3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-road jogging and taking on terrains, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also more easy to maneuver up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath who is the editor of MadeForMums reviews, has tested one of these three-wheelers on tarmac, as well as on various terrains. You can read her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their centre of gravity balanced by the weight of your child in the seat are generally more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are worth considering as they can handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels, and an lockable wheel on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to break apart on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres too, which are great at handling uneven surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They are also great buggies to jog with since they offer excellent stability on more rough terrain, and can help you stay with your running partner. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs and a lot of them come with spring suspension built-in so that your baby will have a smooth ride.
The main thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to maneuver is the large frame, which can make it harder to fit into narrow spaces and tight doors than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue by using a clever design which turns the wheels upside down when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to fit through doors.
It's also important to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your baby from birth, or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, make sure it has a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with other seats and buggy boards (if you're planning to put an infant onboard). A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and be put up in a upright position. This is great if you only have a small boot space or have limited storage at home. Some will require you to take out the front wheel before folding in order to fit in even more compact space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than strollers with four wheels. They often come with a swivelling front wheel which allows you to shift direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some models come with locks on the wheel to provide stability on rougher terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board, if you plan to expand your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled buggy off paved tracks, it's worth selecting a model equipped with tyres filled with air (also called pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the most challenging terrain. These tyres may require regular pumping but they'll be 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 aid you in navigating difficult surfaces.
The fact that there is only one front wheel could indicate that three-wheelers can be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check to see if the model you're considering can fit into the boot of your vehicle and can be sat up should it be necessary. Some models can be folded using one hand, and they can be raised when folded. This can save space in the boot of your car.
A good 3 wheel pushchair will be able to deal with most terrain from busy streets to woodland tracks. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use for your day-to-day use. If you'll be doing the school run with it, it must be able to handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you intend to jog on it, ensure it has a swiveling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will help keep the ride stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy was able to handle well on both rural and urban walks. She said it was able to negotiate cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements easily and felt pleasant when jogging. It's also a great option for day trips because it offers plenty of storage space. This includes an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket and an extended 50+ UV hood. It can also be adapted to accommodate babies from birth using a lie-flat seat or carry cot, as well as being compatible with a variety of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a seat made of fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It is a part of the frame of the buggy instead of being placed on top like a modular chair. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position for babies that instantly gives a lower centre of gravity at the right height. This results in a smoother push, a less hefty 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.
These buggy seats also feature sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. They were designed specifically with the use of sling chairs in mind they are UV resistant and air-tight. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or enjoy a bit of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler could be more your bag than a 4-wheeler. These styles generally have a larger, more stable base and utilise air filled tyres to ensure smooth, easy moving over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a brand known for its car seat range is now offering a brand-new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its range of products. The all-terrain stroller has a large and spacious seat unit for the travel system that can be set either parent or world facing. It also reclines flat and features an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used with an infant car seat or carrycot starting at birth. It also has an ample shopping basket.
For the most discerning buggy owners, this luxury 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is to operate. The sleek frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black, with hints of silver-burnished aluminium all over making it a complete WOW factor. A large, padded seat that is world or parent-facing, with a more secure 5-point safety harness as well as a full set of rain covers make this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be set up in a variety of ways to accommodate different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy setting for watching movies, or an open layout for entertaining guests. A lot of modular seating systems have removable cushions making it simple to clean up spills and stain.
Modular Seating is available in a variety of designs to complement your current decor or as an accent piece. You can select from a wide variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to create an adjustable seating option that matches your style. There are many functional features offered in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that allow easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are usually air-filled and feature suspension, allowing for a smooth ride on the most difficult trails and roads. They're also great for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their babies often choose 3-wheel prams because they are more nimble and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminium frame, with an easy fold that can be folded in one hand and forward and rear facing seats. Meanwhile, the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with the ability to lie flat in full with air-filled tyres as well as 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's extremely light and highly maneuverable. It's also incredibly stylish. This buggy will last you from birth, with the carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. It does this all within the footprint of one buggy.
3 wheel strollers (tm) is a side-by-side buggy that is small enough for city living yet also creative and controlled. It features a unique fabric seat that is set in the frame with a perfect fit at the perfect height to distribute the weight. This makes it easy for crossing of kerbs and for navigating cities and neighborhoods.