3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler can be used for off-road walks and for tackling terrain such as rough roads or tracks in woodlands. They are also simpler to maneuver between kerbs and up and down them compared to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old daughter, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. Check out her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a central point of gravity that is balanced by the weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally thought to be more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worth considering as they can handle anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels and a lockable wheel on the front. This will make it easier to drive and less likely to fall apart on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres too, which are excellent for handling surfaces that aren't paved and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They are also great buggies to jog with because they provide great 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 many of them come with spring suspension built-in so that your baby can enjoy a comfortable ride.
The one factor that makes a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which makes it harder to fit through tight spaces and narrow doorways than a 4-wheeler. However, some manufacturers have tackled this issue by implementing clever design that lets the wheels turn upwards when not being used, which reduces their overall size and allows you get through doors with ease.
If so, check for a lie-flat positioning and whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you plan to bring the toddler). Make sure that the buggy has the ability to lie flat, and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards if you plan to take your toddler along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and can be positioned upright when collapsed - handy if you have a small car boot or a small storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. They typically have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Certain models come with a lockable wheel that can provide stability on rougher terrain. Some models can even be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you intend to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are paved, you should choose an option with pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. They may have to be regularly pumped up from time time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof compared to solid tyres. Choose a model that has a a lockable swivelling front wheel to aid you in navigating difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single wheel on the front. Make sure the model you choose can fit in the boot of your vehicle and can be raised in the event that it is necessary. Some models can be folded using one hand and can be rearranged when folded. This will save space in the boot of your car.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can take on any terrain from busy roads to forest tracks. However, it is important to consider what you'll be using it for in the daytime. If you will be making the school run using it, it must be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running on it, ensure it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to ensure that the ride is stable.
MFM reviewer Kath discovered her three-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well on both the countryside and urban walks. Kath said it negotiated cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements easily and felt pleasant to jog with. It's also a great choice for day trips, as it has plenty of storage space, including a large and spacious basket that has a zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted to fit babies as young as a lie-flat seat or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with the majority of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric sling and modular seats is that the fabric sling sits snugly inside the buggy frame as opposed to sitting on top of it like a modular seat. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position for baby that instantly gives an lower centre of gravity at the right height. This results in an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you do not require much effort or weight to pop the buggy over the nose of a curb) and better stability and balance.
The sling fabrics used in these types of buggy seats are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for the sling chair and are UV resistant and ventilated. They also have a great anti-aging capability and are easy to clean with water and soap.
If you're a jogger, or are a fan of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler will be more your bag than a 4-wheeler. These styles generally have a larger, more stable base and utilise tyres with air to allow for smooth and agile movement on rough ground.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts a large huge and spacious seat that can be used as a world facing or parent face and reclines flat using a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with an infant car seat or carrycot and comes with a generously size shopping basket and hood with zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
For the most discerning buggy drivers, this luxurious 3 wheeler is as stunning to look at as it is enjoyable to use. The sleek frame features stunning pewter finishes with touches of burnished aluminium. It's a true show-stopper. A large, padded seat that can be world or parent-facing, with a more secure 5-point safety harness and a full set of rain covers make this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be arranged in a variety of ways to accommodate different seating needs. It doesn't matter if it's a comfortable setup for watching movies or a spacious configuration to entertain guests, modular seating is able to adjust easily. Many modular seating systems come with removable cushion covers, making it easier to clean spills and stains.
3 wheeler pushchair can be designed to blend with the existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, colors, and shapes to create an elegant and modular seating design that fits your personal style. Modular seating comes with many functional features, including hidden storage compartments that make it easy to storage.
3-wheel buggies are ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures because they offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres that are typically air-filled and have suspension, give you a great ride even on the roughest roads and trails. They are also ideal for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who love to run and jog with their children often choose 3-wheel prams because they're more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminum frame, an easy one-hand fold as well as rear and forward facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with fully lie-flat position air-filled tyres, and 3 recline positions.
Another fantastic all-terrain option is the incredibly lightweight, highly manoeuvrable and stunningly stylish Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy will last you from birth, and comes with a carrycot included, to toddlerhood, with the seat that is modular. All of this is done within the footprint of just one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban use yet with a lot of innovation and control. It features an exclusive seat made of fabric that is positioned in the frame with a perfect fit at the ideal height to distribute the weight. This allows for easy jumps over kerbs, and navigates cities and neighborhoods.