3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road jogging and dealing with terrain, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also simpler to navigate up and down kerbs as opposed to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and three year old, putting it through its paces on road and on a rocky surface. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child's seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered 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 makes it easier to drive and less likely to snap apart on bumpy roads. These buggies are typically equipped with pneumatic tyres, too. They are great at handling surfaces that aren't paved and can even be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
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 have spring suspension that is built-in, so your baby can enjoy an enjoyable ride.
The one thing that makes a pushchair with three wheels difficult to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which can make it difficult to squeeze through narrow and tight doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue with an innovative design that flips the wheels up when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to squeeze through doors.
You'll also need 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 with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, ensure that 3 wheeled pushchair is in a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you want to add an infant onboard). A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and be positioned upright when collapsed - handy if you have an insufficient car boot or a small storage space at home. Certain 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel in order to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They usually have a swivelling wheel on the front that allows you to shift direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheel which can give you security on more difficult terrain. Some models can even be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're planning to grow your family.
If you plan to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are paved, you should choose a model with pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres may need to be regularly pumped up from time time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof compared to solid tyres. You should look for a model that has a swiveling front wheel that can be locked to help you navigate tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be heavier than buggies with four wheels because of the single wheel on the front. Be sure that the model you choose fits inside your car's boot and can be set up upright if needed. Certain models can be folded with just one hand, and they're freestanding when they're collapsed, which can save space in smaller car boots.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with any terrain, from busy main streets to tracks through woodlands. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use it for in the daytime. If you will be making the school run using it, it must be able handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you plan to jog on it, ensure it has a swiveling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will help keep the ride stable.
Kath the MFM reviewer, was able to determine that her stroller on three wheels was able to take on urban and walks in the countryside. Kath said it was able to negotiate rocky paths, cobbles and uneven pavements with ease and was comfortable when running. It is also a good option for day trips since it is packed with storage space. It has an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can also be adapted to accommodate babies from birth using a lie-flat seat or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with most popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling and a modular seats is that the fabric sling fits in the frame of the buggy rather than sitting on top like a modular seat would. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position of the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity that is the ideal height. This results in a smoother push, a more light curb-pop (you don't have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabrics used in these types of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. They were designed specifically with sling chair applications in mind, these fabrics are incredibly UV-resistant and breathable. They are also easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler could be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheel buggy. These styles have a wider base, are more stable and utilize air-filled tyres for smooth and easy movement on rough terrain.
A brand most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. This stroller is all-terrain and has a large and spacious seat unit for the travel system that can be positioned either facing the parent or the world. It can also recline flat and comes with an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth and has a large shopping basket.
This 3 wheeler of luxury, designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to see as it is to use. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black with hints of burnished silver aluminium throughout making it a complete WOW factor. This is a great choice for parents who are active. It comes with a large, padded seat which can be placed either with the with the child or in a world-facing position. It also has an upgraded 5-point harness and a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be set up in many ways to accommodate different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a relaxing setting for watching movies, or an open layout to entertain guests. Many modular seating systems also have cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. A variety of fabric, color and shape options ensures that you will find an alternative seating option that suits your style. Modular seating also has a variety of functional features, including storage compartments hidden from view for easy organization.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large front wheel that is extremely maneuverable allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres, which are typically air-filled and come with suspension, offer a comfortable ride even on the roughest trails and roads. They're also great for walking up hills as the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are a popular choice for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their child because they offer superior mobility and are much more sleek than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminium frame, with a quick one-hand fold and rear and forward facing seats. Meanwhile, the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a fully lie-flat position air-filled tyres, and three recline positions.
Another excellent all-terrain option is the incredibly light, extremely maneuverable and elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy can last from birth, and comes with a carrycot included, to toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. It does this all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side-by-side buggy that is small enough for city life, but also creative and controlled. It has a unique seat made of fabric that is placed comfortably within the frame at the perfect height for weight distribution. This makes it easy jumps over kerbs, and navigates cities and neighborhoods.