The Unspoken Secrets Of 3 Wheeled Buggies
3 Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is great for off-roading and dealing with terrain from bumpy pavements to woodland tracks. They are also simpler to maneuver between kerbs and up and down them in comparison to 4-wheel models.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers with her newborn and 3 year old daughter, putting it through its paces on the tarmac and on tricky ground. Check out her review here.
Stability
With four wheels and a central point of gravity that's balanced by the weight of your child in the seat, buggies with four wheels are generally considered to be more stable than triwheelers. Three-wheel buggies are still worth considering as they can take on anything from rough terrain to busy streets.
Find a buggie with large rear wheels and one that locks on the front. This will make it more comfortable to drive and less likely to snap off when driving on bumpy roads. These all-terrain buggies often have pneumatic tyres too, which are great at handling non-paved surfaces and can be used on sandy beaches or tracks in woodland.
They're also the best buggies to be jogging with, as they provide excellent stability on rough terrain and aid in keeping up with your jogging partner. They can also go up and down steep kerbs, and a lot of them come with spring suspension built-in so that your baby will have a comfortable ride.
A 3-wheeled stroller can be difficult to maneuver due to its wide frame. It can be more difficult to get through doorways and narrow spaces than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by using an innovative design that flips the wheels upwards when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes it easier to fit through doorways.
You'll also need to think about whether the buggy you choose to use is suitable for your child from birth, or if you're thinking of using it with an infant car seat or carry cot. Find out if the buggy comes with an option to lie flat and if it is compatible with second seat and buggy boards if you intend to bring an infant along. A lot of 3-wheelers fold flat and can be positioned upright when collapsed - handy if you have limited space in your car boot or a small storage space at home. Some 3-wheelers require you to take off the front wheel to fold them into smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies usually offer better manoeuvrability than four-wheeled pushchairs. They usually have a swivelling wheel on the front that lets you change direction quickly and steer with only one hand. Some also have a lockable front wheel which gives you security on more difficult terrain. Some models can be used with an additional seat or buggy board should you decide to grow your family.
If you intend to take your three-wheeled buggies off the roads that are paved then you should opt for one with pneumatic tyres. They can handle even the most difficult terrain. They will require periodic pumping, but will be much more durable than tyres made of solid rubber and more likely to be puncture-proof. Look for a model with the ability to lock the swivelling wheel on the front to assist you in maneuvering difficult surfaces.
A single front wheel may also be a reason that three-wheelers tend to be more bulkier than buggies with four wheels when folded. Check that your chosen model can fit into the boot of your car and is able to be sat up in the event that it is required. Some models can be folded using one hand, and can be raised when folded. This can help save space in the boot of your car.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair is able to cope with all terrains, from busy high streets to woodland tracks. It's important to think about how you will use it every day. If you'll be running the school run, it should be able to handle steep kerbs and slopes. If you intend to jog on it, ensure it has a swivelling "stretch front wheel' that is locked. This will keep the ride in place.
Kath, a MFM reviewer, was able to determine that her stroller with three wheels was able to take on urban and walks in the countryside. She noted that it could navigate cobbles, rough paths and bumpy pavements effortlessly and was comfortable to run with too. It's also a great choice for day trips as it comes with plenty of storage space, including a huge, spacious basket with zip-top cover as well as an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can also be modified to fit babies as young as an adjustable seat that can be sat on or a carry cot, as well as being compatible with the majority of popular second seats and buggy boards.
3 wheeled pushchair between a fabric and a modular one is the fabric sling. It sits inside the buggy frame, rather than being positioned on top of it like an adjustable chair. This makes it easier to maintain an ergonomically correct position of the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity at the ideal height. This leads to a more comfortable push, a less hefty curb-pop (you don't need to exert as much effort and weight to lift the buggy off the curb) and more stability and balance.
The sling fabrics that are used in these kinds of buggy seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were developed specifically for the sling chair and are UV resistant and breathable. They also have a great aging resistance and are very easy to clean using mild soap and water.
If you're a jogger or you like off-roading, an all terrain buggy is more likely to meet your requirements than a four-wheeled buggy. These types generally have a larger, more stable base and use air-filled tyres to allow for smooth and agile moving over rough terrain.
A brand that is most famous for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added an all-new 3-wheeler to its line-up with the Stella. This stroller is all-terrain and has a large and spacious seat unit for the travel system that can be placed either facing the parent or the world. It also reclines flat and features an improved 5-point safety belt. It can be used from birth with a car seat or carrycot and comes with a reasonably size shopping basket, hood with zip pockets, and a simple one-hand fold.
This 3 wheeler of luxury, designed for the most discerning buggy owner, is as beautiful to admire as it is to use. The angular frame is finished in a stunning pewter black, with hints of burnished silver aluminium throughout making it a complete WOW factor. A big, padded seat that is world or parent-facing with a more secure 5-point safety harness as well as an entire set of rain covers makes this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating can be configured in a variety of ways to accommodate different seating requirements. If you want a cozy setting to watch films or a large configuration for entertaining guests, modular seating can adjust easily. A lot of modular seating systems come with cushions that can be removed, making it easy to clean spills or stains.
Modular Seating is available in various designs to complement your current decor or as an accent piece. A wide range of fabrics, colors and shape options mean that you can find an option for modular seating that fits your taste. Many functional features are offered in modular seating, such as hidden storage compartments that allow simple organization and clearing of living spaces.
3-wheel buggies provide more stability than strollers with four wheels, which makes them ideal for off-road or all terrain adventures. The large, highly maneuverable front wheel allows for smooth and agile movement. The tyres that are typically air-filled and come with suspension, give you a great ride even on the roughest trails and roads. The wheels aren't as close to the ground on these pushchairs, as they are with four wheeled pushchairs. This makes them ideal for walking uphill.
Parents who like to run and jog with their kids usually opt for strollers with three wheels because they are more nimble and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example has a sleek burnished silver aluminum frame, which has a quick one-hand fold and forward and rear facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with the ability to lie flat in full, air-filled tyres and 3 recline positions.
Mountain Buggy Sport verso is another excellent all-terrain option. It's incredibly lightweight, highly maneuverable and amazingly stylish. This buggy is truly future-proof for your wallet and can be used from birth with the included carrycot, all the way to toddler-hood with the modular seat (and beyond!). All this is within the footprint of just one buggy.
The most recent model, duet(tm), is a side-by-side buggy that's compact enough for urban use yet large on innovation and control. It has an innovative fabric sling seat that's positioned in a comfortable frame at the perfect height to ensure a the perfect weight distribution to facilitate rolling over kerbs, and for navigating neighborhoods and cities.