3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies offer superb maneuverability in a stylish and streamlined frame. Many of these have an upholstered sling that has a comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.

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

Stability

Three wheel buggies are remarkably solid - they don't fall over as easily as Pushchairs And Prams with four wheels when going in a straight line, and you'll notice that you can manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. However, if you try to stop or turn abruptly they'll lose stability and could be prone to tipping over. To avoid this, certain manufacturers add an additional wheel to their 3 wheel buggy designs to improve the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel also allows you to tackle off-road terrain. Choose models with air-filled tires (also called pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road paths, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces like rocks and sand. These models also come with wheels that lock in the front to improve the stability of the vehicle over 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; have 360o front swivel wheels allowing agility and mobility to be easy and light to handle. They'll also pass the same rigorous stability standards and tests as 4-wheel buggies.

If you're looking for a cloth sling seat, they are typically placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the floor which means a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't have to exert the same amount of pressure or effort to get the buggy over and up a Kerb).

Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its range with the striking Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a newborn 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 smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

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

The most reliable 3 wheel buggy to tackle rough terrain

A Shop Top-Rated 3 Wheel Pushchairs Online Now-wheeled buggy is usually better equipped to handle off-road terrain when compared to a four-wheeled model but both may get stuck in tight corners. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels both front and back can be beneficial. This will make them easier to push over rough ground and will often help with getting up and down high kerbs.

One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried 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 as well as on some hills."

Stella, the new all-terrain 3-wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It's suitable from birth when used with the carrycot. It's slightly larger than the lighter 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) however it has large, air-filled tyres, 3 recline positions, and a quick one-hand fold.

Its primary selling point is its modularity, though - it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you're planning to take a a short walk or a longer one, by using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of styles and materials, and each has its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres offer an easy ride and excellent maneuverability, while foam-filled tires are more durable. The type of tyre you choose will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.

If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or in rough terrain frequently, you might want to consider a three-wheeler equipped with more durable tyres. You should also consider the type of suspension you need. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.

The size of the tyre can be important. Knowing how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might be confusing however, once you understand it, you'll be able to comprehend the tyre dimensions. A tyre with an 185/70 size R14, for example indicates that it is a radial tire with a diameter of 185/70 with 14-inch rim size.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you are unsure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, simply slide the tires on a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of PU. If they don't then the tires are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a 3 wheel buggy is a vital element to look for as it will absorb the bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled, and can be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also important. This will enable your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces effortlessly.

Depending on the style of buggie you're seeking, there are options to suit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. With an engineering and geometry that is perfect their fabric sling seat rests comfortably inside the frame, in contrast to on top like modular seats, resulting in the lowest centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height to ensure optimal weight distribution, allowing it to easily take on kerb pops.

Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that boasts a sleek style with a massive, manoeuvrable front wheel, excellent suspension, and an easy-to-use twist handbrake. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its trials by taking it for a walk through rough terrain. She found that it performed admirably and claimed that it "navigates over bumpy grass, cobbles, sidewalks and dirt tracks, and makes it easy to go up and down kerbs".

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, similar to the Urban Glide 2, comes in a variety of colors to match your style. It also has an adjustable handlebar and a large basket. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats to convert the buggy into a pram, including the elegantly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat bed for newborns and babies that are up to 12 months old.

Safety

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

A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to pop up and over curbs. The seats of the fabric sling are built into the frame, not on top like modular seats. This creates a low seating position and buggy that is easily moved.

However, if you want to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler might be better suited as it will have suspension 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 aren't, such as 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.