The One 3 Wheeled Pushchair Trick Every Person Should Learn
3 Wheeled Pushchairs
Three-wheeled pushchairs offer an excellent option for mothers who love walking on a variety of terrain. These buggies are much easier to maneuver and more robust on rough terrain as they have larger front wheels.
If you intend to use your buggy on other surfaces than paved tracks, choose one that has air-filled tires (also called pneumatic). They are much more effective on surfaces that are not paved and are puncture-proof too.
Stability
The larger the wheels on your pushchair is, the better it will cope with rough ground and terrain. This is because bigger wheels have a greater contact area, so they are less likely to skid over dips and bumps. The larger wheels also provide a more comfortable ride to your child. The drawback is that the additional wheels can take up space in the car boot. Some models of pushchairs with large front wheels need to be removed to store them flat.
All-terrain pushchairs are designed to withstand everything from high-street strolls to wooded walks, and are fitted with features that enable them to do this, such as robust suspension and tyres with puncture-proof treads that are large. These models are usually more expensive, but if your pushchair is frequently used outside of the main roads frequently, they might be worth the investment.
If you are planning to take your pushchair off paved surfaces, it's worth choosing one that is fitted with air-filled tyres (sometimes called pneumatic tyres) since they are more suitable for rough ground than the solid rubber ones. They are also less susceptible to punctures than tyres that are made of metal or hard plastic.
Certain models of pushchairs allow you to turn off the front wheel when not in use, making them easier to store - useful for those with an insufficient car boot. Some models have a front wheel that can be locked in place to give you extra stability on uneven terrain. It is important to determine how easy it is for you to use a pushchair with this feature before you buy.
If you're thinking of adding an additional seat, parent-facing unit or car seat adaptors to your pushchair it is important to determine how it's going to be easy to switch these components and fold/unfold the pushchair when you have them attached, especially since you may have to do this with a child on board. Certain models are designed for simple and quick change of configurations, while others require more patience.
Manoeuvrability
A 3-wheel pushchair is typically more maneuverable and manage than a four-wheeler, with the single wheel in front making it simple to navigate over bumps and rough terrain. Many models also have suspension systems, which are designed to absorb shocks and ensure an enjoyable ride for your child. MFM reviewer Kath put a three-wheeled buggy to the test, and was amazed by how well it sailed over bumpy pavements, cobbles and dirt tracks. Kath found it easy to get up and down kerbs and the wheels were quick to maneuver over grass too.
There are three types of 3 wheel pushchairs that include joggers, strollers, and all-terrain models. Strollers are best suited for urban environments due to their smaller frames and narrower wheels while joggers have large wheels and are designed to take you off-road. They are equipped with a handbrake and adjustable handlebars and are great for off-road walks.
All-terrain strollers are a favorite among parents who like to explore the countryside and enjoy the outdoors. They usually come with bigger, more durable wheels than standard pushchairs. They're ideal for rough terrain and can usually be used from birth, however you might need to purchase car seat adaptors if want to attach a compatible infant carrier.
3 wheeled buggies look like 3-wheelers but actually have 4 wheels, with two small wheels positioned close together at the front in place of the traditional central pair. This allows for the manoeuvrability of a three-wheeler, but the stability and safety of a four-wheeler.
Some 3-wheeled pushchairs include an swivelable and lockable front wheel, making them more easily maneuverable. This is especially beneficial if you encounter difficult surfaces often, as you will avoid getting stuck or encountering obstacles to navigate around. Certain all-terrain pushchairs are fitted with foam-filled 'never flat' tyres that do not need pumping up, so they're more convenient and comfortable for long walks or frequent use. These types of pushchairs are generally heavier and larger than other options. It is essential to take into consideration the way you'll transport or store them when choosing the best model.
Weight
In general, 3-wheeled pushchairs are heavier and more spacious than normal pushchairs. This is especially true when they feature large back wheels. It can be difficult to lift a pushchair while it is folded, for instance when it is loaded into the trunk of a car or when navigating the stairs. This may also make the pushchair feel weighty when you're out and about, and may limit how quickly you can navigate narrow spaces or aisles in shops.
All-terrain pushchairs are made to handle a range of different terrains, including rough and uneven ground, mud and gravel paths. They are fitted with large, puncture-proof tires and strong suspensions to ensure an enjoyable ride for the child. They will usually be quite much more expensive than normal pushchairs.
If you reside in the countryside, or regularly take your baby for walks through woodlands or country parks, an all-terrain pushchair may be the best option. These pushchairs are made to handle different terrains and will have large tyres on both the front and rear. They are often the best option for wet and muddy weather, however we recommend regular inspection of the tyres to avoid flat spots and air bubbles.
The iCandy Core is a great all-terrain stroller that checks off many of the boxes. It comes with a huge 10kg basket with a one-handed fold as well as an adjustable handlebar. Its large tyres are foam-filled and never flat, which means you won't need to worry about punctures or loss of air pressure. The seat is suitable for use from birth and is suitable for all different ages. It can also be used in conjunction with an infant carrycot or infant carrier.
Another alternative is the Special Tomato Jogger, which has a lightweight design and excellent manoeuvrability. It's perfect for parents who like walking or running and has suspension that will give you the user a comfortable ride across all terrains. We also appreciate how easy to clean it is, with the fabric simply taking off the frame and being machine washable in cold water.
Tyres
The tyres on a 3-wheeled pushchair are usually larger than those of a four-wheeled pushchair. This makes it easier to navigate off-road terrain. The UPPAbaby Ridge, for example has tyres with large, foam-filled tyres that will never flatten and a suspension system. This makes it perfect for long walks over rough terrain. It's also designed to be suitable for running after your baby has grown old enough due to a 360-degree swivel lockable front wheel and a suspension that can be adjusted.
However, larger tyres could increase the weight of the pushchair so you'll need to take this into account when choosing your model. It is also important to decide if you'd like a model that has wheels that are removable to make it easy to store in your car boot. MFM reviewer Becky loved this feature as it made the process of navigating supermarket corners easier.