Why You Should Be Working With This 3 Wheeled Buggies
3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy can be used for off-road walking and for tackling terrain such as rough roads or woodland tracks. They are also easier to navigate up and down kerbs as opposed to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and three year old daughter, putting it through its paces on road and on a rocky surface. You can read her full 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 three-wheelers. However, that doesn't mean the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, as some of these models are designed to handle anything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
For a buggy that's really easy to maneuver and will not fall over on bumpy pavements, look for one with big rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres too, which are ideal for handling surfaces that aren't paved and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also excellent buggies to run with since they offer excellent stability on rougher terrain and help you stay with your running partner. They're also excellent at going up and down steep kerbs too and a majority come with suspension built-in which means your child will be able to ride comfortably.
The one thing that makes a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the broad frame, which can make it more difficult to maneuver into narrow spaces and tight doors than a four-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this problem with clever design that flips the wheels up when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to squeeze through doorways.
It's also important to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your little one from birth, or if you're planning on using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Make sure that the buggy has an option to lie flat and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards if you plan to bring your toddler along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and be upright when folded and is handy if you have limited space in your car boot or limited storage space at home. However, some require you to take out the front wheel before folding if you wish to fit into smaller space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. Many of them have an swivelling wheel at the front which allows you to steer and change direction with only one hand. Some models come with locks on the wheel to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board, in case you want to expand your family.
If you plan to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are paved it is recommended to choose one with pneumatic tyres. They can handle even the most difficult terrain. These tyres might need to be pumped up from time to the point, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. You should choose models with an swiveling front wheel that can be locked to help you navigate difficult terrains.
Having a single front wheel could indicate that three-wheelers can be heavier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check that your chosen model can fit in the boot of your car and can be raised if required. Certain models can be folded using one hand and stand up when collapsed. This can help save space in the boot of your car.
A good 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with all terrains, from busy streets to tracks through woodlands. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use it for in the daytime. If you'll be running the school run with it, it should be able handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, check that it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to ensure that the ride is stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well on both rural and urban walks. Kath said it negotiated cobbles, rough paths and uneven pavements with ease and was comfortable to run with too. It is also a good option for day trips because it is packed with storage space. It comes with a large, spacious, zip-top covered basket and an extended 50+ UV hood. It can also 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 the majority of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric seat and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It sits inside the frame of the buggy, rather than being positioned on top like the modular chair. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity that is the ideal height. This translates into an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't need the same amount of effort and weight to pop the buggy over the nose of a curb) and better stability and balance.
These buggy seats also feature Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. Developed specifically with the use of sling chairs in mind These fabrics are extremely UV-resistant and air-tight. They are also easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger, or are a fan of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler is likely to be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheeler. These models are generally larger base, more stable and utilise air filled tyres to ensure smooth, easy movement on rough ground.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seat collection, has added a new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its product line. This all-terrain buggy boasts an enormous huge and spacious seat that can be a world-facing or parent face and reclines flat with an improved 5-point safety harness. It can be used with an infant car seat or carrycot from birth. It comes with an ample shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler is designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to look at as it is to use. The sleek frame features stunning pewter finish and touches of burnished aluminium. It is a real eye-catching piece. A big, padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing with a new 5-point safety harness as well as a full set of rain covers make this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers an array of configurations to meet different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable space to watch movies or a large arrangement to entertain guests. A lot of modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to wash spills and staining.
Modular Seating is available in a variety of styles to fit with your existing decor or as an accent piece. A broad range of color, fabric and shape options mean that you can find a modular seating solution that is a perfect fit for your preferences. Modular seating also comes with various functional features, including hidden storage compartments for easy storage.
3-wheel buggies are particularly good for off-road and all terrain adventures because they offer more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large, highly maneuverable front wheel allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres, which are typically air-filled and have suspension, provide an excellent ride on the most difficult roads and trails. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs, as they are with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Parents who like to run and jog with their kids typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they are more nimble and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example features a sleek, burnished silver aluminum frame, an easy one-hand fold as well as rear and forward facing seats. Meanwhile, the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a the ability to lie flat in full air-filled tyres, and three recline positions.
Another excellent all-terrain option is the incredibly lightweight, highly manoeuvrable and stylish Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy can last from birth, with the carrycot, and will last until toddlerhood with the modular seat. It all fits within the footprint of one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side vehicle that's small enough for urban use yet large on innovation and control. It features a unique seat made of fabric that is positioned snugly within the frame at the ideal height to distribute weight. This makes it easy jumps over kerbs, and navigates cities and neighborhoods.