3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy can be utilized for off-road trails and for traversing terrains such as uneven paths or woodland tracks. They are also simpler to move on kerbs, and they are less prone to slipping down when as opposed to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and 3 year old daughter, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their centre of gravity balancing by your child's weight in the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth considering, as some of these models are made to withstand anything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
If you want a buggie that is easy to maneuver and will not let you down on bumpy pavements, look for one with big rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires that are ideal for handling unpaved surfaces. They can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodlands.
They are also great buggies to jog with as they provide excellent stability on more rough terrain and help you stay with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs and many come with spring suspension built-in so that your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
The one thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to maneuver is the broad frame, which can make it difficult to squeeze through narrow and tight doors than a four-wheeler. However three wheeled buggies have solved this issue with an innovative design that makes the wheels flip up when they are not in use, which decreases their overall size, and allows you to get through doorways without difficulty.
You'll also have to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your little one from birth, or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards if you plan to bring your toddler along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and can be stood upright when collapsed and is handy if you have an insufficient car boot or limited storage space at home. However, some require you to take out the front wheel before folding in order to fit into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. Many of them have a swivelling wheel on the front that allows you to steer and change direction using just one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheels which gives you the stability you need on rough terrain. Some models can even be used with an additional seat or buggy board if you're planning to expand your family.
If you are planning to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are asphalted then you should opt for a model that has pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require regular pumping but they'll be more durable than tyres that are solid and are more likely to be puncture-proof. Find a model with a the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to help you negotiate tricky surfaces.
Having a single front wheel may also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be bulkier than four-wheeled buggies when folded. Make sure the model you pick can fit in the boot of your car and can be set up in a straight line if needed. Some models are able to fold in one hand and stand on their own when collapsed, which will save space in smaller car boots.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will be used on all terrains, from busy streets to forest tracks. It's important to think about the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you're planning to run the school run, it must be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be jogging with it, check that it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to keep the ride safe.
Kath, a MFM reviewer, found that her stroller with three wheels was able to handle urban and rural walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to jog with. It's also a great choice for day trips, since it has plenty of storage space, including a large, spacious basket with zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to accommodate babies from birth using an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with most popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric seat and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It sits inside the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top like a modular chair. This allows for a more comfortable and ergonomically-correct position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity that is just the right height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't need as much weight and effort to push the buggy over the curb's edge) and a better stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these types of buggy seats are also very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for Sling chairs and are highly UV-resistant and ventilated. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or are a fan of off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler could be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheel buggy. These types generally have a larger base, more stable and use air-filled tyres to allow for smooth and agile moving over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seats is now offering a brand-new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its range of products. This all-terrain buggy boasts an enormous, spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be used as a world facing or parent-facing and reclines flat thanks to a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth. It comes with an enormous shopping basket.
Created for the most discerning buggy drivers, this luxurious 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is to use. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black with touches of silver-burnished aluminium all over and gives it a true wow factor. A big, padded seat that can be world or parent-facing with a new 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers makes this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in a variety of ways to meet different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a relaxing space to watch movies or a large arrangement to entertain guests. Many modular seating systems also have cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to wash spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decors or stand out as an accent piece. A broad range of fabric, color and shape options ensures that you can find a modular seating solution that suits your style. Many functional features are available in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that allow an easy organization and cleaning of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road and all-terrain adventures since they offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres, which are usually air-filled and have suspension, provide an excellent ride even on the roughest trails and roads. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they are with 4 wheeled pushchairs. This makes them ideal for walking uphill.
Often, 3-wheel prams are a favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their baby, as they provide excellent agility and are more streamlined than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features an elegant burnished aluminum frame with a quick one-handed fold, rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features an all-black frame that comes with a carrycot that is set in a full lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly 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.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that is small enough for city living but is also a bit more creative and controlled. It comes with an innovative fabric sling seat that's positioned in a comfortable frame at just the right height for the perfect weight distribution to facilitate kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.