3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain, offering an easy ride for your baby. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler and are especially suitable for those with fabric slings or modular seat units, which are tightly positioned in the frame and provide the most efficient design and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat unit). These buggys often have oversized front tires that are able to handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some even come with a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.
It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled versions which means they are more likely to fall over. However, the most reliable 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn at a whim and be easy to steer with one hand. They also have an incline of 360o for the front wheel that makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.
For really tricky surfaces, look out for an air-filled model, also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on roads that are not paved and can deal with dirt, gravel, etc. A lot of all-terrain buggies have a swivelling wheel on the front that can be locked to provide greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.
A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for those who run or like to walk fast uphill. This is particularly true if you are planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with 5-point harness and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for babies and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. 3 wheeled pushchair handles some light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.
Weight
If you're seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. These will cope well over grass, cobbles, and dirt tracks and provide the smoothest ride for all passengers. These are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. However, the downside is that they can be quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel, so it's very manoeuvrable. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping and it can be used to carry a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the shape of the seat, and she found it easy to steer even with her three-year-old child on the board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with an adjustable handlebar, a top-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection as well as an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move kerbs up and down and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram that comes with baby car seat for infants and toddlers.
Fabric slings are set in the frame and not on top as modular seats. This model has a lower centre of gravity at the ideal height. It is much easier to push and lighter to kerb-pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll need to do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
There are a myriad of options for seating in three wheelers. For babies it is possible to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can use the world-facing or parent facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats don't fully recline, but they can be adjusted to the lowest point. This should still allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It has the advantage of being set snugly inside the frame instead of over the top of a modular seat and this gives a lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push, especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat dealt with these obstacles.
In addition to a big shopping basket, this type of buggy usually has quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal and some game-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebars and can be placed in front of the occupants to ensure their safety when tackling tricky terrain.
Alternatively, if you are seeking a single stroller that can expand with your family There's the new sport(tm) which is the first in the world to take a single infant from day one and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your little ones have developed, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled model is more stable and can be pushed by one hand. It's also ideal for terrain that is difficult. The shopping basket is smaller than a 4-wheeler.
A top-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It will accept a carrycot or car seat, meaning you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing if you're worried about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the best choice for your future and will save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most well-known. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy and later converted into twin buggies once your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's journey more comfortable. You'll find these on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an exceptional ride for my toddler". She also mentioned that the grippy tires of the Phil and Ted's Sport made it simple for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.
They can be difficult to maintain and require having their air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres, so you'll need to make sure that you have repair kits along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go traveling with your buggy.
PU tyres are typically found on pushchairs as they are less expensive than tyres filled with air, but they are equally durable. You can tell PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft texture. They also glide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.
You can usually discern the difference between PU and air-filled tire by running your fingers over them, if it feels hard then it's rubber and when it slides, it's a PU. You can also confirm that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding the tyres over a clean, flat surface They'll be able to roll easily and fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy quality. Also, these tyres may often be noisy as they generate a lot of noise as you turn and make your way through town.