Who's The World's Top Expert On 3 Wheeled Buggies?
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 move between kerbs and up and down them as opposed to 4-wheel models.
Kath, the editor of MadeForMums reviews, has tested one of these three-wheelers on tarmac as well as on a variety of terrains. 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 thought to be more stable than triwheelers. Three-wheel buggies are nevertheless worth considering as they can handle everything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, and an lockable wheel on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap apart when you're on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies typically have pneumatic tyres, too. They are great at handling uneven surfaces and can even be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also excellent buggies to run with because they provide great stability on rougher terrain and help you stay with your running companion. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs, and many come with a spring suspension that is built-in, so your baby will have a comfortable ride.
The one thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to manoeuvre is the wide frame, which makes it more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and narrow doors than a 4-wheeler. However, some manufacturers have tackled this issue by implementing an innovative design that makes the wheels fold up when not in use, which reduces their overall size and allows you navigate through doorways easily.
You'll also need to think about 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. If so, ensure that it is in the ability to lie flat and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add the toddler to the buggy). A majority of 3-wheelers can fold flat, and later be placed upright. This is great for those with a small boot space or a small amount of storage space at home. Some will require you to take out the front wheel before folding in order to fit into smaller space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. They usually come with a swivelling front wheel which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using just one hand. Some models have wheels that lock to offer stability on rough terrain. 3 wheel buggy can be used with an additional seat or buggy board should you decide to grow your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled buggy off tracks that are paved, it's worth selecting a model that has tyres with air in them (also known as pneumatic tyres) that can withstand the most difficult terrain. These tyres may require periodic pumping, but will be far more durable than solid tyres and more likely to be puncture-proof. Choose a model that has a a lockable swivelling front wheel to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be heavier than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel in front. Check to see if the model you're considering can fit into the boot of your car and can be sat up should it be needed. Some models can fold in one hand and are freestanding when they're collapsed, which can make them more compact in smaller car boots.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair will be able to deal with any terrain, from busy high streets to tracks through woodlands. It is important to consider what you'll be using it for every day. If you'll be running the school run, it must be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be running with it, ensure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to ensure that the ride is safe.
Kath the MFM reviewer, was able to determine that her three-wheeled stroller was able to take on urban and rural walks. She said that it navigated rocky paths, cobbles and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable to jog with too. It's also a great choice for day trips, since it offers plenty of storage space, including a huge ample basket with a zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adapted to meet the needs of babies starting at birth, using a carry cot or lay-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most popular stroller seats and second seats.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric seat and a modular one is the fabric sling. It is a part of the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top of it like the modular 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 do not require much effort or weight to pop the buggy over the curb's nose) and better stability and balance.
The sling fabrics that are used in these kinds of buggy seats are also extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for sling chairs and are extremely UV resistant and breathable. They are also easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger or enjoy a bit of off-roading, a all terrain 3 wheeler will be more suited to your needs than a 4-wheel buggy. These styles generally have a larger base, more stable, and utilise tyres with air to allow for smooth and agile moving on uneven ground.
Maxi-Cosi, a name that is well-known for its car seat collection, has added a new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its range of products. The all-terrain buggy has an enormous, spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be a world-facing or parent face and reclines flat with an upgraded 5-point safety harness. It can be used with a car seat or carrycot from birth and has an ample shopping basket.
This 3 wheeler of luxury made for the most discerning buggy owners, is as beautiful to look at as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black with touches of silver-burnished aluminum throughout and gives it a true wow factor. A spacious, cushioned seat that can be used as world or parent-facing with a new 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers make this an ideal choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be arranged in a variety of ways to meet a variety of seating needs. If you want a cozy setting to watch films or a large configuration to entertain guests, modular seating is able to be adjusted easily. Many modular seating systems come with cushions that can be removed making it simple to clean spills or stain.
Modular Seating is available in various styles to match existing decor or as an accent piece. A broad range of color, fabric and shape options ensures that you will find an option for modular seating that fits your taste. Modular seating also has various functional features, including hidden storage compartments that make it easy to organization.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel allows for agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are typically air filled and have suspension, providing an excellent ride on even the roughest trails and roads. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs, as they are with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them ideal for walking uphill.
Often 3-wheel prams are a favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children as they offer great agility and are more streamlined than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example features a sleek, burnished silver aluminium frame, with an easy one-hand fold as well as rear and forward facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with the ability to lie flat in full air-filled tyres, and 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This buggy is truly future-proof for your wallet and can be used from birth with the included carrycot, right through to toddler-hood with the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). This is all done within the footprint of just one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for city life yet also creative and controlled. It has an exclusive fabric sling seat that's placed in a comfortable frame at just the right height to ensure a perfect weight distribution for easy rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.