3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
Whether you're seeking a stroller for walks in the woods or strolls on the main streets, an all terrain pushchair with excellent maneuverability is an ideal fit. These types typically have big wheels and offer impressive suspension to ensure smooth riding over bumps and rough ground.
Most are suitable from birth and include a lie-flat seat or a baby carrycot. These vehicles also have tyres that do not flatten, usually made of foam.
Suspension
A genuine all-terrain pushchair will have good suspension, specifically designed to be smooth on rough ground, helping your little one to feel comfortable and at ease. The wheels should also be large and will usually have a puncture-proof design to protect against damage caused by sharp rocks or sticks.
The larger tyres can enable you tackle more difficult terrains easily, with some all-terrain pushchairs even having different tyres you can switch between for different conditions. Depending on the kind of terrain you want to explore, some all-terrain pushchairs have an swivel front wheel that can be locked for stability or left unlocked for greater maneuverability when needed.
For added peace of mind, some all-terrain pushchairs will include a lockable handbrake which is easier to reach and utilize with your hands instead of an ordinary brake pedal located on the handlebars' side. This is a great feature to have if you want to climb up steep hills, especially with children in the seat and lots of shopping bags stashed under!
There are many strollers that have excellent off-road capabilities, but not the ultimate. They also have big wheels and a great suspension. These are usually less expensive than full-on all terrain buggy models, and can work well for short country walks or trips to the park.
A lot of strollers are suitable for babies with either a carrycot or a car seat that is ready for infants. 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 requirements for reclining position of about 150deg. Certain brands, like Graco, have overcome this with their new 'comfitech' in-seat suspension which allows the seat to recline at a slightly flatter angle for a bit 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 are a wide range of 3-wheeled all-terrain pushchairs available, which offer a superb off road capability. These are perfect if you reside in the countryside or walk frequently on rough, uneven terrain. They are typically more durable and durable than a standard pushchair, and come with features such as large wheels that can withstand punctures to withstand the toughest of surfaces. They are usually quite wide, and could be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or aisles in stores.
All-terrain buggy seats are positioned either parent or world facing. They will grow with your child from birth to toddler. It has 'never-flat' foam-filled tyres that provide a smooth ride. It also features dual frame suspension, luxurious padding and an adjustable seat that provides excellent postural support. It features a recline feature, as well as an extended hood that is large, integrated venting and a pocket for a smartphone.
Another excellent choice is the brand new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 Pushchair for all-terrain use that is a true trailblazer with great suspension and air-filled tyres which means it can be used for jogging once your child is old enough. It has an adjustable 360-degree locking front wheel that allows 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).
A lot of all-terrain pushchairs do not have a reversible seat, but 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 a decent weight limit for a 2-year old. There are also many pushchairs that are classified as all-rounders like the iCandy Pear and Bugaboo Cameleon which are very good with the rough terrain found in park or National Trust places but don't have quite the off-road capability of genuine all-terrain pushchairs.
There are also crossover models that are an excellent compromise between off-road and high-street. They have big wheels, great suspension, and are built in a pushchair design, and include the option of reversible seating as well as carrycots. The best models are manufactured by brands such as iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
All-terrain pushchairs are essential when you live in the countryside or take your child on regular walks on rough terrain. These models have larger wheels on the back of traditional pushchairs, which enables them to handle rough terrain better and provide the most comfortable ride for your child. Some also have a sturdy suspension and puncture-proof types which make them suitable for use on grass, woodland or trails, gravel tracks and market town cobbles.
Some all-terrain pushchairs also feature an adjustable front wheel that gives additional stability when walking on rough terrain and on high kerbs. Some have swivel wheels on the front, which allow you to move the buggy with ease if you want to change direction or turn corners.
Most all-terrain pushchairs have air-filled tyres that provide excellent shock absorption and are great for rough terrain, but they're more prone to punctures than the EVA tyres that are used on lightweight city strollers therefore it's a good idea to invest in repair kits, spare inner tube and pump for your pushchair. Some all-terrain models have foam tyres which are less susceptible to punctures but aren't as effective in absorbing shock and may feel harder to push than tyres with air filled.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 is a great example of a child's pushchair with both foam-filled and air-filled tyres, an excellent suspension system, and large wheels that are puncture-proof at the rear. They are perfect for off-road or jogging use (once your child is old enough). This model can be used even from birth with a carrycot and a lie-flat chair.
Another alternative is the iCandy Peach All-Terrain, which features large tyres as well as only a single steering wheel in the front. It's not as flexible as some of the other all-terrain pushchairs on this list, but it can cope well with hills and features an expansive, one-handed fold which is great if you're going to be using the pushchair for long walks or trips into the countryside. It's also suitable for infants and features a large canopy that extends with an adjustable handlebar and a generously sized basket.
Storage
For parents that would like to take their child off-road, but aren't sure about taking on Ben Nevis, there are excellent all terrain pushchairs that provide the best of both worlds. Look for 3 wheel buggies with good all-terrain capability, sturdy suspension and large puncture-proof wheels. However, they are designed in the traditional pushchair style, with reversible seats and the option of a full carrycot.
UPPAbaby's well-known Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a perfect example of this. It has a great suspension, a simple fold and a huge 10kg basket but also has features that are suitable for parents, such as an adjustable handlebar, a hand-operated brake on the right and a large covered storage space. The hood can be removed, and washed using cool soapy-water to avoid mould or mildew.
If you are planning to take your all-terrain stroller off road choose air-filled tires instead of rubber grips. They will give you a smoother ride over rough terrain and make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you intend to use your all terrain pushchair for jogging, ensure that the front wheel is swivelable or has a quick-release feature to lock it in place for greater stability.
It's important to check the fabric of your pushchair to ensure it can be machine washed to maintain them in perfect condition. If not, spot cleaning with warm water and a bit of mild soap will suffice. The fabric can be dried thoroughly outside to avoid mildew or mould.
The majority of our 3 wheeled all terrain pushchairs can be used from the time of birth. It is recommended to look for models that have a fully lying-flat seat with a reversible backrest. This will allow you to use the pushchair from the time your baby is born until the time your child is around three years old. Many of them are compatible with car seat adaptors if you're traveling as an all-three-person family. If you'd like to leave the car at home, there are some all-terrain pushchairs with a fixed front wheel which are ideal for a casual stroll or light jogging, such as the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon that is available in a variety of frame and canvas sizes to fit adults and children.