3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is used for off-road walking and for traversing terrains such as rough roads or woodland tracks. They can also be easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than 4-wheel models.
Kath, the editor of MadeForMums reviews, has tested one of these three-wheelers on tarmac and on various terrains. You can read her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a centre of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, 4-wheel buggies are generally considered to be more stable than 3-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are worth considering as they can take on anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels, and an lockable wheel on the front. This will make it easier to drive and less likely to snap apart when you're on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires, which are ideal for handling unpaved surfaces. They are able to be used even on sandy beaches or tracks through woodlands.
They are also great buggies to jog with because they provide great stability on rougher terrain, and can aid you in staying with your running companion. They can also be used to go up and down steep kerbs and many of them have spring suspension built-in so that your child will enjoy an enjoyable ride.
A stroller with 3 wheels can be a challenge to maneuver because of its large frame. It can be more difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. However certain manufacturers have addressed this issue by implementing clever design that lets the wheels flip up when not being used, which reduces their overall size and allows you get through doors easily.
You'll also have to consider whether your buggy is suitable for your baby from birth or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, make sure it has an upright position and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you'd like to add a toddler onboard). Many 3-wheelers can fold flat and be put up in a upright position. This is a great option when you have an unwieldy boot space or have limited storage at home. Some 3-wheelers require you to remove the front wheel to fold them into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually provide better maneuverability than pushchairs with four wheels. A majority of them have a swivelling wheels on the front that allows you to steer and change direction using only one hand. Some models have locks on the wheel to provide stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with an additional buggy or seat, should you decide to grow your family.
If you intend to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the paved roads then you should opt for an option that has pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. These tyres may need to be regularly pumped up from time the point, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof compared to solid tyres. You should choose a model that has an swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you on difficult terrains.
The fact that there is only one front wheel may also indicate that three-wheelers can be bulkier than four-wheeled buggies when folded. Be three wheel pushchair that the model you pick fits inside your car's boot and can be placed upright if required. Some models are able to fold in one hand, and they're freestanding when they're collapsed, which will save space in car boot spaces that are smaller.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with all terrains, from busy high streets to tracks through woodlands. It's important to think about what you'll be using it for in the daytime. If you'll be running the school run, it should be able to handle steep slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running on it, check that it has an adjustable swivelling'stretch' lockable front wheel to keep the ride steady.
MFM reviewer Kath found her three-wheeled buggy was able to handle well with the countryside and urban walks. Kath noted that it was able to negotiate cobbles, rocky paths and uneven pavements with ease and was comfortable while jogging. It's also a great choice for day trips, since it comes with plenty of storage space, including a huge and spacious basket that has a zip-top cover and an expandable 50+ UV hood. It is also able to be adapted for baby from birth with a lie-flat seat or carry cot, as well as 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 seats is that the fabric sling sits comfortably inside the frame of the buggy as opposed to sitting on top of it as a modular seat would. This enables a much more ergonomically appropriate position for baby, which instantly delivers a lower centre of gravity that is at the proper height. This results in an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't need the same amount of effort and weight to pop the buggy over the curb's edge) and a better stability and balance.
These seats also come with sling fabrics that are easy to clean and durable. They were designed specifically with sling chair applications in mind they are durable and extremely breathable. They are also easy to maintain with mild soap and warm water.
If you are a jogger, or enjoy off-roading, an all terrain buggy is more likely to meet your needs than a four-wheel buggy. These models generally have a larger base, more stable and utilise air filled tyres for agile smooth moving over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi is a company known for its car seat range and has now added a brand new 3-wheeler with the Stella to its product line. This stroller is all-terrain and has an enormous and spacious seat unit for the travel system that can be set either parent or world facing. It also reclines flat and has an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth using a carrycot or car seat and comes with a decently sized shopping basket and a hood that has zip pockets and a quick one-hand fold.
This 3 wheeler of luxury is designed for the most discerning buggy owner is as gorgeous to see as it is functional. The sleek frame is finished in a stunning pewter black with hints of silver-burnished aluminum throughout and gives it a true WOW factor. This is a great option for active parents. It comes with a large, padded seat which can be positioned either with the child or in a world-facing position. It also comes with an improved 5-point harness and a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for an array of configurations that can be adapted to different seating needs. If you want a cozy setting for watching movies or a larger arrangement to entertain guests, modular seating can be adjusted easily. A lot of modular seating systems come with removable cushion covers which makes it easier to clean up spills and stains.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend with existing decors or stand out as an accent piece. A variety of fabric, color and shape options mean that you can choose a modular seating solution that is a perfect fit for your preferences. Many functional features are available in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that allow easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies are more stable than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road and all terrain adventures. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and swift movement. The tyres that are typically air-filled and come with suspension, give you a great ride even on the roughest trails and roads. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they are with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Often 3-wheel prams are a favourite for parents who enjoy running and jogging with their child, as they provide excellent agility and are more streamlined than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for example, has a sleek, burnished aluminum frame with a quick one-handed fold, rear-facing and forward-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, has black frames with an infant carrycot that can be placed in a fully lie-flat position and air-filled tyres.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly fashionable. This buggy truly future proofs your wallet and can be used from birth with the included carrycot, all the way to toddlerhood using the modular seat (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of just one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side vehicle that's small enough for urban living yet large on innovation and control. It has an exclusive fabric sling seat, which is placed snugly inside the frame and at just the right height to allow for a optimal weight distribution for effortless popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.