3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
Whether you're seeking a stroller for walking in the woods or a stroll along the high-street, a pushchair that is all-terrain with excellent maneuverability is a great fit. These types of models are typically equipped with large wheels and suspension that gives a smooth ride on bumpy terrain.
Many are suitable for babies and come with seats that can be placed in a flat position or a carrycot for newborns. 3 wheeled pushchair come with tyres which never flatten, usually composed from foam.
Suspension
A true all terrain pushchair will have a good suspension, specifically designed to be smooth on rough ground which allows your child to be comfortable and calm. The wheels should also be large and will usually be puncture-proof to protect against damage caused by sharp rocks or sticks.
The larger tyres can enable you tackle more difficult terrains with ease and some pushchairs that are all-terrain even offering the option of additional tyres that can be switched 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 to ensure stability or left unlocked for greater maneuverability when required.
To give you added peace of mind, some all-terrain pushchairs will feature a locking handbrake that is easier to reach and use with your hands free rather than using a traditional brake pedal on the handlebars' sides. This is a fantastic feature if you are a fan of steep hills.
There are many strollers that offer decent off-road capability but aren't the most powerful. They also have big wheels and excellent suspension. These are often a bit less expensive than the more expensive all-terrain buggy models but are perfect for excursions to the park with your dog or for short walks in the country.
A lot of these pushchairs can be used from birth, either with a carrycot or a newborn-ready car seat. Be aware, however, that when it comes to pushing over bumps and dips the seats won't lie completely flat. According to EU regulations, they are required to meet minimum requirements for recline of around 150 degrees. Certain brands, like Graco have gotten around 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 which can be used with an compatible Graco infant car seat to create a 3 in one travel system.
Seat
There's a wide selection of three-wheel all terrain pushchairs to pick from with a fantastic off-road capability. These are perfect if you reside in the countryside or regularly walk on uneven, rough terrain. These are more robust and durable than a regular pushchair. They come with special features such as large puncture-proof tires to withstand the most difficult surfaces. They are usually quite wide, so could be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or through aisles in stores.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy may be world or parent facing and will grow with your child from newborn to toddler (it's suitable from 6 months). It's fitted with foam-filled 'never flat' tyres that provide smooth rides, dual frame suspension and luxurious padding in the seat, which provides great postural support and comfort. It features a recline feature, a large extendable hood with integrated venting, as well as an area for a smartphone.
The new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 is another excellent choice. It's an all-terrain stroller that's a trailblazer. It has great suspension and air-filled tyres so it can be used to jog once your child is of the right age. It features an adjustable 360-degree locking front wheel that allows effortless maneuverability as well as a swift one-handed folding. It's suitable from birth and can be combined 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 offer this option, have a great weight limit and a high level of off-road capability. A lot of pushchairs are classified as all-rounders. They include the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and a few others. They can manage rough terrain in parks and National Trust locations, but lack the off-road capabilities of true all-terrain strollers.
There are also crossover models that are a good compromise between extreme off road and high street. They come with big wheels, excellent suspension, and are built in a pushchair style, with an option for reversible seating and a carrycot. Brands such as iCandy, Easywalker and Bugaboo have come up with some fantastic models to take a look at.
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 larger wheels that are mounted on the back than traditional pushchairs, which enables them to handle rough terrain better and provide an easier ride for your child. They also have sturdy suspension and puncture-proof types so that they're suitable for use on woodland, grass or forest paths or gravel tracks, as well as market town cobbles.
Certain all-terrain strollers also come with a lockable wheel at the front which provides extra stability while walking over rough terrain or high kerbs. Some have swivel wheels on the front that let you maneuver the buggy more easily when changing direction or turning corners.
Most all-terrain pushchairs feature air-filled tyres, which provide excellent shock absorption and are perfect for rough terrain, but they are more susceptible to punctures than the EVA tyres that are used on city strollers, therefore it's a good idea to invest in a repair kit along with a spare inner tube and pump to go with your pushchair. Some all-terrain models feature foam tyres which 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 pushchair is an excellent model of a stroller which features both air and foam filled tyres. It also comes with a great suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture resistant and suitable for off-road use or running (once your child reaches an appropriate age). 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 comes with large tires, 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, but it can handle hilly terrain well and features a large one-handed fold that is great for long walks in the countryside, or long trips. It is also suitable for infants and features a large, extendable canopy and a movable handlebar and a hugely-sized basket.
Storage
For parents that want to take their little one off-road but don't necessarily fancy climbing Ben Nevis, there are top all-terrain pushchairs that offer the best of both worlds. Find a model with excellent all-terrain capabilities, durable suspension, and large puncture-proof wheels, but built in a more traditional pushchair design with reversible seats as well as full carrycot options.
UPPAbaby's popular Ridge all terrain pushchair is an excellent model. It offers excellent suspension, a one-handed fold, and a generous basket that can carry up to 10 kg. But it also has many features that are child-friendly, like an adjustable handlebar as well as an operator-operated break on the right. A hood that can be removed and then brushed down with cool soapy water is a handy feature that will help prevent mildew and mould from building up.
If you plan to use your all-terrain stroller off the road, opt for air-filled tires rather than rubber grips. These will provide a smoother ride over rough terrain and will make it easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you intend to use your all-terrain pushchair for occasional jogging, ensure that the front wheel can swivel or has a quick release facility to lock it in place to provide more stability.
It is important to verify that the pushchair fabrics can be machine washed to keep them in pristine condition. If not, a spot wash with warm soapy water and warm water ought to suffice. Drying the fabric thoroughly outside will also help prevent mildew and mould from forming.
Most of our 3 wheeled all terrain pushchairs can be used as early as. You should search for models with an all-flat, fully-reclining seat with a reversible backrest. This will allow you to use the pushchair from the moment your baby is born until your child is around three years of age. Many of them are compatible with car seat adapters if you're traveling as an all-three-person family. If you'd rather leave the car at home, there are some all-terrain pushchairs that have fixed front wheels that are perfect for casual strolls or jogging for a short distance, such as the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon that is available in a variety of frame and canvas sizes that can be used by adults and children.