3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
A pushchair that is all-terrain and has outstanding maneuverability will work whether you are searching for a buggy for nature walks or an excursion on the high streets. These models are usually equipped with large wheels and a suspension system that provides smooth riding on bumpy terrain.
Many are suitable for babies and come with a seat that can be set on a flat surface or a baby carrycot. They also usually have 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 smooth and comfortable on rough terrain. This will help your child feel relaxed and at ease. The wheels are usually large and puncture-proof to protect against injuries from sharp rocks or sharp sticks.
Some all-terrain strollers provide the option of switching between tyres with different conditions. Certain all-terrain strollers feature an swivel wheel which can be locked to give stability or unlocked to permit greater maneuverability.
Some all-terrain strollers come with an adjustable brake handbrake that locks and is more accessible using your hands. This is better than a traditional pedal on the handlebars. This is a great option if you're inclined to climb steep hills.
If you don't want go quite as extreme as an all-terrain pushchair, there are plenty of strollers on the market which offer excellent - but not the ultimate off road capability with great suspension and big wheels. They are generally cheaper than full-on all-terrain buggy options and will still work well for short walks in the countryside or trips to the park.
Many of these pushchairs are suitable starting at birth, either with a carrycot or a newborn-ready car seat. Be aware that the seats will not lie flat when pushing over bumps or dips. As per EU regulations, they only have to meet minimum requirements of an incline of about 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 for a little more comfort. This feature is available on the Lila XP All-Terrain Pushchair, that can be used in conjunction with an appropriate Graco Infant Car Seat to create a three-in-one travel system.
Seat
There's a wide selection of 3-wheel all-terrain pushchairs available that offer excellent off-road capabilities. 3 wheel buggies are ideal if you reside in the countryside or frequently go walking on uneven, rough ground. They are often more robust and sturdy than a regular pushchair, with special features like large puncture-proof wheels to withstand the toughest of surfaces. They are usually quite wide, so can be tricky to manoeuvre in tight spaces or narrow aisles in shops.
All-terrain buggy seats are placed either in the direction of parents or world facing. They grow with your child from birth to toddler. It is equipped with 'never-flat' foam tires that offer a comfortable ride. It also has dual frame suspension luxurious padding and a seat unit with excellent postural support. It also has a reclining feature and comes with a large extendable hood, integrated venting and a pocket for a smartphone.
Another option that is a great choice is the new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 Pushchair for all-terrain use that is a true trailblazer with an excellent suspension and air-filled tyres making it suitable for jogging when your child is old enough. It 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 paired with an UPPAbaby carrycot or infant car seat adaptors (sold separately).
There are a number of all-terrain strollers that do not have an reversible seat. However the Oyster 3, Venicci Tanum and egg 2, which come with this option, have a great weight limit and a high level of off-road capability. There are many pushchairs classified as all-rounders, such as the iCandy Pear and Bugaboo Cameleon that are able to cope with the rough terrain found in park or National Trust places but don't have quite the off-road capability of all-terrain pushchairs.
There are also crossover models that offer an excellent compromise between extreme off road and high street. They have big wheels, excellent suspension, and are designed in a pushchair-style, with an option for reversible seating and a carrycot. The best models are made by brands such as iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
If you reside in a rural location or frequently take your child for walks on rough terrain, an all-terrain pushchair is vital. These pushchairs typically have bigger back wheels than standard pushchairs which makes them better at handling bumpy off-road terrain, and ensuring the most comfortable ride for your child. They also have robust suspension and puncture-proof models which make them suitable for use on woodland, grass or paths through the forest or gravel tracks, as well as market town cobbles.
Some all-terrain strollers also have a lockable wheel on the front which provides extra stability when walking on rough terrain or over high kerbs. Some models have swivel front wheels that let you maneuver the buggy more easily when you are changing direction or turning corners.
Most all-terrain pushchairs have air-filled tyres, which provide excellent shock absorption and are great for rough terrain, however they're more susceptible to punctures than the EVA tyres that are used on lightweight city strollers so it's worth buying repair kits with spare tubes and a pump for your pushchair. Certain models come with foam tyres which are less likely to puncture but could be more difficult to push.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is an excellent model of a stroller which includes both foam and air filled tyres. It also features an excellent suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture-proof and suitable for off-road usage or jogging (once your child reaches an appropriate age). The model can also be used from birth with a carrycot and a lying-flat chair.
The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another alternative. It has large tyres, a single steering-wheel in the front and big tyres. It's not as flexible as other strollers that are all-terrain however, it is able to handle hilly terrain well and has a spacious one-handed fold that is great for long walks in the countryside, or long journeys. It's also suitable for children from birth and has a large sun canopy that extends and a host of great features for parents, such as a brake pedal that is easy to use, adjustable handlebar and generously big basket.
Stores
For parents that want to take their children off-road, but aren't sure about taking on Ben Nevis, there are some excellent all terrain pushchairs that give you the best of both worlds. Find a model that has good 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 good model. It comes with a fantastic suspension and a single-hand fold and a large basket that can carry up to 10 kg. It also comes with many features that are child-friendly, like an adjustable handlebar as well as an operated break that can be operated by hand on the right. The hood can be taken off and washed using cool soapy-water to avoid mould or mildew.
If you're planning on using your all-terrain pushchair off-road it's a good idea to choose air-filled tyres, rather than those with rubber grips. They will provide a smoother ride on rough ground and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you are planning to use your all-terrain pushchair for jogging, make sure that the front wheel is swivelable or has a quick release feature to lock it in place for more stability.
To keep the fabrics in pristine condition, ensure that they are washed by a machine. If not, a spot wash with warm soapy water and warm water should suffice. Drying the fabric thoroughly outside can also prevent mould and mildew from developing.
The majority of our 3 wheel pushchairs are suitable from the time of birth. Choose models that have a fully lie-flat chair and a reversible rearrest that will allow you to use it from the time of birth right up until your child is around three years old. Many of them are compatible with car seat adapters when you're traveling with an all-three-person family. If you'd rather leave the car at home, there are all-terrain pushchairs with fixed front wheels that are ideal for casual strolls or light jogging like the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon that is available in a variety of sizes for canvas and frames to fit adults and children.