3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and taking on terrains that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also easier to move between kerbs and up and down them in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and three year old, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. Check out her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, which have their centre of gravity balanced by your child's weight within the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean the three-wheel buggie isn't worth a look, since many of them are built to withstand everything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels and a lockable wheel on the front. This makes it more comfortable to drive and less likely to fall apart when you're on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres, too. They are ideal for handling uneven surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also the best buggies to be running around in, as they offer great stability on rough terrain and can help you keep up with your jogging partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and a lot of them come with a spring suspension that is built-in, so your baby can enjoy a smooth ride.
The one thing that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which makes it harder to fit through tight spaces and narrow doorways than a 4-wheeler. However some manufacturers have solved this issue with a clever design that makes the wheels fold up when not being used, which reduces their overall size, and allows you navigate through doorways without difficulty.
If yes, look for a lie-flat positioning and whether the design is compatible with second seating and buggy boards (if you plan to bring the toddler). 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 are planning to take your toddler along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat, and then be put up in a upright position. This is great when you have limited space in your boot or a small amount of storage space at home. Certain 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more movable than strollers with four wheels. A lot of them feature an swivelling wheel at the front, which allows you to steer and change direction with one hand. Some models have wheels that lock to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can even be used with an additional seat or buggy board in case you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you intend to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are paved, you should choose one that has pneumatic tyres. They are able to handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require regular pumping but will be much more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should look for one with an adjustable front wheel that can be locked to assist you on difficult surfaces.
The fact that there is only one front wheel may also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be heavier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Make sure the model you choose fits inside your car's boot and can be positioned upright if required. Some models are able to fold in one hand, and they're freestanding when collapsed, which can make them more compact in smaller car boots.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with all terrains, from busy streets to tracks through woodlands. It's important to think about what you'll be using it for every day. If you'll be doing the school run, it ought to be able to cope with steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running on it, make sure it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to ensure that the ride is steady.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy able to cope really well with urban and countryside walks. Kath said it negotiated cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to run with. It's also a great choice for day trips, as it comes with plenty of storage space, including a huge ample basket with a zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adapted to fit a baby's needs starting at birth, using a carry cot or lay-flat seat. 3 wheeled pushchair 's also compatible with the most popular second seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary distinction between a fabric and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the frame of the buggy, as opposed to being placed on top like an adjustable chair. This allows for a more comfortable and ergonomically-correct position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at just the right height. This translates into an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't need much effort or weight to pop the buggy over the curb's nose) and better stability and balance.
These seats also come with Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. Made specifically for applications for sling chairs in mind, these fabrics are incredibly UV resistant and extremely 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, an all-terrain 3 wheeler will be more suited to your needs than a buggy with four wheels. These types have a bigger base they are more stable and have air-filled tyres that allow for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a name that is well-known for its car seats, has added a new 3-wheeler called the Stella to its product line. The all-terrain buggy has a large spacious and impressively growing seat that can be world facing or parent face and reclines flat with 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.
Designed for the most discerning buggy owners this 3 wheeler that is luxurious is as beautiful to behold as it is to operate. The sleek frame features stunning pewter finish and accents of burnished aluminium. It's a show-stopper. This is a great option for active parents. It features a spacious cushioned seat that can be set either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also features an upgraded 5-point harness and a set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers an array of configurations to meet different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a relaxing space to watch movies or a spacious arrangement for entertaining guests. Many modular seating systems also have cushion covers that can be removed which make it easier to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. A variety of fabrics, colors and shape options ensures that you will find a modular seating solution that suits your style. Modular seating also has various functional features, including storage compartments hidden from view for easy storage.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than 4-wheel strollers, making them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are generally air filled and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on the roughest trails and roads. They're also great for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their children typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they're more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features an elegant burnished aluminum frame that has a simple one-handed fold as well as forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features an all-black frame that comes with a carrycot that can be placed in a fully lying position and has air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely light, highly maneuverable and amazingly fashionable. This buggy is truly future-proof for your wallet and can take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot, right through to toddlerhood with the seat that is modular (and beyond!). All this is in the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that's compact enough to be used in urban areas yet also innovative and controlled. It has an exclusive seat made of fabric that is placed in the frame with a perfect fit at the perfect height for weight distribution. This makes it easy for kerb jumping and navigating neighborhoods and cities.