A pushchair that is all-terrain with great maneuverability will be perfect whether you are seeking a stroller for walking in the woods or for an excursion on the high street. These models typically have large wheels and have a powerful suspension to ensure smooth rides over bumps and rough ground.
The majority are suitable for babies and come with a lie-flat baby seat or newborn carrycot. They are also typically fitted with foam-filled tyres that are never flat to help with maintenance.
Suspension
A true all-terrain pushchair has a sturdy suspension that is designed to be extra smooth and comfortable on rough terrain. This will help your child to feel comfortable and comfortable. The wheels are usually large and puncture-proof to protect against damage from sharp rocks or sharp sticks.
The larger tyres will also allow you navigate more difficult terrains with ease and some pushchairs that are all-terrain even having different tyres you can switch between to suit different conditions. Based on the type of terrain you like to explore, some all-terrain pushchairs have a swivel front wheel which can be locked to ensure stability or left unlocked for greater maneuverability when required.
A few all-terrain strollers include an adjustable brake handbrake that locks and is easier to reach using your hands. This is superior to an ordinary pedal on the handlebars. This is a great option if you’re an avid climber.
If you don’t wish to go as far as an all-terrain pushchair there are many strollers that are very well-built, but not the ultimate off-road capabilities, and have great suspension and big wheels. They are usually less expensive than the more expensive full-on all terrain buggy options, and will still be perfect for trips to the dog park or short walks around the countryside.
Many of these pushchairs can be used for babies from birth, whether with an infant carrycot or a Kinderkraft HELSI 3-Wheeler Baby Stroller in Gray-ready car seat. Be aware that when pushing over dips and bumps, the seats aren’t completely flat – as per EU regulations, they have to meet the minimum requirements for reclined position of around 150 degrees. Certain brands, like Graco, have overcome this problem with their new “comfitech” suspension in the seat that allows the seat to recline at a flatter angle to provide a bit more comfort. This is available on the Lila XP all-terrain pushchair which can be used with an appropriate Graco infant car seat to create a 3 in 1 travel system.
Seat
There’s a wide selection of 3-wheel all-terrain pushchairs available that offer excellent off-road performance. These are ideal if you reside in the countryside or regularly walk on uneven, rough ground. These are more robust and durable than a regular pushchair. They are equipped with unique features such as large puncture-proof tires that can handle the most difficult surfaces. They are usually quite wide, and may be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or through aisles in shops.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy can either be facing the world or towards the parent and grows with your child, from newborn to toddler (it’s suitable from 6 months). It has ‘never-flat’ foam-filled tyres that provide a smooth ride. It also comes with dual frame suspension luxurious padding and a seat with great postural support. It also has a reclining feature and comes with an extended hood that is large with integrated venting, as well as pockets for smartphones.
The new Out ‘n’ About Nipper V5 is another excellent choice. It’s an all-terrain stroller that’s a trailblazer. It comes with fantastic suspension and air-filled tyres so it can be used to run once your child reaches the appropriate age. It also has an adjustable 360-degree swivel front wheel that allows for manoeuvrability and it folds with one hand, which is easy and quick. It’s suitable from birth and can be used with an UPPAbaby carrycot, or infant car seat adaptors (sold separately).
A majority of all-terrain pushchairs lack an reversible seat, however the likes of the Oyster 3, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do come with this option, and both provide an excellent level of off-road performance, and also have a decent weight limit for a 2 year old. There are a variety of pushchairs that are classed as all-rounders, like the iCandy Pear and Bugaboo Cameleon that are able to cope with rough terrain at the park or National Trust places but don’t have quite the off-road capability of all-terrain pushchairs.
Then there are the crossover models that are a great alternative to extreme off-road and street and have great all-terrain capability with big wheels and excellent suspension, but they’re designed in a typical pushchair style with reversible seats as well as full carrycot options and are suitable for use on a daily basis. Some of the top models are manufactured by brands like iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
All-terrain pushchairs are essential if you live in a rural area or take your child on regular walks over rough terrain. These models have bigger wheels on the back than regular pushchairs, which allows them to withstand rough terrain better and provide the most comfortable ride for your child. They also have sturdy suspension and puncture-proof versions which make them suitable for use on woodland, grass or paths through the forest as well as gravel tracks and town cobbles.
Some all-terrain pushchairs also feature a lockable front wheel which gives additional stability when walking on rough terrain or on high kerbs. Some have swivel wheels on the front which allows you to move the buggy more easily in case you want to change direction or turn corners.
All-terrain strollers have Hauck XL Air Wheels Pushchair with Neon Finishing-filled tyres that are great for dealing with rough terrain. However they are more prone to punctures than the solid EVA tyres that are found on light city strollers. It’s therefore worth purchasing an repair kit and spare inner tube to go with your pushchair. Certain all-terrain models come with foam tyres, which are less susceptible to punctures but aren’t as effective at absorption of shock and can feel harder to push than air-filled tyres.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is a great model of a stroller which includes both foam and air filled tyres. It also features a fantastic suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture resistant and suitable for off-road use or running (once your child reaches the appropriate age). It is also suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or a lie-flat chair.
The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another alternative. It comes with large tyres, a single steering wheel at the front and large tyres. It is not as flexible as other strollers with all-terrain wheels on this list however, it is able to manage hilly terrain and features a large one-handed fold that is great for long walks in the countryside or long trips. It’s also suitable from birth and has a huge sun canopy that can be extended as well as a number of fantastic features for parents like a simple brake pedal and a movable handlebar, as well as a large sized basket.
Stores
There are excellent all-terrain pushchairs for parents who are looking to take their children off-road but don’t want to take on Ben Nevis. They offer the best of both. Choose a model that has an excellent all-terrain capability, solid suspension, and large puncture-proof wheels but designed in the traditional pushchair style with reversible seats and all carrycot options.
UPPAbaby’s popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is an excellent illustration of this. It offers excellent suspension, an easy one-handed fold and a generous 10kg basket. It also has features that are suitable for parents, such as an adjustable handlebar, a hand-operated brake on the right side and a large covered storage space. The hood can be taken off and washed with cool soapy-water to keep out mould and mildew.
If you plan to take your all-terrain stroller off road and on the road, you should consider air-filled tires instead of rubber grips. They’ll provide a more comfortable ride on uneven ground and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you intend to use your all-terrain stroller for occasional jogging, make sure the front wheel can swivel or has a quick release feature to ensure it is locked in place to give you greater stability.
To ensure that the fabric is in perfect condition, it’s important to ensure that they can be washed by a machine. If not, a spot clean with warm water and a bit of gentle soap should suffice. The fabric can be dried thoroughly outside to avoid mould or mildew.
The majority of our three wheel all terrain pushchairs can be used from the time of birth. Look for models with an all-flat seat that is fully lie-flat and a reversible rearrest that will allow you to use it from birth right up until your child is about three years old. If you want to travel with your family of three, many are compatible with car seats thanks to built-in adaptors. You can leave your car at home and use all-terrain strollers that have fixed wheels for light jogging or casual strolling. One example is the Delta Special Needs All-Terrain Jogger from Delichon available in various sizes of canvas and frame that suit both children and adults.
