3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-roading and tackling terrain, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They can also be easier to maneuver around kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath who is the editor of MadeForMums reviews, has tested one of these three-wheelers on tarmac and on various terrains. 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, 4-wheel buggies are generally thought to be more stable than 3-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worthwhile to consider as they are able to handle anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
If you want a buggie that is easy to control and won't fall over on bumpy pavements, look for a model with large rear wheels and an adjustable front wheel that locks. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres as well, which 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 excellent stability over rough terrain and can help you keep pace with your jogging partner. They are also great for climbing and down steep kerbs as well, and most of them have a built-in suspension which means your child will be able to ride comfortably.
One thing that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to maneuver is the broad frame, which makes it more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and narrow doorways than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with an innovative design that makes the wheels flip up when not being used, which reduces their overall size and allows you navigate through doorways with ease.
You'll also need to think about whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your little one from birth, or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Check if the buggy has the ability to lie flat, and if it is compatible with a second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to take an infant along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and can be positioned upright when collapsed which is useful if you have a limited space in your car boot or only a little storage space at home. However, some will require you to take out the front wheel when folding in order to fit into more compact space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more maneuverable than strollers with four wheels. Many of them have an swivelling wheel at the front which allows you to steer and change direction with just one hand. Some models also have a lockable front wheel which can give you security on more difficult terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board, in case you want to expand your family.
If you are planning to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are paved, you should choose a model that has pneumatic tyres. They can handle even the most difficult terrain. They will require regular pumping but will be far more durable than solid tyres and are more likely to be puncture-proof. It is recommended to choose models with a swiveling front wheel that can be locked to assist you in navigating difficult terrains.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single front wheel. Check that your chosen model can fit in the boot of your car and is able to be raised if needed. Certain models can fold with one hand, and they're freestanding when they're collapsed, which can make them more compact in smaller car boots.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can handle most terrains, from busy streets to forest tracks. However, it is important to consider what you'll be using for your day-to-day use. If you'll be running the school run with it, it should be able handle the kerbs and steep slopes. If you'll be running with it, make sure it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to keep the ride steady.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, found that her three-wheeled stroller was able to handle both urban and rural walks. Kath said it negotiated rocky paths, cobbles and uneven pavements with ease and was comfortable to jog with too. It's also a great option for day trips, since it offers plenty of storage space, including a large, spacious basket with zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to fit a baby's needs starting at birth, using a carry cot or lay-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most well-known stroller seats and second seats.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seats is that the fabric sling is placed in the frame of the buggy instead of sitting on top of it like a modular seat would. This allows for a more comfortable and ergonomically-correct position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at the ideal height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't need as much weight and effort to lift the buggy off the curb's nose) and better stability and balance.
The sling fabrics that are used in these kinds of buggy seats are also very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for Sling chairs and are highly durable and breathable. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger, or enjoy a bit of off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler is likely to be more suitable than a 4-wheel buggy. These types have a bigger base and are more stable. They also use air-filled tyres to provide smooth movement over rough terrain.
A brand that is most famous for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. The all-terrain buggy has an impressive spacious and impressively growing seat that can be a world-facing or parent face and reclines flat using a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used with an infant car seat or carrycot starting at birth. It also has a large shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owner is as stunning to admire as it is to use. The sleek frame is finished in a striking pewter black with touches of burnished silver aluminium throughout, giving it a real WOW factor. A spacious, cushioned 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 can be arranged in a variety of ways to meet different seating needs. 3 wheeled pushchair seating can be easily adjusted to create a relaxing place to watch films, or a spacious arrangement for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems also come with removable cushion covers, making it easier to wash spills and staining.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with the existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. A wide range of color, fabric and shape options mean that you can choose an option for modular seating that is a perfect fit for your preferences. There are many functional features available in modular seating like hidden storage compartments that permit simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road and all-terrain adventures because they offer more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are generally air filled and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on the roughest trails and roads. They're also great for navigating up hills because the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their babies typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they're more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for example, has a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a fast, one-handed fold and rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features black frames with a carrycot that is placed in a fully lying position and has air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's incredibly lightweight and extremely maneuverable, as well as fashionable. This buggy can last from birth, and comes with a carrycot included, to toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. All this is within the footprint of a single buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban living yet with a lot of innovation and control. It has a unique fabric seat that is positioned comfortably within the frame at the perfect height for weight distribution. This makes it easy crossing of kerbs and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.