3 Wheeler Buggies
A three-wheel buggy is great for rough terrain providing an easy ride for your baby. They are also more convenient to maneuver and push than a four-wheel buggy, particularly those with fabric sling seats or seat units that are placed perfectly in the frame, offering the best geometry and weight distribution.
Stability
A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's a good option for off-road walks (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat unit). These buggys often have oversized front tires that can withstand bumps, kerbs and rough terrain. Some models have a lockable wheel on the front to provide additional stability while driving on uneven terrain.
It's important to remember that 3-wheel buggies have lower center of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions and, therefore, can topple over more readily. But, the top 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with perfect geometry and engineering to make them very stable in all weather conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. They also have an incline of 360o for the front wheel that is ideal for maneuvering over difficult terrain.
For extremely difficult surfaces you should look for an air-filled model also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to work on non-paved tracks and should cope with dirt, gravel, etc. Many all-terrain buggies feature an swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when tackling extremely rough ground too.
A 3-wheeled pram is a great option for runners and those who like to walk fast uphill. This is especially true if you plan to connect a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with five-point harnesses, and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's lightweight, compact and suitable for infants and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It also handles some light jogging but isn't intended for serious joggers.
3 wheeler pushchair
If you're looking for a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, you need one with large wheels. These are made to handle grass, cobbles and dirt tracks easily, while still providing smooth riding. These are also great for jogging as they have built-in suspension and are easy to climb up and down kerbs. However, the trade off is that they are quite heavy to push.
The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the best 3 wheel buggy you can use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheeler is highly maneuverable due to its 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air-filled tyres which require pumping up from time to time. It can carry children as young as the age of three. MFM reviewer Kath said that her toddler liked the design of the seat and found it easy to steer with her 3-year-old son on the seat.
The Baby Jogger Versa GT is another excellent option. It comes with a movable handlebar, a high-quality hood that provides 50+ UV protection, and an extremely high-quality hood. It's also easy to move up and down kerbs and can fit into small car boot. It can be used as a stroller with a carrycot for newborns or toddlers.
Fabric slings are positioned within the frame, not on top like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity at the perfect height. It is much easier to push, and lighter to kerb-pop (you don't know how many times you will do that as a brand new parent!).
Seating
The capacity for 3 wheelers is impressive, and there are a number of different options to pick from. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a baby (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used both on and off the buggy). Older children and toddlers will enjoy the large and comfortable seat with adjustable ventilation. The seats do not recline completely, but can be lowered down to the lowest position. This should still give your child plenty of space and headroom.
A fabric sling is also available. It's a benefit that it is located within the frame, instead of on top as a modular seat. This means that it has a lower centre of gravity and a perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs and MFM reviewer Kath loved the way this type of seat negotiated these challenges.
This kind of buggy comes with an enormous basket, along with other features that are useful like an hood that can be extended with 50+ UV protection, a simple to use brake pedal and some unique visibility lights that can be positioned in front of occupants for improved safety on difficult terrain.
Alternatively, if you are searching for a single baby buggy that can grow with your family, there's the brand-new sport(tm) that's a world's first that can take a single infant from the moment of birth and adapt to take 2 or even 3 once your children have grown, all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Storage
The 3-wheeled frame is much more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also ideal for difficult terrain. However, it does mean that the basket won't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.
A high-quality ATP will come with pneumatic tyres, a padded grip for comfort and excellent suspension. It is also equipped to carry the form of a car seat and carrycot so you can use it right from the moment you are born.
MFM's reviewers have noticed that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors of their homes or small car boots - make sure to check the dimensions of the buggy when it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.
It's worth looking into 3-wheelers that can accommodate 2 (or even 3!) This is the best option for your future and can save you money. The iCandy Strawberry Sport is one of the most well-known. It can be used from day dot as a single buggie and then converted into twin buggies when your baby begins walking.
Tyres
These tires cushion bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are commonly included on pushchairs such as the Phil and Ted's Sport that MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres on the Phil and Ted's Sport made it easier for her to maneuver around the kerbs and other obstacles.
These tyres can sometimes prove tricky to keep inflated and will need to be replenished regularly. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to make sure that you have a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump on hand when you are out and about with your buggy.
PU tyres are more commonly used on pushchairs because they are less expensive than air-filled tyres, but they are equally durable. PU tire are easily identifiable by their matte finish and supple feel. They also glide well on even and tied surfaces.
If you rub your hands over the tyres, you can tell if they're rubber or PU. If it feels as if it's moving, then it is a PU. You can also test if your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by sliding them on flat, clean surfaces. They should roll smoothly and fit snugly into wheel hubs.
Foam tyres are able to withstand the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable since the foam will lose its springy nature. These tyres are also noisy because they generate a lot noise when you turn and drive around town.