3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler can be used for off-road walking and for traversing terrains such as uneven paths or tracks in woodlands. They are also more easy to maneuver around kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and three year old daughter, putting it through its paces on the asphalt and on the muddy ground. You can read her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, which have their centre of gravity balanced by the weight of your child in the seat are generally more stable than three-wheelers. However, that doesn't mean an older model with three wheels isn't worth considering, as many of these models are made to handle anything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
If you want a buggie that is easy to control and will not fall over on bumpy pavements, look for one with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches or tracks in woodlands.
They're also great buggies to jog with as they provide excellent stability in rough terrain and aid you in staying with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and many of them have spring suspension that is built-in, so your baby can enjoy a comfortable ride.
The one factor that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which makes it harder to fit through tight spaces and narrow doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue by using a clever design which flips the wheels upwards when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes them easier to maneuver through doors.
It's also important to think about whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your baby from birth or if you're planning on 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 other seats and buggy boards (if you're planning to put a toddler onboard). A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat, and later be put up in a upright position. This is a good option if you only have a small boot space or limited storage at home. Certain 3-wheelers require you to take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally offer better manoeuvrability than pushchairs with four wheels. Many of them have a swivelling wheel on the front, which allows you to steer and change direction using just one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheels which gives you the stability you need on rough terrain. Some models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, in case you want to expand your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled bike off the tracks that are paved, it's worth selecting a model that has tyres with air in them (also called pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres will need regular pumping but they'll be more durable than tyres that are solid and are more likely to be puncture-proof. Look for a model with the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than buggies with four wheels due to the single front wheel. Check to see if the model you're considering can fit in the boot of your vehicle and can be raised if needed. Some models fold with one hand, and can be rearranged when folded. 3 wheel buggies can help save space in the boot of your car.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will take on any terrain from busy roads to forest tracks. It's important to think about the purpose you'll use it for in the daytime. If you'll be running the school run, it ought to be able to cope with steep kerbs and slopes. If you're planning to run on it, ensure it has a swivelling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will keep the ride smooth.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy was able to handle well on rural and urban walks. Kath said it was able to navigate cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable when jogging. It's also a great choice for day trips, since it offers plenty of storage space, including a huge and spacious basket that has a zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to meet the needs of a baby from birth, including an infant carry cot or a lie-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most popular stroller seats and second seats.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a seat made of fabric and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It sits inside the frame of the buggy rather than being positioned on top like a modular chair. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position of the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at the ideal height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't need as much weight and effort to lift the buggy off the nose of a curb) and a better stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these types of seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were specifically designed for Sling chairs and are highly UV-resistant and breathable. They are also easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or enjoy a bit of off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler will be more suitable than a 4-wheeler. These styles generally have a larger, more stable base and utilise air filled tyres to ensure smooth, easy moving on uneven ground.
A brand that is most famous for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts an impressive, spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be a world-facing or parent-facing and reclines flat thanks to an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or car seat and comes with a decently large shopping basket, hood with zip pockets, and a simple one-hand fold.
Created for the most discerning buggy owners this luxury 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is to operate. The angular frame has a stunning pewter finish with touches of burnished aluminum. It's a eye-catching piece. This is a fantastic choice for active parents. It has a large, padded seat which can be set either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also features an upgraded 5-point harness and a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers many different configurations that can be adapted to different seating requirements. Whether it's a cozy setup to watch movies or a spacious configuration to entertain guests, modular seating can be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems include removable cushions making it simple to clean spills or stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. You can pick from a variety of fabrics, colors, and shapes to design an adjustable seating option that matches your style. There are many functional features offered in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that allow for simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large front wheel that is extremely maneuverable allows for smooth and swift movement. The tyres that are typically air-filled and come with suspension, give you a great ride on even the most rough trails and roads. They're also great for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children, as they provide excellent mobility and are much more sleek than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for example, has a sleek burnished aluminium frame that has a simple one-handed fold, forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, comes with black frames with a carrycot that is positioned in a full lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Another great all-terrain choice is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and stunningly stylish Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This is a buggy that is truly future-proof for your wallet and can take you from birth with the included carrycot all the way to toddlerhood using the modular seat (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of just one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for city living yet also creative and controlled. It comes with an innovative fabric sling seat, which is placed in a comfortable frame at the perfect height for perfect weight distribution for easy rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.
