The People Closest To 3 Wheeled Buggies Have Big Secrets To Share
3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-road walking & taking on terrains from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also more easy 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 three year old, and put it through its paces on road and on a rocky surface. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their centre of gravity balancing by the weight of your child in the seat are generally more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are nevertheless worth considering as they can handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
For a buggy that's really easy to control and won't let you down on bumpy roads, look for one with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These buggies are typically equipped with pneumatic tyres too, which are great at handling surfaces that aren't paved and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also excellent buggies to run with as they provide excellent stability on rougher terrain, and can help you stay with your running partner. They are also great for going up and down steep kerbs too, and most of them have a built-in suspension that ensures your child will be able to ride comfortably.
One thing that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which makes it harder to fit through narrow and tight doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by using an innovative design that turns the wheels upside down when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes them easier to maneuver through doors.
It's also important 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. If so, ensure that it is in the ability to lie flat and if the design is compatible with second-seats and buggy boards (if you want to add an infant onboard). Many 3 Wheel stroller with Bassinet-wheelers can fold flat, and then be placed upright. This is a great option when you have an unwieldy boot space or a small amount of storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. They usually have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to shift direction quickly and steer with just one hand. Some models come with wheels that lock to give you stability on more rough terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board should you decide to grow your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled bike off the tracks that are paved, it's worth opting for a vehicle that has tyres with air in them (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the most difficult terrain. They will require pumping up occasionally but will be far more durable than tyres that are solid and more likely to be puncture-proof. Look for a model with an adjustable swivelling front wheel that locks to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be heavier than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel on the front. Check that the model you select can fit in the boot of your car and can be positioned in a straight line if needed. Certain models can be folded using one hand, and can be rearranged when folded. This will save space in the boot of your car.
A good three-wheel pushchair can take on any terrain, from busy streets to forest tracks. It's important to consider what you'll be using it for every day. If you'll be running the school run with it, it should be able handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, ensure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to ensure that the ride is stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy was able to handle well with rural and urban walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to run with. It's also a great choice for day trips, as it has plenty of storage space, including a large ample basket with a zip-top 3 wheel strollers cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can be modified to meet the needs of babies starting at birth, using the option of a carry cot or a lay-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most well-known second seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It sits inside the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top of it like an adjustable chair. This enables a much more ergonomically correct position for babies, which instantly delivers an lower centre of gravity that is at the proper height. This results in an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't need the same amount of effort and weight to pop the buggy over the curb's edge) and a better stability and balance.
These seats also come with sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. Developed specifically with the use of sling chairs in mind they are UV resistant and breathable. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you are a jogger, or enjoy off-roading, then an all terrain buggy is more likely to meet your needs than a four-wheel buggy. These models have a larger base, are more stable and have air-filled tyres that allow for smooth and easy movement on rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a name that is well-known for its car seat range is now offering a brand-new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its range of products. This all-terrain vehicle has a large huge and spacious travel system seat unit that can be world facing or parent-facing and reclines flat with a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used with car seats or a carrycot from birth and has a large shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler, designed for the most discerning buggy owners is as gorgeous to admire as it is functional. The angular frame has stunning pewter finishes with touches of burnished aluminum. It's a true show-stopper. A large, padded seat that is world or parent facing with an improved 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers makes this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be used to create an array of configurations to meet different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy setting for watching movies, or an open layout to entertain guests. A lot of modular seating systems have cushions that can be removed making it simple to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decors or stand out as an accent piece. You can choose from a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to design an elegant and modular seating design that fits your personal style. Many functional features are available in modular seating like hidden storage compartments that allow an easy organization and cleaning of living spaces.
3 wheel infant stroller-wheel buggies are particularly good for off-road and all terrain adventures as they have more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are generally air filled and have suspension, allowing for a smooth ride on even the most difficult trails and roads. They're also great for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their babies usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminium frame, with an easy fold that can be folded in one hand and rear and forward facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with full lie flat position, air-filled tyres and 3 recline positions.
Another fantastic all-terrain choice is the incredibly light, extremely maneuverable and stunningly fashionable Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This is a buggy that is truly future-proof for your wallet and will take you from birth with the included carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood using the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). It all fits within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that is compact enough for city life but is also a bit more innovative and controlled. It has an exclusive fabric sling seat, which is placed comfortably inside the frame and at the perfect height for the perfect weight distribution to facilitate popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.