3 Wheeler Buggies

A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also more convenient to move and push than a four-wheeler, especially if they have fabric sling seats or seats that are set comfortably in the frame, offering the most efficient geometry and weight distribution.

Stability

A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is the reason it is a great choice for off road walking (especially with an all terrain or off-road style seat). They typically have larger front wheels, which can cope well with kerbs and bumps and rough ground. Some models even feature a lockable front tire for extra stability on uneven terrain.

It's important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies can have a lower centre of gravity than models with four wheels which means that they can tip over more easily. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs have an ideal geometry and design to make them very stable in all conditions. They should be able to turn on a dime and be easy to steer using one hand. They also have a 360o rotating front wheel, which makes them ideal for navigating difficult terrain.

For really tricky surfaces, look out for a model with air-filled tyres also known as pneumatic tyres. These are designed to handle non-paved tracks and should cope with mud, gravel, rock and more. Many all-terrain buggies have a swivelling front wheel that can be locked to add stability when dealing with extremely rough terrain too.

A 3-wheel stroller is an ideal option for runners or for those who prefer to walk quickly and uphill, especially when you plan to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is a great example, with a wide-facing seat that reclines flat. It also features a more comfortable 5-point harness and storage space for all your gear (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for infants and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or car seat. It also handles some moderate jogging, but it's not designed for serious joggers.

Weight

If you're seeking a buggy that can handle the tough terrain, then you'll need one with big wheels. They can handle cobbles, grass and dirt tracks while providing a smooth ride for all passengers. These are also great for jogging as they have a suspension built-in and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, they're quite heavy to push.

The best 3 wheel buggy for rough terrain is the Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very mobile due to its 16 rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air tyres which require pumping occasionally and can hold children up to 3 wheel double stroller. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the shape of the seat, and she was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old in the seat.

Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, with a movable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It's also easy to get up and down kerbs and can fit in small car boots. It can also be used as a pram, with baby car seat for infants and toddlers.

Fabric slings are placed inside the frame and not on top of the frame like modular seats. This design provides a lower centre of gravity at the perfect height, instantly making it easier to push and lighter to kerb pop (you can never underestimate how often you'll do this as a new parent!)

Seating

There are a variety of options for seating in 3 wheelers. The included carrycot plus is ideal for a newborn (which MFM reviewer Alice describes as a comfy and cozy lay-flat bed that can be used both in and out of the buggy). Older infants and toddlers will appreciate the spacious and comfortable seat unit that has adjustable ventilation. It is important to note that the seats do not recline completely however they can be lowered to the lowest position which should still give your child plenty of headroom and space to move around.

A sling made of fabric is also available. It is advantageous in that it is located inside the frame, instead of being placed on top 3 wheel strollers of it as a modular seat. This results in a lower centre of gravity, with a perfect weight distribution. This makes it much easier and lighter to push especially over bumpy terrain or curbs. MFM reviewer Kath was impressed with the way this type of seat dealt with these challenges.

Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy to use brake pedal, and a few games-changing visibility lights that appear from the handlebar and can be positioned in front of the occupants to increase their safety when they are tackling difficult terrain.

If you're looking for a buggy that will grow along with your family The sport(tm), a world-first that can take in a newborn and then be modified to fit three wheeler pushchairs or four children as they grow. All within one footprint.

Stores

The 3-wheeled frame makes a buggy more stable and sturdy to push one-handed and also perfect for handling terrain that is difficult to navigate. However, it means that the shopping basket doesn't hold as much as a 4-wheeler buggy.

A high-quality ATP will come with a great suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned to ensure your comfort. It will be able to accommodate a car seat, which means you can use it from the time of birth.

MFM's reviewers found that the 3-wheeler frame didn't fit through their home doors or car boot. If you're concerned about space, be sure to verify the dimensions of the buggy when it is folded before buying.

Find a 3 wheel pushchair with car seat-wheeler that has 2 (or 3!) seats. This is the most suitable option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is among the best of these and can be used as a single from day dot and later converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.

Tyres

Air filled tyres are made to give your child an easier ride by cushioning out bumps and uneven surfaces. They're commonly found on pushchairs such as the Phil & Ted's Sport which MFM reviewer Kath discovered to provide "an amazing ride for my toddler". She also noted that the grippy tyres of the Phil & Ted's Sport made it easy for her to navigate kerbs and other obstacles.

They can be difficult to maintain and will need to have their air pressure regularly topped up. They are also more susceptible to punctures than foam tyres. So you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.

PU tyres are more commonly found on pushchairs as they are a cheaper option than air-filled tyres, but they are just as robust. You can identify PU tires by their smooth appearance and soft, smooth feel. They also slide well on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.

It's usually possible to identify the distinction between air-filled and PU tyres by running your hand over each one. If it feels hard then it's made of rubber, If it slides, then it's a PU. You can also confirm whether your buggy has PU tyres by sliding the tyres on a clean, flat surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly into their wheel hubs.

Foam tyres are often used in high-performance buggies as well as joggers since they are able to cope with the rough terrain common to this type of pushchair. This could make your buggy less stable since the foam loses its springy nature. Additionally, these tyres may frequently be noisy, as they create a lot of noise as you turn and navigate your way around town.