3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-road walking & tackling terrain that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also simpler to navigate up and down kerbs in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and three year old, and put 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's balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worthwhile to consider as they are able to take on anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
If you want a buggie that is easy to control and won't fall over on bumpy roads, look for one with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres, too. They are great at handling surfaces that aren't paved and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They are also great buggies to jog with as they provide excellent stability on rougher terrain and help you stay with your running companion. They're also excellent at climbing and descending steep kerbs as well, and most of them have a built-in suspension that ensures your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels isn't easy to maneuver because of its wide frame. It can be more difficult to get through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by using clever design that flips the wheels up when they are not in use. This reduces their dimensions and makes it easier to squeeze through doors.
If so, check for a lie-flat position and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you plan to bring an infant onboard). Find out if the buggy comes with an option to lie flat and if it is compatible with a second seat and buggy boards if you plan to bring a toddler along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and can be positioned upright when collapsed - handy if you have an insufficient car boot or limited storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. They often come with a swivelling front wheel that lets you change direction quickly and steer with just one hand. Some models have locks on the wheel to offer stability on rough terrain. 3 wheel buggy can be used with an additional seat or buggy board should you decide to grow your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled buggy off paved tracks, it's worth opting for a vehicle equipped with tyres filled with air (also known as pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most challenging terrain. These tyres may need to be pumped up from time to time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. You should choose a model that has an swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you in navigating difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be heavier than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel on the front. Check that your chosen model can fit in the boot of your vehicle and can be raised if required. Certain models can fold with one hand and are freestanding when collapsed. This will save space in boot spaces that are smaller.
A quality 3 wheel pushchair can cope with any terrain, from busy streets to woodland tracks. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you're planning to run the school run, it ought to be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you plan to jog with it, make sure it has a swivelling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will keep the ride stable.
Kath, a MFM reviewer, was able to determine that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle both urban and rural walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to jog with. It's also a great option for day trips since it offers plenty of storage space. It comes with an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to meet the needs of babies starting at birth, using a carry cot or lay-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most popular stroller seats and second seats.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It is a part of the frame of the buggy, as opposed to being placed on top of it like the modular chair. This allows for a more ergonomically-correct position for baby and instantly provides an lower centre of gravity at the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a lighter curb-pop (you don't have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
These buggy seats also feature Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. These fabrics were designed specifically for Sling chairs and are highly 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 will be more your bag than a 4-wheeler. These types have a bigger base and are more stable. They also use air-filled tyres to provide smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. This all-terrain vehicle has a large spacious and impressively growing seat that can be used as a world facing or parent-facing and reclines flat thanks to a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth. It comes with an enormous shopping basket.
This luxurious 3 wheeler, designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as stunning to admire as it is to use. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black with touches of burnished silver aluminium throughout, giving it a real wow factor. 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 make this an ideal option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be used to create many different configurations that can be adapted to different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a relaxing space to watch movies or an open layout to entertain guests. A lot of modular seating systems come with cushions that can be removed which makes it easy to clean up spills or stain.
Modular Seating is available in various designs to complement your current decor or as an accent piece. You can select from a variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to design a modular seating that suits your personal style. Various functional features are also available in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that permit simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and swift movement. The tyres that are typically air-filled and come with suspension, offer a comfortable ride on even the most rough 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 like to run and jog with their babies often choose 3-wheel prams because they are more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminum frame, 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 fully lie-flat position air-filled tyres, and three recline positions.
Another fantastic all-terrain option is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and stunningly fashionable Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy will last you from birth, and comes with a carrycot and toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. It does this all within the footprint of one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for city life but is also a bit more innovative and controlled. It features an exclusive seat made of fabric that is set snugly within the frame at the perfect height to distribute weight. This makes it easy for kerb jumping and navigating neighborhoods and cities.