3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler can be used for off-road walks and for tackling terrain such as rough roads or woodland tracks. They can also be easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old, and put it through its paces on road and on a rocky surface. Check out her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child's seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally thought to be more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean that a three-wheel buggy isn't worth considering, as the majority of these models are designed to withstand everything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels, as well as an lockable wheel on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to fall apart on rough roads. These buggies are typically equipped with pneumatic tyres, too. They are ideal for handling surfaces that aren't paved and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They are also great buggies to jog with since they offer excellent stability on more rough terrain, and can aid you in staying with your running partner. They're also good at climbing and down steep kerbs too and a majority come with suspension built-in which means your child will have a pleasant ride.
The main thing that can make a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the broad frame, which makes it harder to fit through tight spaces and narrow doorways than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue by implementing clever design that lets the wheels flip up when they are not in use, which decreases their overall size and helps you navigate through doorways easily.
You'll also have 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. If so, make sure it has a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with other seats and buggy boards (if you're planning to put a toddler onboard). A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and be placed upright. This is a good option when you have an unwieldy boot space or a small amount of storage space at home. However, some require you to take out the front wheel when folding in order to fit in even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically provide better maneuverability than pushchairs with four wheels. They often have a swivelling front wheel that allows you to change direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheel that can provide the stability you need on rough terrain. Some models can even be used with an additional seat or buggy board in case you're planning to grow your family.
If you're considering taking your three-wheeled buggy off tracks that are paved, it's worth selecting a model with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the toughest terrain. These tyres may need to be regularly pumped up from time the point, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. Look for a model with the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to aid you in navigating difficult surfaces.
The fact that there is only one front wheel could mean that three-wheelers tend to be bulkier than four-wheeled buggies when folded. Check that your chosen model fits in the boot of your vehicle and can be sat up in the event that it is needed. Some models are able to fold with one hand and stand on their own when they're collapsed, which can save space in boot spaces that are smaller.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will take on any terrain from busy streets to forest tracks. However, it is important to consider the purpose you'll use for your day-to-day use. If you'll be running the school run with it, it should be able to handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be jogging with it, make sure it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to ensure that the ride is safe.
Kath the MFM reviewer, found that her stroller on three wheels was able to handle urban and rural walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to jog with too. It's also a great choice for day trips as it has a lot of storage space. It has a large, spacious, zip-top covered basket and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to meet the needs of babies from birth, including a carry cot or lie-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most popular second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It sits inside the frame of the buggy rather than being positioned on top of it like the modular chair. This enables a much more ergonomically-correct position for baby, which instantly delivers an lower centre of gravity that is at the proper height. This results in an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't need the same amount of effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb's nose) and better stability and balance.
The sling fabrics that are used in these types of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. They were designed specifically with the use of sling chairs in mind These fabrics are extremely UV-resistant and breathable. They also have a great aging resistance and are very easy to clean with water and soap.
If you are a jogger, or you like off-roading, an all terrain buggy is more likely to suit your needs than a four-wheel buggy. These styles generally have a larger, more stable base and use air-filled tyres for agile smooth moving on uneven ground.
A brand most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. The all-terrain stroller has an enormous and spacious seat unit for the travel system that can be placed either parent or world facing. It can also recline flat and comes with an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth with a carrycot or car seat and comes with a decently size shopping basket and hood with zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
This luxury 3 wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owner is as stunning to look at as it is to operate. The angular frame features stunning pewter finish and touches of burnished aluminium. It's a true eye-catching piece. This is a fantastic choice for active parents. It has a large cushioned seat that can be placed either with the with the child or in a world-facing position. It also features an upgraded 5-point harness and a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for many different configurations to suit different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable setting for watching movies, or an open layout for entertaining guests. A lot of modular seating systems come with removable cushions which makes it easy to clean spills or stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with the existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. You can choose from a variety of fabrics, colors, and shapes to create an elegant and modular seating design that fits your personal style. Modular seating also comes with many functional features, including hidden storage compartments that make it easy to organizing.
3-wheel buggies are particularly good for off-road and all terrain adventures since they offer more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are generally air filled and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on even the roughest roads and trails. They are also ideal for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Push Chairs And Prams who love to run and jog with their kids usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they're more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features an elegant burnished aluminum frame with a fast one-handed fold as well as forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, comes with black frames with an infant carrycot that can be positioned in a full lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's extremely lightweight and extremely maneuverable, as well as stylish. This buggy can last from birth, and comes with a carrycot and toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. All this is within the footprint of one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban use yet with a lot of innovation and control. It features an innovative fabric sling seat that's positioned in a comfortable frame at the perfect height to allow for a optimal weight distribution for effortless rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.