3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability with a stylish and slim frame. Many of them come with an upholstered sling that has a cosy lay flat bed that is perfect for weight distribution, and are perfect starting at birth.

The wheels are larger and often come with suspensions to allow for smooth, swift mobility on various terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.

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 find that you can maneuver them more quickly and effortlessly. If you turn or stop abruptly, they could lose stability and tip over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs to increase the stability of the chassis.

You can also conquer off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Look for models that have air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road paths and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. They'll also usually have an adjustable front wheel that locks to add stability over really rough terrain.

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

If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, then these tend to be placed 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 a lighter kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up a Kerb).

Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its range with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It comes with four wheels as well as an exclusive pewter-black aluminum frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded in a compact way to can fit into smaller spaces. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. The smallest models will have an easy height adjustment for the handlebar, whereas others may have an adjustable suspension or an extendable 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The best 3 wheeled buggy for taking on rough terrain

A 3-wheeler will typically be more able to deal with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both models can get stuck in tight spots. A model with bigger rear and front wheels can assist. This makes them easier to push over uneven ground and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.

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

Another option is the latest 3-wheel buggy that is all-terrain from Maxi-Cosi's car seat brand named Stella. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's little bigger than the lightweight 4wheelers (with a surprisingly slim 54cm wide frame) but has big, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a swift one-hand fold.

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

Tyres

The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a range of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an effortless ride and superior manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you pick will be based on your personal preferences and where you live.

If you plan to travel on roads that are not paved or on rough terrain frequently, you might be interested in a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps, but it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.

Another aspect to be considered is tyre size. Understanding how to understand tyre sizing is vital to ensure safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing, but once you decode it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre dimensions. For example, a tyre size of "185/70 R14' means that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has 14 inches of 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, try sliding the tires across a smooth and tied surface. If the tires move easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If not, they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a three-wheeled buggy makes it more comfortable for your child since it absorbs any bumps or knocks from rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and that can be locked to provide stability when running are important. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces easily.

Depending on the style of buggie you're looking for There are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For example, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit perfectly inside the frame instead of on top like modular seats. This creates a lower center of gravity, and sits at the ideal height to spread weight evenly to conquer the kerbs.

Another great option is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, a great suspension and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath tested the buggy its tests by walking on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it was able to handle it very well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road model and, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also comes with a movable handlebar as well as a large basket. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy into a pram. This includes 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

Four wheels make the pushchair more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It also makes it safer for your child because the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.

A four-wheeler is also likely to have a lower center of gravity, making it more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seat sits within the frame, not on top of it like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and a lighter buggy that can be easily maneuverable.

However, if you'd like to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited since it has suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain Be aware that not all buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT, such as the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature a specially-designed suspension system that's been tested by an independent expert across all types of terrain.