3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of them have a fabric sling seat with a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution, perfect for babies from birth.

The wheels are larger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movements on a variety of terrains. The only downside is that they can be heavier and more bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when going in a straight line. Also, you'll notice that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and may fall over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.

The extra wheel also helps you tackle off-road terrain. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) because they can deal with off-road routes as well as other surfaces such as sand, mud and rock. They'll also include a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.

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 are looking for a seat made of fabric, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing a smoother ride.

Maxi-Cosi is most well-known for its car seat collection, but it has recently expanded its product line with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and can be used starting at birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame that the brand calls'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a variety of 3 wheel pushchair wheel buggies which can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. They can be folded with just one hand, and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will have a simple handlebar height adjustment, while others may feature an adjustable suspension and an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature large, spacious baskets and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The best 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain

A 3-wheel buggy will usually be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in difficult places. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels both front and back will help. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and can help in getting up and down high kerbs.

One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and 3-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks and also on some hills."

Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy made by car seat brand Maxi-Cosi which is called Stella. It is suitable from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it has air-filled tires and three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.

Its main selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can build your own travel system, no matter if you're looking to go for a an easy stroll or a longer one, using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a smooth ride and great maneuverability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will be based on your personal preferences and the location you live in.

If you intend to travel on roads that are not paved or rough terrain often, you might want to consider a three-wheeler with more robust tyres. Think about the kind of suspension you need. Strong suspensions are useful to tackle humps and bumps however they can be quite heavy, adding to the overall weight.

Another aspect to be considered is the tyre's size. Understanding the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre may be at first, but decoding it helps you understand the tyre's dimensions. For example, a tyre size of '185/70 R14 is a sign that the tire is a 185/70 radius with a 14 inch rim diameter.

PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if the pushchair you are using has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires across an even and secure surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a 3 wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain, making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels which are filled with air and lockable to ensure stability while jogging is also important as this will ensure your buggy is able to navigate off road surfaces with ease.

There are many choices for buggy styles to suit every budget and style of life. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. The sling seats made of fabric are designed with precise geometry and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This creates an lower center of gravity and allows it to be placed at the right height to spread weight evenly to take on the kerbs.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It has an elegant design, a huge wheel that is easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also features a twist handbrake for ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it on an excursion through the rough terrain and she was impressed with how it adapted to the terrain well saying that it 'navigates easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and makes light work of going up and down the kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colours that will complement your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm) which is a comfortable, flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 month old.

Safety

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

A four-wheeled buggy has lower center of gravity, making it easier to get over curbs and climb up. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame and not on top as modular seats. This results in a lower seating position and a buggy that can be easily moved.

If you're looking to go out for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the rear one which allows you to navigate 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). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested independently across all terrains.