3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road jogging and tackling terrain that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also more easy to maneuver up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath who is the editor of MadeForMums' reviews, tested one of these three-wheelers on tarmac as well as on various terrains. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. However, that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth a look, since many of them are built to handle anything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
For a buggy that's easy to handle and will not let you down on bumpy pavements, look for one with large rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres too, which are excellent for handling uneven surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
These are also the best buggies for running around in, as they offer great stability over rougher ground and aid in keeping up with your running partner. They're also excellent at climbing and down steep kerbs too and a majority come with a suspension built in which means your child will be able to ride comfortably.
One thing that can make a pushchair with three wheels difficult to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which makes it harder to fit into narrow spaces and tight doors than a 4-wheeler. However, some manufacturers have tackled this issue by implementing a clever design that makes the wheels flip up when they are not in use, which decreases their overall size and helps you get through doors without difficulty.
You'll also have to consider whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your baby 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 second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to take a toddler along. Many 3-wheelers fold flat and can be stood upright when collapsed which is useful if you have a limited space in your car boot or only a little storage space at home. Certain 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more maneuverable than strollers with four wheels. A majority of them have an swivelling wheel at the front which allows you to steer and change direction with only one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheels which can give you stability on rougher terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board, if you plan to expand your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled vehicle off of roads, you should consider selecting a model that has tyres with air in them (also called pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the most challenging terrain. These tyres will need regular pumping but will be far more durable than tyres that are solid and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should look for one with an adjustable front wheel that is locked to assist you on difficult terrains.
Having a single front wheel could indicate that three-wheelers can be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Make sure the model you choose fits in the boot of your car and is able to be stood up, should it be required. Some models are able to fold in one hand and are freestanding when collapsed, which can save space in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with all terrains, from busy main streets to tracks through woodlands. However, it is important to consider what you'll be using for your day-to-day use. If you'll be doing the school run with 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 ensure that the ride is safe.
Kath the MFM reviewer, discovered that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle urban and rural walks. She said it was able to negotiate rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements with ease and was comfortable when jogging. It's also a great choice for day trips, as it offers plenty of storage space, including a large, spacious basket with zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted for baby from birth with an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with most popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric sling and modular seat is that the fabric sling fits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy rather than being positioned on top as a modular seat would. This enables a much more ergonomically correct position for baby that instantly gives lower center of gravity and a more appropriate height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a less hefty curb-pop (you don't have to exert as much 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 also very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely UV-resistant and air-tight. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you are a jogger, or like to do some off-roading, then an all terrain buggy is more likely to suit your requirements than a four-wheeler. These models tend to have a wider base, more stable and utilise tyres with air to allow for smooth and agile moving on uneven ground.
Maxi-Cosi, a brand known for its car seat collection, has added a new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its product line. The all-terrain buggy has an enormous spacious and impressively growing seat that can be world facing or parent facing and reclines flat with an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with an infant car seat or carrycot and comes with a reasonably sized shopping basket and a hood that has zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
Created for the most discerning buggy owners this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as beautiful to behold as it is to use. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black with hints of burnished silver aluminium throughout making it a complete wow factor. This is a fantastic choice for active parents. It features a spacious cushioned seat that can be positioned either parent or world facing. It also has an upgraded 5-point harness as well as an entire set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for a wide range of configurations that can be adapted to different seating requirements. If you want a cozy setting to watch films or a large arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating is able to adjust easily. Many modular seating systems come with removable cushion covers which make it easier to wash spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with the existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. You can select from a range of fabrics, colors, and shapes to design an adjustable seating option that matches your personal style. Modular seating also comes with many functional features, including hidden storage compartments for easy organization.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth motion, while the tyres are usually filled with air and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on even the most difficult trails and roads. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Parents who like to run and jog with their children usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more nimble and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is a sleek burnished aluminium frame that has a simple one-handed fold as well as rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has a black frame with a carrycot that is set in a full lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's extremely light, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This buggy truly future proofs your wallet and will take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot, right through to toddlerhood using the modular seat (and beyond!). It does this all within the footprint of a single buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban use yet big on innovation and control. It features a unique fabric seat that is placed comfortably within the frame at the perfect height to distribute the weight. This makes it easy crossing of kerbs and for navigating cities and neighborhoods.