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3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. Many of them have an upholstered sling seat that has a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.

The wheels are larger and, in many cases, come with suspension for agile smooth movement on a variety of terrains. The only downside is that they could be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are very stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line and you'll be able to maneuver them more quickly and easily. If you stop or turn abruptly, they could lose stability and even tip over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel also allows you navigate off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road trails, sand, dirt, as well as other surfaces like sand and rock. They'll also include an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough terrain.

With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime easy to steer using just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels allowing agility and mobility to be easy and light in handling. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.

If you're in search of a fabric sling seat, then they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you do not need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up the kerb).

Maxi-Cosi is best known for its car seat range, but it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife, a lightweight travel system and pushchair. This 3-in-1 is perfect for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and an exclusive black pewter frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact' - it's actually only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a variety of 3 wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded with one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the smallest models have a simple height-of-handlebar adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. Some models may have an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.

The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain

A 3-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to deal with off-road conditions as in comparison to a model with four wheels however both can get stuck on tight corners. But, picking a model with larger wheels on both sides can be beneficial. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain and can aid in getting up and down the steep slopes.

The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its three-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."

Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It is suitable from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers however, it comes with air-filled tires and three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.

Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means you can build your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks using the chassis as a starting point.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheeled buggies wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air, offer an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you select will be determined by your lifestyle and where it is that you live.

For instance, if you are planning to travel frequently on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tires. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. The suspensions that are strong are great to deal with humps and bumps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.

Another important factor to consider is the size of the tyre. Knowing how to understand tyre sizing is vital for ensuring safety performance, durability, and performance. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall can seem initially, but decoding it helps you understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial with 14 inches of rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If the tires slide easily, they are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are composed of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a three-wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child since it will absorb any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and can be locked to provide stability when jogging are also important. This will enable your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces easily.

There are many options for buggy styles to suit every budget and style of life. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in a three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to being on top of modular seats, providing the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features an elegant design, a big wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a walk through rough ground and she found that it handled the terrain really well saying that it 'navigates effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, pavements, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze going up and down kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It comes in a variety of colors that will complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a large basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram. This includes the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.

Safety

Four wheels make a buggy much more stable and less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It is also more secure for your child as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.

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 fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuverable.

However, if you want to go out for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is more suitable as it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back one so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception, as they have a suspension system specifically designed for them that's been independently tested across all terrains.