3 Wheeler Buggies

A three-wheel buggy is great for tackling off-road terrain providing an easy ride for your child. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheel buggy especially those equipped with fabric slings or seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and deliver the most efficient shape and weight distribution.

Stability

Three-wheeled buggys are extremely stable, and this makes them an ideal choice for off-road walking (especially when equipped with a seat that is all-terrain or off-road). They typically have large front tires that can handle bumps, kerbs, and rough terrain. Some models even come with a lockable front wheel to provide extra stability on uneven terrain.

It's worth bearing in mind that 3-wheel buggies may have a lower center of gravity than 4-wheeled models and this can mean that they topple over more easily. However, the most reliable 3-wheel buggies have the an ideal geometry and design to ensure they are stable in all weather conditions. They should be able turn at a whim and be able to be controlled with one hand. They also come with the ability to rotate 360o on the front wheel which is ideal to navigate difficult terrain.

For surfaces that are extremely challenging you should look for models with air-filled tyres, also known as pneumatic tyres, which are designed to work on non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock and so on. Many all-terrain buggies have an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to increase stability when working on extremely rough terrain too.

A 3-wheeled pram is a great choice for runners and those who enjoy walking fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to attach to a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It features an incline-reclining seat that is flat, with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to keep all your gear (plus the ability to extend 50+ of the sun hood). It's light and compact, and is suitable for use starting at birth. It can be used with the car seat or carrycot. It also handles a bit of light jogging but isn't intended for serious runners.

Weight

If you're looking for a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. These will cope well over cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for anyone. They are also ideal for jogging, as they have built-in suspension and are easy enough to climb up and down kerbs. The trade-off is that they're a bit heavy to push.

The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and the front wheel can be locked. It comes with air tyres which do need occasional pumping, and it can carry children until the age of 3. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler loved the design of the seat and she found it easy to steer even with her 3 wheel bassinet stroller-year-old son on the seat.

The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another great option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a top-quality hood that offers 50+ UV protection as well as an extremely high-quality hood. It's also simple to get up and down kerbs, and it can fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller with baby carriers or toddlers.

Fabric sling seats are tucked within the frame of the buggie, as opposed to over it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre of gravity at the right height. It is much easier to push, and is lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you will do that as a brand new parent!).

Seating

There are many alternatives for seating options in 3 wheel running buggy wheelers. For a newborn you have the option to use the carrycot plus (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a cozy and comfortable lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy), while older babies and toddlers can sit in the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is spacious and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. The seats are not able to recline completely, but can be adjusted to the lowest setting. This should allow your child to have plenty of space and headroom.

A fabric sling seat is also available. It offers the advantage of being placed snugly within the frame rather than sitting on top as a modular seat and this delivers a much lower centre of gravity as well as a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this kind of seat negotiated these obstacles.

This kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other features that are useful such as an extendable hood with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some innovative visibility lights that can be positioned in front of occupants to increase safety on rough terrain.

If you're searching for a stroller that will grow with your family, the sport(tm) is a first in the world designed to accommodate infants and be modified to accommodate three or four children as they grow. All within a single footprint.

Stores

The 3 wheel baby buggy-wheeled frame makes a buggy much more stable to push one handed and also perfect for handling difficult terrain. However, it also means that the basket won't hold the same amount as a 4-wheeled buggy.

A top-quality ATP will have pneumatic tyres, a cushioned grip for better comfort, and an excellent suspension. It is also equipped with car seats and a carrycot so you can use it right from the time you are born.

MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frames couldn't fit through their home's doors or car boot. If you're worried about space, be sure you check the dimensions when the buggy is folded before purchasing.

Look for a 3 wheel buggy-wheeler with 2 (or 3!) seats. seats as your family grows. These are the most efficient of both and will help you save money in the future. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the most popular; it can be used as a single seat from day dot and later converts to a twin buggies when your baby begins walking.

Tyres

Air filled tyres are made to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. These are included on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted’s Sport which MFM reviewer Kath said offered "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on it made it easy to tackle cobbles and kerbs.

These tyres can be difficult to maintain and require air pressure topped up regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.

PU tyres are found on more pushchairs than the air-filled tyres, but they're just as sturdy. You can recognise PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft texture. They also slide on smooth and tidy surfaces.

It's usually possible to discern the difference between air-filled and PU tires by running your hands over them, if it feels hard then it's made of rubber, if it slides then it's a PU. You can also check whether your buggy has PU tyres by slipping the tyres on a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and fit comfortably in their wheel hubs.

Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain that comes with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam loses its springy quality. You'll also find that these tyres may frequently be noisy, as they generate lots of noise when you turn and navigate your way through the town.