3 Wheel Pushchairs
Three wheel pushchairs are ideal for anyone who is a jogger, or just wants a more versatile stroller. Three-wheel prams, which have air-filled tires instead of the large wheels commonly found on jogging buggies designed for paved roads are able to navigate through woodland trails or cobbled streets.
The large wheels, however, can make some models heavy and bulky therefore make sure that it folds compactly and won't take up all the space in your boot.
Stability
Many parents are put off three wheel pushchairs by reports of them tipping over, but this is often down to cheap or poorly designed models. It is important to test the stability of a three-wheeler by putting it through its paces. Also, you should consider how easy it is to change direction or swerve with the front wheel only and how quickly it is possible to do it.
If you are planning to use your pushchair on uneven terrain, you should choose a model with tires filled with air (also known as pneumatic tyres). They can handle the bumps and lumps of gravel tracks or muddy pathways. These tyres are more resilient to bumps and sand on muddy paths or gravel roads than the plastic wheels. They offer a smoother ride for your baby. Some models have a lockable front wheel that can be used when you're going over really rough ground too.
All-terrain buggies may weigh more than regular buggies that have four wheels. You should consider the amount of space they'll take up in the trunk of your car and whether you'll be able to lift them up and down the stairs after they've been folded. They can also be heavy to lift and carry, so try one out in person to gauge how much effort you'll need to put in to get the buggy off the ground.
UPPAbaby's Ridge, a three-wheeled pram with a car-seat attachment, is a great example of a stable and maneuverable pram. It features a front-facing seat which can be attached to a UPPAbaby carrycot or you can add infant car seats using adaptors. The large rear wheels are filled with foam 'never flat' tyres that make it very easy to navigate on rough terrain and its smooth suspension and adjustable handlebar provide an enjoyable ride for your toddler or baby.
Manoeuvrability
With two wheels at the back and a single wheel in the front 3 wheel pushchairs can move and turn more easily than four-wheeled pushchairs. They are ideal for narrow streets and maneuvering through crowded supermarket aisles. Many 3-wheeled strollers also have a lock on the front wheel, which makes it easier to maneuver around tight corners.
Another benefit of a 3-wheel pushchair is that they are able to tackle off-road terrain more effectively than standard strollers and prams. For instance, iCandy's Core offers a range of features that make it suitable for trips to the countryside with your little one. It has a rural wheelbase with larger wheels that, as per MFM reviewer Tara, "perform really well on grass, woodland tracks and market town cobbles."
In addition to their superior maneuverability In addition to their superior maneuverability, 3 wheel pushchairs are typically designed to last. These pushchairs are often equipped with a suspension system that can take the jolts and bumps of different surfaces. This will ensure that your baby is comfortable on their journey. They're an excellent choice for families who enjoy being outdoors, but don't wish to sacrifice comfort or convenience.
3 wheel pushchairs can be used as runners too, but you'll have to wait until your child is 6 or 9 months old before you can start running with them (unless you have an infant carrier). Bugaboo's 3 wheeled pushchair is a world-first that offers a unique modular system allowing you to take your child from newborn to toddler by using an infant car seat and a carrycot that's compatible with the chassis. You can change between stroll and run modes, so you can easily go from a leisurely shopping trip to a stroll through the woods.
Folding
When not in use, most 3-wheel pushchairs fold efficiently and compactly to fit in small car boot spaces or under the stairs. They typically have large rear wheels, which can make them quite large when folded, so do take this into consideration when you are planning to use it in narrow space or in aisles of shopping.
The Core range of iCandy's includes a variety of fantastic features for parents including large baskets, an adjustable handlebar and one-handed fold. Its all-terrain capabilities are impressive too, with a swivel lock front wheel as well as large foam-filled tyres, and a smooth suspension making it perfect for strolls through the woods or on the high street.
If you'd like to convert the Ridge into an a travel system (with car seat adaptors) it can be used with UPPAbaby infant carriers and carrycots. The seat is set in a world-facing position and is suitable for infants who are 6 months old. The UPPAbaby Ridge also has a hand-operated brake on the right-hand side, which MFM reviewers found to be handy particularly when pushing across uneven ground. This feature isn't present on all models and it's worth checking before purchasing.
Stores
Many 3-wheeled pushchairs feature wonderful features that simplify the lives of parents. They include a large accessible, easily accessible basket as well as rear and front access storage areas, as well as a parent tray with a helpful phone positioning device and two large cup holders. Some come with clever features such as lockable front wheels hand brakes on the right side, and never-flat tyres filled with foam.
A popular choice is the UPPAbaby Ridge which has numerous amazing features that will suit families with active lifestyles. It is suitable for infants and has a world-facing seat unit. It can be used with a car seat adaptor or carrycots from the time of birth.
Off-road
Three-wheeled buggies can handle bumpy surfaces like cobblestones, rocky paths and tree roots more effectively than standard pushchairs. They typically have larger rear wheels and often have an adjustable front wheel that is able to swivel to navigate tricky terrain. This feature lets you easily navigate tight spaces as well as handle kerbs that are difficult to navigate and ensure you are in control of the most difficult routes.
All-terrain pushchairs are an excellent option for families who love being outdoors and want to explore the countryside or take off-road family walks. These models come with large puncture-proof tires and suspension, which makes them more able to withstand rough terrains. They also offer the comfort of a smooth ride for your child. The UPPAbaby Ridge for instance is a model with a huge range of off-road capabilities. It's designed to tackle all kinds of terrain and includes a world-facing chair and car seat adaptor. It also comes with large foam-filled tyres so you don't have to be concerned about punctures.
Other pushchairs that are all-terrain include the Out n About Nipper, that is suitable for babies from birth with a newborn carrycot or lie-flat infant carrier and has a wide range of off-road options, including an adjustable swivel front wheel lockable with air-filled tyres as well as suspension. It's also suitable for jogging lightly once your baby is old enough. The Bugaboo Fox 5 all-terrain stroller is also a favorite. It is suitable for everyday use or even pushed off the road because of its sturdy chassis and impressive suspension. This model has a swivel wheel on the front as well as a large basket. an easy folding mechanism that can be operated by one hand, and an adjustable handlebar.