3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is utilized for off-road trails and for traversing terrains such as rough roads or woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver on kerbs, and they are less prone to slipping down when compared to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on the road and on a rocky surface. Check out her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a central point 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 the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, since the majority of these models are made to handle everything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, and an lockable wheel on the front. This makes it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap apart on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies also come with pneumatic tires, which are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also great buggies to jog with since they offer 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 a lot of them come with a spring suspension that is built-in, so your baby will have an enjoyable ride.
A 3-wheeled stroller isn't easy to maneuver because of its wide frame. It can be more difficult to get through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with an innovative design that makes the wheels flip upwards when not in use, which reduces their overall size and helps you to get through doorways without difficulty.
You'll also have to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your baby from birth or if you're planning on using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, ensure that it is in a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with other seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add the toddler to the buggy). A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat, and later be stacked upright. This is great if you only have limited space in your boot or a small amount of storage space at home. However, some require you to take out the front wheel when folding if you want it to fit into smaller space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more movable than four-wheeled strollers. They usually have a swivelling front wheel that allows you to shift direction quickly and steer with just one hand. Certain models come with wheels that lock to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're planning to grow your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled bike off the paved tracks, it's worth selecting a model with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the toughest terrain. These tyres will need pumping up occasionally but will be far more durable than solid tyres and are more likely to be puncture-proof. It is recommended to choose models with a swiveling front wheel that can be locked to assist you in navigating difficult terrains.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel in front. Be sure that the model you choose fits inside your car's boot and can be positioned upright if needed. Certain models can fold with one hand and stand on their own when collapsed, which can make them more compact in smaller car boots.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with all terrains, from busy high streets to tracks through woodlands. It's important to think about the purpose you'll use for your day-to-day use. If you'll be running the school run, it must be able to cope with steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, make sure it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to keep the ride steady.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy was able to handle well on the countryside and urban walks. Kath noted that it was able to negotiate cobbles, rough paths and uneven pavements easily and was comfortable while jogging. 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 extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to fit babies as young as a lie-flat seat or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with a variety of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seat is that the fabric sling sits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy as opposed to being positioned on top like a modular seat would. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, which results in a lower center of gravity at the ideal height. This leads to a smoother push, a more light curb-pop (you don't need to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these kinds of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. Developed specifically with applications for sling chairs in mind, these fabrics are incredibly durable and breathable. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler could be more suitable than a buggy with four wheels. These types generally have a larger base, more stable, and utilise air filled tyres to allow for smooth and agile moving over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seats is now offering a brand-new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its range of products. The all-terrain stroller has a large and spacious seat unit for the travel system that can be set either parent or world facing. It also reclines flat and features an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used as a baby with a carrycot or car seat and comes with a reasonably size shopping basket and hood with zip pockets, and a simple one-hand fold.
This luxurious 3 wheeler is designed for the most discerning buggy owners is as gorgeous to admire as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in a striking pewter black with touches of silver-burnished aluminium all over, giving it a real wow factor. A big, padded seat that can be world or parent-facing, with an improved 5-point safety harness as well as an entire set of rain covers make this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for many different configurations to suit various seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable space to watch movies or a large arrangement for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems come with cushion covers that can be removed which makes it easier to clean up spills and stain.
Modular Seating is available in various styles to match existing decor or as an accent piece. A broad range of fabrics, colors and shape options mean that you will find a modular seating solution that fits your taste. Modular seating also has a variety of functional features, including storage compartments hidden from view for easy organizing.
3-wheel buggies are ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures as they have more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large front wheel that is extremely maneuverable allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres, which are usually air-filled and come with suspension, give you a great ride on the most difficult roads and trails. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs, as they are on four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them perfect for walking uphill.
Often 3-wheel prams are favorite for parents who love running and jogging with their baby as they offer great agility and are more streamlined than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminium frame, with an easy one-hand fold as well as forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a full lie flat position with air-filled tyres as well as 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely lightweight and highly maneuverable. It's also incredibly stylish. This buggy is truly future-proof for your wallet and can be used from the moment you are born with the carrycot, right through to toddler-hood with the seat that is modular (and beyond!). All this is in the footprint of a single buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban living yet big on innovation and control. It features an innovative fabric sling seat that's placed snugly inside the frame and at the perfect height to allow for a perfect weight distribution for easy kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.