3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is used for off-road walking and for tackling terrain such as uneven paths or woodland tracks. They can also be easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath who is the editor of MadeForMums reviews, has tested one of these three-wheelers on tarmac and on various terrains. Read her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, which have their center of gravity being balanced by your child's weight within the seat, are typically more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean that an older model with three wheels isn't worth a look, since many of these models are designed to handle everything from rough terrain to bustling high-streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, and an lockable wheel on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap apart on rough roads. These buggies are typically equipped with pneumatic tyres as well, which are excellent for handling non-paved surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also excellent buggies to run with since they offer excellent stability in rough terrain, and can help you stay with your running companion. They're also good at climbing and down steep kerbs and a majority come with suspension built-in that ensures your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
The one thing that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair difficult to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which makes it harder to fit through narrow and tight doors than a four-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue by using clever design that flips the wheels upwards when they are not being used. This reduces their dimensions and makes it easier to maneuver through doors.
You'll also need to consider whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're planning on using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with a lie-flat feature and if it is compatible with a second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to bring an infant along. Many 3-wheelers fold flat and be stood upright when collapsed which is useful if you have a a small car boot or a small storage space at home. However, some will require you to remove the front wheel before folding in order to fit in even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically offer better manoeuvrability than pushchairs with four wheels. Many of them have an swivelling wheel at the front which allows you to steer and change direction using just one hand. Some models also have a lockable front wheel which can give you stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, in case you want to expand your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled vehicle off of roads, you should consider choosing one equipped with tyres filled with air (also called pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the toughest terrain. These tyres might need to be regularly pumped up from time time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. It is recommended to choose a model that has an adjustable front wheel that is locked to help you navigate difficult terrains.
A single front wheel may also mean that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check that the model you select can fit in the boot of your car and can be positioned upright if needed. Some models can be folded with just one hand and are freestanding when they're collapsed, which can make them more compact in smaller car boots.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will take on any terrain from busy roads to forest tracks. But it's important to consider what you'll be using for your day-to-day use. If you'll be running the school run using it, it must be able handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be jogging with it, ensure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to keep the ride safe.
Kath the MFM reviewer, was able to determine that her three-wheeled stroller was able to handle urban and walks in the countryside. Kath noted that it was able to negotiate rocky paths, cobbles, and bumpy pavements effortlessly and felt pleasant when running. It's also a great choice for day trips, since it has plenty of storage space, including a large and spacious basket that has a zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted to fit babies as young as an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with a variety of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary distinction between a fabric and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is a part of the frame of the buggy, instead of being placed on top like an adjustable chair. This enables a much more ergonomically-correct posture for the baby that instantly gives lower center 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 lift the buggy off the nose of a curb) and a better balance and stability.
The sling fabrics used in these types of seats are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for Sling chairs and are highly durable and air-tight. They also have excellent durability and are easy to clean with water and soap.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading then an all-terrain buggy is more likely to meet your needs than a four-wheel buggy. These types generally have a larger, more stable base and utilise tyres with air for agile smooth movement on rough ground.
A brand most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. This all-terrain stroller boasts 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 from birth using a car seat or carrycot and comes with a decently sized shopping basket, hood with zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
Created for the most discerning buggy drivers, this luxury 3 wheeler is as stunning to look at as it is to use. 3 wheeled pushchair finishes with touches of burnished aluminium. It's a true eye-catching piece. A big, padded seat that can be world or parent-facing, with a new 5-point safety harness, as well as an entire set of rain covers makes this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for a wide range of configurations to suit various seating requirements. Whether it's a cozy setup for watching movies or a spacious arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating is able to be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed which makes it easier to clean up spills and stain.
Modular Seating is available in different designs to complement your current decor or as an accent piece. You can select from a wide variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to design an elegant and modular seating design that fits your style. Modular seating also comes with various functional features, including hidden storage compartments for easy organizing.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road or all terrain adventures because they offer more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres, which are usually air-filled and have suspension, provide an excellent ride on even the most rough roads and trails. They're also great for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Parents who love to run and jog with their children usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more nimble and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is an elegant burnished aluminum frame with a quick one-handed fold, rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has a black frame with a carrycot that can be placed in a fully lying position and has air-filled tyres.
Another great all-terrain option is the incredibly light, extremely maneuverable and stylish Mountain Buggy Sport verso. The buggy will last from birth, with a carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood with the modular seat. It all fits within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that is small enough for city living but is also a bit more innovative and controlled. 3 wheeled pushchair has a unique fabric seat that is set snugly within the frame at the ideal height for weight distribution. This makes it easy crossing of kerbs and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.