3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road jogging and taking on terrains that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath who is the editor of MadeForMums' reviews, tested one of these 3-wheelers on tarmac as well as on various terrains. Read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that's balanced by weight of your child in the seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than 3-wheelers. But that doesn't mean that the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, since some of these models are made to handle everything from rough terrain to bustling high streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels and one that locks on the front. This makes it more comfortable to drive and less likely to break off when driving on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres too, which are ideal for handling surfaces that aren't paved and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also great buggies to jog with since they offer excellent stability in rough terrain and can help you stay with your running companion. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and many come with a spring suspension that is built-in, so your child will enjoy an enjoyable ride.
A 3-wheeled stroller can be difficult to maneuver due to its large frame. It is more difficult to get through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue by implementing clever design that lets the wheels fold up when not in use, which reduces their overall size, and allows you navigate through doorways with ease.
If yes, make sure to check for a lie-flat positioning and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you plan to bring an infant onboard). Check if the buggy has a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with a second seat as well as buggy boards if you intend to bring an infant along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and be stood upright when collapsed - handy if you have an insufficient car boot or only a little storage space at home. However, some require you to take out the front wheel prior to folding in order to fit in even smaller space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. A lot of them feature a swivelling wheels on the front, which allows you to steer and change direction using one hand. Some models come with locks on the wheel to give you stability on more rough terrain. Some models can even be used with an additional seat or buggy board in case you're planning to grow your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled buggy off paved tracks, it's worth opting for a vehicle equipped with tyres filled with air (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require periodic pumping, but will be far more durable than solid tyres and more likely to be puncture-proof. 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 buggies with four wheels because of the single wheel on the front. Make sure the model you choose can fit in the boot of your car and can be set up upright if needed. Certain models can fold with one hand, and they're freestanding when they're collapsed, which can save space in smaller car boots.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with all terrains, from busy main streets to tracks through woodlands. However, it is important to consider what you'll be using it for in the daytime. If you'll be running the school run using it, it should be able handle the kerbs and steep slopes. If 3 wheeler pushchair 'll be running with it, ensure it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to keep the ride steady.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy able to cope really well on both urban and countryside walks. She said it was able to negotiate cobbles, rough paths and uneven pavements effortlessly and felt pleasant when jogging. It's also a great choice for day trips as it offers plenty of storage space, including a huge, 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 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 and a modular one is the fabric sling. It sits inside the buggy frame, instead of being placed on top like an adjustable chair. This makes it easier to maintain an comfortable and ergonomically-correct position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at just the right height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't require as much weight and effort to lift the buggy off the curb's edge) and better balance and stability.
The sling fabrics that are used in these types of seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. Made specifically for sling chair applications in mind, these fabrics are incredibly UV-resistant and air-tight. They also have an excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean using water and soap.
If you're a jogger, or like to do some off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler will be more your bag than a buggy with four wheels. These types have a bigger base and are more stable. They also have air-filled tyres that allow for smooth and easy movement on rough terrain.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts an impressive, spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be world facing or parent facing and reclines flat using a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth. It comes with an ample shopping basket.
This 3 wheeler of luxury made for the most discerning buggy owners is as stunning to see as it is to use. The angular frame has stunning pewter finish and touches of burnished aluminium. It's a true eye-catching piece. A large, padded seat that is world or parent-facing with a new 5-point safety harness as well as an entire set of rain covers make this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for an array of configurations that can be adapted to different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable setting for watching movies, or a spacious arrangement for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems also have cushion covers that can be removed which makes it easier to wash spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. You can choose from a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to create an adjustable seating option that matches your personal style. There are many functional features available in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that permit easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road and all terrain adventures as they have more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, highly maneuverable front wheel allows for smooth and agile movement. The tyres, which are typically air-filled and come with suspension, provide an excellent ride even on the roughest trails and roads. They're also great for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their children typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they are more nimble and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminum frame, which has an easy fold that can be folded in one hand and rear and forward facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with full lie flat position with air-filled tyres as well as three recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's incredibly lightweight and extremely maneuverable, as well as stylish. This buggy will last you from birth, with the carrycot included, to toddlerhood, with the seat that is modular. All this is within the footprint of just one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough to be used in urban areas but is also a bit more creative and controlled. It features a unique seat made of fabric that is placed snugly within the frame at the right height to distribute the weight. This allows for easy kerb jumping and navigating cities and neighborhoods.