3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is used for off-road walking and for tackling terrain such as uneven paths or tracks in woodlands. They are also more easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on road and on a rocky surface. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies with their center of gravity being balanced by your child's weight in the seat are generally more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean an older model with three wheels isn't worth a look, since many of these models are made to cope with everything from rough terrain to bustling high-streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels and an lockable wheel on the front. This makes it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap apart on rough roads. These buggies for all-terrain use also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling unpaved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches or tracks in woodlands.
They are also excellent buggies to run with because they provide great stability on rougher terrain, and can help you stay with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and many of them have spring suspension built-in so that your child will enjoy an enjoyable ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels can be a challenge to maneuver due to its large frame. It can be more difficult to maneuver through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue by implementing a clever design that makes the wheels fold up when not in use, which reduces their overall size, and allows you get through doors without difficulty.
You'll also have to think about whether your buggy is suitable for your little one from birth, or if you're thinking of using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, ensure that it is in an upright position and if the design is compatible with other seats and buggy boards (if you're planning to put the toddler to the buggy). A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and can be upright when folded which is useful if you have a an insufficient car boot or only a little storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you to take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller sizes.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually provide better maneuverability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They typically have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some models come with a lockable wheel that can offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board if you're planning to expand your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled bike off the tracks that are paved, it's worth selecting a model equipped with tyres filled with air (also called pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most difficult terrain. They will require pumping up occasionally but will be much more durable than solid tyres and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should choose a model that has an swiveling front wheel that can be locked to assist you in navigating difficult terrains.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single front wheel. Make sure the model you pick fits inside your car's boot and can be set up upright if required. Certain models can fold in one hand, and they're freestanding when collapsed. This will save space in smaller car boots.
A good 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with any terrain, from busy high streets to woodland tracks. But it's important to consider the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you'll be doing the school run with it, it should be able to handle the kerbs and steep slopes. If you'll be running with it, make sure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to keep the ride steady.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy able to cope really well with rural and urban walks. She said that it navigated rocky paths, cobbles and uneven pavements with ease and felt pleasant to jog with too. It's also a great option for day trips as it offers plenty of storage space, including a large, spacious basket with zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted to fit babies as young as an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with a variety 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 sits inside the buggy frame, instead of being placed on top like the modular chair. This enables a much more ergonomically appropriate position for baby and instantly provides a lower centre of gravity that is at the proper height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a more light 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.
These buggy seats also feature Sling fabrics that are simple to clean and durable. Developed specifically with the use of sling chairs in mind These fabrics are extremely durable and air-tight. They are also easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading then an all-terrain buggy is more likely to suit your requirements than a four-wheeled 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 most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added the latest 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. This stroller is all-terrain and has a large and spacious seat that can be positioned either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also reclines flat and features an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth. It comes with a large shopping basket.
This luxury 3 wheeler is designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to see as it is functional. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black, with hints of silver-burnished aluminium all over making it a complete wow factor. 3 wheeler pushchair , padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing with an improved 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers makes this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be used to create many different configurations that can be adapted to various seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a relaxing space to watch movies or an open layout for entertaining guests. A lot of modular seating systems come with cushion covers that can be removed, making it easier to clean spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. You can select from a variety of fabrics, colors, and shapes to create an elegant and modular seating design that fits your style. Modular seating comes with various practical features, like storage compartments hidden from view for easy organization.
3-wheel buggies are ideal for off-road and all-terrain adventures because they offer more stability than strollers with four wheels. The large front wheel that is extremely maneuverable allows for smooth and agile movement. 3 wheel buggy , which are typically filled with air and have suspension, give you a great ride even on the roughest trails and roads. They are also ideal for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Often 3-wheel prams are a favorite for parents who love running and jogging with their baby because they offer superior mobility and are much more sleek than their 4 wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for instance, features a sleek, burnished aluminum frame with a fast, one-handed fold and rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has black frames with an infant carrycot that can be placed in a fully lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Another excellent all-terrain choice is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and stunningly fashionable Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This is a buggy that is truly future-proof for your wallet and can take you from birth using the carrycot, all the way to toddler-hood with the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). All of this is done within the footprint of one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side vehicle that's small enough for urban living, yet with a lot of innovation and control. It has a unique fabric sling seat, which is placed in a comfortable frame at just the right height to allow for a the perfect weight distribution to facilitate rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.