Whether you’re looking for a buggy to tackle walks in the woods or strolls on the main streets, an all terrain pushchair with a great maneuverability will be the perfect fit. These models typically come with large wheels and suspension that gives a smooth ride on rough terrain.
The majority are suitable for infants and include a seat that can be set in a flat position or a carrycot for newborns. They also usually have foam-filled never-flat tyres to reduce maintenance.
Suspension
A genuine all-terrain pushchair 3 wheels will have good suspension, specifically designed to be smooth on rough ground and help your child to feel comfortable and at ease. The wheels should also be large and typically be a puncture-proof type to prevent damage from sharp rocks or sticks.
Some all-terrain strollers also provide the option of switching between tyres with different conditions. Certain all-terrain strollers feature an swivel wheel that can be locked to give stability or unlocked to permit greater manoeuvrability.
Certain all-terrain strollers have an adjustable brake handbrake that locks and is more accessible by hand. This is better than the traditional pedal that is located on the handlebars. This is an excellent feature to have if you want to tackle difficult terrain, particularly with a child in the seat and lots of shopping bags tucked away under!
There are many strollers with excellent off-road capabilities but aren’t the most powerful. They also have big wheels and great suspension. They tend to be more affordable than full-on all-terrain buggy models and can be suitable for short strolls in the countryside or trips to the park.
A lot of strollers are suitable for infants and come with an infant carrycot or a car seat that is designed for newborns. Be aware that when it comes to pushing over bumps and dips the seats will not lie completely flat. According to EU regulations, they have to meet minimum standards for a recline of around 150 degrees. Graco has gotten around this issue by introducing a new ‘comfitech in-seat suspension’ which allows the seat recline at a more rounded angle for a bit more comfort. This feature is available on the Lila XP All-Terrain Pushchair, which can be paired with a compatible Graco Infant Car Seat to create a 3-in-1 travel system.
Seat
There’s a whole range of three-wheel all terrain pushchairs to choose from with a fantastic off-road capability. They are perfect if you live in the countryside or frequently walk on uneven, rough terrain. These are more robust and durable than a standard pushchair. They have special features, like big puncture-proof tires to handle the toughest surfaces. They tend to be quite wide, and may be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or aisles in shops.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy can either be a parent or world facing and grows with your child from infant to toddler (it’s suitable for children as young as 6 months). It’s fitted with foam-filled ‘never flat’ tyres to ensure smooth rides with dual frame suspension, as well as luxurious padding in the seat, which provides superb postural support and comfort. It also comes with a reclining mechanism, as well as a large extendable sun hood with integrated ventilation, as well as a pocket for your smart phone.
The brand new Out ‘n’ About Nipper V5 is a great option. It’s an all-terrain stroller that is an innovator. It has great suspension and air-filled tyres, so it’s suitable to run once your child is of the right age. It has a 360-degree lockable front wheel that allows ease of maneuverability and one-handed folding. It’s suitable from birth and can be used with an UPPAbaby carrycot, or infant car seat adapters (sold separately).
A lot of all-terrain pushchairs do not have an reversible seat, however the likes of the Oyster 3, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do have this option, and both provide an excellent level of off-road capability and an acceptable weight limit for a 2 year old. There are also many pushchairs that are classified as all-rounders, such as the iCandy Pear and Bugaboo Cameleon which are very good with rough terrain at the park or National Trust places but don’t offer the off-road capabilities of all-terrain pushchairs.
There are also crossover models that offer an excellent compromise between off-road and high-street. They have large wheels, excellent suspension, and are built in a pushchair-style, with the option of reversible seating as well as carrycots. The best models are manufactured by companies like iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
All-terrain pushchairs are essential when you live in a rural area or take your child on regular walks over rough terrain. These pushchairs have larger wheels on the back of traditional pushchairs, which enables them to deal with rough terrain better and provide a smoother ride for your child. A lot of models also have a sturdy suspension and puncture-proof so they can be used on grass, woodland paths and forest paths, as well as gravel roads and market town cobbles.
Certain all-terrain pushchairs come with front wheels that lock, which offers additional stability when walking on rough terrain and over high kerbs. Others have swivel front wheels which allow you to manoeuvre the buggy more easily when changing direction or turning corners.
All-terrain strollers come with air-filled tyres that are great for dealing with rough terrain. However they are more prone to punctures to punctures than the EVA tyres used on lighter city strollers. It’s therefore worth purchasing a repair kit and spare inner tube to go with your pushchair. Some all-terrain models feature foam tyres, which are less prone to punctures but they’re not as effective in absorption of shock and can be more difficult to push than tyres with air filled.
The brand new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is a great model of a stroller that includes both foam and air filled tyres. It also has a fantastic suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture proof and suitable for off-road usage or jogging (once your child is of the appropriate age). The model is also suitable for children from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or a lie-flat seat.
Another option is the iCandy Peach All-Terrain, which features large tyres as well as only a single steering wheel in the front. It is not as flexible as the other strollers that are all-terrain however it can be able to handle terrain that is hilly and features a large one-handed fold that’s great for long walks in the countryside, or long journeys. It’s also suitable for children from birth and has a huge sun canopy that can be extended and some great parent-friendly features such as a brake pedal that is easy to use with an adjustable handlebar as well as a generously spacious basket.
Storage
For parents that would like to take their children off-road but don’t necessarily fancy climbing Ben Nevis, there are excellent all terrain pushchairs that provide the best of both worlds. Find a model that has good all-terrain capabilities, sturdy suspension, and large puncture-proof wheels, yet is built in a traditional pushchair design with reversible seating as well as full carrycot options.
The UPPAbaby’s bestselling Ridge all-terrain pushchair is an excellent illustration. It comes with a fantastic suspension as well as a one-handed fold and a large basket that can carry up to 10kg. But it also has many features that are child-friendly, like an adjustable handlebar and an operator-operated break on the right. The hood can be removed, and washed with cool soapy-water to keep out mould and mildew.
If you’re going to be driving your all-terrain pushchair off road, it’s worth opting for air-filled tyres instead of ones with rubber grips. They will provide a smoother ride on rough ground and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you are planning to use your all terrain pushchair to jog occasionally, ensure that the front wheel can be swivelable or has a quick-release feature so it can lock in place for more stability.
To ensure that the fabric is in good condition, it’s important to ensure that they are washed by a machine. If not, a spot clean with warm water and a small amount of gentle soap should suffice. Drying the fabric completely outdoors will also help to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
The majority of our three wheeled all terrain pushchairs can be used from the time of birth. Look for models with a fully lie-flat chair and a reversible rearrest that will allow you to use it from birth right up until your child is around three years old. Many of them are compatible with car seat adaptors when you’re traveling with an all-three-person family. If you’d prefer to leave the car at home, there are some all-terrain pushchairs that have a fixed front wheel which are ideal for a casual stroll or jogging for a short distance like the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon which is available in a range of frame and canvas sizes to fit adults and children.