3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy can be utilized for off-road trails and for tackling terrain such as bumpy pavements or woodland tracks. They can also be easier to maneuver up and down kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and three year old daughter, putting it through its paces on tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, which have their centre of gravity balancing by your child's weight in the seat, are typically more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, since some of them are built to handle everything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, as well as an lockable wheel on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to break off when driving on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres as well, which are great at handling surfaces that aren't paved and can even be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies to be jogging with, as they offer great stability over rougher ground and aid in keeping up with your running partner. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs and many of them have spring suspension built-in so that your baby can enjoy a smooth ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels isn't easy to maneuver due to its wide frame. It is more difficult to maneuver through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue with a clever design which 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 little one from birth, or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Check if the buggy has the ability to lie flat, and if it is compatible with second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to bring your toddler along. A majority of 3-wheelers can fold flat, and later be put up in a upright position. This is great when you have limited space in your boot or limited storage at home. However, some will require you to remove the front wheel prior to folding if you wish to fit in even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more movable than four-wheeled strollers. They often come with a swivelling front wheel which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheel that can provide the stability you need on rough terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board in case you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you are planning to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are asphalted, you should choose an option with pneumatic tyres. They are able to handle the most difficult terrain. They may have to be regularly pumped up from time the point, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. Find a model with a the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to help you negotiate tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be heavier than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel on the front. Be sure that the model you pick fits in your car's boot and can be positioned in a straight line if needed. Some models are able to fold with one hand and stand on their own when they're collapsed, which will save space in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair will be able to deal with all terrains, from busy high streets to woodland tracks. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you will be making the school run using it, it should be able to handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you plan to jog on it, ensure it has a swivelling'stretch front wheel' that is locked. This will keep the ride smooth.
Kath the MFM reviewer, was able to determine that her three-wheeled stroller was able to take on urban and walks in the countryside. Kath noted that it was able to negotiate rocky paths, cobbles and uneven pavements effortlessly and felt pleasant when jogging. It is also a good option for day trips because it is packed with storage space. This includes an enormous, spacious, zip-top covered basket as well as an extendable, 50+ UV hood. It can also be adapted to accommodate babies from birth using a lie-flat seat or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with a variety of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seat is that the fabric sling fits snugly inside the buggy frame rather than sitting on top like a modular seat. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity that is just the right height. This results in an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't require as much weight and effort to push the buggy over the curb's edge) and better stability and balance.
These seats also have Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. Developed specifically with applications for sling chairs in mind These fabrics are extremely UV-resistant and air-tight. They also have a great aging resistance and are very easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger or enjoy a bit of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler could be more your bag than a 4-wheeler. These styles are generally larger base, more stable, and utilise air filled tyres for agile smooth movement on rough ground.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seat range, has added a new 3-wheeler, the Stella to its product line. This all-terrain stroller boasts an enormous and spacious seat that can be set either facing the parent or the world. It also reclines flat and has an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used with an infant car seat or carrycot from birth. It comes with an ample shopping basket.
This luxurious 3 wheeler, designed for the most discerning buggy owner, is as beautiful to see as it is to operate. The sleek frame features stunning pewter finishes with accents 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 and an entire set of rain covers make this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for a wide range of configurations that can be adapted to different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy setting for watching movies, or an open layout for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems include cushions that can be removed, making it easy to clean spills or stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with the existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. You can choose from a range of colors, fabrics, and shapes to create an elegant and modular seating design that fits your style. There are many functional features offered in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that allow for easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The large front wheel that is extremely maneuverable allows for smooth and agile movement. The tyres, which are usually air-filled and come with suspension, provide an excellent ride on the most difficult trails and roads. They are also ideal for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are a popular choice for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children because they offer superior agility and are more streamlined than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a quick one-handed fold as well as rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has a black frame with an infant carrycot that can be positioned in a full lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Another great all-terrain option is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and stylish Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy truly future proofs your wallet and will take you from birth using the carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood with the modular seat (and beyond!). This is all done within the footprint of just one buggy.
compact 3 wheel stroller pushchairsandprams.uk (tm) is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for city life yet also creative and controlled. It comes with a unique fabric sling seat, which is placed snugly inside the frame and at just the right height to ensure a perfect weight distribution for easy popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.