3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler can be used for off-road walking and to tackle terrain from bumpy pavements or woodland tracks. They are also simpler to navigate on kerbs, and they are less prone to slipping down when as opposed to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old, putting it through its paces on road and on a rocky surface. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their centre of gravity balancing 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 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 easier to drive and less likely to fall apart on rough roads. These buggies are typically equipped with pneumatic tyres too, which are excellent for handling non-paved surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also the best buggies to be running with, since they provide excellent stability over rough terrain and can help you keep pace with your running partner. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs and many have spring suspension built-in so that your baby will have an enjoyable ride.
One thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which can make it difficult to squeeze into narrow spaces and tight doorways than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue with clever design that lets the wheels turn upwards when not being used, which reduces their overall size and allows you get through doors without difficulty.
If so, check for a lie-flat positioning and if the design is compatible with second seating and buggy boards (if you'd like to add a toddler onboard). Make sure that the buggy has an option to lie flat and if it's compatible with a second seat and buggy boards if you intend to take your toddler along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat, and later be stacked upright. This is great when you have an unwieldy boot space or limited storage at home. However, some will require you to take out the front wheel when folding in order to fit in even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually provide better maneuverability than pushchairs with four wheels. They typically have a swivelling front wheel that allows you to shift direction quickly and steer with only one hand. Some models also come with a lockable front wheel that can provide security on more difficult terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board if you plan to expand your family.
If you intend to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are paved it is recommended to choose a model with pneumatic tyres. They are able to handle the most difficult terrain. They will require periodic pumping, but will be much more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and more likely to be puncture-proof. Look for a model with the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
Having a single front wheel can also indicate that three-wheelers can be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Be sure that the model you pick can fit in the boot of your car and can be placed in a straight line if needed. Certain models can be folded using one hand, and can be rearranged when folded. This can save space in the boot of your car.
A good three-wheel pushchair can handle most terrains from busy roads to forest tracks. It's important to consider what you'll be using it for every day. If you'll be doing the school run, it must be able to cope with steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be jogging with it, check that it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to ensure that the ride is steady.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, discovered that her three-wheeled stroller was able to handle urban and rural walks. She said it could navigate rocky paths, cobbles, and bumpy pavements easily and felt pleasant when jogging. It is also a good option for day trips since it has a lot of storage space. It comes with a large, spacious, zip-top covered basket as well as an extendable, 50+ UV hood. It can be adapted to meet the needs of babies from birth, including the option of a carry cot or a lay-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most well-known second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It is a part of the frame of the buggy rather than being positioned on top of it like an adjustable chair. This allows for a more ergonomically appropriate posture for the baby and instantly provides a lower centre of gravity at the right height. This translates into an easier push, a lighter curb pop (you don't need as much weight and effort to push the buggy over the curb's edge) and a better balance and stability.
These seats also have sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. These fabrics were designed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely durable and air-tight. They also have a great anti-aging capability and are easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you are a jogger, or you like off-roading, an all-terrain buggy is more suited to your requirements than a four-wheeler. 3 wheeled pushchairs are generally larger, more stable base and utilise tyres with air for agile smooth movement on rough ground.
A brand that is most famous 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 unit for the travel system that can be set either facing the parent or the world. It can also recline flat and comes with an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot starting at birth. It also has a large shopping basket.
Designed for the most discerning buggy owners this luxury 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is to use. The angular frame has stunning pewter finishes with accents of burnished aluminium. It is a real show-stopper. A spacious, cushioned seat that is world or parent-facing, with a more secure 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers makes this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in a variety of ways to meet a variety of seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a relaxing place to watch films, or a spacious arrangement to entertain guests. A lot of modular seating systems have cushion covers that can be removed which makes it easier to wash spills and staining.
Modular Seating is available in a variety of designs to complement your current decor or as an accent piece. You can select from a variety of colors, fabrics, and shapes to create an adjustable seating option that matches your style. Modular seating comes with many practical features, like storage compartments hidden from view for easy storage.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The huge, highly maneuverable front wheel allows for a quick and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are typically filled with air and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on the roughest roads and trails. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs, as they are on four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them perfect for walking uphill.
Often 3-wheel prams are favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children 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 forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features a black frame with an infant carrycot that can be positioned in a full lying position and has air-filled tyres.
Another fantastic all-terrain choice is the incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly fashionable Mountain Buggy Sport verso. The buggy will last from birth, with a carrycot included, to toddlerhood, with the seat that is modular. This is all done within the footprint of just one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that is small enough to be used in urban areas, but also creative and controlled. It features a unique seat made of fabric that is set in the frame with a perfect fit at the perfect height to distribute weight. This makes it easy jumps over kerbs, and navigates neighborhoods and cities.