3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
Whether you're seeking a stroller to tackle woodland walks or strolls on the main streets, an all-terrain pushchair with a great maneuverability will be a great fit. These models typically come with large wheels and a suspension system that provides smooth riding on rough terrain.
The majority of them are suitable from birth and come with a lie-flat baby seat or newborn carrycot. They also usually have foam-filled never-flat tyres to reduce maintenance.
Suspension
A genuine all-terrain pushchair will have an excellent suspension that has been designed to be smooth and comfortable on rough terrain. This will help your child feel more relaxed and comfortable. The wheels should also be large and typically be puncture-proof to protect against damage caused by sharp sticks or rocks.
Some all-terrain strollers allow you to switch between additional tyres for different conditions. Depending on what kind of terrain you like to explore Certain all-terrain pushchairs feature an swivel front wheel that can be locked to ensure stability or unlocked for more maneuverability when required.
Some all-terrain strollers come with an adjustable brake handbrake that locks and is easier to reach by hand. This is better than an ordinary pedal on the handlebars. This is an excellent feature to have if you want to tackle difficult terrain, particularly with children in the seat and lots of shopping bags tucked away underneath!
If you don't want go quite as extreme as an all-terrain pushchair, there are a lot of strollers that offer excellent - but not ultimate - off road capability with great suspension and big wheels. These are typically less expensive than the more expensive all-terrain buggy models however they are ideal for excursions to the park with the dog or short walks around the countryside.
A lot of strollers are suitable for babies with either a carrycot or a car seat that is designed for newborns. Be aware that the seats will not lie flat when pushing over bumps or dips. According to EU regulations, they only need to meet minimum standards of a reclining angle of around 150deg. Graco has gotten around this issue with its new 'comfitech 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 an appropriate Graco Infant Car Seat to create a three-in-one travel system.
Seat
There is a broad selection of 3-wheeled all-terrain pushchairs available that offer an excellent off-road capability. These are perfect if you live on the countryside or regularly walk on uneven, rough terrain. They are typically more durable and sturdy than a regular pushchair, with special features such as large wheels that can withstand punctures to deal with the toughest of surfaces. They tend to be quite wide and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in aisles of shops.
All-terrain buggy seats can be placed either in the direction of parents or world facing. They will grow with your child from newborn to toddler. It's equipped with foam-filled 'never flat' tyres for a smooth ride, dual frame suspension and lavish padding inside the seat unit that offers superb postural support and comfort. It also has a reclining feature, an enormous hood that can be extended, integrated venting and an area for a smartphone.
Another great option is the brand new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 Pushchair for all-terrain use that's a trailblazer with great suspension and tyres that are air-filled, so it can be used for jogging once your child is old enough. three wheel pushchair features a 360-degree lockable front wheel that allows for effortless maneuverability as well as a swift one-handed folding. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be used with an UPPAbaby carrycot, or infant car seat adapters (sold separately).
There are many all-terrain strollers that do not have a reversible seat. However the Oyster 3, Venicci Tanum and egg 2, which come with this option, come with a very good weight limit and a very robust off-road ability. Many pushchairs are classified as all-rounders. They include the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and others. They can navigate rough terrain in parks or National Trust locations, but lack the off-road capabilities of true all-terrain strollers.
There are also crossover models which are a fantastic alternative to extreme off-road and high street and offer excellent all-terrain capabilities with big wheels and excellent suspension, but they're designed in a typical pushchair style, with reversible seats and the option of a full carrycot and can be used on a daily basis. Some of the best ones are manufactured by companies such as iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
If you live in a rural area or take your child regularly for walks on rough terrain an all-terrain pushchair becomes essential. These models usually have larger back wheels than standard pushchairs which makes them better at handling bumpy off-road terrain, and ensuring an easy ride for your child. Some also have a robust suspension and puncture-proof models to ensure they're safe for use on woodland, grass or trails, gravel tracks and market town cobbles.
Certain all-terrain strollers also have a lockable wheel on the front which provides extra stability when walking on rough terrain or high kerbs. Some models have swivel wheels at the front that allow you to move the buggy with ease when you need to change direction or turn corners.
All-terrain pushchairs come with air-filled tyres that provide excellent shock absorption and are perfect for tackling rough ground but they are more susceptible to punctures than EVA tyres that are used on lightweight city strollers so it's worth buying an repair kit, spare inner tube and pump for your pushchair. Some all-terrain models feature foam tyres that are less susceptible to punctures but aren't as effective at taking in shock and could feel harder to push than tyres with air filled.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 is a good example of a pushchair that comes with air and foam-filled tyres, an excellent suspension system, and large wheels that are puncture-proof at the rear. They are ideal for off-road or jogging use (once your child is old enough). This model can also be used from birth with a carrycot as well as a lie-flat chair.
The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another option. It has big tires, a single steering wheel at the front and large tyres. It's not as flexible as other strollers that are all-terrain, but it can handle hilly terrain well and has a spacious one-handed fold that's great for long walks in the countryside or long journeys. It's also suitable for babies and has a large, extendable sun canopy and some great parent-friendly features such as a brake pedal that is easy to use, adjustable handlebar and generously big basket.
Storage
For parents that would like to take their child off-road but don't necessarily fancy tackling Ben Nevis, there are excellent all terrain pushchairs that give you the best of both worlds. Look for a model with excellent all-terrain capabilities, durable suspension and large puncture-proof wheels, but built in the traditional pushchair style with reversible seats as well as full carrycot options.
UPPAbaby's popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is an excellent example of this; it has a great suspension, a simple fold, and a large 10kg basket. It also has features for parents that are child-friendly, like an adjustable handlebar, hand-operated brake on the right-hand side and a huge covered storage space. The hood can be removed, and washed with cool soapy water to keep out mould and mildew.
If you plan to use your all-terrain stroller off the road and on the road, you should consider air-filled tires instead of rubber grips. These will provide an easier ride on rough terrain, and make it easier to navigate through tight spaces. If you intend to use your all-terrain pushchair for occasional jogging, make sure the front wheel can swivel or has a quick release facility to lock it in place to provide greater stability.
It is important to verify that the pushchair fabrics can be machine washed to keep them in perfect condition. If not, a spot wash using soapy water and warm water ought to be sufficient. Drying the fabric thoroughly outside can also prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
The majority of our 3 wheel pushchairs are suitable for use from the moment of birth. You should search for models with a fully lying-flat seat with an adjustable backrest. This will allow you to use the pushchair from the time your baby is born until the time your child reaches around three years old. Some are compatible with car seat adapters for an all-three-person family. You can leave your car at home and utilize all-terrain strollers that have a fixed wheel for light jogging or casual strolling. One such example is the Delta Special Needs All-Terrain Jogger from Delichon, which comes in a variety of frame and canvas sizes that suit both children and adults.