Everything You Need To Learn About 3 Wheeled Buggies
3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy can be used for off-road walks and for traversing terrains such as rough roads or woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver between kerbs and up and down them compared to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these 3-wheelers with her newborn and three year old, and put it through its paces on the asphalt and on the muddy ground. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a center of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than 3-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are worth considering as they can handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels and one that locks on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to fall apart when you're on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres too, which are great at handling non-paved surfaces and can even be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies to be running with, since they provide excellent stability on rough terrain and can help you keep up with your jogging partner. They're also excellent at climbing and down steep kerbs Most buggies have a built-in suspension that ensures your child will have a pleasant ride.
A stroller with three wheels can be a challenge to maneuver because of its wide frame. 3 wheel buggy is more difficult to get through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue with an innovative design that turns the wheels upside down when they are not in use. This reduces their size and makes them easier to fit through doors.
You'll also need to consider whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your baby from birth or if you're planning on using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. Make sure that the buggy has the ability to lie flat, and if it's compatible with a second seat as well as buggy boards if you intend to take your toddler along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and be upright when folded which is useful if you have a an insufficient car boot or a small storage space at home. Certain 3-wheelers require you to take off the front wheel to fold into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies typically provide better maneuverability than four-wheeled pushchairs. Many of them have an swivelling wheel at the front, which allows you to control and change direction with only one hand. Some models have wheels that lock to give you stability on more rough terrain. Some models can even be used with an additional seat or buggy board if you're looking to expand your family.
If you're thinking of taking your three-wheeled buggy off paved tracks, it's worth choosing one that has tyres with air in them (also called pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the toughest terrain. They will require periodic pumping, but will be much more durable than solid tyres and more likely to be puncture-proof. Choose a model that has a the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
A single front wheel can also indicate that three-wheelers can be bulkier than four-wheeled buggies when folded. Be sure that the model you select fits inside your car's boot and can be placed upright if needed. Certain models can fold in one hand and are freestanding when collapsed, which will save space in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will take on any terrain from busy roads to forest tracks. It's important to think about the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you'll be running the school run using it, it must be able to handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, make sure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to ensure that the ride is safe.
MFM reviewer Kath discovered her three-wheeled buggy was able to handle well on both urban and countryside walks. She said it was able to navigate rocky paths, cobbles and uneven pavements effortlessly and felt pleasant when running. It's also a great option for day trips as it has plenty of storage space, including a huge, spacious basket with zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted for baby from birth with a lie-flat seat or carry cot, as well as being compatible with the majority of popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling and a modular seats is that the fabric sling fits snugly inside the buggy frame rather than sitting on top like a modular seat. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically appropriate position for the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity that is just the right height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a more light curb-pop (you don't have to exert as much effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these kinds of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely durable and ventilated. 3 wheel buggy have an excellent aging resistance and are very easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger, or enjoy a bit of off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler will be more suitable than a 4-wheeler. These styles generally have a larger base, more stable, and use air-filled tyres for agile smooth moving on uneven ground.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. This all-terrain stroller boasts a spacious and large travel system seat unit which can be placed either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also reclines flat and features an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used with car seats or a carrycot starting at birth. It also has an enormous shopping basket.
Created for the most discerning buggy owners this luxury 3 wheeler is as beautiful to behold as it is to operate. The sleek frame features stunning pewter finishes with touches of burnished aluminium. It's a show-stopper. A large, padded seat that is world or parent-facing with a more secure 5-point safety harness, as well as a full set of rain covers make this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be set up in many ways to accommodate different seating requirements. Whether it's a cozy setup for watching movies or a larger configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating can adjust easily. A lot of modular seating systems include cushions that can be removed making it simple to clean spills or stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with the existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. You can pick from a wide variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to create an adjustable seating option that matches your style. Modular seating also has a variety of functional features, including hidden storage compartments that make it easy to organization.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable 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 quick movement. The tyres, which are typically air-filled and have suspension, provide an excellent ride on the most difficult 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 children, as they provide excellent agility and are more streamlined than their 4 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, comes with an all-black frame that comes with a carrycot that is placed in a fully lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Another great all-terrain option is the lightweight, highly manoeuvrable and amazingly fashionable Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This buggy can last from birth, with the carrycot included, to toddlerhood with the modular seat. All this is within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that is compact enough to be used in urban areas but is also a bit more innovative and controlled. It features an innovative fabric sling seat, which is placed comfortably inside the frame and at just the right height for the perfect weight distribution to facilitate rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.