3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and tackling 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 the tarmac and on tricky ground. Read her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, which have their centre of gravity balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean that an older model with three wheels isn't worth considering, since many of these models are made to withstand everything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels and one that locks on the front. This will make it easier to drive and less likely to snap apart on rough roads. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires that are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches and tracks in woodlands.
These are also the best buggies to be running around in, as they offer great stability over rough terrain and help you keep pace with your jogging partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs and a lot of them have spring suspension built-in so that your baby will have an enjoyable ride.
The main thing that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which can make it harder to fit through tight spaces and narrow doorways than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue by implementing a clever design that makes the wheels fold up when they are not in use, which reduces their overall size and allows you to get through doorways easily.
You'll also have to think about whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're thinking of using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, ensure that it is in the ability to lie flat and if the design is compatible with second-seats and buggy boards (if you're planning to put the toddler to the buggy). A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat, and then be stacked upright. This is a great option for those with limited space in your boot or a small amount of storage space at home. However, some will require you to take out the front wheel prior to folding in order to fit in even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually provide better maneuverability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They often come with a swivelling front wheel that lets you change direction quickly and steer with only one hand. Some 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 plan to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are asphalted it is recommended to choose one with pneumatic tyres. They can handle even the most difficult terrain. These tyres will need regular pumping but will be far more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and are more likely to be puncture-proof. It is recommended to choose one with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to assist you in navigating tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel in front. Make sure the model you choose can fit into the boot of your car and is able to be sat up in the event that it is needed. Some models fold using one hand, and can be rearranged when folded. This will save space in the boot of your car.
A quality 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with most terrain from busy main streets to woodland tracks. It's important to think about the way you'll use it every day. If you'll be running the school run, it ought to be able to cope with steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be running with it, make sure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to ensure that the ride is stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy able to cope really well with the countryside and urban walks. Kath said it was able to navigate rocky paths, cobbles, and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable when running. It's also a great option for day trips, as it offers plenty of storage space, including a huge, spacious basket with zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to accommodate babies from birth using a lie-flat seat or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with the majority of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling and a modular seats is that the fabric sling fits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy rather than sitting on top as a modular seat would. This allows for a more comfortable and ergonomically-correct position for the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity at the ideal height. This translates into an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you do not require much effort or weight to lift the buggy off the curb's edge) and better balance and stability.
3 wheeler pushchair sling fabrics used in these kinds of seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely UV resistant and air-tight. They also have excellent durability and are easy to clean using water and soap.
If you're a jogger, or like to do some off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler will be more suitable than a 4-wheel buggy. These styles generally have a larger base, more stable and utilise tyres with air for agile smooth movement on rough ground.
A brand most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. The all-terrain buggy has an enormous huge and spacious 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 an infant car seat or carrycot starting at birth. It also has a large shopping basket.
This 3 wheeler of luxury made for the most discerning buggy owner is as stunning to see as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black with hints of silver-burnished aluminum throughout and gives it a true WOW factor. This is a great choice for parents who are active. It comes with a large, padded seat which can be placed either with the parent or world facing. It also comes with an upgraded 5-point harness as well as a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be arranged in various ways to meet different seating needs. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable setup for watching movies or a spacious configuration to entertain guests, modular seating can be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems come with removable cushions making it simple to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating is available in various styles to fit with your existing decor or as an accent piece. A wide range of color, fabric and shape options mean that you can find an alternative seating option that is a perfect fit for your preferences. Modular seating also comes with many functional features, including hidden storage compartments for easy storage.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and agile movement. The tyres, which are typically air-filled and come with suspension, give you a great ride on even the most rough trails and roads. 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 favorite for parents who love running and jogging with their children as they offer great agility and are more streamlined than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for example, has a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a fast, one-handed fold and rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, comes with an all-black frame that comes with an infant carrycot that can be set in a full lying position and has air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's extremely light, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This buggy will last you from birth, and comes with a carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood, with the seat that is modular. It does this all within the footprint of one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban living, yet large on innovation and control. It has a unique seat made of fabric that is positioned snugly within the frame at the right height to distribute weight. This allows for easy kerb jumping and navigating cities and neighborhoods.