3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability with a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of them come with an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.

The wheels are larger and usually have suspension to allow for smooth, swift mobility on various terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when they're in a straight line and you'll find that you can move them more quickly and easily. If you turn or stop abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.

The extra wheel also helps you navigate off-road terrain. Look for models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as rocks and sand. They'll also typically come with the option of locking the front wheel to add stability over really rough terrain.

Buggies are easy to maneuver and agile thanks to the 360o front swivel wheel. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.

If you're looking for a cloth sling, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy up and over a kerb).

Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat collection, but it recently expanded its product line with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. The 3 wheeled travel system-in-1 model was designed for urban living and is compatible for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame that the brand calls'slim' and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies which can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. Some of the smaller models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others feature adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also feature large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The most efficient 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain

A 3 wheeled buggy-wheeled model is typically better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as in comparison to a model with four wheels, though both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. A model with larger rear and front wheels can assist. This allows you to push them across rough terrain and will help you get up and down high curbs.

One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it does really well on cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."

Another alternative is the newest all-terrain small 3 wheel stroller wheel buggy made by Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand, called Stella. It can be used from birth when used with a carrycot. It's a bit bigger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, however, it comes with air-filled tires and three recline positions and a single-hand fold.

Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's baby strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you want to go on an easy stroll or a longer one by using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in many styles and materials. Each comes with its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air provide a smooth performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.

For example, if you plan to travel often on rough or muddy terrain, you may think about a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. Strong suspensions are useful for tackling bumps and humps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.

The size of the tyre is crucial. Understanding how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres may be confusing initially, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with an 185/70 size R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with a 14-inch rim diameter.

PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires on a smooth surface and tie them. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a 3 wheel strollers wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it absorbs the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your child. Having large wheels, which are filled with air and lockable to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy is capable of navigating off roads with ease.

There are many choices for buggy styles that will suit any budget and style of life. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with perfect geometry and engineering that fits perfectly inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to distribute weight evenly to take on kerbs.

Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule which boasts a sleek design with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and a simple handbrake with a twist. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its paces by going for a ride on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks and allows you to easily go up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat crib for babies and infants from 12 months to 12 years old.

Safety

Having four wheels makes a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.

A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to lift over curbs and up the stairs. The seat made of fabric is in the frame instead of on top of it like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily manoeuvred.

However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is better suited as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all types of terrain.