3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is great for off-road walking & tackling terrain from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They can also be easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than 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 asphalt and on the muddy ground. You can read her review here.
3 wheeled pushchair
With four wheels and a central point of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. But that doesn't mean that a three-wheel buggy isn't worth considering, since the majority of these models are designed to handle anything from rough terrain to bustling high-streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels, and one that locks on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to break off when driving on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also come with pneumatic tires that are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches and woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies to be running with, since they provide excellent stability over rough terrain and help you keep up with your running partner. They are also great for climbing and down steep kerbs too, and most of them come with a suspension built in that means your baby will enjoy a comfortable ride.
The main thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair difficult to maneuver is the broad frame, which can make it difficult to squeeze through narrow and tight doors than a four-wheeler. However, some manufacturers have tackled this issue by implementing an innovative design that makes the wheels flip up when not in use, which decreases their overall size and allows you get through doors without difficulty.
You'll also need to think about whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're planning on using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. Make sure that the buggy has the ability to lie flat, and if it's compatible with a second seat as well as buggy boards if you plan to bring a toddler along. Many 3-wheelers fold flat and can 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 in order to fit in even more compact space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. They usually have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheel that can provide stability on rougher terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board in case you want to expand your family.
If you are planning to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are paved, you should choose an option that has pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. They will require regular pumping but will be far more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and are more likely to be puncture-proof. Look for a model with a lockable swivelling front wheel to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be heavier than four-wheeled buggies due to the single front wheel. Be sure that the model you choose can fit in the boot of your car and can be placed in a straight line if needed. Certain models can be folded with one hand and can be raised when folded. This will save space in small car boot.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with any terrain, from busy high streets to woodland tracks. It is important to consider the way you'll use it every day. If you'll be doing the school run, it must be able to cope with steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be running on it, make sure it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to keep the ride steady.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well on the countryside and urban walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements easily and felt pleasant to jog with too. It's also a great option for day trips as it offers plenty of storage space, including a large ample basket with a zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to meet the needs of a baby starting at birth, using a carry cot or lay-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most popular second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling and modular seats is that the fabric sling sits in the frame of the buggy as opposed to being positioned on top as a modular seat would. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, which results in a lower center of gravity at just the right height. This translates into an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't need much effort or weight to lift the buggy off the nose of a curb) and better stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these types of buggy seats are also very hard-wearing and easy to clean. They were designed specifically with applications for sling chairs in mind they are durable and extremely breathable. They also have an excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean with mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler could be more your bag than a 4-wheel buggy. These types have a bigger base they are more stable and utilize air-filled tyres for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. This all-terrain vehicle has an enormous huge and spacious travel system seat unit that can be world facing or parent-facing and reclines flat using an improved 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth using a carrycot or car seat and comes with a generously size shopping basket and hood with zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
This luxurious 3 wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owner, is as beautiful to see as it is to use. The angular frame has stunning pewter finish and accents of burnished aluminium. It's a show-stopper. This is a great choice for parents who are active. It comes with a large, padded seat which can be placed either with the with the child or in a world-facing position. It also features an upgraded 5-point harness and an entire set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers many different configurations to meet different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable setting for watching movies, or a spacious arrangement for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems have removable cushions, making it easy to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating is available in different styles to match existing decor or as an accent piece. You can choose from a range of colors, fabrics, and shapes to create an elegant and modular seating design that fits your style. Modular seating also has various useful features, such as hidden storage compartments that make it easy to organizing.
3-wheel buggies are particularly good for off-road or all terrain adventures as they have more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel allows for a quick and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are usually filled with air and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on the most difficult roads and trails. They are also ideal for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their children often choose 3-wheel prams because they are more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a fast one-handed fold as well as rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has black frames with a carrycot that is set in a full lying position and has air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's extremely lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly fashionable. This is a buggy that will truly protect your wallet from the future and will take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot, right through to toddler-hood with the modular seat (and beyond!). This is all done within the footprint of just one buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for city life, but also creative and controlled. It has a unique fabric sling seat that's positioned comfortably inside the frame and at the perfect height for perfect weight distribution for easy kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.