3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-roading and taking on terrains, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also more easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and 3 year old, and put it through its paces on the road and on a rocky surface. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that's balanced by weight of your child in the seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worthwhile to consider as they are able to handle anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels, and an lockable wheel on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to snap apart on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies also come with pneumatic tires that are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
These are also the best buggies for running around in, as they provide great stability over rough terrain and aid in keeping up with your jogging partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and a lot of them come with spring suspension built-in so that your child will enjoy an enjoyable ride.
The one factor that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair difficult to maneuver is the broad frame, which can make it difficult to squeeze through narrow and tight doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue with clever design that flips the wheels upwards when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes it easier to squeeze through doors.
If so, check for a lie-flat position and also whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you plan to bring the toddler). Check if the buggy has a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with a second seat and buggy boards if you intend to bring a toddler along. Many 3-wheelers fold flat and be stood upright when collapsed - handy if you have a small car boot or a small storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. Many of them have a swivelling wheels on the front, which allows you to control and change direction with one hand. Some models come with wheels that lock to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board in case you're planning to expand your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled buggy off paved tracks, it's worth selecting a model with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) which are able to withstand the most challenging terrain. These tyres might need to be regularly pumped up from time intervals, but they'll be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. It is recommended to choose a model that has a swiveling front wheel that can be locked to assist you on tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel on the front. Check to see if the model you're considering fits in the boot of your vehicle and can be sat up if needed. Some models are able to be folded with just one hand and stand on their own when collapsed, which will save space in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with any terrain, from busy high streets to woodland tracks. It's important to consider the way you'll use it every day. If you will be making the school run with it, it should be able handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be jogging with it, make sure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to ensure that the ride is stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy able to cope really well on the countryside and urban walks. Kath noted that it was able to navigate cobbles, rough paths and uneven pavements effortlessly and was comfortable when jogging. It is also a good option for day trips since it has a lot of storage space. It has a large, spacious, zip-top basket that is covered and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified for baby from birth with an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with the majority of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It is placed inside the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top like a modular chair. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position of the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity that is just the right height. This leads to a smoother push, a lighter curb-pop (you do not have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and improved balance and stability.
The sling fabrics used in these types of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. Made specifically for the use of sling chairs in mind they are UV resistant and breathable. They also have an excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean with water and soap.
If you're a jogger, or like to do some off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler is likely to be more suited to your needs than a buggy with four wheels. These models have a larger base they are more stable and have air-filled tyres that allow 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 lineup with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts an enormous, spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be world facing or parent-facing and reclines flat using a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used with car seats or a carrycot from birth. It comes with a large shopping basket.
This 3 wheeler of luxury is designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as stunning to look at as it is functional. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black with hints of silver-burnished aluminum throughout, giving it a real WOW factor. This is a great option for parents who are active. It comes with a large cushioned seat that can be positioned either parent or world facing. It also has an upgraded 5-point harness and an entire set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be used to create a wide range of configurations to suit various seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a comfortable place to watch films, or a large arrangement to entertain guests. Many modular seating systems have removable cushions making it simple to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating is available in a variety of designs to complement your current decor or as an accent piece. A broad range of fabrics, colors and shape options mean that you can find an alternative seating option that fits your taste. Various functional features are also offered in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that permit simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are usually air-filled and feature suspension, providing an excellent ride on the roughest roads and trails. They are also ideal for walking up hills as the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who love to run and jog with their babies usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more nimble and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminum frame, an easy fold that can be folded in one hand and forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with full lie flat position, air-filled tyres and three recline positions.
Another fantastic all-terrain option is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy will truly protect your wallet from the future and will take you from birth using the carrycot, all the way to toddler-hood with the seat that is modular (and beyond!). It does this all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that's compact enough to be used in urban areas yet also innovative and controlled. It has an innovative fabric sling seat that's positioned in a comfortable frame at just the right height to ensure a optimal weight distribution for effortless rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.