean that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check that the model you choose fits in your car's boot and can be positioned in a straight line if needed. Some models can fold in one hand, and they're freestanding when collapsed, which will save space in smaller car boots.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will take on any terrain, from busy streets to forest tracks. But it's important to consider what you'll be using it for in the daytime. If you'll be running the school run using it, it must be able handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running on it, make sure it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to keep the ride steady.
Kath the MFM reviewer, discovered that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle both urban and walks in the countryside. She noted that it could navigate cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements effortlessly and felt pleasant to jog with. It's also a great option for day trips since it is packed with storage space. This includes an enormous, spacious, zip-top basket that is covered and an expandable, 50+ UV hood. It can be modified to fit a baby's needs from birth, including a carry cot or lay-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most popular second seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric seat and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is a part of the frame of the buggy rather than being positioned on top of it like an adjustable chair. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position for babies that instantly gives a lower centre of gravity and a more appropriate height. This results in 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.
The sling fabric used in these kinds of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. Developed specifically with applications for sling chairs in mind they are UV-resistant and breathable. They also have a great durability and are easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler is likely to be more your bag than a 4-wheel buggy. These models tend to have a wider base, more stable, and utilise air filled tyres to ensure smooth, easy moving over rough terrain.
3 wheeled pushchair known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. The all-terrain buggy has an impressive, spacious and impressively growing seat that can be a world-facing or parent-facing and reclines flat thanks to an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or car seat and comes with a decently large shopping basket and hood with zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
Created for the most discerning buggy owners, this luxury 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is to use. The angular frame features stunning pewter finish and touches of burnished aluminum. It's a true show-stopper. This is a great option for active parents. It comes with a large cushioned seat that can be placed either with the parent or world facing. It also comes with an upgraded 5-point harness and an entire set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be used to create many different configurations to suit different seating needs. If you want a cozy setting for watching movies or a larger configuration to entertain guests, modular seating can be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems also have cushion covers that can be removed, making it easier to wash spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with the existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. You can select from a variety of fabrics, colors, and shapes to design an adjustable seating option that matches your style. Modular seating also comes with various practical features, like storage compartments hidden from view for easy storage.
3-wheel buggies are ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures because they offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are usually air-filled and feature suspension, providing an excellent ride on the most difficult trails and roads. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be on four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Parents who love to run and jog with their kids usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features a sleek, burnished aluminum frame with a quick, one-handed fold and rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has black frames with a carrycot that is positioned in a full lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Another excellent all-terrain choice is the incredibly light, extremely maneuverable and amazingly fashionable Mountain Buggy Sport verso. The buggy will last from birth, with the carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. All of this is done within the footprint of one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that's compact enough for city living but is also a bit more creative and controlled. It comes with an innovative fabric sling seat that's positioned snugly inside the frame and at the perfect height to ensure a perfect weight distribution for easy rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.