3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is utilized for off-road trails and for traversing terrains such as bumpy pavements or tracks in woodlands. They are also more easy to maneuver up and down kerbs than 4-wheel models.
Kath, the editor of MadeForMums' reviews, tested one of these 3-wheelers on tarmac and on various terrains. Check out her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a central point 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 three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are nevertheless worth considering since they can handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, and a lockable wheel on the front. This will make it easier to drive and less likely to snap off when driving on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also come with pneumatic tires, which are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used on sandy beaches and tracks in woodlands.
They are also excellent buggies to run with as they provide excellent stability on rougher terrain and help you stay with your running partner. They're also excellent at climbing and descending steep kerbs too, and most of them come with a suspension built in that means your baby will be able to ride comfortably.
One factor that makes a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which can make it more difficult to maneuver through narrow and tight doors than a four-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this problem with a clever design which turns the wheels upside down when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes it easier to fit through doorways.
You'll also have to think about whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your baby from birth, or if you're planning on using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, ensure that it is in a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add an infant onboard). Many 3-wheelers can fold flat, and later be put up in a upright position. This is a great option for those with a small boot space or limited storage at home. Certain 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally provide better maneuverability than pushchairs with four wheels. They usually have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some models come with a lockable wheel that can offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can even be used with an additional seat or buggy board in case you're planning to expand your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled bike off the tracks that are paved, it's worth choosing one equipped with tyres filled with air (also known as pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require periodic pumping, but will be much more durable than solid tyres and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should look for one with an swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you on tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel on the front. Check that your chosen model fits in the boot of your car and can be sat up should it be required. Some models fold with one hand and can be rearranged when folded. This can help save space in the boot of your car.
A quality 3 wheel pushchair will be able to deal with any terrain, from busy streets to tracks through woodlands. It's important to think about what you'll be using it for every day. If you're planning to run the school run, it must 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 ensure that the ride is stable.
Kath the MFM reviewer, discovered that her three-wheeled stroller was able to handle urban and walks in the countryside. She said it was able to navigate cobbles, rough paths, and bumpy pavements with ease and felt pleasant when jogging. It's also a great option for day trips as it has plenty of storage space, including a huge ample basket with a zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to meet the needs of babies starting at birth, using the option of a carry cot or a lay-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most popular second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a seat made of fabric and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the buggy frame, instead of being placed on top like the modular chair. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, which results in a lower center of gravity at the ideal height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't require as much weight and effort to pop the buggy over the curb's edge) and better stability and balance.
These buggy seats also feature Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. They were designed specifically with applications for sling chairs in mind These fabrics are extremely UV resistant and breathable. They also have a great aging resistance and are very easy to clean with water and soap.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler will be more suited to your needs than a buggy with four wheels. These types have a bigger base and are more stable. They also use air-filled tyres to provide smooth movement over rough terrain.
A brand that is most famous for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. This all-terrain vehicle has an impressive huge and spacious travel system seat unit that can be used as a world facing or parent facing and reclines flat using an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with a car seat or carrycot and comes with a reasonably sized shopping basket and hood with zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
This luxurious 3 wheeler, designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to admire as it is to use. The sleek frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black with hints of silver-burnished aluminium all over, giving it a real WOW factor. A spacious, cushioned seat that can be world or parent-facing with an improved 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers make this an ideal option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers many different configurations to meet different seating needs. If you want a cozy setting for watching movies or a larger configuration to entertain guests, modular seating can be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems also come with removable cushion covers, making it easier to clean spills and staining.
Modular Seating is available in various styles to fit with your existing decor or as an accent piece. A broad range of fabric, color and shape options mean that you will find an option for modular seating that is a perfect fit for your preferences. Modular seating comes with various practical features, like hidden storage compartments for easy organization.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The huge, highly maneuverable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are typically air filled and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on the most difficult roads and trails. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they are with 4 wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Often, 3-wheel prams are a favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their baby as they offer great agility and are less bulky than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminium frame, with a quick one-hand fold and forward and rear facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a the ability to lie flat in full air-filled tyres, and three recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's extremely light and extremely maneuverable, as well as fashionable. This buggy can last from birth, and comes with a carrycot included, to toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. It all fits within the footprint of one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban use yet large on innovation and control. It has an exclusive fabric sling seat, which is placed in a comfortable frame at the perfect height for perfect weight distribution for easy kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.