3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road walking & taking on terrains that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that is balanced by the weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are worth considering as they can take on anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, and one that locks on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to break apart when you're on rough roads. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires, which are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies to be running with, since they provide great stability on rough terrain and can help you keep up with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and a lot of them come with spring suspension that is built-in, so your baby can enjoy an enjoyable ride.
The main factor that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which makes it difficult to squeeze into narrow spaces and tight doors than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with a clever design that makes the wheels turn up when not being used, which reduces their overall size and helps you navigate through doorways easily.
If yes, look for a lie-flat position and if the design is compatible with second seating and buggy boards (if you'd like to add the toddler). If so, check for an upright position and if the design is compatible with second-seats and buggy boards (if you want to add an infant onboard). Many 3-wheelers can fold flat, and later be placed upright. This is a good option for those with limited space in your boot or have limited storage at home. Some 3-wheelers require you to take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more movable than four-wheeled strollers. They often come with a swivelling front wheel that allows you to change direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some models also have a lockable front wheel which gives you security on more difficult terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board, if you plan to expand your family.
If you plan to take your three-wheeled buggies off the paved roads, you should choose one with pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres might need to be regularly pumped up from time time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof compared to solid tyres. You should look for models with a swiveling front wheel that can be locked to help you navigate difficult surfaces.
Having a single front wheel could indicate that three-wheelers can be bulkier than four-wheeled buggies when folded. Check that the model you choose can fit in the boot of your car and can be set up upright if needed. 3 wheel buggy are able to be folded with just one hand and are freestanding when collapsed. This will save space in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will be used on all terrains, from busy streets to forest tracks. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use it for in the daytime. If you'll be running the school run with it, it must be able handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you intend to jog on it, ensure it has a swivelling "stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will keep the ride in place.
MFM reviewer Kath discovered her three-wheeled buggy was able to handle well on both the countryside and urban walks. Kath said it negotiated rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to jog with too. It's also a great option for day trips as it comes with plenty of storage space, including a large, spacious basket with zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adapted to meet the needs of a baby from birth, including the option of a carry cot or a lying-flat seats. It's also compatible with the most popular stroller seats and second seats.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric seat and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is a part of the buggy frame, as opposed to being placed on top like a modular chair. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically correct position of the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at just the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a less hefty curb-pop (you do not have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabrics used in these types of seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for the sling chair and are UV-resistant and ventilated. They also have a great durability and are easy to clean using mild soap and 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 buggy with four wheels. These styles generally have a larger base, more stable and use air-filled tyres to ensure smooth, easy movement on rough ground.
Maxi-Cosi, a brand known for its car seat collection, has added a new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its range of products. This all-terrain vehicle has an enormous, spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be a world-facing or parent face and reclines flat with an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used as a baby with a carrycot or car seat and comes with a decently size shopping basket, hood with zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
Created for the most discerning buggy owners, this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as stunning to look at as it is enjoyable to use. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black, with hints of silver-burnished aluminium all over and gives it a true wow factor. This is a great choice for active parents. It has a large, padded seat which can be positioned either parent or world facing. It also has an improved 5-point harness and a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers an array of configurations to meet different seating needs. Whether it's a cozy setup for watching movies or a spacious configuration to entertain guests, modular seating is able to be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems also come with removable cushion covers which makes it easier to clean spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decors or stand out as an accent piece. A wide range of fabrics, colors, and shape options means that you will find a modular seating solution that suits your style. Modular seating also comes with many useful features, such as hidden storage compartments for easy storage.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers, making them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large, highly manoeuvrable 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 roads and trails. 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.
Often 3-wheel prams are a popular choice for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children, as they provide excellent agility and are more streamlined than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a fast one-handed fold, forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features an all-black frame that comes with an infant carrycot that can be placed in a fully lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This buggy truly future proofs your wallet and can take you from birth using the carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood using the modular seat (and beyond!). This is all done within the footprint of one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban living yet big on innovation and control. It features an exclusive seat made of fabric that is placed in the frame with a perfect fit at the perfect height for weight distribution. This makes it easy kerb jumping and navigating cities and neighborhoods.