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3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these have a fabric sling with a cosy lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution, and are perfect from birth.

The wheels are bigger and often have suspension to allow for smooth, agile movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they may be more heavy and bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as pushchairs that have four wheels when going in a straight line, and you'll notice that you can move them more quickly and efficiently. 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 in order to improve the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel can also help you navigate off-road terrain. Choose models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces like rocks and sand. These models also come with an adjustable wheel that locks on the front to increase stability over rough terrain.

The buggies are easy to maneuver and agile, thanks to a 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.

If you're looking for a cloth sling, 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 and provides a more comfortable ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply as much pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up a kerb).

Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat range, but it has recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair 3 wheels. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban life, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's only 2cm wide than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many of them can be folded using one hand and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will have a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension and an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.

The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain

A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in difficult spots. However, choosing a model with larger wheels both front and back can help. This makes it easier to push them across rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down steep curbs.

One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her infant and said that "it handled really well on bumpy surfaces, cobbles and gravel tracks, dirt roads and some hills."

Another great alternative is the new 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from car seat brand Maxi-Cosi, called Stella. It's suitable for babies when used with the carrycot and is a little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions and pushchairsandprams a fast one-hand fold.

Its most appealing feature is its modularity it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you want to go on a short walk or take a longer stroll, using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide an easy ride and excellent maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.

For instance, if plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may be interested in a 3-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Take into consideration the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps but they can also be heavy and add to the overall weight.

Another important factor to consider is the tyre's size. Knowing how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall may be at first, but decoding it allows you to understand the tyre's dimensions. For example, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial with a 14 inch 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 of a pushchair are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made of PU. If they do not, then the tires are composed of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. A large wheel that are air-filled, and are lockable to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure that your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.

There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. The Mountain Buggy, for example, pioneered all-terrain agility in a three wheel pushchairs-wheel buggie. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with precise design and engineering to fit comfortably inside the frame rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This gives a lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight evenly to take on the kerbs.

Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, excellent suspension and a simple twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its tests by walking through rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well, saying that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks, and dirt tracks and allows you to easily go 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 match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also safer for your child as the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.

A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, which makes it easier to climb over curbs and climb up. The seat made of fabric is within the frame, not over it as modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is easily maneuverable.

If you're looking to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it comes with a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't, such as the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested across all types of terrain.