3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
Whether you're looking for a buggy for woodland walks or strolls on the main streets, an all terrain pushchair with excellent maneuverability is a great fit. These types typically have big wheels and offer impressive suspension for smooth rides over rough terrain and bumps.
Most are suitable for newborns and include seats that can be positioned on a flat surface or a baby carrycot. These vehicles also come with tyres which never flatten, and are usually made from foam.
Suspension
A truly all-terrain pushchair has a great suspension that is designed to be extremely smooth on rough terrain which allows your child to feel comfortable and at ease. The wheels should also be large and will usually be a puncture-proof type to avoid damage from sharp sticks or rocks.
The larger tyres will allow you tackle more difficult terrains with ease and some pushchairs that are all-terrain even offering the option of additional tyres to switch between to suit different conditions. Some all-terrain strollers have an swivel wheel which can be locked to give stability, or left unlocked to allow for greater manoeuvrability.
Certain all-terrain strollers have an adjustable brake handbrake that locks and is more accessible with your free hand. This is better than a traditional pedal on the handlebars. This is a fantastic feature for those who are inclined to climb steep hills.
If you don't want go as extreme as an all-terrain pushchair, there are many strollers that have very good - but not the ultimate off-road capabilities, and have great suspension and large wheels. These are typically cheaper than the more expensive full-on all-terrain buggy models but are perfect for excursions to the park with the dog or for short walks in the country.
Many of these strollers are suitable for newborns and come with a carrycot or a car seat that is designed for babies. Be aware that these seats won't be able to lie flat when you push over bumps or dips. As per EU regulations, they only have to meet minimum requirements of an incline of about 150deg. Graco has overcome this problem with its new 'comfitech in-seat suspension' that lets the seat recline at a flatter angle for more comfort. This 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 one travel system.
Seat
There's a whole range of three-wheel all terrain pushchairs available that offer excellent off-road capability. These are ideal for those who reside in the countryside or frequently walk on rough, uneven ground. They are more durable and durable than a regular pushchair. They have special features, like big puncture-proof tires to withstand the most difficult surfaces. They tend to be quite wide, and could be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or through aisles in shops.
The seat on an all-terrain buggy can either be world or parent facing and expands with your child, from newborn to toddler (it's suitable from 6 months). It's equipped with foam-filled 'never flat' tyres for an easy ride with dual frame suspension, as well as luxurious padding in the seat that provides superb postural support and comfort. It also features a recline mechanism, as well as an extended sun hood that can be extended that has integrated ventilation as well as an integrated pocket for smartphones.
The new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 is another excellent choice. It's an all-terrain stroller that is an innovator. It has fantastic suspension and air-filled tyres, so it's able to jog when your child is of the right age. It features an adjustable 360-degree locking front wheel that allows ease of maneuverability and one-handed folding. It's suitable from birth and can be paired with an UPPAbaby car seat or infant car seat adaptors (sold separately).
A majority of all-terrain pushchairs lack a reversible seat, but the likes of the Oyster 3, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do offer this option and both offer a very good level of off-road performance and have an acceptable weight limit for a 2-year old. 3 wheeled pushchairs of pushchairs are categorized as all-rounders. These include the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and a few others. They are able to manage rough terrain in parks or National Trust locations, but do not have the off-road capabilities of genuine all-terrain strollers.
Then there are the crossover models that are a great combination of extreme off-road and high-street and have great all-terrain capability with large wheels and a great suspension but they're designed more like a standard pushchair, with reversible seats and full carrycot options which means they can be used everyday. Brands like iCandy, Easywalker and Bugaboo have produced some excellent models to look at.
Wheels
If you reside in a rural area or frequently take your child for walks on rough terrain, an all-terrain pushchair is essential. These models typically have bigger back wheels than standard pushchairs, which makes them more adept in handling rough off-road terrains and ensuring a smooth ride for your child. Many also come with a robust suspension and puncture-proof models to ensure they're safe for use on grass, woodland or forest paths, gravel tracks and market town cobbles.
Certain all-terrain pushchairs come with a lockable front wheel which provides more stability when walking on rough terrain or on high kerbs. Others have swivel front wheels which allow you to manoeuvre the buggy more easily when changing direction or turning corners.
All-terrain strollers feature air-filled tyres that are excellent for dealing with rough terrain. However, they are more prone to punctures than the EVA tyres used on lighter city strollers. It is therefore recommended to purchase an repair kit and spare inner tube with your pushchair. Some models come with foam tyres which are less prone to puncture but might be more difficult to push.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is a great example of a stroller that features both air and foam filled tyres. It also comes with a fantastic suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture resistant and suitable for off-road use or running (once your child reaches an appropriate age). The model is also suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or a lie-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 pliable as the other all-terrain pushchairs on this list, but it can cope well with the terrain that is hilly and has an expansive one-handed fold that is great if you're going to use the pushchair for long walks or trips into the countryside. It's also suitable for infants and has a spacious canopy that extends, an adjustable handlebar, and a large, spacious basket.
Stores
Parents who would like to take their little one off-road but don't necessarily fancy tackling Ben Nevis, there are some top all-terrain pushchairs that give you the best of both worlds. Look for a model with an excellent all-terrain capability, solid suspension, and large puncture-proof wheels, but built in a more traditional pushchair style, with reversible seats and full carrycot options.
UPPAbaby's popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a perfect example of this. It offers excellent suspension, a simple one-handed fold and a generous 10kg basket, but it also comes with features for parents that are child-friendly, like an adjustable handlebar, hand-operated brake on the right and a large covered storage space. The hood can be removed and washed with cool soapy-water to keep out mould and mildew.
If you're planning on taking your all-terrain pushchair off-road it's a good idea to choose air-filled tyres instead of those with grips made of rubber. These will give a smoother ride on rough ground and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you are planning to use your all-terrain stroller for occasional jogging, ensure that the front wheel is able to swivel or has a quick release facility to lock it in place for more stability.
It's important to check the fabric of the pushchair is machine washed to maintain them in good condition. If not, a spot clean with warm water and a little of gentle soap should suffice. The fabric can be dried thoroughly outside to avoid mildew or mould.
The majority of our three wheel pushchairs are suitable from the time of birth. Find models with an all-flat seat that is fully lie-flat and a reversible backrest to allow you to use it from birth right up until your child is three years old. If you're planning to travel with your family of three, many are compatible with car seats thanks to the built-in adaptors. If you'd prefer to leave the car at home, there are some all-terrain pushchairs that have fixed front wheels that are perfect for casual strolling or jogging light, such as the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon that is available in a range of frame and canvas sizes to suit children and adults.