3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is perfect for off-roading and tackling terrain, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also more easy to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
Kath, the editor of MadeForMums reviews, has tested one of these 3-wheelers on tarmac as well as on various terrains. You can read her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their center of gravity being balanced by your child's weight in the seat, are typically more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean the three-wheel buggie isn't worth considering, since some of them are built to handle anything from rough terrain to bustling high-streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels, and one that locks on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to break off when driving on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres as well, which are excellent for handling non-paved surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also great buggies to jog with as they provide excellent stability on more rough terrain and can help you stay with your running companion. They can also go up and down steep kerbs and a lot of them come with a spring suspension built-in so that your baby will have an enjoyable ride.
The main thing that can make a 3-wheeled pushchair tricky to maneuver is the large frame, which can make it harder to fit through narrow and tight doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this problem 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.
It's also important 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. If so, make sure it has an upright position and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add a toddler onboard). Many 3-wheelers can fold flat, and then be placed upright. This is a great option if you only have limited space in your boot or a small amount of storage space at home. However, some require you to remove the front wheel before folding in order to fit in even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually provide better maneuverability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They typically come with a swivelling front wheel which allows you to shift direction quickly and steer using only one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheels which can give you security on more difficult terrain. Certain models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board in case you want to expand your family.
If you intend to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are asphalted, you should choose a model with pneumatic tyres. They can handle even the most difficult terrain. These tyres will need periodic pumping, but will be far more durable than tyres that are solid and are more likely to be puncture-proof. Find a model with a a lockable swivelling front wheel to aid you in navigating difficult surfaces.
A single front wheel can also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be bulkier than four-wheeled buggies when folded. Make sure the model you choose fits inside your car's boot and can be placed in a straight line if needed. Certain models can be folded using one hand, and they can be rearranged when folded. This can help save space in a small car boot.
A quality three-wheel pushchair will 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're planning to run the school run, it must be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be running with it, make sure it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to keep the ride safe.
Kath the MFM reviewer, discovered that her stroller with three wheels was able to take on urban and walks in the countryside. Kath said it negotiated cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements easily and was comfortable to run with too. It's also a great choice for day trips, as it comes with plenty of storage space, including a huge and spacious basket that has a zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted for baby from birth with an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with most popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric seat and a modular seat is the fabric sling. It sits inside the buggy frame, instead of being placed on top of it like the modular chair. This enables a much more ergonomically appropriate position for babies that instantly gives a lower centre of gravity and a more appropriate height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't need the same amount of effort and weight to push the buggy over the nose of a curb) and better balance and stability.
The sling fabrics used in these types of buggy seats are also very hard-wearing and easy to clean. They were designed specifically with sling chair applications in mind they are durable and breathable. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you are a jogger, or like to do some off-roading then an all-terrain buggy is more suited to your requirements than a four-wheeler. These models have a larger base, are more stable and utilize air-filled tyres for smooth movement over rough terrain.
A brand most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. This all-terrain vehicle has a large spacious and impressively growing travel system seat unit that can be world facing or parent facing and reclines flat thanks to an improved 5-point safety harness. It can be used with car seats or a carrycot from birth. It comes with an ample shopping basket.
Designed for the most discerning buggy owners, this luxury 3 wheeler is as stunning to look at as it is to operate. The angular frame has stunning pewter finishes with accents of burnished aluminium. It's a true show-stopper. A large, padded seat that can be world or parent-facing with an improved 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 used to create many different configurations that can be adapted to different seating needs. If you want a cozy setting for watching movies or a spacious configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating is able to be adjusted easily. A lot of modular seating systems have removable cushions which makes it easy to clean up spills and stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or be a standout as an accent piece. A broad range of fabrics, colors and shape options mean that you can choose a modular seating solution that is a perfect fit for your preferences. Various functional features are also offered in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that allow for an easy organization and cleaning of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability 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 swift movement. The tyres that are typically filled with air and have suspension, provide an excellent ride on even the most rough roads and trails. They're also great for walking up hills since the wheels aren't as close to the ground as they are on four wheel pushchairs.
Parents who love to run and jog with their kids usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more nimble and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example features a sleek, burnished silver aluminum frame, which has a quick one-hand fold and forward and rear facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with fully lie-flat position, air-filled tyres and three recline positions.
Another fantastic all-terrain option is the lightweight, highly maneuverable and stunningly elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. This is a buggy that truly future proofs your wallet and will take you from the moment you are born with the carrycot, all the way to toddler-hood with the seat that is modular (and beyond!). 3 wheeled pushchair does this all within the footprint of one buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that is small enough for city life but is also a bit more creative and controlled. It features an exclusive 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 for crossing of kerbs and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.