3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel all terrain pushchair wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has a comfortable lay flat bed and a perfect weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.

The wheels are larger, and they also often have suspensions for smooth movement over a variety of terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be more bulky and heavy to transport and store.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when going in a straight line, and you'll find that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. However, if you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and can tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel reversible stroller-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.

You can also tackle off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Find models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres), which can handle off-road trails, sand, mud, and other surfaces, such as rock and sand. These models will also have an adjustable wheel that locks on the front to increase stability on rough terrain.

With the correct geometry, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can be turned on a dime - easy to steer using just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be effortless and easy to handle. They'll also pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.

If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground and provides a more comfortable ride and less kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over a curb).

Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a lightweight pushchair and travel system to its product line with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3 wheel stroller travel system-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with 4 wheels and uses an exclusive black pewter frame, which the company claims is 'light and compact' - it's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a variety of three wheel buggies that can be folded down to fit into smaller spaces. They can be folded with one hand and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will have a basic height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an extendable 50+ UV canopy. Certain models may come with an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that's quick-release.

The most reliable 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain

A 3 wheel stroller with bassinet-wheel buggy will usually be more able to deal with off-road conditions better than a 4-wheel model, but both can get stuck in difficult spots. A model with bigger front and rear wheels will assist. This makes them easier to push over rough ground and can help in moving up and down steep kerbs.

One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her baby and 3-year-old and said "it is very well-handled over cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads as well as on some hills."

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

Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible across all the brand's car seats and strollers for infants. You can design your own travel system, no matter if you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one, using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where it is that you live.

For instance, if you are planning to travel frequently on rough or muddy terrain, you might be interested in a 3-wheeler with sturdier tires. Think about the type of suspension you require. Strong suspensions are useful to deal with humps and bumps but they can be heavy and add to the overall weight.

The size of the tyre is also important. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can be confusing until you get the hang of it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For instance, a tyre's size of '185/70 R14 indicates 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 unsure whether a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, slide the tires across an even surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they do not then the tires are composed of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is an important component to look for because it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it 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 enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.

Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed with three-wheel buggie. With perfect geometry and engineering their fabric sling seat sits snug inside the frame as opposed to sitting on top like modular seats, providing the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution that allows it to easily handle kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has an elegant design, a huge wheel that's easy to maneuver and is paired with an impressive suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath took this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and found that it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies easily over grass, bumpy cobbles, pavements dirt tracks, and makes a light work of climbing and descending kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also select from a selection of infant car seats to transform the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfortable lie-flat bed for newborns and babies from 12 months to 12 years old.

Safety

Having four wheels makes the buggy more stable and less likely to tip over and easier to handle. It is also safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly dispersed across the frame.

A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to pop up and over curbs. The fabric sling seat sits in the frame instead of sitting on top like modular seats do, which creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuvered.

However, if you want to go for a run with your baby then a four-wheeler is more suitable as it comes with suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been tested by an independent party on all types of terrain.