3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is great for off-road walking & tackling terrain, from bumpy pavements to 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 asphalt and on the muddy ground. Read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a central point 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. But that doesn't mean an older model with three wheels isn't worth considering, since the majority of them are built to withstand everything from rough terrain to bustling high-streets.
If you want a buggie that is easy to maneuver and will not fall over on bumpy roads, look for a model with large rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres, too. They are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies for running with, since they provide excellent stability on rough terrain and can help you keep up with your jogging partner. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs and many of them come with a built-in spring suspension so your baby will have a comfortable ride.
One thing that can make a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which makes it difficult to squeeze through narrow and tight doors than a four-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with a clever design that makes the wheels fold upwards when not in use, which reduces their overall size and allows you to get through doorways with ease.
It's also important to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your baby from birth, or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. 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're planning to put an infant onboard). A majority of 3-wheelers can fold flat and be placed upright. This is great when you have limited space in your boot or limited storage at home. Some will require you to take out the front wheel before folding if you wish to fit in even smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They often come with a swivelling front wheel that lets you shift direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Certain models come with locks on the wheel to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, in case you want to expand your family.
If you plan to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are paved it is recommended to choose one with pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. They may have to be regularly pumped up from time intervals, but they'll be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. Look for a model with an adjustable swivelling front wheel that locks to aid you in navigating difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single wheel in front. Check that your chosen model fits in the boot of your vehicle and can be sat up should it be necessary. Some models can be folded with one hand, and they can be raised when folded. This will save space in small car boot.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair will be able to deal with any terrain, from busy high streets to woodland tracks. It's important to consider how you will use it every day. If you will be making the school run using it, it must be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running on it, ensure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to ensure that the ride is steady.
MFM reviewer Kath discovered her three-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well on rural and urban walks. Kath said it negotiated cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to run with. It's also a great choice for day trips, as it has plenty of storage space, including a huge ample basket with a zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to meet the needs of babies from birth, including an infant carry cot or a lay-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most popular second seats and stroller boards.
Pushchairs And Prams between a fabric seat and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the frame of the buggy instead of being placed on top of it like a modular chair. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate position for babies, which instantly delivers an lower centre of gravity and a more appropriate 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 more stability and balance.
The sling fabrics used in these types of buggy seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for the sling chair and are durable and ventilated. They also have an excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger or you like off-roading, an all terrain buggy is more likely to meet your requirements than a four-wheeled buggy. These styles are generally larger, more stable base and utilise air filled tyres to allow for smooth and agile moving over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a name that is well-known for its car seat collection and has now added a brand new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its range of products. This all-terrain buggy boasts a large, spacious and impressively growing seat that can be world facing or parent face and reclines flat thanks to an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth using an infant car seat or carrycot and comes with a reasonably size shopping basket, hood with zip pockets, and a simple one-hand fold.
This luxurious 3 wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owner, is as beautiful to see as it is to operate. The angular frame features stunning pewter finish and touches of burnished aluminium. It's a eye-catching piece. A large, padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing, with a more secure 5-point safety harness as well as an entire set of rain covers makes this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in various ways to accommodate different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable place to watch films, or a spacious arrangement for entertaining guests. A lot of modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed which makes it easier to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. You can choose 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 for simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are generally filled with air and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on the roughest of roads and trails. They are also ideal for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Often, 3-wheel prams are a favorite for parents who love running and jogging with their baby because they offer superior agility and are more streamlined than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features an elegant burnished aluminum frame with a quick one-handed fold, forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features black frames with an infant carrycot that can be placed in a fully lying position and has air-filled tyres.
Another excellent all-terrain option is the light, extremely maneuverable and elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy will last you from birth, with a carrycot included, to toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. All this is within the footprint of one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban use yet with a lot of innovation and control. It has a unique seat made of fabric that is positioned snugly within the frame at the ideal height to distribute weight. This makes it easy for crossing of kerbs and for navigating cities and neighborhoods.