10 Life Lessons We Can Take From 3 Wheeled Buggies
3 wheeled pushchair Wheeled Buggies
A 3-wheel buggy is used for off-road walking and for traversing terrains such as uneven paths or tracks in woodlands. They can also be easier to manoeuvre up and down kerbs than models with four wheels.
MadeForMums reviews editor Kath tried one of these three-wheelers while with her newborn and 3 year old, and put it through its paces on tarmac and on tricky ground. You can read her full review here.
Stability
Four-wheel buggies, with their center of gravity being balanced by your child's weight within the seat, are generally more stable than three-wheelers. But that doesn't mean a three-wheel buggy isn't worth considering, as some of them are built to handle everything from rough terrain to busy high-streets.
Look for a buggy with large rear wheels, and an lockable wheel on the front. This will make it easier to drive and less likely to snap apart when you're on rough roads. These all-terrain buggies also have pneumatic tires that are ideal for handling unpaved surfaces. They can be used on sandy beaches or woodland tracks.
They're also the best buggies to be running with, since they provide great stability over rough terrain and help you keep pace with your running partner. They're also good at going up and down steep kerbs too and a majority come with suspension built-in which means your child will enjoy a comfortable ride.
The one factor that makes a 3-wheeled pushchair difficult to maneuver is the broad frame, which makes it more difficult to maneuver through tight spaces and narrow doorways than a 4-wheeler. Some manufacturers have addressed this problem with a clever design which flips the wheels upwards when they are not being used. This reduces their size and makes it easier to fit through doorways.
If yes, make sure to check for a lie-flat location and if the design is compatible with second seats and buggy boards (if you want to add the toddler). If so, make sure it has a lie-flat position and whether the design is compatible with second-seats and buggy boards (if you're planning to put the toddler to the buggy). Many 3-wheelers will fold flat and be upright when folded which is useful if you have a limited space in your car boot or only a little storage space at home. However, some require you to remove the front wheel when folding if you want it to fit in even smaller spaces.
Manoeuvrability
Three-wheeled buggies can be more maneuverable than four-wheeled strollers. A majority of them have a swivelling wheels on the front which allows you to steer and change direction using one hand. Certain models come with locks on the wheel to provide stability on rougher terrain. Some models can be used with a second seat or buggy board in case you're planning to increase the size of your family.
If you're planning to take your three-wheeled vehicle off of roads, you should consider choosing one equipped with tyres filled with air (also called pneumatic tyres) which can cope with the most difficult terrain. They may have to be filled from time to time, but they will be more durable and puncture-proof than solid tyres. It is recommended to choose a model that has an swiveling front wheel that is locked to assist you on tricky surfaces.
When folded, three-wheelers can be heavier than buggies with four wheels due to the single wheel on the front. Be sure that the model you pick can fit in the boot of your car and can be positioned in a straight line if needed. Some models fold using one hand and can be rearranged when folded. This can help save space in the boot of your car.
A well-constructed 3 wheel pushchair can cope with all terrains, from busy main streets to tracks through woodlands. It's important to consider what you'll be using it for every day. If you're planning to run the school run, it ought to be able to cope with steep kerbs and slopes. If you'll be running on it, ensure it has an adjustable lockable swivelling'stretch' for the front wheel to ensure that the ride is safe.
Kath who is an MFM reviewer, discovered that her three-wheeled stroller was able to handle urban and rural walks. She said it was able to navigate cobbles, rocky paths and uneven pavements effortlessly and was comfortable when jogging. It's also a great option for day trips, since it offers plenty of storage space, including a large ample basket with a zip-top cover and an extendable 50+ UV hood. It can be adjusted to meet the needs of a baby from birth, with a carry cot or lie-flat seat. It's also compatible with the most popular second seats and stroller boards.
Fabric Sling Seat
The key difference between a fabric sling versus a modular seat is that the fabric sling fits in the frame of the buggy rather than sitting on top like a modular seat would. This makes it easier to maintain an comfortable and ergonomically-correct position for the baby, resulting in a lower center of gravity that is just the right height. This in turn makes for an easier push, a less hefty curb pop (you don't require as much weight and effort to push the buggy over the curb's nose) and a better stability and balance.
The sling fabrics used in these types of seats are extremely durable and easy to clean. These fabrics were designed specifically for Sling chairs and are highly durable and air-tight. They also have excellent durability and are easy to clean with water and soap.
If you're a jogger or like to do some off-roading, an all terrain 3 wheeler is likely to be more suited to your needs than a buggy with four wheels. These models have a larger base, are more stable and use air-filled tyres to provide smooth, easy mobility over rough terrain.
Maxi-Cosi, a brand known for its car seats is now offering a brand-new 3 wheel pushchair off road-wheeler called the Stella to its product line. This all-terrain vehicle has a large, spacious and impressively growing seat that can be world facing or parent face and reclines flat thanks to a new 5-point safety harness. It can be used from birth using a carrycot or car seat and comes with a reasonably sized shopping basket, hood with zip pockets, and a simple one-hand fold.
This luxury 3 wheel compact stroller wheeler made for the most discerning buggy owners is as gorgeous to see as it is to operate. The angular frame is finished in an eye-catching pewter black with hints of burnished silver aluminium throughout making it a complete WOW factor. A big, padded seat that can be used as world or parent-facing with an improved 5-point safety harness as well as a full set of rain covers makes this a great option for parents who are active.
Modular Seat
Modular seating allows for an array of configurations to meet different seating requirements. Modular seating can be easily adjusted to create a cozy setting for watching movies, or a large arrangement to entertain guests. A lot of modular seating systems include removable cushions which makes it easy to clean spills or stain.
Modular Seating can be designed to blend in with existing decor or stand out as an accent piece. A wide range of fabrics, colors and shape options mean that you can find a modular seating solution that fits your taste. Modular seating also comes with many practical features, like hidden storage compartments for easy storage.
3-wheel buggies are especially suitable for off-road or all terrain adventures because they offer more stability than 4-wheel strollers. The large front wheel, which is highly maneuverable, allows for smooth and quick movement. The tyres, which are typically air-filled and have suspension, provide an excellent ride on even the most rough roads and trails. The wheels are not as close to the ground on these pushchairs as they would be with 4 wheeled pushchairs. This makes them great for walking uphill.
Parents who like to run and jog with their children typically opt for 3-wheel strollers because they are more agile and sleeker than their four-wheel counterparts. The GB Upp XL for example features a sleek, burnished silver aluminium frame, with an easy one-hand fold as well as rear facing 3 wheel stroller and forward facing seats, while the Babyzen Yoyo has an all black frame, a carrycot with full lie flat position air-filled tyres, and 3 recline positions.
Another great all-terrain option is the lightweight, highly manoeuvrable and amazingly elegant Mountain Buggy Sport verso. The buggy will last from birth, with a carrycot and toddlerhood with the adjustable seat. It does this all within the footprint of a single buggy.
Duet(tm) is a side by side buggy that is small enough for city living, but also innovative and controlled. It has a unique fabric sling seat that's placed comfortably inside the frame and at the perfect height for optimal weight distribution for effortless kerb popping and navigating neighbourhoods and cities.