3 Wheel Buggies

Three-wheel buggies are elegant and sleek, with excellent maneuverability. A lot of them come with an upholstered sling seat that has a comfortable lying flat bed and excellent weight distribution that is ideal for babies from birth.

The wheels are bigger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, swift movement on different terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they may be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are extremely solid - they don't fall over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line, and you'll be able to maneuver them more quickly and easily. However, if you attempt to stop or turn suddenly they'll lose stability and may fall over. Some manufacturers add an extra wheel to their 3-wheel buggy designs in order to increase the stability of the chassis.

The additional wheel can also help you navigate off-road terrain. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as they are able to deal with off-road paths and other surfaces including rocks, sand, and mud. They'll also usually have a lockable front wheel to provide stability on rough ground.

With the correct design, engineering, and weight distribution these buggies can be turned on a dime - easy to steer using just one hand; feature 360o front swivel wheels that allow 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 are in the market for a seat made of fabric, these tend to be smaller in the frame as compared to modular seats. This means that your baby's centre of gravity will be closer to the ground - instantly providing the smoothest ride.

Best known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its line-up with the attractive Citylife. This 3 wheel stroller with seat-in-1 is ideal for urban living, and comes with a baby car seat or carrycot. It has four wheels and a unique pewter-black aluminium frame that is described by the brand as'slim and compact. It's smaller at 2cm than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are many three wheel buggies that can be folded compactly and fit into smaller spaces. Many can be folded with a single hand and are easy to wipe down. The smallest models will come with a basic adjustable height of the handlebars, while others may feature an adjustable suspension as well as an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have an enormous basket as well as a brake lever that's quick-release.

The most reliable 3 wheeled pushchair wheel buggy for tackling rough terrain

A 3 wheel stroller set-wheeled vehicle is generally better equipped to handle off-road conditions when compared to a four-wheeled model however both can be a bit stuck on tight corners. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels on both sides will help. This will make it easier to push them across rough terrain and can assist you in climbing up and down the steep slopes.

One option is the new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its surprisingly responsive handling despite its three-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her baby and her 3 wheeler pushchair-year-old, and said "it handles really well over bumpy pavements, cobbles, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on some hills."

Stella Stella, the brand new all-terrain 3 wheeler pushchair-wheel buggy by Maxi-Cosi is another great option. It is suitable from birth when used with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires and three recline positions and a one-handed fold.

Its main selling feature is its modularity - it's compatible with all the brands' infant 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 starting point.

Tyres

The tyres of 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each has its 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 be determined by your lifestyle and where you live.

For instance, if plan to travel often on unpaved paths or rough terrain, you may want to consider an all-wheeler with more durable tires. Consider the type of suspension you require. Strong suspension is useful to handle bumps and humps, however it can be heavy and increase the overall weight of your pushchair.

The size of the tyre can be important. Understanding how to read tyre sizing is crucial for maintaining safety as well as performance and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the sidewalls of tyres can be initially, but understanding it helps you understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre with a size of 185/70 R14, for example is a radial tire that has a size of 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 aren't sure if a pushchair's tires are rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on the surface with a smooth surface. If the tires slide easily and smoothly, they're made of 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 bumps and knocks of rough terrain making it more comfortable for your baby. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to ensure stability while jogging are important. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.

Depending on the style of buggy you're looking for, there are options that will fit all lifestyles and budgets. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility in a three-wheel buggie. Their fabrics sling seats are designed with the perfect geometry and engineering that fits snugly inside the frame, rather than sitting on top like modular seats. This creates an lower center of gravity, and allows it to be placed at the right height to spread weight evenly to conquer bumps.

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

The Roma Atlas, like the Urban Glide 2 is a popular off-road choice. It is available in a variety of colors that will complement your style. It also features an adjustable handlebar, a spacious basket, and a 50+ UV hood. You can also choose from a range of infant car seats that transform the buggy into pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfy lie-flat mattress for babies and infants from 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make the pushchair more stable and less likely to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It is also 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 center of gravity, making it more easy to roll over curbs and up the stairs. The seat made of fabric is in the frame instead of sitting on top like modular seats do, which results in a lower seating position and a lighter buggy that is more easily maneuverable.

If you're planning to run with your child, then a 4-wheeler is the best option. It has a suspension system which allows the front wheel of the buggie to be independent from the rear. This allows you to navigate rough terrain or bumpy roads. However, not all four wheel buggies are able to be used for running. The exception is Mountain Buggies which have a specially designed suspension system that has been independently tested on all kinds of terrain.