3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is great for off-road jogging and taking on terrains, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver up and down kerbs in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on the asphalt and on the muddy ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally thought to be more stable than triwheelers. However, that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth a look, since the majority of these models are made to cope with anything from rough terrain to bustling high streets.
If you want a buggie that is easy to control and won't let you down on muddy roads, opt for a model with large rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used on sandy beaches or tracks through woodlands.
They are also the best buggies to be running around in, as they provide excellent stability over rough terrain and can aid in keeping up with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and many come with a built-in spring suspension so your baby will have a comfortable ride.
A 3-wheeled stroller isn't easy to maneuver due to its wide frame. It is more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with clever design that lets the wheels fold upwards when not being used, which reduces their overall size and allows you to get through doorways with ease.
If so, check for a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with second seating and buggy boards (if you want to add an infant onboard). Check if the buggy has a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards if you plan to take a toddler along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and can be upright when folded and is handy if you have a small car boot or only a little storage space at home. Certain 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They typically have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to shift direction quickly and steer with only one hand. Some models come with wheels that lock to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board if you plan to expand your family.
If you plan to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are asphalted, you should choose a model with pneumatic tyres. They are able to handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres might need to be filled from time to time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. You should choose a model that has an swiveling front wheel that can be locked to assist you on tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than buggies with four wheels because of the single wheel in front. Check that your chosen model fits in the boot of your vehicle and can be raised should it be required. Some models can be folded using one hand and can be rearranged when folded. This can save space in the boot of your car.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can be used on all terrains from busy streets to forest tracks. But it's important to consider what you'll be using it for in the daytime. If you'll be running the school run, it must be able to cope with steep slopes and kerbs. If you plan to jog on it, ensure it has a swiveling'stretch front wheel' that is locked. This will help keep the ride smooth.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, found that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle both urban and walks in the countryside. She said that it navigated rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements easily and felt pleasant to jog with too. It's also a great choice for day trips as it is packed with storage space. This includes an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket as well as an extended, 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted to accommodate babies from birth using a lie-flat seat or carry cot, in addition to being compatible with most popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling and a modular seats is that the fabric sling sits snugly inside the buggy frame instead of sitting on top of it like a modular seat. This enables a much more ergonomically appropriate posture for the baby, which instantly delivers a lower centre of gravity at the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a lighter curb-pop (you don't need to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these kinds of buggy seats are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were specifically designed for sling chairs and are extremely UV resistant and breathable. They are also easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you are a jogger, or like to do some off-roading then an all terrain buggy is more suited to your needs than a four-wheel buggy. These models tend to have a wider, more stable base and utilise air filled tyres to allow for smooth and agile moving over rough terrain.
A brand that is most famous for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. This all-terrain stroller boasts a large and spacious seat unit for the travel system that can be placed either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also reclines flat and features an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth with a car seat or carrycot and comes with a generously sized shopping basket, hood with zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
This luxurious 3 wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owners is as gorgeous to admire as it is functional. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black with hints of silver-burnished aluminium all over making it a complete wow factor. This is a great option for parents who are active. It has a large cushioned seat that can be positioned either parent or world facing. It also has an upgraded 5-point harness and a set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be set up in many ways to accommodate different seating requirements. If you want a cozy setting for watching movies or a spacious arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating is able to adjust easily. Many modular seating systems come with removable cushions, making it easy to clean up spills or stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with the existing decor or make a statement as an accent piece. A broad range of color, fabric and shape options ensures that you can find a modular seating solution that fits your taste. Modular seating also has many useful features, such as storage compartments hidden from view for easy organizing.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel allows for a quick and smooth motion, while the tyres are usually air filled and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on the roughest of trails and roads. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them perfect for walking uphill.
Often 3-wheel prams are a popular choice for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their child because they offer superior agility and are less bulky than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for example, has a sleek, burnished aluminum frame that has a simple one-handed fold, forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features an all-black frame that comes with an infant carrycot that can be positioned in a full lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Another great all-terrain option is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and stunningly stylish Mountain Buggy Sport verso. 3 wheeled pushchair will last you from birth, with the carrycot and toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. All of this is done in the footprint of a single buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban living yet with a lot of innovation and control. It comes with a unique fabric sling seat that's placed snugly inside the frame and at the perfect height for perfect weight distribution for easy popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.