3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is great for off-road walking & dealing with terrain, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They can also be easier 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, and put it through its paces on road and on a rocky surface. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their centre of gravity balancing by the weight of your child in the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, as many of these models are made to handle everything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels, as well as a lockable wheel on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to snap apart on rough roads. 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 woodland tracks.
They are also the best buggies to be running with, since they offer great stability on rough terrain and help you keep pace with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and many of them have spring suspension built-in so that your baby will have a smooth ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels can be difficult to maneuver due to its large frame. It can be more difficult to get through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue with an innovative design that turns the wheels upside down when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes them easier to maneuver through doorways.
It's also important to consider whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Check if the buggy has a lie-flat feature and if it is compatible with a second seat and buggy boards if you plan to bring your toddler along. Many 3-wheelers fold flat and can be upright when folded - handy if you have an insufficient car boot or only a little storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you remove the front wheel in order to fold them into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more movable than four-wheeled strollers. They often have a swivelling front wheel that allows you to shift direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some models come with locks on the wheel to give you stability on more rough terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board should you decide to grow your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled buggy off tracks that are paved, it's worth choosing one with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres may need to be pumped up from time to intervals, but they'll be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. It is recommended to choose models with an swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you in navigating difficult surfaces.
Having a single front wheel can also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check to see if the model you're considering can fit in the boot of your car and can be raised in the event that it is required. Some models can be folded using one hand and stand up when collapsed. This can save space in the boot of your car.
A good 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with most terrain from busy streets to woodland tracks. But it's important to consider what you'll be using it for day-to-day. If you will be making the school run with it, it should be able handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you intend to jog with it, make sure it has a swivelling "stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will help keep the ride smooth.
Kath the MFM reviewer, found that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle both urban and rural walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to run with. It's also a great option for day trips as it offers plenty of storage space, including a large, spacious basket with zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can be adapted to fit a baby's needs starting at birth, using the option of a carry cot or a lying-flat seats. It is also compatible with the most popular second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary distinction between a seat made of fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It sits inside the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top like a modular chair. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity that is just the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a less hefty curb-pop (you don't need to exert as much effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
These seats also have sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. These fabrics were designed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely UV-resistant and breathable. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger, or are a fan of off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler could be more suited to your needs than a buggy with four wheels. These models have a larger base and are more stable. They also utilize air-filled tyres for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seat range, has added a new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its product line. This all-terrain buggy boasts an enormous, spacious and impressively growing seat that can be a world-facing or parent facing and reclines flat using an improved 5-point safety harness. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth and has an enormous shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owner, is as beautiful to look at as it is to operate. The sleek frame is finished in a striking pewter black with touches of silver-burnished aluminum throughout, giving it a real WOW factor. A big, padded seat that is world or parent facing with an improved 5-point safety harness and a full set of rain covers make this an ideal choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for many different configurations that can be adapted to different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy place to watch films, or a large arrangement to entertain guests. A lot of modular seating systems include removable cushions which makes it easy to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decors or stand out as an accent piece. You can select from a variety of fabrics, colors, and shapes to create a modular seating that suits your personal style. Many functional features are available in modular seating like hidden storage compartments that permit simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are ideal 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 motion, while the tyres are typically air-filled and feature suspension, providing an excellent ride on even the most difficult roads and trails. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be on four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them perfect for walking uphill.
Often, 3-wheel prams are a favourite for parents who enjoy 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 example has a sleek burnished silver aluminium frame, with a quick one-hand fold and rear and forward facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a full lie flat position, air-filled tyres and three recline positions.
Another great all-terrain option is the incredibly lightweight, highly manoeuvrable and amazingly stylish Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy can last from birth, and comes with a carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood with the modular seat. 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 big on innovation and control. It features an exclusive seat made of fabric that is positioned in the frame with a perfect fit at the perfect height for weight distribution. This makes it easy for kerb jumping and navigating cities and neighborhoods.