3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-roading and dealing with terrain, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also more easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on the road and on a rocky surface. Read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that's balanced by weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally thought to be more stable than triwheelers. Three-wheel buggies are nevertheless worth considering as they can handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
For a buggy that's really easy to maneuver and will not let you down on muddy roads, opt for a model with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling unpaved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches or tracks through woodlands.
They're also great buggies to jog with as they provide excellent stability on more rough terrain and can aid you in staying with your running companion. 3 wheel buggy can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs and many of them come with a built-in spring suspension so your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
One thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to maneuver is the large frame, which makes it more difficult to maneuver through narrow and tight doors than a four-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with an innovative design that makes the wheels flip upwards when not being used, which reduces their overall size and helps you navigate through doorways easily.
You'll also need to consider whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're planning on using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Make sure that the buggy has a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with a second seat and buggy boards if you plan to take an infant along. Many 3-wheelers can fold flat, and later be placed upright. This is a good option if you only have limited space in your boot or limited storage at home. Some 3-wheelers require you take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They often come with a swivelling front wheel which allows you to shift direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some also have a lockable front wheel which can give you the stability you need on rough terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, if you plan to expand your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled buggy off roads, you should consider selecting a model that has tyres with air in them (also known as pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres will need periodic pumping, but will be much more durable than tyres that are solid and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should look for a model that has a swiveling front wheel that can be locked to assist you on difficult terrains.
When folded, three-wheelers may be heavier than four-wheeled buggies due to the single front wheel. Check that the model you choose can fit in the boot of your car and can be set up upright if needed. Some models are able to be folded with just one hand and are freestanding when collapsed. This can make them more compact in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A good three-wheel pushchair can handle most terrains, from busy streets to forest tracks. It is important to consider how you will use it every day. If you'll be doing the school run with it, it should be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, make sure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to keep the ride stable.
MFM reviewer Kath discovered her three-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well on both urban and countryside walks. 3 wheeled pushchair said it negotiated cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable to run with. It's also a great option for day trips, since it comes with plenty of storage space, including a large ample basket with a zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can also be adapted to accommodate babies from birth using an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with the majority of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary distinction between a fabric seat and a modular one is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the buggy frame, as opposed to being placed on top like a modular chair. This enables a much more ergonomically-correct position for baby and instantly provides an lower centre of gravity and a more appropriate height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you do not require as much weight and effort to push the buggy over the curb's nose) and a better stability and balance.
The sling fabrics that are used in these kinds of buggy seats are also very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for the sling chair and are durable and air-tight. They are also easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler is likely to be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheeler. These styles are generally larger base, more stable and utilise air filled tyres for agile smooth moving over rough terrain.
A brand most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 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 a world-facing or parent facing and reclines flat with an improved 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with a car seat or carrycot and comes with a generously large shopping basket, hood with zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
This 3 wheeler of luxury made for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to see as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in a striking pewter black, with hints of silver-burnished aluminum throughout, giving it a real WOW factor. A large, padded seat that can be world or parent-facing, with a new 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers make this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for a wide range of configurations 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 also come with removable cushion covers, making it easier to wash spills and staining.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. A wide range of fabric, color, and shape options means that you will find a modular seating solution that fits your taste. There are many functional features available in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that permit easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are particularly good for off-road and all-terrain adventures since they offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are typically filled with air and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on the roughest roads and trails. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Often 3-wheel prams are a popular choice for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their child as they offer great agility and are less bulky than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example features a sleek, burnished silver aluminium frame, with a quick one-hand fold and forward and rear facing seats. Meanwhile, the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with fully lie-flat position with air-filled tyres as well as 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's extremely light, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This buggy can last from birth, with the carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood, with the seat that is modular. 3 wheeler pushchair does this all within the footprint of one buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that is compact enough to be used in urban areas, but also creative and controlled. It comes with an innovative fabric sling seat that's placed in a comfortable frame at just the right height to ensure a perfect weight distribution for easy kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.