3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is used for off-road walking and for tackling terrain such as rough roads or tracks in woodlands. They are also simpler to navigate between kerbs and up and down them compared to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and three year old daughter, putting it through its paces on tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that's balanced by weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than three-wheelers. However, that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth considering, since many of them are built to withstand anything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels, as well as an lockable wheel on the front. This makes it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap apart on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches and woodland tracks.
They're also great buggies to jog with because they provide great stability on rougher terrain and aid you in staying with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs and a lot of them come with a built-in spring suspension so your baby can enjoy a smooth ride.
One factor that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which makes it harder to fit into narrow spaces and tight doors than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue with an innovative design that flips the wheels up when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes it easier to maneuver through doors.
If yes, make sure to check for a lie-flat location and also whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add a toddler onboard). Make sure that the buggy has a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with a second seat as well as buggy boards if you plan to take an infant along. Many 3-wheelers can fold flat, and then be placed upright. This is a good option when you have an unwieldy boot space or have limited storage at home. However, some will require you to remove the front wheel before folding in order to fit into even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They often have a swivelling front wheel that lets you shift direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheel which can give you security on more difficult terrain. Some models can even be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're looking to grow your family.
If you are planning to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the paved roads then you should opt for a model that has pneumatic tyres. They are able to handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require regular pumping but they'll be more durable than tyres that are solid and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should choose a model that has a swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you on difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single wheel in front. Check to see if the model you're considering fits in the boot of your car and is able to be raised if required. Some models can fold in one hand, and they're freestanding when collapsed, which can make them more compact in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A good three-wheel pushchair can handle most terrains, from busy streets to forest tracks. But it's important to consider the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you will be making the school run with it, it should be able to handle the kerbs and steep slopes. 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 stable.
Kath, a MFM reviewer, found that her stroller with three wheels was able to take on urban and rural walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rocky paths and uneven pavements with ease and was comfortable to run with too. It's also a great option for day trips as it comes with plenty of storage space, including a large and spacious basket that has a zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can be adapted to meet the needs of babies from birth, with an infant carry cot or a lie-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most well-known stroller seats and second seats.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling and modular seats is that the fabric sling is placed in the frame of the buggy as opposed to sitting on top as a modular seat would. This enables a much more ergonomically-correct position for baby that instantly gives lower center of gravity at the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a more light curb-pop (you don't have to exert as much effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabrics used in these types of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. Made specifically for the use of sling chairs in mind, these fabrics are incredibly UV-resistant and extremely breathable. They are also easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or you like off-roading, then an all terrain buggy is more likely to meet your requirements than a four-wheeler. These styles have a wider base and are more stable. They also have air-filled tyres that allow for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a brand known for its car seat collection is now offering a brand-new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its product line. This stroller is all-terrain and has an enormous and spacious seat that can be positioned either facing the parent or the world. It also reclines flat and features an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or car seat and comes with a reasonably sized shopping basket and a hood that has zip pockets, and a simple one-hand fold.
For the most discerning buggy drivers, this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as stunning to look at as it is to operate. The sleek frame is finished in a stunning pewter black, with hints of silver-burnished aluminum throughout, giving it a real wow factor. A spacious, cushioned seat that can be used as world or parent-facing with a more secure 5-point safety harness as well as a full set of rain covers make this an ideal option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for an array of configurations to meet various seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy setting for watching movies, or a spacious arrangement for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems come with cushion covers that can be removed, making it easier to clean spills and staining.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or make a statement as an accent piece. You can pick from a range of fabrics, colors, and shapes to create an adjustable seating option that matches your style. Many functional features are available in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that allow easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers, making 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, which are usually air-filled and have suspension, give you a great ride on even the most rough roads and trails. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they are on four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them ideal for walking uphill.
Parents who like to run and jog with their babies typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they're more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminum frame, an easy one-hand fold as well as forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a fully lie-flat position with air-filled tyres as well as 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. best 3 wheel pushchair will last you from birth, with a carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood with the modular seat. All of this is done within the footprint of just one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban use yet large on innovation and control. It features a unique fabric seat that is positioned in the frame with a perfect fit at the right height for weight distribution. This makes it easy for kerb jumping and navigating neighborhoods and cities.