3 Wheel Buggies
3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability, and are a stylish, streamlined frame. Many of them come with an upholstered sling that has a comfortable lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution and are ideal starting at birth.
The wheels are bigger, and they also often come with suspension for agile smooth movements on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they may be bulkier and heavier to store and transport.
Stability
three wheel buggies (visit this website link) are remarkably stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to move them more quickly and efficiently. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose their stability and fall over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3 wheel baby stroller-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.
The additional wheel can also help you navigate off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. These models will also feature a lockable wheel on the front, which will increase stability on rough terrain.
With the correct design, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn on a dime - easy to steer with one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheel that allows mobility and agility to be easy and light to handle. They will also pass the same global stability standards and test as 4-wheel buggies.
If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the floor which means a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy over and up a Kerb).
Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair 3 wheels and travel system to its product line with the striking Citylife. This 3 wheeled buggies-in-1 is perfect for urban living, and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the brand claims is 'slim and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.
Folding
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/330/kinderkraft-helsi-jogger-3-wheeler-baby-stroller-buggy-exercise-easy-folding-for-newborns-up-to-27kg-lie-flat-position-shock-absorbton-all-terrain-spacious-basket-gray-330.jpg)There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with just one hand, and are easy to wash down. Some of the smaller models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also have an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.
The most efficient 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain
A 3-wheeled model is typically better equipped to handle off-road terrain in comparison to a model with four wheels, though both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. However, choosing a model with larger wheels on both sides will help. This will make them easier to push over uneven ground and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.
One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her child, and she said that ”it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces gravel tracks, dirt roads, and a few hills.”
Stella Stella, the brand new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.
Its primary selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, whether you want to go on a short walk or a longer one using the chassis.
Tyres
The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The kind of tyre you pick will be determined by your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.
If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or on rough terrain frequently you may think about a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you require. Strong suspension is useful for handling bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.
The size of the tyre is also crucial. Understanding how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of numbers and letters on a tyre's sidewall may be confusing at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of ”185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial with 14 inches of rim diameter.
PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you aren't sure if the tires of a pushchair are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily, they are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.
Suspension
(Image: https://cdn.freshstore.cloud/offer/images/7007/1062/pawhut-pet-stroller-jogger-for-medium-small-dogs-foldable-cat-pram-dog-pushchair-w-adjustable-canopy-3-big-wheels-grey-1062.jpg)The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important aspect to consider as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your child. Large wheels which are filled with air and lockable to provide stability when jogging also important as this will ensure that your buggy is capable of maneuvering off road surfaces with ease.
There are many options for buggy designs to fit every lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their sling seat made of fabric sits snug within the frame, as opposed to on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on the kerb pops.
Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, a great suspension and an easy-to-use handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, pavements, cobbles, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze going up and down the kerbs'.
The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus™ which is a cosy lie flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.
Safety
Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over, and more easy to maneuver. It is also safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.
A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to pop over curbs and climb up. The seats made of fabric are positioned inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and buggy that is easily pushed.
However, if you want to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel which allows you to navigate bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all terrains.