3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy can be used for off-road walks and for tackling terrain such as uneven paths or tracks in woodlands. They are also more easy to manoeuvre 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 daughter, putting it through its paces on the asphalt and on the muddy ground. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that is balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, buggies with four wheels are generally thought to be more stable than 3-wheelers. But that doesn't mean an older model with three wheels isn't worth considering, as the majority of these models are designed to cope with everything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels, as well as one that locks on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap off when driving on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used on sandy beaches and woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies to be jogging with, as they provide excellent stability over rougher ground and help you keep pace with your jogging partner. They're also good at going up and down steep kerbs and a majority come with a suspension built in that means your baby will be able to ride comfortably.
The main thing that can make a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which makes it harder to fit into narrow spaces and tight doors than a four-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with clever design that lets the wheels fold upwards when not in use, which decreases their overall size, and allows you get through doors without difficulty.
If so, check for a lie-flat positioning and if the design is compatible with second seating and buggy boards (if you'd like to add the toddler). 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 the toddler to the buggy). Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and be upright when folded which is useful if you have a limited space in your car boot or limited storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you remove the front wheel in order to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more movable than strollers with four wheels. They often have a swivelling wheel on the front that lets you shift direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheels which gives you security on more difficult terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're looking to increase the size of your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled buggy off tracks that are paved, it's worth opting for a vehicle equipped with tyres filled with air (also called pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most challenging terrain. These tyres will need regular pumping but will be much more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and are more likely to be puncture-proof. Find a model with a the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to help you negotiate tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel in front. Make sure the model you pick fits inside your car's boot and can be set up in a straight line if needed. Some models can be folded with just one hand and stand on their own when collapsed, which will save space in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can take on any terrain, from busy streets to forest tracks. But it's important to consider the purpose you'll use it for in the daytime. If you'll be running the school run, it ought to be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be running on it, check that it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to keep the ride safe.
Kath, a MFM reviewer, found that her stroller with three wheels was able to handle urban and rural walks. Kath said it could navigate cobbles, rocky paths, and bumpy pavements with ease and was comfortable while running. It's also a great choice for day trips as it has a lot of storage space. It has an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to meet the needs of babies from birth, with an infant carry cot or a lie-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most well-known stroller seats and second seats.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seats is that the fabric sling fits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy instead of sitting on top like a modular seat. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, which results in a lower center of gravity, which is just the right height. This results in an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't require as much weight and effort to pop the buggy over the curb's nose) and a better stability and balance.
3 wheeler pushchair sling fabrics used in these kinds of seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for the sling chair and are UV resistant and ventilated. They also have excellent durability and are easy to clean using water and soap.
If you're a jogger or enjoy off-roading, then an all-terrain buggy is more likely to suit your needs than a four-wheel buggy. These models are generally larger, more stable base and utilise air filled tyres for agile smooth moving on uneven ground.
A brand most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. The all-terrain buggy has a large, spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be used as a world facing or parent face and reclines flat thanks to an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used with car seats or a carrycot starting at birth. It also has an enormous shopping basket.
Created for the most discerning buggy owners this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as stunning to look at as it is to use. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black with touches of burnished silver aluminium throughout and gives it a true WOW factor. A big, padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing, with an improved 5-point safety harness as well as an entire set of rain covers make this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers an array of configurations that can be adapted to different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy space to watch movies or a large arrangement to entertain guests. Many modular seating systems come with cushion covers that can be removed, making it easier to wash spills and staining.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with the existing decor or make a statement as an accent piece. You can pick from a variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to design an adjustable seating option that matches your personal style. Many functional features are offered in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that allow for an easy organization and cleaning of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road or all terrain adventures as they have more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are typically air filled and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on the most difficult roads and trails. They're also great for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are a favorite for parents who love running and jogging with their child because they offer superior mobility and are much more sleek than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is an elegant burnished aluminum frame with a quick, one-handed fold and rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, comes with black frames with an infant carrycot that can be placed in a fully lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Another fantastic all-terrain choice is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. 3 wheeled pushchair will last you from birth, with a carrycot and toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. It does this all within the footprint of one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban living yet with a lot of innovation and control. It features an innovative fabric sling seat that's positioned comfortably inside the frame and at just the right height for optimal weight distribution for effortless rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.