3 Wheeler Buggies

A three-wheeled buggy is perfect for off-roading and provides an easy ride for babies. They are also simpler to push and manoeuvre than a four-wheeler especially those equipped with fabric slings or modular seat units that are placed in a tight position within the frame and provide the most efficient geometry and distribution of weight.

Stability

A three-wheel buggy has excellent stability, which is why it's an ideal option for off-road walking (especially with an all-terrain or off-road style seat). They usually have large front wheels, which cope well with kerbs and bumps as well as rough terrain. Some models even have a lockable front wheel for extra stability on uneven terrain.

It is important to keep in mind that 3-wheel buggies have lower centers of gravity than the 4-wheeled versions which means they are more likely to fall over. That said, the best 3-wheel pushchairs are designed with an ideal geometry and design to make them very solid in all conditions. They should be able turn on a dime and be easy to steer with one hand. They also come with a 360o rotating front wheel which makes them perfect for navigating difficult terrain.

Look for models with pneumatic tyres. These are made to work on tracks that are not paved, and should be able to handle mud, gravel, rocks, etc. Many all-terrain buggies come with a swivelling wheel on the front which can be locked for extra stability when you're dealing with rough terrain.

A tri-wheeled pram is a great choice for those who run or love to speed up the hill. This is particularly true if you are planning to attach a car seat or carrycot. The Roma Atlas is an excellent model. It has a flat-reclining seat with a 5-point harness, and plenty of storage space to store everything you need (plus an extendable 50+ sun hood). It's compact, lightweight and suitable for babies and can be used with the use of a car seat or carrycot. It can also handle some light jogging, but isn't designed for serious runners.

Weight

If you're seeking a buggy that can handle difficult terrain, you need one with big wheels. These will cope well over cobbles, grass, and dirt tracks while providing the smoothest ride for anyone. They are also great for jogging, as they come with built-in suspension and are able to climb up and down kerbs. However, they are quite heavy to push.

The Mountain Buggy Urban Glide 2 is the most suitable 3 wheel buggy to use on rough terrain (pictured above). This 3-wheel buggy is very mobile due to its 16 rear wheels as well as an adjustable front wheel that locks. It has air tyres, which require pumping occasionally and can hold a child up to 3. MFM reviewer Kath says that her toddler was awed by the seat shape and she was able to steer it easily with her 3-year-old in the seat.

Another option that is great is the Baby Jogger Versa GT, which has an adjustable handlebar and a high-quality hood with 50+ UV protection. It is also easy to move kerbs upwards and downwards and fits in a the car's boot space in a small size. It can also be used as a stroller and an infant carrycot or toddlers.

Sling seats made of fabric fit snugly inside the buggie's frame instead of on top of it like modular seats. This style has a lower centre-of-gravity, which is the perfect height. It is simpler to push and lighter to kerb pop (you cannot underestimate how many times you'll do this as a new parent!).

Seating

There are a myriad of options for seating in 3 wheelers. For a newborn it is possible to use the included carrycot and (which MFM reviewer Alice says is a comfortable and cozy lie-flat bed that can be used on and off the buggy) and older infants and toddlers can use the parent-facing or world-facing seat that is large and cushioned and has adjustable ventilation. It's important to note that these seats do not recline completely, but they can be adjusted to the lowest level that will still allow your child plenty of headroom and room to move around.

A sling seat made of fabric is also available, which is placed snugly within the frame instead of on top like the modular seat. This delivers a much lower centre of gravity and perfect weight distribution. This makes it easier to push, particularly on bumpy terrain or over curbs. MFM reviewer Kath liked the way this kind of seat handled challenges.


Alongside a huge shopping basket, this kind of buggy typically has some quite useful features, such as an extendable 50+ UV hood, an easy-to-use brake pedal, and some bright, game-changing lights that appear from the handlebar and can be placed in front of the passengers to increase their safety when tackling tricky terrain.

If you're seeking a buggy that can grow with your family it's the sport(tm) is a world first designed to accommodate infants and be modified to fit two or three children as they grow. All within a single footprint.

Stores

The 3-wheeled model is more sturdy and can be moved by one hand. It's also ideal for terrains that are difficult to navigate. The shopping basket is smaller than a four-wheeler.

3 wheeler pushchair will have a top suspension, pneumatic tyres, and an ergonomic handle that is cushioned for your comfort. It should also be equipped to carry car seats and a carrycot and you can use it from the moment you are born.

MFM's reviewers have found that the 3-wheeler frame doesn't pass through all doors of their homes or small car booties - make sure you know the dimensions of the buggy once it's folded prior to purchasing in case you're concerned about space.

It's worth looking for 3-wheelers that can accommodate two (or even 3!) This is the most suitable option for your future and will save you money. The iCandy strawberry sport is one of the best of these and can be used as a single unit from day dot and later converts into twin buggies once your baby starts walking.

3 wheeler pushchair absorb bumps and uneven surfaces to make your child's ride more enjoyable. They are typically found on pushchairs like the Phil & Ted’s Sport, which MFM reviewer Kath said provided "an exceptional ride for her toddler". She also said that the grippy tyres make it easy to navigate cobbles and kerbs.

These tyres can be difficult to maintain and will require having their air pressure maintained regularly. They are also more prone to punctures than foam tyres so you'll need to ensure that you have a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump in case you go out and about with your buggy.

PU tyres can be seen on a lot more pushchairs than air-filled tyres but they're still as robust. You can recognise PU tyres by their matte appearance and soft feel. They also slide easily on smooth and tightly woven surfaces.

It's usually possible to discern the difference between PU and air-filled tyres by running your hand over them, if it feels firm, then it's made of rubber, when it slides, it's a PU. You can also check that your buggy is fitted with PU tyres by slipping the tyres over an even, clean surface - they'll be able to roll easily and should fit snugly in their wheel hubs.

Foam tyres can handle the rough terrain associated with high-performance buggies. This can make your buggy less stable as the foam will lose its springy feel. The tyres can also be noisy, as they make a lot noise when you turn and navigate around the town.