3 Wheeler Buggies
A tri-wheeled stroller is ideal for off-road terrain and offers the most comfortable ride for infants. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are placed snugly within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.
Stability
Three-wheeled vehicles are very stable, making them an excellent option for off-road walks (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheels in the front to give you additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models which means that they topple over more easily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to ensure that they remain stable in all weather conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be easy to steer using one hand. They also feature an incline of 360o for the front wheel that makes them perfect to navigate difficult terrain.
Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle nonpaved tracks, and should be able to handle dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. Many all-terrain buggies feature an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheel pram is also a good option for runners or for those who like to walk fast and uphill, particularly in the event that you're planning to connect an infant car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features the flat-reclining seat, 5-point harness and plenty of storage space for all your gear (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's lightweight and compact, and is suitable to use from birth. It can be used with a car seat or a carrycot. It can also handle some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious runners.
Weight
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. These are made to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks with ease while providing smooth riding. They are also great for jogging because they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The downside is that they're a bit heavy to push.
The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheeler has 16 rear wheels, and an swivel wheel lockable to the front making it extremely maneuverable. It comes with air tyres which require pumping occasionally, and it can carry a child until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler loved the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her 3-year-old on board.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It has an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection and a high-quality hood. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram that comes with a carrycot or infant car seat for infants and toddlers.
3 wheeled pushchair are placed in the frame, not on top like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity at the perfect height. It is simpler to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you will do this as a new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for seating of 3 wheelers is impressive and there are a variety of different options to choose from. For a newborn it is possible to use the included carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the world-facing or parent facing seat unit that is roomy and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats aren't fully reclined however, they can be lowered to the lowest level which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.
A sling seat made of cloth is also available, which has the advantage of being positioned snugly inside the frame rather than on top like the modular seat. This provides a lower center of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push, particularly over bumpy terrains or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat handled these obstacles.
This kind of buggy comes with an extensive basket and other features that are useful like an extended hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal, and some unique visibility lights which can be put in front of occupants to ensure safety when riding on rough 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 one baby from the moment of birth and adjust to take 2 or even 3 after your little ones have grown and all within the footprint of one buggy.
Stores
The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and stable to push one handed and is also ideal for handling difficult terrain. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.
A top-quality ATP will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your convenience. It will accommodate a carrycot or a car seat, meaning you can use it from birth.
MFM's reviewers have discovered that the 3-wheeler frame can't fit through all the doors in their homes, or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before purchasing if you're worried about space.
Find a 3-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these that can be used as a single from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tyres cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly used on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said was "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.
These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure topped up regularly. These tyres are more susceptible to punctures, so you should always carry an repair kit and spare inner tube with you when you're out and out and about.
PU tyres can be found on more pushchairs than air-filled tyres, yet they are still just as robust. You can identify PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide on smooth and tidy surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres, you can determine if they're PU or rubber. If it feels as if it's sliding, then it's a PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres over a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable because the foam loses its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy due to the fact that they create a lot noise when you turn or drive around town.