3 Wheel Buggies

Three-wheel buggies are elegant and sleek, with outstanding maneuverability. Many of these have an sling made of fabric with a comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are ideal from birth.

The wheels are larger and, in many cases, have suspensions for smooth movement on different terrains. The only drawback is that they could be heavier and more bulkier to store and transport.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are very stable and don't tip over as easily as four-wheeled pushchairs when traveling in a straight line. Also, you'll find that you can move them more quickly and effortlessly. If you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose their stability and may fall over. For this reason, some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their three wheel buggy designs in order to improve the stability of the chassis.

You can also tackle off-road terrain using the additional wheel. Be sure to look for models with air-filled tyres (also called pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road trails as well as other surfaces such as rocks, sand and mud. These models will also feature wheels that lock in the front to improve the stability of the vehicle over rough terrain.

With the right design, engineering and weight distribution, these buggies can turn on a dime easy to steer with one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheel that allows agility and mobility to be effortless and light to handle. They also pass the same stability standards worldwide and tests as buggies with four wheels.

If you are in the market for a seat made of cloth, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared 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 collection however, it recently expanded its product range with the Citylife lightweight travel system and pushchair. The model is designed for urban living and is suitable from birth with a newborn carrycot or infant car seat. It comes with four wheels as well as an unique pewter-black frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's just 2cm wider 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. A majority of these buggies are able to be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. Some of the smaller models come with a simple handlebar height adjustment, whereas others come with adjustable suspensions and an ultraviolet canopy of 50+ that can be extended. They may also feature a large, spacious basket and a brake lever with quick release.

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A 3 wheel pushchair-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road terrain when compared to a four-wheeled model, though both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. However, choosing a model with larger wheels both front and back will help. This will make it easier to push them over rough terrain, and can help you get up and down steep curbs.

The new Roma Atlas has been praised by many for its astonishing agility despite its 3 wheel push chair-wheeled design. MFM reviewer Kath tested it with her baby and her 3 wheeled travel system-year-old, and said "it handles really well over cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads, as well as on a few hills."

Another great option is the latest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer which is called Stella. It is suitable for babies from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It is slightly larger than the 4-wheelers that are lighter, however, it comes with air-filled tires, three recline positions, and a one-handed fold.

Its most appealing feature is its modularity it's compatible with all the brands' infant car seats and strollers. You can create your own travel system, regardless of whether you want to go on an easy stroll or a longer one, by using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres for 3 wheel jogger wheel buggies are offered in many styles and materials. Each has its own pros and cons. Air-filled tyres, for example provide an easy ride and excellent manoeuvrability while foam-filled tires are more durable. The kind of tyre you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the place it is that you live.

For instance, if intend to frequently travel on rough or unpaved terrain, you might be interested in an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Think about the type of suspension you require. Strong suspension is useful 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 tyre size is important for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can appear confusing until you get the hang of it, you will be able to understand the tyre's dimensions. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14 for instance, means that it is a radial tire in the 185/70 size with 14-inch rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are lighter and more puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If they slide easily, then the tires are made from PU. If they don't then the tires are composed of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension on a three wheel buggy is a vital aspect to consider as it absorbs the smacks and bumps of rough terrain making it much more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are air-filled, and can be locked for stability during jogging is crucial to ensure that your buggy will be able to navigate off roads with ease.

Depending on the style of buggie you're looking for, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. The Mountain Buggy, for example was the first to introduce all-terrain agility in three-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away within the frame, as opposed to being on top of modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the right height for the best weight distribution that allows it to easily handle the kerb pops.

Another option that is worth considering is the Urban Glide 2 from Thule that has a sleek design with a large, highly maneuverable front wheel, a great suspension and a simple handbrake that twists. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it for a hike through rough terrain and she found that it handled the terrain really well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, roads dirt tracks, and makes a light work of getting up and down kerbs'.

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

Safety

Four wheels make the buggy more stable and less likely to tip and easier to handle. It is also more secure for your child since the weight of their body is evenly distributed across the frame.

A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity and is therefore easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The sling seat is affixed within the frame, not sitting on top like modular seats do, which makes for a low-slung seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily manoeuvred.

However, if you want to go out for an exercise with your child then a 4-wheeler might be more suitable as it comes with suspension that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel so you can tackle bumpy roads and rough terrain - just bear in mind 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 a specially-designed suspension system that's been independently tested across all kinds of terrain.