3 Wheel Buggies

3 wheel all terrain buggy wheel buggies provide excellent maneuverability in a stylish and sleek frame. Many of these feature a fabric sling seat with a cosy lie flat bed and perfect weight distribution that is ideal from birth.

The wheels are bigger, and they also often come with suspension for agile smooth movement on various terrains. The only downside to these wheels is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier to transport and store.

Stability

Three wheel buggies are extremely stable - they don't tip over as easily as pushchairs with four wheels when they're in a straight line. Also, you'll be able to manoeuvre them much more quickly and easily. If you stop or turn abruptly, they can lose stability and even tip 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 tackle off-road terrain. Find models with air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres) that are able to take on off-road routes, sand and dirt, as well as other surfaces, such as rock and sand. These models will also feature a lockable wheel on the front to increase stability on rough terrain.

With the right geometry, engineering and weight distribution these buggies can turn at a moment's notice - easy to steer with just one hand; they have 360o front swivel wheels that allow agility and mobility to be effortless and light to handle. They also meet the same global stability standards and tests as buggies with four wheels.

If you're looking for a fabric sling seat, then they tend to be set lower in the frame than modular seats, so that your baby's centre of gravity is closer to the ground which means a smoother ride and a less noticeable kerb pop (you don't need to apply as much pressure or exertion to get the buggy up and over the curb).

Popular for its car seats, Maxi-Cosi has recently added a light travel system and pushchair to its range with the eye-catching Citylife. This 3-in-1 is ideal for urban living and comes with a newborn car seat or carrycot. It has 4 wheels and has an exclusive pewter black aluminium frame that the manufacturer claims is 'light and compact'. It's only 2cm wider than the Babyzen Yoyo.

Folding

There are many 3 wheel buggies which can be folded in a compact way to fit into smaller spaces. Many of these buggies can be folded in one hand and are easy to clean. The smallest models will come with a simple adjustable height of the handlebars, while others could have an adjustable suspension or an expandable 50+ UV canopy. Some models may have a large basket and a brake lever that's quick-release.

The most efficient 3 wheeler for rough terrain

A 3-wheeler is likely to be more adept at dealing with off-road conditions than one with four wheels, however both can be stuck in tight places. But, picking a model with larger wheels on both sides will help. This will make them easier to push across rough terrain and will often help with moving up and down the high kerbs.

One option is the brand new Roma Atlas, which has been praised for its agile handling despite its 3-wheel design. MFM reviewer Kath used it with her baby and 3 Wheel Push chair (sitiosecuador.com)-year-old son and reported that "it handles really well over cobbles, bumpy pavements, gravel tracks and dirt roads and also on a few hills."

Stella, the new 3-wheel all-terrain buggy from Maxi-Cosi, is another option. It can be used from birth, if it is used in conjunction with a carrycot. It's slightly bigger than the lighter 4-wheelers but it features air-filled tires with three wheel pushchair recline positions and an easy fold with one hand.

Its primary selling point is its modularity - it's compatible with all of the brands' infant strollers and car seats. This means that you can design your ideal travel system for day-to-day or longer walks, using only the chassis as a starting point.

Tyres

The tyres on 3 wheel buggies come in a variety of designs and materials, and each comes with its pros and cons. For instance, tyres that are filled with air offer a great performance and maneuverability, whereas foam-filled tyres are more durable. The type you pick will depend on your needs and the location you live in.

If you intend to travel on unpaved roads or on rough terrain frequently you may be interested in a three-wheeler that has more robust tyres. You should also think about the type of suspension you require. The suspensions that are strong are great to tackle humps and bumps but they can be heavy, adding to the overall weight.

The size of the tyre is crucial. Knowing how to read the size of the tyre is crucial for safety, performance, and durability. The combination of letters and numbers on the tyre's sidewall might appear confusing, but once you decode it, you will be able to understand the dimensions of the tyre. A tyre that has an 185/70 size R14 for instance indicates that it is a radial tire with a diameter of the 185/70 size with a 14-inch rim diameter.

PU tires are lighter and more puncture-resistant than rubber tires. If you're unsure whether the tires on a pushchair are rubber or PU tires, try sliding the tires on a smooth and tied surface. If they slide easily then the tires are made from PU. If not, they are made of rubber.

Suspension

The suspension of a three-wheel buggy will make it more comfortable for your child since it absorbs any knocks or bumps that occur from rough terrain. Large wheels that are air-filled, and that can be locked to ensure stability while jogging are important. This will allow your buggy to maneuver over off-road surfaces with ease.

There are many options for buggy styles to suit every lifestyle and budget. For instance the Mountain Buggy pioneered all terrain agility with its three-wheel buggies. With perfect geometry and engineering their sling seat made of fabric rests comfortably inside the frame as opposed to on top like modular seats, providing a lower centre of gravity and sitting at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution to easily tackle the kerb pops.

The Urban Glide 2 by Thule is a great alternative. It features sleek design, a large wheel that is easy to maneuver and combines it with exemplary suspension. It also features an adjustable handbrake that can be turned to make it easier of use. MFM reviewer Kath put the buggy through its tests by walking on rough terrain. She was impressed with how it handled it really well and claimed that it "navigates over bumpy grass, sidewalks, cobbles and dirt tracks and makes it easy to drive 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, a spacious basket and a 50+ UV hood. You can also pick from a selection of infant car seats that transform the buggy into a pram. This includes the stylishly designed carrycot plus(tm) which is a comfy lie-flat baby bed suitable for infants and newborns up to 12 months old.

Safety

Four wheels make the buggy more stable, less likely for it to tip over and is easier to maneuver. It can also be safer for your baby as their weight is distributed more evenly throughout the frame of the pushchair.

A four-wheel buggy also tends to have a lower centre of gravity, making it easier to lift over curbs and up the stairs. The seat made of fabric is inside the frame rather than over it as modular seats do, which creates a low seating position, and a lighter buggy that can be easily manoeuvred.

However, if you'd like to go for a run with your baby then a 4-wheeler may be better suited since it will have a suspension system that allows the front wheel to move independently of the back wheel to allow you to tackle rough terrains and bumpy roads - just bear in mind not all 4 wheel buggies are suitable for running (most are NOT like the Phil and Teds). Mountain Buggies are the exception because they come with an exclusive suspension system that has been tested by an independent expert across all terrains.