3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.

The wheels are larger and often have suspensions for smooth movements on a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.

Stability

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

The additional wheel can also help you to tackle off-road terrain. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road paths as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also usually come with an adjustable front wheel that locks to provide stability on rough terrain.

The buggies are simple to maneuver and agile with 360o front swivel wheel. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.

If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, then they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre 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 get the buggy over and up the curb).

Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light pushchair and travel system to its product line with the striking Citylife. 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 the manufacturer claims is 'slim and compact' - it's only 2cm wider 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. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded with one hand and are easy-to-clean. The smallest models will come with a simple height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an extended 50+ UV canopy. Some models could have an enormous basket as well as brake levers that are quick-release.

The best 3 wheeler for rough terrain

A 3 wheel pushchair sale-wheel buggy will usually be more able to deal with off-road terrain than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in tight spots. A model with bigger front and rear wheels can aid. This allows them to push over uneven ground and will often help with moving up and down steep kerbs.

One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath has tested it with her infant, and she said that "it did really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces, gravel tracks, dirt roads, and some hills."

Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.

Its main selling feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. This means you can create your ideal travel system for your day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a base.

Tyres

The tyres on 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you select will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.

If you plan to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently you may want to consider a three-wheeler with more durable tyres. Consider the kind of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and contribute to the overall weight of your pushchair.

The size of the tyre can be important. Knowing how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of numbers and letters on the tyre's sidewall might seem confusing, but once you decode it, you'll be able to comprehend the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 14 inches of rim diameter.

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

Suspension

The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important element to look for as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are filled with air, and that can be locked to ensure stability when running are important. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.

There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a 3-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to being on top of modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has sleek design, a large wheel that is easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath really put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she was impressed with how it handled the terrain really well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even can be a breeze climbing and descending the kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas is another popular off road option and like the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats that will convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns or babies from 12 months old.

Safety

The presence of four wheels makes a buggy much more stable, less likely to tip, and easier to handle. It also makes it 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, making it easier to pop over curbs and walk up. The seats made of fabric are placed inside the frame rather than on top of it like modular seats. This results in a lower seat position and an automobile that is easily maneuvered.

However, if you'd like to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be more suitable as it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads - 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 tested by an independent party across all types of terrain.