3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
If you're looking for a pushchair to tackle walks in the woods or strolls on the main streets, a pushchair that is all-terrain with excellent maneuverability is an ideal choice. These types of models are typically equipped with large wheels and suspension that gives an easy ride on bumpy terrain.
The majority are suitable for infants and include a seat that can be placed in a flat position or a carrycot for newborns. They are also typically fitted with foam-filled never-flat tyres to reduce maintenance.
Suspension
A genuine all-terrain pushchair should have an excellent suspension that has been designed to be extra smooth and comfortable on rough terrain. This will make your child feel more relaxed and comfortable. The wheels are typically large and puncture-proof to prevent injuries from 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 want to explore Certain all-terrain pushchairs feature a swivel front wheel which can be locked for stability or unlocked for more maneuverability when needed.
For additional security Certain all-terrain pushchairs feature a locking handbrake that is more accessible to use with your free hand rather than using an ordinary brake pedal located placed on the handlebars' side. This is a fantastic feature to have if you like to climb up steep hills, especially with a child in the seat and a lot of shopping bags hidden beneath!
There are 3 wheel buggies that offer excellent off-road capabilities but aren't the most powerful. They also have big wheels and great suspension. These are typically more affordable than the more expensive all terrain buggy options, and will still be perfectly suitable for trips to the park with your dog or for short walks in the country.
A lot of these pushchairs are suitable from birth, either with an infant carrycot or a baby-ready car seat. Be aware that these seats won't lay flat when pushing over bumps or dips. According to EU regulations, they must meet minimum standards of reclined angles of approximately 150 degrees. Graco has gotten around this issue by introducing a new 'comfitech in-seat suspension' that lets the seat recline to a more comfortable angle for more comfort. This feature is available on the Lila XP All-Terrain Pushchair, which can be paired with the Graco Infant Car Seat to create a 3-in-1 travel system.
Seat
There's a wide selection of 3-wheel all terrain pushchairs available with a fantastic off-road capabilities. They are perfect if live in the countryside or walk frequently on uneven, rough terrain. These are more robust and durable than a regular pushchair. They have special features, like big puncture-proof tires to withstand the most challenging surfaces. They tend to be quite wide and can be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or in the aisles of shops.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy may be facing the world or towards the parent and grows with your child from newborn to toddler (it's suitable from 6 months). It has 'never-flat' foam-filled tyres that provide a smooth ride. It also comes with dual frame suspension with luxurious padding, as well as an adjustable seat that provides excellent postural support. It also has a reclining mechanism and comes with an expansive sun hood that extends, integrated ventilation and an integrated pocket for smartphones.
The new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 is another excellent choice. It's an all-terrain stroller that is a trailblazer. It comes with great suspension and tyres with air-filled so it can be used to jog once your child is of the right age. It also has an adjustable 360-degree swivel front wheel for manoeuvrability, and an easy fold that's simple and quick. It's suitable from birth, and can be used with an adaptor for UPPAbaby's infant car seat or carrycot (sold separately).
Many all-terrain pushchairs don't have an reversible seat, however the models like the Oyster 3, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do have this option, and both provide a very good level of off-road capability and a decent weight limit for a two-year old. There are also many pushchairs classified as all-rounders, like the iCandy Pear and Bugaboo Cameleon which are very good with the rough terrain of the park or National Trust places but don't offer the off-road performance of genuine all-terrain pushchairs.
There are also crossover models, which are a great compromise between extreme off-road and high street and are able to handle all terrains with large wheels and a great suspension, but they're built more in a typical pushchair style with reversible seats and fully-equipped carrycots and can be used on a daily basis. Some of the top models are manufactured by brands such as iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
If you reside 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 on the back of regular pushchairs, which allows them to handle bumpy terrain better and provide an easier ride for your child. Some also have a robust suspension and puncture-proof models which make them suitable for use on grass, woodland or trails or gravel tracks, as well as market town cobbles.
Some all-terrain strollers also come with a lockable wheel at the front, which gives extra stability while walking over 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.
Most all-terrain pushchairs feature air-filled tyres that provide excellent shock absorption and are ideal for rough terrain but they're more prone to punctures than solid EVA tyres found on lightweight city strollers which is why you should invest in a repair kit with spare tubes and a pump for your pushchair. Some all-terrain models have foam tyres which are less prone to punctures but they're not as effective in absorbing shock and may feel harder to push than air-filled tyres.
The brand new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is a great model of a stroller that features both air and foam filled tyres. It also features a great suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture-proof and suitable for off-road usage or running (once your child reaches the appropriate age). This model can be used even from birth with a carrycot or a lying-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 is not as flexible as other strollers that are all-terrain however, it is able to handle hilly terrain well and features a large, one-hand fold that is ideal for long walks in the countryside, or long journeys. It's also suitable for babies and comes with a large canopy that extends with an adjustable handlebar and a hugely-sized basket.
Stores
Parents who would like to take their child off-road, but don't want to commit to tackling Ben Nevis, there are some excellent all terrain pushchairs that provide the best of both worlds. Choose a model that has an excellent all-terrain capability, solid suspension, and large puncture-proof wheels, but built in a more traditional pushchair style with reversible seats and all carrycot options.
The UPPAbaby's bestselling Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a great example of this; it provides excellent suspension, a simple fold, and a large 10kg basket but also has features for parents that are child-friendly, like an adjustable handlebar, a hand-operated brake on the right side and a huge covered storage space. 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 instead of rubber grips. They will provide a smoother ride on uneven ground and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you plan to use your all terrain pushchair to jog occasionally, ensure that the front wheel can be rotated or has a quick-release feature so it can lock in position for better stability.
It is important to verify that the fabric of your pushchair to ensure it can be machine washed to maintain them in good condition. If not, a spot cleaning with warm water and a little of gentle soap should suffice. The fabric can be dried completely outside to avoid mildew or mould.
The majority of our three wheel pushchairs can be used from birth. Look for models with an all-flat seat that is fully lie-flat and a reversible rearrest that will allow you to use it from newborn right up until your child is around three years old. Some are compatible with car seat adaptors for an all-three-person family. If you'd prefer to leave the car at home, there are all-terrain pushchairs with fixed front wheels that are ideal for casual strolling or jogging for a short distance, such as the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon which is available in a range of sizes for canvas and frames that can be used by adults and children.