3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
Whether you're looking for a buggy to tackle walks in the woods or strolls on the main streets, a pushchair that is all-terrain with a great maneuverability will be an ideal fit. These models are usually equipped with large wheels and a suspension system that provides a smooth ride on rough terrain.
Many are suitable for babies and include a seat that can be placed in a flat position or a carrycot for newborns. These vehicles also come with tyres which never flatten, which are typically composed of foam.
Suspension
A true all terrain pushchair will have a good suspension which is designed to be extra smooth on rough terrain which allows your child to be comfortable and calm. The wheels will also be large and typically be puncture-proof to protect against damage caused by sharp rocks or sticks.
The larger tyres will enable you tackle more difficult terrain with ease Some all-terrain pushchairs even having additional tyres that can be switched between for different conditions. Certain all-terrain strollers feature a swivel wheel that can be locked to provide stability, or left unlocked to allow for greater maneuverability.
A few all-terrain strollers include a lockable brake handbrake that is more accessible using your hands. This is superior to a traditional pedal on the handlebars. This is a great feature to have if you want to tackle steep hills, especially with children in the seat and a lot of shopping bags tucked away under!
If you don't want go as extreme as an all-terrain pushchair, there are a lot of strollers that have very good - but not ultimate - off-road capabilities, and have great suspension and large wheels. These are often a bit more affordable than the more expensive full-on all-terrain pushchairs, and will still be ideal for excursions to the park with your dog or short country walks.
A lot of strollers are suitable for babies, with either a carrycot or car seat that is designed for babies. However, be aware that when pushing over bumps and dips, the seats will not lie completely flat. According to EU regulations, they have to meet minimum requirements for recline of around 150 degrees. Certain brands, like Graco, have overcome this issue with their 'comfitech' in-seat suspension which allows the seat to recline at a slightly more flatter angle for a little more comfort. It is available on the Lila XP all-terrain pushchair which can be used in conjunction with a compatible Graco infant car seat to create a 3- in 1 travel system.
Seat
There's a variety of 3-wheel all-terrain pushchairs available, offering a superb off-road capability. These are perfect if you live in the countryside or regularly walk on uneven, rough terrain. They are often more robust and durable than a standard pushchair, and have special features such as large wheels that are puncture-proof to deal with the toughest of surfaces. They're usually quite wide, and may be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or through aisles in stores.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy could be a parent or world facing and will grow with your child, from infant to toddler (it's suitable for children as young as 6 months). It comes with 'never flat' foam-filled tires that offer a comfortable ride. It also comes with dual frame suspension luxurious padding and an adjustable seat that provides excellent postural support. It also has a reclining mechanism and comes with an extended sun hood that can be extended, integrated ventilation and 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's an inspiration. It has fantastic suspension and air-filled tyres so it's able to jog once your child reaches the appropriate age. It has a 360-degree lockable front wheel that provides easy maneuverability and a quick one-handed folding. It's suitable from birth and can be combined with an UPPAbaby carrycot, or infant car seat adaptors (sold separately).
There are a number of all-terrain strollers that do not have the option of a reversible seating. However the Oyster 3, Venicci Tanum and egg 2, which offer this option, have a good weight limit as well as a excellent off-road capability. Many pushchairs are classified as all-rounders. These include the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and a few others. They can handle rough terrain in parks or National Trust locations, but don't have the off-road capabilities as genuine all-terrain strollers.
There are also crossover models that offer an excellent compromise between extreme off road and high street. They have large wheels, great suspension, and are designed in a pushchair-style, with reversible seating and carrycot options. The best models are manufactured by companies like iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
If you live in a rural area or regularly take your baby for walks over rough terrain an all-terrain pushchair is vital. These models have bigger wheels that are mounted on the back than normal pushchairs, allowing them to handle bumpy terrain better and provide the most comfortable ride for your child. 3 wheel stroller lightweight have a robust suspension that is puncture-proof. They can be used on woodland paths or forest paths, gravel roads and market town cobbles.
Some all-terrain pushchairs also feature a lockable front wheel which gives extra stability when walking over rough terrain and over high kerbs. Some models have swivel front wheels that let you maneuver the buggy more easily when you change direction or turn corners.
Most all-terrain pushchairs feature air-filled tyres that provide excellent shock absorption and are great for rough terrain however they're more susceptible to punctures than solid EVA tyres used on city strollers that are light, which is why you should invest in repair kits, spare inner tube and pump for your pushchair. Certain all-terrain models come with foam tyres which are less susceptible to punctures, but aren't as good at taking in shock and could be harder to push than air-filled tyres.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is an excellent model of a stroller which includes both foam and air filled tyres. It also comes with a great suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture resistant and ideal for off-road use or running (once your child reaches an appropriate age). This model can also be used from birth with a carrycot and an incline-flat chair.
Another alternative is the iCandy Peach All-Terrain, which comes with large tyres and only a single steering wheel in the front. It's not as flexible as other all-terrain strollers on this list however, it is able to be able to handle terrain that is hilly and features a large, one-handed fold that is great for long walks in the countryside or long trips. It's also suitable for infants and has a spacious canopy that can be extended with an adjustable handlebar and a generously sized basket.
Storage
There are some excellent all-terrain pushchairs that are ideal for parents who would like to take their child off-road, but don't want to tackle Ben Nevis. They are the best of both. Find models that have good all-terrain capabilities, sturdy suspension and large puncture proof wheels, yet is built in a traditional pushchair design with reversible seating and full carrycot options.
UPPAbaby's popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a good illustration. It has a great suspension as well as a one-handed fold and a generous basket that can hold up to 10kg. It also comes with numerous features that are suitable for parents, such as an adjustable handlebar and an operator-operated break on the right. The hood can be taken off and washed with cool soapy water to prevent mildew or mould.
If you are planning to take your all-terrain stroller off-road and on the road, you should consider air-filled tires rather than rubber grips. They'll provide an easier ride on rough terrain and will make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you plan to use your all-terrain pushchair for occasional jogging, ensure that the front wheel can swivel or features a quick release mechanism to ensure it is locked in place for more stability.
It is essential to determine if the pushchair fabrics can be machine washed to maintain them in perfect condition. If not, a spot cleaning with warm water and a small amount of mild soap will suffice. Drying the fabric thoroughly outside can also prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
The majority of our 3 wheel all terrain pushchairs can be used from the moment of birth. It is recommended to look for models that have a fully lying-flat seat with a reversible backrest. This allows you to use the pushchair from the moment your baby is born until your child reaches three years old. Many are compatible with car seat adaptors for a family of three. You can leave your car at home and utilize all-terrain strollers with fixed wheels for casual jogging or light strolling. One example is the Delta Special Needs All-Terrain Jogger from Delichon available in several sizes of canvas and frame that suit both children and adults.