3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road walking & taking on terrains from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also more easy to manoeuvre 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, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. Read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that is balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. However, that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth considering, as many of these models are designed to withstand anything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, and a lockable wheel on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap apart when you're on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires, which are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches and tracks in woodlands.
They're also excellent buggies to run with because they provide great stability on more rough terrain and help you stay with your running companion. They are also great for going up and down steep kerbs, and most of them come with a suspension built in which means your child will have a pleasant ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels isn't easy to maneuver because of its large frame. It can be more difficult to maneuver through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue by implementing an innovative design that makes the wheels fold up when not being used, which reduces their overall size, and allows you to get through doorways easily.
If yes, make sure to check for a lie-flat positioning and whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you plan to bring an infant onboard). Check if the buggy has a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with a second seat and buggy boards if you intend to take your toddler along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and be positioned upright when collapsed - handy if you have a small car boot or limited storage space at home. However, some will require you to take out the front wheel prior to folding if you wish to fit in even smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. A majority of them have a swivelling wheel on the front, which allows you to steer and change direction with just one hand. Some models have locks on the wheel to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can even be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're looking to increase the size of your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled buggy off tracks that are paved, it's worth choosing one equipped with tyres filled with air (also called pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the toughest terrain. These tyres may require regular pumping but will be much more durable than solid tyres and more likely to be puncture-proof. Choose a model that has a a lockable swivelling front wheel to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than buggies with four wheels because of the single wheel on the front. Check to see if the model you're considering can fit into the boot of your vehicle and can be raised if needed. Some models are able to fold with one hand and stand on their own when collapsed, which can save space in smaller car boots.
A quality 3 wheel pushchair will be able to deal with any terrain, from busy high streets to woodland tracks. It is important to consider what you'll be using it for every day. If you'll be doing the school run using it, it must be able to handle the kerbs and steep slopes. If you're planning to run on it, ensure it has a swiveling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will keep the ride in place.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy able to cope really well on rural and urban walks. She said it was able to negotiate cobbles, rocky paths and uneven pavements effortlessly and was comfortable while jogging. It is also a good option for day trips because it has a lot of storage space. This includes an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket as well as an extended 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, in addition to being compatible with a variety of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric sling and modular seats is that the fabric sling fits snugly inside the buggy frame rather than sitting on top like a modular seat would. This enables a much more ergonomically appropriate position for baby and instantly provides a lower centre of gravity and a more appropriate height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a less hefty curb-pop (you don't have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and more stability and balance.
These seats also have sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. 3 wheeled pushchair were designed specifically with sling chair applications in mind they are UV resistant and air-tight. They also have a great durability and are easy to clean with mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger, or are a fan of off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler is likely to be more your bag than a buggy with four wheels. These styles are generally larger, more stable base and use air-filled tyres for agile smooth moving over rough terrain.
A brand that is most famous for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. The all-terrain stroller has an enormous and spacious travel system seat unit which can be set either facing the parent or the world. It also reclines flat and has an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot starting at birth. It also has a large shopping basket.
Created for the most discerning buggy owners this luxurious 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is to use. The angular frame has stunning pewter finishes with accents of burnished aluminium. It is a real show-stopper. A large, 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 can be set up in various ways to meet different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable place to watch films, or a spacious arrangement to entertain guests. A lot of modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed, making it easier to clean up spills and staining.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with the existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. You can choose from a wide variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to design an elegant and modular seating design that fits your style. There are many functional features available in modular seating such as hidden storage compartments that allow simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road or all terrain adventures since they offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel allows for agile and smooth motion, while the tyres are typically filled with air and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on the most difficult trails and roads. They're also great for walking up hills as the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who love to run and jog with their children typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they're more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, is a sleek burnished aluminium frame that has a simple one-handed fold as well as rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has an all-black frame that comes with an infant carrycot that can be placed in a fully lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Another fantastic all-terrain choice is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and stunningly fashionable Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy will truly protect your wallet from the future and can take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot all the way to toddlerhood with the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of a single buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban use yet with a lot of innovation and control. It comes with an innovative fabric sling seat that's positioned snugly inside the frame and at just the right height to ensure a the perfect weight distribution to facilitate kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.