A pushchair that is all-terrain and has excellent maneuverability will suit you whether you are looking for a buggy for woodland walks or a stroll on the high street. These models typically come with large wheels and suspension systems that provide a smooth ride on rough terrain.
The majority are suitable for babies and come with a lie-flat baby seat or newborn carrycot. These vehicles also have tyres that never flatten, and are usually composed of foam.
Suspension
A genuine all-terrain pushchair will have a good suspension, designed to be extra smooth on rough terrain which allows your child to be comfortable and calm. The wheels are typically large and puncture-proof to protect against damage from sharp rocks or sharp sticks.
The larger tyres will also help you navigate more difficult terrains easily, with some all-terrain pushchairs even offering the option of additional tyres to switch between to suit different conditions. Certain all-terrain strollers feature an swivel wheel which can be locked to provide stability or unlocked to allow for greater maneuverability.
For additional peace of mind, some all-terrain pushchairs will include a lockable handbrake which is much easier to reach and utilize with your hands rather than using a traditional brake pedal placed on the handlebars’ sides. This is a fantastic feature if you are inclined to climb steep hills.
There are many strollers that have good off-road capability however they are not the best. They also have large wheels and great suspension. They tend to be less expensive than full-on all terrain buggy models and can be suitable for short walks in the countryside or trips to the park.
A lot of these pushchairs can be used from birth, either with an infant carrycot or a baby-ready car seat. However, be aware that when it comes to pushing over bumps and dips the seats will not lie completely flat. As per EU regulations, they are required to meet the minimum requirements for recline of around 150 degrees. Graco has overcome this problem by introducing a new ‘comfitech in-seat suspension’ that lets the seat to recline at a flatter angle for more comfort. This is available on the Lila XP all-terrain pushchair which can be used with an compatible Graco infant car seat to create a 3 wheeler pushchairs– in 1 travel system.
Seat
There’s a wide selection of three-wheel all terrain pushchairs to pick from with a fantastic off-road performance. They are ideal if you live in the countryside or walk regularly on rough, uneven terrain. These are more robust and durable than a standard pushchair. They are equipped with unique features like large puncture-proof tires to withstand the most difficult surfaces. They can be quite wide and can be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or in aisles of shops.
All-terrain buggy seat can be positioned either parent or world facing. They grow with your child from newborn to toddler. It is equipped with ‘never-flat’ foam tyres that give a smooth ride. It also features dual frame suspension luxurious padding and a seat with great postural support. It also comes with a reclining mechanism and comes with a large extendable sun hood, integrated ventilation and an integrated pocket for smartphones.
The brand new Out ‘n’ About Nipper V5 is a great option. It’s an all-terrain stroller that is an innovator. It has excellent suspension and air-filled tyres, so it’s suitable to run once your child is of the right age. It also features a 360 swivel lockable front wheel that allows for manoeuvrability and an easy fold that’s simple and quick. It’s suitable from birth and can be used with an UPPAbaby carrycot or infant car seat adaptors (sold separately).
There are many all-terrain strollers that don’t offer a reversible seat. However the Oyster 3, Venicci Tanum and egg 2, which offer this option, have a good weight limit and a robust off-road ability. A lot of pushchairs are categorized as all-rounders. This includes the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and others. They can manage rough terrain in parks and National Trust locations, but lack the off-road capabilities of real all-terrain strollers.
Then there are the crossover models, which are a great alternative to extreme off-road and street and are able to handle all terrains with big wheels and excellent suspension, but they’re built more in the typical pushchair style with reversible seats and full carrycot options and can be used on a daily basis. The best models are made by brands such as iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
If you reside in a rural location or take your child regularly on walks over rough ground an all-terrain pushchair is vital. These pushchairs typically have bigger back wheels than standard pushchairs which makes them better in handling rough off-road terrain, and ensuring a smooth ride for your child. They also have sturdy suspension and puncture-proof versions which make them suitable for use on woodland, grass or forest paths as well as gravel tracks and town cobbles.
Some all-terrain pushchairs also feature a lockable front wheel which provides more stability when walking on rough terrain or on high kerbs. Some models have swivel wheels at the front which allows you to move the buggy with ease in case you want to change direction or turn corners.
All-terrain strollers feature air-filled tyres that are excellent for dealing with rough terrain. However they are more susceptible to punctures to punctures than the EVA tyres used on lighter city strollers. It’s worth buying an repair kit and spare inner tube along with your pushchair. Certain all-terrain models come with foam tyres that are less prone to punctures, but aren’t as effective in absorbing shock and may be harder to push than tyres filled with air.
The brand new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is a great example of a stroller that includes both foam and air filled tyres. It also features a fantastic suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture-proof and suitable for off-road usage or jogging (once your child reaches the appropriate age). It is also suitable for children from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or a lay-flat seat.
The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another option. It has large tyres, a single steering-wheel in the front and big tyres. 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-hand fold that is ideal for long walks in the countryside or long journeys. It is also suitable for babies and features a large, extendable canopy with an adjustable handlebar and a generously sized basket.
Storage
Parents who want to take their little one off-road, but don’t want to commit to climbing Ben Nevis, there are excellent all terrain pushchairs that provide the best of both worlds. Choose one that has all-terrain capabilities, sturdy suspension and large puncture-proof wheels, yet is built in a traditional pushchair style with reversible seating and full carrycot options.
UPPAbaby’s popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a perfect example of this; it provides excellent suspension, a simple one-handed fold and a generous 10kg basket but also has parent-friendly features including an adjustable handlebar, hand-operated brake on the right-hand side and a large covered storage space. The hood can be removed, and washed with cool soapy-water to prevent mildew or mould.
If you’re going to be using your all-terrain pushchair off-road, it’s worth opting for air-filled tyres instead of ones with rubber grips. They will give you a smoother ride over rough terrain, and make it easier to navigate in tight spaces. If you are planning to use your all-terrain pushchair for occasional jogging ensure that the front wheel is swivelable or has a quick release feature to lock it into position for better stability.
To keep the fabrics in pristine condition, it’s important to make sure they can be washed by a machine. If not, a spot cleaning with warm soapy water and some warm water should suffice. Drying the fabric thoroughly outdoors can also prevent mildew and mould from forming.
The majority of our three wheeled all terrain pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth. You should look for models that have a fully flat seat and a reversible backrest. This allows you to use the pushchair from the moment your baby is born until your child reaches around three years of age. Some are compatible with car seat adaptors for an all-three-person family. If you’d rather leave the car at home, there are all-terrain pushchairs that have a fixed front wheel that are ideal for a casual stroll or jogging light like the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon which is available in a range of sizes for canvas and frames that can be used by adults and children.