3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-road walking & taking on terrains that is bumpy, like woodland tracks. They are also easier to maneuver around kerbs than models with four wheels.
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 full 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 considered to be more stable than triwheelers. Three-wheel buggies are nevertheless worth considering since 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 snap off when driving on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires that are perfect for handling non-paved surfaces. They can be used even on sandy beaches and tracks through woodlands.
They are also great buggies to jog with because they provide great stability on rougher terrain and help you stay with your running companion. They're also good at climbing and descending steep kerbs as well and a majority come with a suspension built in that means your baby will have a pleasant ride.
A 3-wheeled stroller can be a challenge to maneuver due to its wide frame. It is more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have solved this issue with clever design that flips the wheels upwards when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes them easier to fit through doors.
If so, check for a lie-flat location and also whether the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you plan to bring a toddler onboard). Find out if the buggy comes with a lie-flat feature and if it's compatible with a second seat and buggy boards, if you are planning to bring an infant along. A majority of 3-wheelers can fold flat, and later be stacked upright. This is a good option for those with an unwieldy boot space or limited storage at home. However, some will require you to remove the front wheel before folding if you wish to fit into more compact space.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies generally offer better manoeuvrability than pushchairs with four wheels. A majority of them have a swivelling wheels on the front which allows you to steer and change direction with one hand. Some also come with a lockable front wheel that can provide stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board in case you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you are planning to take your three-wheeled buggies off the paved roads, you should choose a model with pneumatic tyres. They can handle even the most difficult terrain. These tyres might need to be regularly pumped up from time the point, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. Look for a model with a lockable swivelling front wheel to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than buggies with four wheels due to the single front wheel. Make sure the model you choose can fit into the boot of your vehicle and can be raised if needed. Some models can fold with one hand and are freestanding when collapsed. This can save space in smaller car boots.
A quality 3 wheel pushchair can cope with all terrains, from busy streets to woodland tracks. But it's important to consider the purpose you'll use it for day-to-day. If you will be making the school run using it, it should be able to handle steep 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 steady.
MFM reviewer Kath discovered her three-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well with urban and countryside walks. Kath noted that it was able to navigate cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable when running. It's also a great choice for day trips as it offers plenty of storage space, including a large, spacious basket with zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to fit babies as young as an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, in addition to being compatible with a variety of popular second seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The main difference between a fabric sling and a modular seat is that the fabric sling sits in the frame of the buggy rather than being positioned on top like a modular seat. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position of the baby, leading to a lower center of gravity that is the ideal height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't require the same amount of effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb's edge) and better balance and stability.
The sling fabrics used in these kinds of buggy seats are also very hard-wearing and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for Sling chairs and are highly durable and breathable. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger, or like to do some off-roading, an all-terrain 3 wheeler will be more suitable than a buggy with four wheels. These types are generally larger base, more stable, and utilise air filled tyres to ensure smooth, easy moving on uneven ground.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. This all-terrain vehicle has a large spacious and impressively growing seat that can be a world-facing or parent facing and reclines flat with a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used as a baby with an infant car seat or carrycot and comes with a generously large shopping basket and hood with zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
This luxury 3 wheeler, designed for the most discerning buggy owners is as gorgeous to look at as it is to operate. The sleek frame features stunning pewter finishes with touches of burnished aluminium. compact 3 wheel stroller pushchairsandprams.uk is a real show-stopper. This is a fantastic choice for parents who are active. It features a spacious, padded seat which can be positioned either parent or world facing. It also comes with an upgraded 5-point harness as well as a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating offers many different configurations to suit different seating requirements. If you want a cozy setting to watch films or a large arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating is able to adjust easily. Many modular seating systems have cushions that can be removed which makes it easy to clean spills or stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with the existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. A wide range of fabrics, colors and shape options mean that you can find an alternative seating option that fits your taste. There are many functional features available in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that allow for easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road or all-terrain adventures. The large, highly manoeuvrable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whilst the tyres are typically air-filled and feature suspension, which gives you a great ride on even the most difficult trails and roads. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be on four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them ideal for walking uphill.
Often 3-wheel prams are favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their children because they offer superior mobility and are much more sleek than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example is a sleek and polished aluminum frame, which has a quick one-hand fold and rear and forward facing seats. Meanwhile, the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot that has a fully lie-flat position air-filled tyres, and three recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely lightweight and highly maneuverable. It's also incredibly fashionable. This buggy can last from birth, and comes with a carrycot included, to toddlerhood with the modular seat. All of this is done within the footprint of one buggy.
The latest model, duet(tm), is a side-byside buggy that's small enough for urban use yet with a lot of innovation and control. It has an innovative fabric sling seat, which is placed comfortably inside the frame and at just the right height to allow for a perfect weight distribution for easy popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.