3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is utilized for off-road trails and for traversing terrains such as rough roads or tracks in woodlands. They are also easier to move on kerbs, and they are less prone to slipping down when in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old, and put it through its paces on tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that's balanced by weight of your child's seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally thought to be more stable than triwheelers. But that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth considering, since many of these models are designed to cope with anything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels and an lockable wheel on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to fall apart when you're on rough roads. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires that are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used on sandy beaches or tracks through woodlands.
They are also great buggies to jog with since they offer excellent stability in rough terrain and can aid you in staying with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and many come with a built-in spring suspension so your baby will have a comfortable ride.
One thing that makes a pushchair with three wheels difficult to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which makes it more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and narrow doors than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this problem with an innovative design that flips the wheels up when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes them easier to fit through doorways.
If so, check for a lie-flat position and also whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you want to add a toddler onboard). If so, ensure that it is in a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with other seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add a toddler onboard). Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and be positioned upright when collapsed and is handy if you have an insufficient car boot or limited storage space at home. Some will require you to remove the front wheel prior to folding if you want it to fit into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more movable than strollers with four wheels. They typically have a swivelling wheel on the front that allows you to change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheels which can give you stability on rougher terrain. Some models can even be used with an additional seat or buggy board in case you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled bike off the paved tracks, it's worth opting for a vehicle that has tyres with air in them (also called pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most difficult terrain. These tyres will need periodic pumping, but will be far more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and are more likely to be puncture-proof. You should look for one with an swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you on tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be heavier than four-wheeled buggies due to the single wheel in front. Check that your chosen model can fit into the boot of your vehicle and can be sat up in the event that it is necessary. Some models are able to fold in one hand and are freestanding when they're collapsed, which will save space in smaller car boots.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can be used on all terrains from busy roads to forest tracks. It's important to think about how you will use it every day. If you will be making the school run with it, it must be able handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you're planning to run with it, make sure it has a swivelling "stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will help keep the ride in place.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, found that her three-wheeled stroller was able to handle both urban and walks in the countryside. Kath said it was able to navigate rocky paths, cobbles, and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable while running. It's also a great option for day trips as it has 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 adapted to meet the needs of babies from birth, with a carry cot or 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 one is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top of it like an adjustable chair. This makes it easier to maintain an comfortable and ergonomically-correct position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity that is the ideal 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 improved balance and stability.
These seats also come with Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. These fabrics were developed specifically for Sling chairs and are highly UV-resistant and breathable. They also have an excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you are a jogger, or you like off-roading then an all terrain buggy is more suited to your requirements than a four-wheeler. 3 wheel buggies have a larger base they are more stable and have air-filled tyres that allow for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seat range is now offering a brand-new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its product line. This all-terrain vehicle has a large spacious and impressively growing seat that can be used as a world facing or parent facing and reclines flat using a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used as a baby with a car seat or carrycot and comes with a reasonably sized shopping basket and hood with zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
This luxurious 3 wheeler is designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to look at as it is functional. The angular frame features a stunning pewter finish with touches of burnished aluminium. It is a real eye-catching piece. This is a great choice for parents who are active. It features a spacious cushioned seat that can be set either with the child or in a world-facing position. It also comes with an upgraded 5-point harness and a set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in a variety of ways to meet different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy place to watch films, or a large arrangement for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decors or be a standout as an accent piece. A broad range of color, fabric and shape options ensures that you can find an alternative seating option that suits your style. Many functional features are offered in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that permit simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are usually filled with air and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on even the roughest roads and trails. They're also great for walking up hills as the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are a favorite for parents who love running and jogging with their children, as they provide excellent agility and are less bulky than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a fast, one-handed fold and forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, comes with black frames with an infant carrycot that can be set in a full lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's extremely light, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This is a buggy that is truly future-proof for your wallet and can be used from birth using the carrycot all the way to toddlerhood with the seat that is modular (and beyond!). All of this is 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 large on innovation and control. It comes with a unique fabric sling seat that's positioned comfortably inside the frame and at the perfect height to allow for a perfect weight distribution for easy kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.