3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and taking on terrains from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver around kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, putting it through its paces on the road and on a rocky surface. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that's balanced by weight of your child in the seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than 3-wheelers. However, that doesn't mean the three-wheel buggie isn't worth a look, since some of them are built to withstand anything from rough terrain to bustling high streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels and one that locks on the front. This will make it easier to drive and less likely to fall apart when you're on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres as well, which are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces and can even be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies for jogging with, as they provide great stability over rough terrain and can help you keep pace with your jogging partner. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs and many come with spring suspension that is built-in, so your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels can be difficult to maneuver because of its wide frame. It is more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. However, some manufacturers have tackled this issue by implementing clever design that lets the wheels fold up when they are not in use, which reduces their overall size and helps you navigate through doorways without difficulty.
You'll also have to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your child from birth or if you're thinking of using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with the ability to lie flat, and if it's compatible with a second seat as well as buggy boards if you plan to bring an infant along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat, and then be stacked upright. This is great when you have a small boot space or have limited storage at home. However, some require you to remove the front wheel prior to folding in order to fit in even more compact space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically offer better manoeuvrability than pushchairs with four wheels. They often come with a swivelling front wheel that lets you change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some models come with wheels that lock to give you stability on more rough terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board in case you're planning to grow your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled buggy off roads, you should consider opting for a vehicle with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most challenging terrain. These tyres may need to be filled from time to the point, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. Find a model with a an adjustable swivelling front wheel that locks to aid you in navigating difficult surfaces.
A single front wheel may also indicate that three-wheelers can be heavier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check that your chosen model can fit in the boot of your car and can be sat up if needed. Some models can be folded with just one hand and are freestanding when they're collapsed, which can save space in boot spaces that are smaller.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can handle most terrains from busy streets to forest tracks. It's important to think about how you will use it every day. If you'll be doing the school run using it, it should be able to handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, check that it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to keep the ride stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy able to cope really well on rural and urban walks. Kath noted that it was able to navigate cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable while running. It's also a great option for day trips because it offers plenty of storage space. This includes an enormous, spacious, zip-top covered basket as well as an extended 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted to accommodate babies from birth using a lie-flat seat or carry cot, as well as being compatible with a variety of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seats is that the fabric sling sits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy instead of sitting on top of it as a modular seat would. This allows for a more ergonomically-correct position for baby, which instantly delivers an lower centre of gravity at the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a less hefty curb-pop (you don't have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and more stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these types of buggy seats are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were specifically designed for Sling chairs and are highly UV-resistant and air-tight. They are also easy to maintain using mild soap and warm 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-wheeler. These styles tend to have a wider, more stable base and use air-filled tyres to ensure smooth, easy moving on uneven ground.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seat collection, has added a new 3-wheeler, the Stella to its range of products. This stroller is all-terrain and has a spacious and large seat unit for the travel system that can be set either parent or world facing. It also reclines flat and has an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth using a carrycot or car seat and comes with a generously sized shopping basket and a hood that has zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
Designed for the most discerning buggy drivers, this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as beautiful to behold as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in a striking pewter black with touches of silver-burnished aluminium all over and gives it a true wow factor. This is a great choice for parents who are active. It comes with a large, padded seat which can be placed either with the parent or world facing. It also comes with an improved 5-point harness and an entire set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in various ways to meet different seating requirements. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable setup to watch films or a large configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating can be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed, making it easier to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with the existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. A variety of color, fabric and shape options mean that you can choose an alternative seating option that suits your style. Many functional features are available in modular seating such as hidden storage compartments that permit easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road and all-terrain adventures since they offer more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large, highly maneuverable front wheel allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres, which are typically filled with air and have suspension, offer a comfortable ride on even the most rough roads and trails. They're also great for walking up hills as the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who love to run and jog with their babies usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is a sleek, burnished aluminum frame that has a simple, one-handed fold and forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features a black frame with an infant carrycot that can be set in a full lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's extremely light and extremely maneuverable, as well as stylish. This buggy will truly protect your wallet from the future and can take you from birth using the carrycot, right through to toddlerhood with the modular seat (and beyond!). This is all done within the footprint of just one buggy.
3 wheeled pushchair , duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban use yet big on innovation and control. It features a unique fabric sling seat, which is placed in a comfortable frame at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution for effortless kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.
