3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-roading and tackling terrain from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver up and down kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old daughter, putting it through its paces on road and on a rocky surface. Check out her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their center of gravity being balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, are typically more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth considering, since many of these models are designed to cope with anything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
If you want a buggie that is easy to control and will not let you down on bumpy pavements, look for one with large rear wheels and a lockable front wheel. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres, too. They are great at handling uneven surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They are also great buggies to jog with as they provide excellent stability on rougher terrain, and can help you stay with your running partner. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs, and many come with spring suspension built-in so that your child will enjoy a smooth ride.
One thing that can make a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which can make it harder to fit through tight spaces and narrow doors than a 4-wheeler. However, some manufacturers have tackled this issue with a clever design that makes the wheels flip upwards when not in use, which decreases their overall size, and allows you navigate through doorways easily.
If so, check for a lie-flat positioning and if the design is compatible with second seating and buggy boards (if you want to add the toddler). If so, make sure it has a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add an infant onboard). Many 3-wheelers fold flat and be stood upright when collapsed and is handy if you have limited space in your car boot or a small storage space at home. However, some will require you to remove the front wheel prior to folding in order to fit into even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. They usually have a swivelling front wheel which allows you to shift direction quickly and steer with only one hand. Certain models come with wheels that lock to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, should you decide to grow your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled vehicle off of paved tracks, it's worth selecting a model equipped with tyres filled with air (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the most challenging terrain. These tyres might need to be pumped up from time to intervals, but they'll be more durable and puncture-proof compared to solid tyres. Find a model with a a lockable swivelling front wheel to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
The fact that there is only one front wheel may also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Make sure the model you choose can fit in the boot of your car and can be placed in a straight line if needed. Some models can be folded with one hand, and they can be raised when folded. This can save space in small car boot.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will be used on all terrains, from busy streets to forest tracks. It's important to consider the way you'll use it every day. If you're planning to run the school run, it ought to be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running on it, ensure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to keep the ride steady.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well with the countryside and urban walks. Kath said it could navigate rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements easily and felt pleasant when running. It is also a good option for day trips since it is packed with storage space. It comes with a large, spacious, zip-top covered basket and an expandable 50+ UV hood. 3 wheeled pushchair is also able to be adapted for baby from birth with a lie-flat seat or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with the majority of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling and modular seats is that the fabric sling is placed in the frame of the buggy instead of sitting on top like a modular seat. This enables a much more ergonomically correct position for babies and instantly provides an lower centre of gravity that is at the proper height. This results in a smoother push, a lighter curb-pop (you do not have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and more stability and balance.
The sling fabrics used in these kinds of seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. Made specifically for sling chair applications in mind they are UV-resistant and extremely breathable. They also have an excellent anti-aging capability and are easy to clean with mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger, or are a fan of off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler could be more your bag than a 4-wheel buggy. These styles generally have a larger, more stable base and utilise tyres with air to allow for smooth and agile moving over rough terrain.
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 an enormous spacious and impressively growing seat that can be world facing or parent facing and reclines flat using a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used with an infant car seat or carrycot from birth and has an enormous shopping basket.
For the most discerning buggy owners, this luxurious 3 wheeler is as stunning to look at as it is enjoyable to use. 3 wheel buggy is finished in a striking pewter black with touches of silver-burnished aluminum throughout, giving it a real wow factor. A large, padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing with a more secure 5-point safety harness as well as a full set of rain covers make this an ideal option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in various ways to meet a variety of seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a relaxing setting for watching movies, or an open layout to entertain guests. A lot of modular seating systems include cushions that can be removed making it simple to clean spills or stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decors or make a statement as an accent piece. A broad range of fabric, color, and shape options means that you can choose an alternative seating option that fits your taste. Various functional features are also offered in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that allow for easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel allows for agile and smooth motion, while the tyres are typically air filled and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on the roughest trails and roads. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be on four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them ideal for walking uphill.
Parents who like to run and jog with their babies typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they are more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features a sleek, burnished aluminum frame with a quick one-handed fold as well as forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has an all-black frame that comes with an infant carrycot that can be set in a full lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This buggy will truly protect your wallet from the future and will take you from birth with the included carrycot all the way to toddlerhood with the modular seat (and beyond!). All this is in the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that's compact enough for city life, but also innovative and controlled. It has a unique seat made of fabric that is positioned snugly within the frame at the ideal height to distribute weight. This makes it easy for crossing of kerbs and for navigating cities and neighborhoods.