3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel buggies offer excellent maneuverability with a stylish and sleek frame. Many of them come with a fabric sling with a comfortable lay flat bed, perfect weight distribution and are suitable starting at birth.

The wheels are larger and typically have suspension to allow for smooth, agile mobility on various terrains. The only downside is that they could be heavier and bulkier to store & transport.

Stability

Three-wheel buggies provide lots of stability. They don't fall over as easily when moving straight. You can also manoeuvre more swiftly. However, if you attempt to turn or stop suddenly they'll lose stability and could fall over. For this reason, certain 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. Look out for models with air-filled tyres (also known as pneumatic tyres) as these can cope with off-road routes and other surfaces like rocks, sand and mud. These models will also feature a lockable wheel in the front to improve stability over rough terrain.

With the right 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 mobility and agility to be effortless and easy to handle. They'll also be able to pass the same rigorous global stability standards and tests as the 4-wheel buggies.

If you're in search of a fabric sling, then these tend to be placed lower in the frame than modular seats so that your baby's center of gravity is closer to the ground - instantly delivering a smoother ride and a lighter kerb pop (you don't need to apply the same amount of pressure or effort to lift the buggy over and up the best 3 wheel stroller curb).

Most well-known for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an ultra-light pushchair and travel system to its range with the eye-catching Citylife. The 3-in-1 model was designed for urban living and can be used for newborns with a car seat or carrycot for infants. It comes with 4 wheels and has a unique pewter black aluminium frame, which the company claims is 'slim and compact'. It's just 2cm larger than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There's a good choice of 3 wheel buggies that fold up to fit into smaller spaces. A lot of these buggies can be folded in one hand, and are easy to clean. Some of the smaller models have a simple handlebar-height adjustment, while others have adjustable suspensions and a 50+ UV canopy that can be extended. They could also come with a large, spacious basket and a quick-release brake lever.

The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain

A 3-wheeler is likely to be more able to deal with off-road conditions than a 4-wheel model, although both can get stuck in tight spots. However, choosing a model with bigger wheels both front and back can help. This allows you to push them over rough terrain and will aid in getting up and down steep curbs.

One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath tried it with her infant and 3 wheel double stroller-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over cobbles, bumpy pavements, dirt roads and gravel tracks as well as on a few hills."

Another great alternative is the newest all-terrain 3 wheel buggy from Maxi-Cosi, a car seat manufacturer, called Stella. It's suitable from birth when used in conjunction with the carrycot. It's smaller than the light 4wheelers (with an impressively slim frame of 54cm wide) but has big air-filled tyres, three recline positions and a fast one-hand fold.

Its most appealing feature is its modularity. It's compatible with all the brands' baby strollers and car seats. You can create your own travel system, whether you're planning to take a an easy stroll or a longer one, by using the chassis.

Tyres

The tyres of 3 wheel buggies are available in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, air-filled tyres provide a comfortable performance and a smooth ride, whereas foam-filled tyres last longer. The type you pick will depend on your lifestyle and the location you live in.

For instance, if intend to frequently travel on rough or muddy terrain, you might think about a 3 wheel umbrella stroller-wheeler that has sturdier tires. Also, you should consider the type of suspension that you require. Suspensions that are strong are ideal to deal with humps and bumps but they can also be heavy, adding to the overall weight.

Another important factor to consider is tyre size. Understanding how to read the tyre's size is essential for safety, performance and longevity. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might be confusing, but once you decode it, you will be able to understand the tyre dimensions. A tyre that has a size of 185/70 R14, for example is a radial tire in 185/70 with a 14-inch rim diameter.

In addition to being more durable, PU tires are also less heavy and puncture resistant than rubber ones. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are made of rubber or PU, try sliding the tires on an even surface. If the tires slide smoothly, they are made of PU. If they do not then the tires are composed of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a three wheel buggy makes it more comfortable for your child as it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are filled with air, and are able to be locked to ensure stability when jogging are also crucial. This will allow your buggy to travel on off-road surfaces easily.

There are a variety of buggy designs to fit every budget and lifestyle. For instance, the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With the perfect geometry and engineering, their fabrics sling seat is tucked away inside the frame, in contrast to on top like modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the ideal height to ensure optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is another excellent option. It features an elegant design, a big wheel that's easy to move and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features the twist handbrake to facilitate ease of use. MFM reviewer Kath put this buggy to the test by taking it on a walk through rough ground and she found that it adapted to the terrain well, stating that it 'flies effortlessly over bumpy grass, cobbles, roads, dirt tracks and even makes a light work of getting up and down the kerbs'.

The Roma Atlas is another popular off-road option that, like the Urban Glide 2, comes in a range of colours to complement your style. It also comes with an adjustable handlebar and a spacious basket. You can also choose from a selection of infant car seats that convert the buggy to pram. This includes the stylishly designed Carrycot Plus(tm), which is a comfortable, flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 month old.

Safety

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

A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower center of gravity and therefore is easier to pop over curbs and up the stairs. The fabric sling seats are positioned inside the frame and not on top as modular seats. This results in a low seat and buggy that is easily pushed.

If you're looking to go out for an exercise with your child then a four-wheeler is more suitable 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 buggies with 4 wheels are suitable for running (most are NOT, 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 across all terrains.