3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and slim frame. Many of these have a fabric sling with an incredibly comfortable lay flat bed, which is ideal for weight distribution and are ideal from birth.

The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to ensure smooth, agile moving on different terrains. The only drawback to these wheels is that they can be more bulky and heavy to store and transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when they're in a straight line, and you'll find that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. However, if you try to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and may be prone to tipping over. Some manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel twin stroller-wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.

You can also tackle off-road terrain by adding an extra wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails and other surfaces like sand, mud and rock. They'll also usually include a lockable front wheel to add stability over really rough ground.

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

If you're in search of 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 floor which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply as much pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up the kerb).

Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light travel system and pushchair to its product line with the attractive Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and an unique pewter-black frame, which the brand describes as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are a lot of three wheel pushchairs wheel buggies that can be folded down to can be tucked away in smaller spaces. They can be folded with one hand and are easy to wash down. The smallest models will come with a basic handlebar height adjustment, while others could have an adjustable suspension and an extended 50+ UV canopy. They may also feature an enormous, spacious basket and a brake lever that is quick-release.

The most efficient 3 wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain

A 3-wheeler will typically be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, although both models can get stuck in difficult spots. A model with larger front and rear wheels can aid. This allows them to push over rough ground and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.

One option is the latest Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its quick handling, despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it out with her baby and reported that "it handled really well on cobbles, bumpy surfaces gravel tracks, dirt roads and even a few hills."

Stella Stella, the all-terrain 3 wheel double buggy-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It's suitable for babies when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's a smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim 54cm wide frame) but has big air-filled tyres. It also has 3 wheel stroller reversible seat recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.

Its main selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can design your own travel system, regardless of whether 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 range of styles and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres, offer a smooth ride and great manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type you choose will depend on your needs and where you live.

For instance, if you plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you might want to consider a 3-wheeler with sturdier tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension that you require. A strong suspension is ideal for handling bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and add to the overall weight of your pushchair.

The size of the tyre is also important. Knowing how to read the tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewall of a tyre can seem at first, but decoding it will allow you to comprehend the tyre's dimensions. For example, a tyre size of "185/70 R14 indicates that the tire is a 185/70 radial that has a 14 inch rim diameter.

PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're not sure if the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on an even and secure surface. If the tires slide smoothly they are made of PU. If not, then they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital component to look for because it absorbs the jolts and bumps of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled, and lockable for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy will be capable of navigating off road surfaces with ease.

Depending on the type of buggie you're seeking There are a variety of options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example is the first all-terrain vehicle to be developed in three-wheel buggies. Their sling seats made of fabrics are designed with the perfect design and engineering to fit snugly inside the frame, instead of on top like modular seats. This gives an lower center of gravity, and is placed at the perfect height to distribute weight evenly to tackle bumps.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It has a sleek design, a big wheel that's easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also comes with an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy through its paces by walking through rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well and claimed that it "navigates over grass, bumpy sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like 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 choose from a variety of infant car seats that convert the buggy to a pram. This includes the elegantly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable lie-flat mattress for babies and infants until 12 months old.

Safety

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

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

If you're looking to go for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler may be better suited since it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads Be aware that not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most aren't like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception since they feature an exclusive suspension system that has been independently tested across all terrains.