3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler can be used for off-road walking and for tackling terrain such as uneven paths or tracks in woodlands. They are also more easy to maneuver 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, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies with their center of gravity being balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are worth considering as they can handle anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Choose a buggy that has large rear wheels, and one that locks on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to break apart when you're on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies also come with pneumatic tires, which are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches and tracks through 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 companion. They're also good at climbing and descending steep kerbs as well and a majority come with suspension built-in that means your baby will have a pleasant ride.
The one thing that makes a pushchair with three wheels difficult to maneuver is the large frame, which makes it more difficult to maneuver into narrow spaces and tight doorways than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue with clever design that lets the wheels flip upwards when not in use, which decreases their overall size, and allows you to get through doorways easily.
You'll also have to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your baby from birth or if you're planning on using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with second seat and buggy boards if you plan to take your toddler along. Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and can be stood upright when collapsed which is useful if you have a limited space in your car boot or only a little storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. They usually have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to change direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some also have a lockable front wheel which can give you the stability you need on rough terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, if you plan to expand your family.
If you intend to take your three-wheeled buggies off the paved roads it is recommended to choose an option that has pneumatic tyres. They can handle even the most difficult terrain. They will require periodic pumping, but will be much more durable than tyres that are solid and are more likely to be puncture-proof. Choose a model that has a a lockable swivelling front wheel to aid you in navigating difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers may be more bulky than four-wheeled buggies due to the single front wheel. Check that your chosen model fits in the boot of your car and can be stood up, in the event that it is required. Some models can be folded with just one hand and stand on their own when collapsed, which can make them more compact in boot spaces that are smaller.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will handle most terrains from busy roads to forest tracks. It's important to think about the way you'll use it every day. If you're planning to run the school run, it should be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. 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 in place.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well on both rural and urban walks. She said that it navigated cobbles, rocky paths and bumpy pavements easily and felt pleasant to jog with too. It is also a good option for day trips because it offers plenty of storage space. It comes with a large, spacious, zip-top basket that is covered and 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 lay-flat seat. It is also compatible with the most well-known second-seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary distinction between a seat made of fabric and a modular seat 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 position for the baby, which results in a lower center of gravity that is the ideal height. This leads to a smoother push, a lighter curb-pop (you don't have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabrics 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 UV-resistant and ventilated. They are also easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you are a jogger, or enjoy off-roading, an all-terrain buggy is more suited to your requirements than a four-wheeler. These models tend to have a wider base, more stable and utilise air filled tyres for agile smooth movement on rough ground.
Maxi-Cosi, a brand known for its car seats is now offering a brand-new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its product line. This all-terrain vehicle has an impressive spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be a world-facing or parent-facing and reclines flat with an improved 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth with a car seat or carrycot and comes with a generously large shopping basket and hood with zip pockets, and a simple one-hand fold.
For the most discerning buggy drivers, this luxurious 3 wheeler is as stunning to look at as it is to use. The angular frame features a stunning pewter finish with accents of burnished aluminium. 3 wheeled pushchair 's a true eye-catching piece. A large, padded seat that is world or parent facing with an improved 5-point safety harness and an entire set of rain covers makes this a great choice for active parents.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers a wide range of configurations to suit different seating requirements. Whether it's a cozy setup for watching movies or a spacious configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating is able to adjust easily. Many modular seating systems also come with removable cushion covers, making it easier to wash spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. You can choose from a wide variety of fabrics, colors, and shapes to design an elegant and modular seating design that fits your personal style. Various functional features are also available in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that allow for simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and agile movement. The tyres that are typically air-filled and come with suspension, give you a great ride even on the roughest trails and roads. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs, as they are with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them perfect for walking uphill.
Parents who love to run and jog with their children often choose 3-wheel prams because they are more nimble and sleeker 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 that has a full lie flat position, air-filled tyres and 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another great all-terrain option. It's extremely light, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This buggy will truly protect your wallet from the future and will take you from birth using the carrycot all the way to toddler-hood with the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). It all fits within the footprint of one buggy.
Duet(tm) is an side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for city living, but also creative and controlled. It has an exclusive seat made of fabric that is positioned comfortably within the frame at the ideal height to distribute the weight. This allows for easy jumps over kerbs, and navigates neighborhoods and cities.