3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheeler is ideal for off-road jogging and tackling terrain, from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also simpler to move on kerbs, and they are less prone to slipping down when as opposed to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old, and put it through its paces on tarmac and on tricky ground. Check out her review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their centre of gravity balanced by your child's weight in the seat, are typically more stable than three-wheelers. Three-wheel buggies are nevertheless worthwhile to consider as they are able to take on anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels and one that locks on the front. This makes it easier to drive and less likely to snap apart on bumpy roads. These buggies are typically equipped with pneumatic tyres too, which are ideal for handling non-paved surfaces and can even be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies to be jogging with, as they offer great stability over rougher ground and help you keep pace with your running partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and a lot of them come with a spring suspension that is built-in, so your baby will have an enjoyable ride.
A stroller with three wheels isn't easy to maneuver because of its large frame. 3 wheeler pushchairs can be more difficult to get through narrow spaces and doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue with an innovative design that flips the wheels up when they are not in use. This reduces their dimensions and makes it easier to fit through doors.
You'll also need to consider whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your little one from birth or if you're thinking of using it in conjunction with an infant car seat or carry cot. If so, ensure that it is in the ability to lie flat and if the design is compatible with other seats and buggy boards (if you're planning to put the toddler to the buggy). Many 3-wheelers fold flat and can be positioned upright when collapsed and is handy if you have a small car boot or a small storage space at home. 3 wheeled pushchairs will require you to remove the front wheel before folding in order to fit in even more compact spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies are more movable than four-wheeled strollers. A majority of them have a swivelling wheel on the front which allows you to control and change direction with only one hand. Some models have wheels that lock to offer stability on rough terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board if you're looking to expand your family.
If you intend to remove your three-wheeled buggies from the roads that are paved then you should opt for a model that has pneumatic tyres. They can handle the most difficult terrain. They will require periodic pumping, but will be far more durable than tyres that are solid and more likely to be puncture-proof. You should choose a model that has a swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you in navigating tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be more bulky than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel in front. Be sure that the model you pick fits inside your car's boot and can be placed upright if required. Some models fold by one hand, and stand up when collapsed. This can help save space in a small car boot.
A quality 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with all terrains, from busy high streets to tracks through woodlands. But it's important to consider the purpose you'll use it for in the daytime. If you will be making the school run using it, it should be able to handle sharp slopes and kerbs. If you'll be running with it, ensure it has a lockable swivelling'stretch' front wheel to keep the ride stable.
MFM reviewer Kath found her tri-wheeled buggy to be able to perform well with the countryside and urban walks. She said it could navigate rocky paths, cobbles and uneven pavements with ease and was comfortable when running. It's also a great option for day trips, since it offers plenty of storage space, including a large ample basket with a zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified for baby from birth with a lie-flat seat or carry cot, in addition to being compatible with most popular second-seats and buggy boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The primary difference between a fabric sling and a modular seat is that the fabric sling sits in the frame of the buggy instead of sitting on top of it like a modular seat. This allows for a more ergonomically correct position of the baby, which results in a lower center of gravity, which is just the right height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a lighter curb-pop (you do not have to exert the same effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and increased stability and balance.
The sling fabric used in these kinds of buggy seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. Made specifically for the use of sling chairs in mind they are UV resistant and extremely breathable. These fabrics are also very easy to maintain using mild soap and warm water.
If you're a jogger, or enjoy a bit of off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler will be more suitable than a 4-wheeler. These styles have a wider base, are more stable and utilize air-filled tyres for smooth and easy movement on rough terrain.
A brand best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a new 3-wheeler to its range with the Stella. This all-terrain stroller boasts an enormous and spacious seat that can be positioned either facing the parent or the world. It also reclines flat and has an upgraded 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth using a car seat or carrycot and comes with a reasonably size shopping basket, hood with zip pockets, and a convenient one-hand fold.
This 3 wheeler of luxury is designed for the most discerning buggy owner, is as beautiful to admire as it is functional. The sleek frame features a stunning pewter finish with touches of burnished aluminum. It's a true show-stopper. This is a great option for active parents. It has a large, padded seat which can be set either in the direction of the parent or facing the world. It also has an upgraded 5-point harness as well as a complete set of rain covers.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be set up in many ways to meet different seating needs. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy setting for watching movies, or a large arrangement for entertaining guests. A lot of modular seating systems come with cushions that can be removed making it simple to clean up spills or stains.
Modular Seating is available in different designs to complement your current decor or as an accent piece. You can choose from a variety of colors, fabrics and shapes to design an elegant and modular seating design that fits your personal style. Many functional features are offered in modular seating, like hidden storage compartments that permit easy organization and decluttering of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies offer more stability than strollers with four wheels, making them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large, extremely maneuverable front wheel enables agile and smooth movement, whereas the tyres are usually air-filled and feature suspension, allowing for a smooth ride on even the most difficult roads and trails. They're also great for walking up hills as the wheels aren't as close to ground as they are on 4 wheel pushchairs.
Parents who like to run and jog with their babies usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they're more agile and sleeker than their 4-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL, for example, has a sleek, burnished aluminum frame with a quick one-handed fold as well as forward-facing and rear-facing seats. The Babyzen Yoyo, on the other hand, features black frames with a carrycot that is positioned in a full lie-flat position, and has tyres that are air-filled.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another fantastic all-terrain choice. It's extremely light and extremely maneuverable, as well as stylish. This buggy will truly protect your wallet from the future and can be used from the moment you are born with the carrycot all the way to toddlerhood with the seat that can be rearranged (and beyond!). All of this is done within the footprint of one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side vehicle that's small enough for urban living, yet big on innovation and control. It has an innovative fabric sling seat, which is placed in a comfortable frame at just the right height to ensure a perfect weight distribution for easy popping kerbs and maneuvering through neighbourhoods and cities.