3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and taking on terrains from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver up and down kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, putting it through its paces on the road and on a rocky surface. Check out her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies with their centre of gravity balancing by the weight of your child in the seat, are typically more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean that the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, since many of these models are made to withstand everything from rough terrain to bustling high streets.
For a buggy that's easy to control and won't fall over on muddy roads, opt for one with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These buggies are typically equipped with pneumatic tyres, too. They are great at handling uneven surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They are also the best buggies for jogging with, as they provide great stability over rough terrain and aid in keeping up with your running partner. They're also good at climbing and down steep kerbs too Most buggies come with suspension built-in which means your child will have a pleasant ride.
The main thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which makes it difficult to squeeze through tight spaces and narrow doors than a four-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this problem with an innovative design that turns the wheels upside down when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to squeeze through doors.
It's also important to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your child from birth or if you're planning on using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Check if the buggy has an option to lie flat and if it's compatible with a second seat as well as buggy boards if you plan to take an infant along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and be positioned upright when collapsed which is useful if you have a a small car boot or a small storage space at home. Some will require you to remove the front wheel when folding if you wish to fit into more compact space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than strollers with four wheels. They often have a swivelling front wheel which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some models come with locks on the wheel to provide stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, in case you want to expand your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled buggy off paved tracks, it's worth opting for a vehicle that has tyres with air in them (also called pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require periodic pumping, but will be much more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and are more likely to be puncture-proof. It is recommended to choose models with an swiveling front wheel that can be locked to help you navigate tricky surfaces.
A single front wheel could be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Be sure that the model you pick can fit in the boot of your car and can be positioned upright if required. Certain models can be folded by one hand, and they stand up when collapsed. This can save space in small car boot.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with most terrain from busy main streets to tracks through woodlands. But it's important to consider the purpose you'll use for your day-to-day use. If you'll be doing the school run, it must be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be jogging with it, check that it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to ensure that the ride is stable.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, found that her stroller on three wheels was able to take on urban and rural walks. She noted that it could navigate rocky paths, cobbles and uneven pavements with ease and was comfortable to run with too. It's also a great option for day trips since it is packed with storage space. It has an ample, spacious zip-top covered basket and an extendable, 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified for baby from birth with 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 and modular seat is that the fabric sling sits in the frame of the buggy rather than sitting on top of it like a modular seat. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically correct position of the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity at the ideal height. This results in an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't need as much weight and effort to push the buggy over the nose of a curb) and a better balance and stability.
The sling fabrics used in these types of buggy seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. Made specifically for the use of sling chairs in mind they are UV resistant and extremely breathable. They also have excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger, or enjoy a bit of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler could be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheel buggy. These types have a bigger base, are more stable and utilize air-filled tyres for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. 3 wheeled buggies -terrain buggy has a large huge and spacious seat that can be used as a world facing or parent face and reclines flat with an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used with an infant car seat or carrycot from birth and has an enormous shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler, designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to admire as it is functional. The sleek frame features stunning pewter finishes with touches of burnished aluminium. It is a real show-stopper. A big, padded seat that can be world or parent-facing with a more secure 5-point safety harness, as well as a full set of rain covers makes this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in a variety of ways to meet a variety of seating needs. If you want a cozy setting for watching movies or a larger configuration to entertain guests, modular seating is able to be adjusted easily. A lot of modular seating systems come with cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to clean spills and staining.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decors or be a standout as an accent piece. You can select from a wide variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to create an adjustable seating option that matches your personal style. Many functional features are available in modular seating like hidden storage compartments that allow easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than 4-wheel strollers, making them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large front wheel that is extremely maneuverable allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres that are typically filled with air and have suspension, give you a great ride even on the roughest trails and roads. 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.
Parents who love to run and jog with their children usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they're more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminum frame, which has a quick one-hand fold and forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a the ability to lie flat in full air-filled tyres, and 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This is a buggy that will truly protect your wallet from the future and can be used from birth with the included carrycot, right through to toddler-hood with the modular seat (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for city living but is also a bit more creative and controlled. It features an exclusive fabric sling seat that's placed comfortably inside the frame and at the perfect height to ensure a the perfect weight distribution to facilitate popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.