3 Wheel Pushchairs
Three wheel pushchairs are perfect for those who are an avid jogger or wants a more versatile stroller. Three-wheel prams, with air-filled tires instead of the big wheels that are often found on jogging buggies designed for roads that are paved can be used to navigate through woodland trails and cobbled streets.
The large wheels, however, can make some models heavy and bulky so check that it folds up compactly and won't take up all the space in your boot.
Stability
Parents are often frightened by tales of three-wheeled pushchairs that tip over. This is usually due to cheap or poorly built models. It is important to test the stability of a three-wheeler by physically trying it out. Also, you should consider how it is easy to change direction or turn with the front wheel alone, and how quickly it is possible to do it.
If you are planning to use your pushchair on rough terrain, choose an option that has air-filled tires (also known as pneumatic tyres). They can take the bumps and lumps of gravel tracks or muddy pathways. These tyres are more resistant to bumps and sand on muddy pathways or gravel roads than plastic wheels. They provide a more comfortable ride for your child. Some models come with an lockable wheel on the front, which can be used on rough terrain.
All-terrain pushchairs are heavier than standard buggies on four wheels, so you may have to think about how much room they will take up in your car's boot, and if you'll be capable of lifting it up and down stairs once folded. They can also be heavy to lift, so it's worth trying one out in person to see how much effort you need to exert to lift the buggy off the ground.
UPPAbaby's Ridge, a three-wheeled pram that has a car seat attachment, is an excellent example of a stable, manoeuvrable pram. It has a world-facing seat that can be attached to an UPPAbaby Carycot or infant car seats that can be added with adaptors. The large rear wheels are filled with foam and tyres that are never flat. They make it very easy to navigate on rough terrain as well as its smooth suspension and adjustable handlebar provide a comfortable ride for your toddler or baby.
Manoeuvrability
With two wheels at the back and a single wheel at the front 3 wheel pushchairs can move and turn more easily than 4-wheeled pushchairs. They can be great for narrow streets and maneuvering through crowded supermarket aisles. A lot of 3-wheeled pushchairs have a lock feature on the front wheel to improve their ability to tackle tight corners and spaces.
A 3-wheeled pushchair is able to be more adept at handling off-road terrain than standard strollers and prams. For example, iCandy's Core offers a variety of features that make it ideal for countryside adventures with your little one. It has a rural wheelbase, and larger wheels that, as per MFM reviewer Tara, "perform really well on grass, woodland tracks and cobbles from markets."
Three-wheel pushchairs are designed to last, in addition to being highly maneuverable. These pushchairs are often equipped with a suspension system in order to absorb the bumps and jolts of different surfaces. This ensures that your child is safe on their journey. This makes them a great choice for families that enjoy outdoor activities but don't want to sacrifice their convenience or comfort.
3 wheel pushchairs can also be used as runners too, but you'll need 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 Sport Verso is a world-first offering a unique modular system that allows you to take your baby from infant to toddler using an infant car seat and a carrycot compatible with the chassis. You can also switch between a run and stroll mode, so you can go from woodland walks to a relaxing shopping spree without difficulty.
Folding
A lot of 3-wheel pushchairs can be folded easily and compactly when they are not in use, and can be tucked into a small boot or under the staircase. They often have large back wheels that can make them quite wide when folded. So do take this into consideration when you are planning to use it in tight space or in aisles of shopping.
The Core range from iCandy has a range of wonderful features for parents including a generous basket, adjustable handlebar and one-handed fold. Its all-terrain capabilities are also impressive with a swivel-lock front wheel, large, foam-filled, never-flat tyres, and a smooth suspension. This makes it ideal for strolls through the park or in the woodlands.
If you'd like to convert it into a travel set-up, the Ridge is compatible with an UPPAbaby carrycot, or infant carrier (with car seat adaptors). The seat unit is oriented in a slanting direction and is designed for infants up to 6 months old. The UPPAbaby Ridge has a hand-operated break on the right, which MFM reviewers have found useful especially when pushing it over uneven terrain. This feature may not be available on all models. Make sure to check before purchasing to ensure.
Stores
Many 3-wheeled pushchairs feature great features that make life easier for parents. This includes a large basket that is easily accessible and front and rear access storage areas as well as a parent tray with helpful phone positioner and two cup holders that are large. Some of them also have innovative features such as locking front wheels and a hand brake on the right side, and foam-filled, never-flat tyres.
The UPPAbaby Ridge is a popular choice for active families. It's got a lot of amazing features. It is suitable for newborns and has a world-facing seat unit. It can be used with a car seat adaptor or carrycot starting at birth.
Off-road
A lot of pushchairs are unable to handle bumpy terrain such as cobbles, rocky paths and tree roots, however 3-wheeled buggies are more capable of handling these surfaces. These models usually come with larger rear wheels and a lockable wheel on the front that can be rotated to navigate difficult terrain. This means that you can swiftly slip into and out of small gaps, take the most difficult kerbs easily and keep control even on tougher routes.
All-terrain pushchairs are a fantastic choice for families who enjoy being outdoors and want to explore the countryside or go off-road for family walks. These pushchairs are typically equipped with suspensions and large puncture-proof tyres that make them more resilient to rough terrain, while providing a smooth ride for your little one. The UPPAbaby Ridge is an excellent example of a model with outstanding off-road capabilities. It's designed to tackle different terrains with ease and includes a world-facing seat, compatibility with an UPPAbaby carrycot or car seat adaptors and features large foam-filled never-flat tyres that will not have to worry about puncturing.
Other pushchairs that are all-terrain include the Out n About Nipper, which is compatible starting from birth with a newborn carrycot or lie-flat infant car seat and has a wide range of off-road features including an adjustable swivel front wheel lockable with air-filled tyres as well as suspension. It's also suitable for light jogging when your baby is old enough. The Bugaboo Fox 5 is another popular all-terrain buggy that can be used as a regular pushchair, or for pushing off-road thanks to its impressive suspension and sturdy chassis. This model also has an adjustable front wheel that swivels as well as a large basket, one-handed fold and a movable handlebar.