3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and dealing with terrain, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also simpler to maneuver between kerbs and up and down them in comparison to 4-wheel models.
Kath, the editor of MadeForMums reviews, tried one of these three-wheelers on tarmac, as well as on various terrains. Read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that is balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. But that doesn't mean that a three-wheel buggy isn't worth a look, since the majority of these models are designed to handle anything from rough terrain to busy high streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels, and a lockable wheel on the front. This will make it easier to drive and less likely to fall apart when you're on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres, too. They are excellent for handling surfaces that aren't paved and can even be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They are also excellent buggies to run with since they offer excellent stability on rougher terrain and can help you stay with your running partner. 3 wheeler pushchair can also go up and down steep kerbs and many have spring suspension that is built-in, so your baby will have an enjoyable ride.
A stroller with three wheels isn't easy to maneuver because of its wide 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 an innovative design that makes the wheels turn upwards when not in use, which reduces their overall size, and allows you to get through doorways easily.
You'll also have to consider whether your buggy 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 a lie-flat feature 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 can be positioned upright when collapsed and is handy if you have a small car boot or a small storage space at home. However, some will require you to take out the front wheel when folding in order to fit in even smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally offer better manoeuvrability than pushchairs with four wheels. A majority of them have a swivelling wheels on the front, which allows you to control and change direction with only one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheel which gives you stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled buggy off paved tracks, it's worth choosing one equipped with tyres filled with air (also known as pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require pumping up occasionally but will be far more durable than solid tyres and are more likely to be puncture-proof. Choose a model that has a an adjustable swivelling front wheel that locks to help you negotiate tricky surfaces.
Having a single front wheel may also indicate that three-wheelers can be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check to see if the model you're considering can fit into the boot of your car and is able to be stood up, should it be necessary. Some models fold with one hand, and they can be raised when folded. This can help save space in a small car boot.
A well-constructed three-wheeled pushchair can handle most terrains, from busy streets to forest tracks. It's important to consider what you'll be using it for every day. If you'll be running the school run using it, it must be able handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you're planning to run with it, make sure it has a swivelling'stretch front wheel' that can be locked. This will help keep the ride stable.
Kath, a MFM reviewer, found that her stroller with three wheels was able to handle urban and walks in the countryside. She said it was able to negotiate cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements with ease and was comfortable while running. It's also a great choice for day trips as it offers plenty of storage space, including a large, spacious basket with zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be modified to fit a baby's needs starting at birth, using an infant carry cot or a lie-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most well-known second seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling and a modular seat is that the fabric sling sits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy instead of sitting on top of it like a modular seat. This allows for a more ergonomically correct posture for the baby, which instantly delivers an lower centre of gravity at 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 fabric used in these types of seats are very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for Sling chairs and are highly durable and air-tight. They also have excellent anti-aging capability and are easy to clean with mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger, or enjoy a bit of off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler could be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheel buggy. These types have a bigger base they are more stable and utilize air-filled tyres for smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its lineup with the Stella. This all-terrain buggy boasts an enormous, 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 as a baby with a carrycot or car seat and comes with a decently sized shopping basket and hood with zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
This 3 wheeler of luxury is designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to see as it is functional. The angular frame is finished in a striking pewter black, with hints of silver-burnished aluminum throughout, giving it a real WOW factor. This is a fantastic choice for parents who are active. It features a spacious, padded seat which can be set either parent or world facing. It also comes with an upgraded 5-point harness as well as an entire set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be arranged in many ways to meet different seating needs. Whether it's a cozy setup for watching movies or a larger arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating can be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems come with removable cushion covers which make it easier to clean spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. You can choose from a wide variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to create an adjustable seating option that matches your style. Modular seating comes with a variety of functional features, including storage compartments hidden from view for easy organizing.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel enables agile and smooth motion, while the tyres are typically air filled and have suspension, which gives you a great ride on even the most difficult 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 kids often choose 3-wheel prams because they are more nimble and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for example, has a sleek burnished aluminium frame with a quick, one-handed fold and forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, comes with an all-black frame that comes with a carrycot that is positioned in a full lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Another excellent all-terrain choice is the incredibly lightweight, highly manoeuvrable and stunningly fashionable Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy will last you from birth, and comes with a carrycot and toddlerhood with the modular seat. All of this is done within the footprint of one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban living yet big on innovation and control. It comes with an innovative fabric sling seat, which is placed snugly inside the frame and at just the right height to ensure a the perfect weight distribution to facilitate rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.