3 Wheel Buggies

Three-wheel buggies are stylish and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of them have seats made of fabric that have a cosy lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.

The wheels are larger and often include suspension to allow for smooth movement on various terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.

Stability

Three-wheel buggies offer lots of stability. They aren't prone to tipping over as easily when you are going straight. You can also maneuver more swiftly. However, if you attempt to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and can tip over. To avoid this, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.

You can also tackle off-road terrain with the extra wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that can be used to handle off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as sand and rock. These models will also feature an adjustable wheel that locks on the front, which will increase stability over rough terrain.

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

If you're looking for a seat made of fabric, these tend to be less upright in comparison to modular seats. This means that your baby's center of gravity will be closer to the ground, instantly ensuring a smoother ride.

Maxi-Cosi is a household name for its car seat range however, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife compact travel system and pushchair. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It has four wheels and a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that is described by the brand as'slim' and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are many 3 wheeled pushchair wheel buggies which can be folded compactly and can be tucked away in smaller spaces. Many can be folded with just one hand, and are easy to wash down. Some of the smallest models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. Certain models may come with large baskets and a brake lever that's quick-release.

The most reliable lightweight 3 wheel pushchair wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain

A 3-wheeler is likely to be better able to cope with off-road terrain than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in tight spots. A model with larger front and rear facing 3 wheel stroller wheels will assist. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain, and can assist you in climbing up and down the steep slopes.

The brand new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its remarkable agility despite its 3 wheel parent facing pushchair-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and her 3 wheeler pushchairs-year-old, and said "it does really well on bumpy pavements, cobbles, gravel tracks and dirt roads as well as on a few hills."

Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It is suitable from birth if used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires and three recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.

Its most appealing feature is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the car seats for infants from the brand and strollers. This means you can create your ideal travel system for day-today or longer walks, using just the chassis as a foundation.

Tyres

The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a range of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable ride and manoeuvrability, while foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your lifestyle and where you live.

If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or rough terrain often, you might think about a three-wheeler that has more robust tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. A sturdy suspension is helpful for handling bumps and humps. However, it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.

Another important factor to consider is tyre size. Understanding the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on a tyre's sidewall may be confusing initially, but understanding it allows you to understand the dimensions of the tyre. For instance, a tyre 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 if a pushchair has rubber or PU tires, you can test sliding the tires over an even and secure surface. If they move easily, then the tires are made of PU. If they don't 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 smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are filled with air, and can be locked to ensure stability while jogging are crucial. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.

There are many options for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For example the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with precise geometry and engineering that fits comfortably inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity and sits at the ideal height to distribute weight evenly to take on the kerbs.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has sleek design, a big 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 tested the buggy its tests by walking through rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably, saying that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to drive up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes with a variety of colours to suit your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar, a large basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also choose from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) that is a comfy lie-flat crib for babies and infants up to 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make the pushchair much more stable and less likely to tip and easier to maneuver. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly over the frame of the pushchair.

A four-wheeled buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and is therefore easier to lift over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits in the frame instead of sitting on top 3 wheel strollers like modular seats. This makes for a low-slung seating position and a comparatively lighter buggy that is more easily maneuvered.

However, if you want to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it has a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially-designed suspension system that has been independently tested on all kinds of terrain.