3 Wheeler Buggies

A three-wheeler is perfect for rough terrain and provides a smooth ride for your infant. They are also easier to push and maneuver than a four-wheel buggy especially if they have fabric sling seats or modular seat units that are placed perfectly within the frame, providing the best ergonomics and weight distribution.

Stability

Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, and this makes them an ideal option for off-roading (especially when equipped with a seat unit that is all-terrain or off-road). These types of buggys typically have large front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some have a lockable wheel on the front for additional stability when driving on uneven terrain.

It is important to remember that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower center of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they fall over more easily. The best 3-wheeled pushchairs have been designed with perfect geometry to ensure that they remain steady in any weather. They should be able to turn on a dime, be easy to steer with one hand, and have 360o swivelling front wheels which makes them ideal for manoeuvring and navigating difficult terrain.

Look for models that have pneumatic tyres. These are made to be able to navigate tracks that aren't paved and should be able to take on dirt, gravel, rocks and other debris. A lot of all-terrain buggies have an swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for greater stability when dealing with rough terrain.

A three-wheeled stroller is a great option for those who run and love to speed up the hill. This is especially true if you plan to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent example. It features the flat-reclining seat, a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store all your gear (plus a 50+ extendable sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable from birth and can be used with car seats or a carrycot. It can also be used for light jogging, however, it isn't designed for serious runners.

Weight

If you're seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. These are designed to handle dirt, cobbles, and grass tracks easily and still provide smooth riding. They are also great for jogging because they're equipped with suspension and are simple to move up and down kerbs. However, the drawback is that they are quite heavy to push.

The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy has 16 rear wheels, and a lockable swivel front wheel making it extremely maneuverable. It has air tyres, which do need occasional pumping, and it can carry a child up to the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat and found it easy to drive with her 3 year old in the seat.

The Baby Jogger Versa GT is an alternative that is also a great choice. It has an adjustable handlebar, a high-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection as well as an extremely high-quality hood. It is also easy to move up and down kerbs and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a pram with baby car seat for newborns and toddlers.

Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design has a lower centre-of-gravity at the perfect height. It is simpler to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you can't underestimate the number of times you will do that as a new parent!).

Seating

There are many options for seating in three wheelers. For newborns you have the option to use the carrycot (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cosy and comfortable lying flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can be seated in the parent or world-facing seat that is large and padded, and comes with adjustable ventilation. 3 wheeled pushchair are not able to recline completely, but can be lowered to the lowest point. This should still allow your child to have plenty of headroom and space.

A sling seat made of cloth is also available. It is set snugly inside the frame rather than over the top of the modular seat. This provides a lower center of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, especially on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this type of seat handled challenges.

This kind of buggy comes with a large basket and other beneficial features, such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, an easy to use brake pedal and a few innovative lights for visibility which can be put on the front of the passengers to ensure safety when riding on rough terrain.

If you're searching for a single baby buggy that will expand with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) which is a world's first that can take a single infant from day one and change to take two or even 3 once your little ones have grown, all within the footprint of one buggy.

Storage

The 3-wheeled frame makes the buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling rough terrain. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.

A good quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your convenience. It should also be able to take car seats and a carrycot and you can use it from the time you are born.


MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't fit through all the doors of their homes or small car boots - make sure you check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded before buying if you're worried about space.

It's worth looking for a 3-wheeler that can take two (or even 3!) seats once your family grows. They are the most efficient of both and can help you to save money in the future. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is among the most popular. It can be used from the day of birth as a single buggy and then converted into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.

Tyres

Air filled tyres have been designed to provide your child with a more comfortable ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They are commonly found on pushchairs like the Phil and Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an amazing ride for her toddler". She also noted that its grippy tyres made it easy to navigate kerbs and cobbles.

These tyres can sometimes prove difficult to maintain and must be replenished regularly. They are also more vulnerable to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have repair kits with spare tubes and a pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.

PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs since they are less expensive than air-filled tyres but are just as durable. You can recognise PU tire treads by their matte appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide easily on even and tied surfaces.

If you move your hand over the tyres you can tell if they are rubber or PU. If it feels like it's sliding, then it's a PU. You can also test whether your buggy comes with PU tyres, by sliding them on an even, smooth surface. They should roll easily and fit snugly into the wheel hubs.

Foam tyres are typically used in high-performance buggies as well as Joggers due to their ability to deal with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable because the foam will lose its springy nature. These tyres also make a lot of noise because they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate around town.