3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
Whether you're looking for a buggy to take on woodland walks or strolls on the main streets, a pushchair that is all-terrain with a great maneuverability will be an ideal choice. These models typically have large wheels and a surprisingly strong suspension to ensure smooth riding 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. They are also typically fitted with foam-filled tyres that are never flat to help with maintenance.
Suspension
A genuine all-terrain pushchair will have a good suspension that is designed to be extremely smooth on rough terrain and help your child to be comfortable and calm. The wheels will also be large and usually be puncture-proof to avoid damage from sharp sticks or rocks.
The larger tyres will also help you navigate more difficult terrains with ease, with some all-terrain pushchairs even offering additional tyres that can be switched between to suit different conditions. Some all-terrain strollers have an swivel wheel that can be locked to give stability, or left unlocked to permit greater manoeuvrability.
Certain all-terrain strollers have a lockable brake handbrake that is easier to reach by hand. This is more convenient than a traditional pedal on the handlebars. This is a great feature to have in case you prefer to take on the steep slopes, especially with children in the seat and a lot of shopping bags tucked away under!
If you don't want go as extreme as an all-terrain pushchair, there are a lot of strollers available that are very well-built, but not ultimate - off-road capabilities, and have great suspension and big wheels. These are often a bit more affordable than the more expensive all-terrain pushchairs but are perfect for trips to the park with the dog or short walks around the countryside.
A lot of strollers are suitable for babies and come with a carrycot or car seat that is ready for babies. However, be aware that when it comes to pushing over dips and bumps, the seats aren't completely flat - as per EU regulations they only have to meet the minimum requirements for recline of around 150deg. Certain brands, such as Graco have gotten around this with their new "comfitech" suspension in the seat that allows the seat to recline at a slightly more flatter angle to provide a bit more comfort. This feature is available on the Lila XP All-Terrain Pushchair, which can be combined with the Graco Infant Car Seat to create a three-in-one travel system.
Seat
There is a variety of all-terrain pushchairs with three wheels available that provide a fantastic off-road capability. These are perfect if you live on the countryside or walk frequently on rough, uneven terrain. They are often more robust and sturdy than a normal pushchair, with special features such as large wheels that can withstand punctures to deal with the toughest of surfaces. They are usually quite wide, and can be tricky to manoeuvre in tight spaces or narrow aisles in shops.
All-terrain buggy seat can be positioned either parent or world facing. They grow with your child from birth to toddler. It comes with 'never flat' foam-filled tyres that give a smooth ride. It also comes with dual frame suspension luxurious padding and an adjustable seat that provides excellent postural support. It also comes with a reclining mechanism, as well as a large extendable sun hood with integrated ventilation, as well as a pocket for your smart phone.
Another option that is a great choice is the new Out 'n' About Nipper V5, an all-terrain pushchair that's a trailblazer with an excellent suspension and air-filled tyres making it suitable to jog once your child is old enough. It also features the ability to lock the front 360 swivel wheel for manoeuvrability, and an easy fold that's quick and simple. It's suitable from birth and can be combined with an UPPAbaby carrycot, or infant car seat adapters (sold separately).
A majority of all-terrain pushchairs lack an reversible seat, however the likes of the Oyster 3, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do offer this option, and both provide a very good level of off-road performance and have an acceptable weight limit for a 2 year old. There are a variety of pushchairs that are classed as all-rounders, such as the iCandy Pear and Bugaboo Cameleon which are very good with the rough terrain found in park or National Trust places but don't offer the off-road capabilities of genuine all-terrain pushchairs.
There are also crossover models which are a fantastic compromise between extreme off-road and high street and have great all-terrain capability with big wheels and excellent suspension, but they're designed like a standard pushchair with reversible seats and fully-equipped carrycots which means they can be used on a daily basis. The best models are made by brands like iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
If you reside in a rural area or regularly take your baby for walks on rough terrain an all-terrain pushchair is vital. These models have bigger wheels that are mounted on the back than regular pushchairs, which allows them to handle bumpy terrain better and offer a smoother ride for your child. Many also come with a sturdy suspension and puncture-proof versions so that they're suitable for use on woodland, grass or forest paths, gravel tracks and market town cobbles.
Certain all-terrain pushchairs have front wheels that lock, which gives extra stability when walking over rough terrain and over high kerbs. Others have swivel front wheels which allow you to manoeuvre the buggy more easily when you are changing direction or turning corners.
All-terrain strollers come with air-filled tyres that are excellent for rough terrain. However, they are more prone to punctures than the EVA tyres that are found on light city strollers. It's worth buying a repair kit and spare inner tube with your pushchair. Certain models have foam tyres that are less likely to puncture, but could be more difficult to push.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is a great model of a stroller which has both foam and air filled tyres. It also has 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). It is also suitable for babies and can be used with a carrycot or a lie-flat chair.
Another alternative is the iCandy Peach All-Terrain, which comes with large tyres and one steering wheel at the front. It's not as flexible as other strollers with all-terrain wheels on this list however, it is able to be able to handle terrain that is hilly and has a spacious one-handed fold that's great for long walks in the countryside, or long trips. It's also suitable from birth and has a huge sun canopy that extends and some great parent-friendly features including an easy-to-use brake pedal, adjustable handlebar and generously spacious basket.
Storage
There are excellent all-terrain pushchairs designed for parents who would like to take their child off-road, but don't wish to tackle Ben Nevis. They are the best of both. Look for one that has all-terrain capabilities, sturdy suspension, and large puncture-proof wheels, but is designed in a traditional pushchair design with reversible seating and full carrycot options.
UPPAbaby’s popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a great example. It offers excellent suspension as well as a one-handed fold and a large basket that can support up to 10 kg. It also comes with numerous features that are suitable for parents, such as an adjustable handlebar and a hand-operated break on the right. A hood that can be removed and brushed down with cool soapy water is a helpful feature that can to stop mould and mildew from building up.
If you're going to be taking your all-terrain pushchair off-road it's a good idea to choose air-filled tyres, rather than those with grips made of rubber. They will provide a smoother ride on rough terrain and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you intend to use your all terrain pushchair for occasional jogging ensure that the front wheel is swivelable or has a quick release feature so it can lock in position for better stability.
To keep the fabrics in pristine condition, it's important to ensure that they are washed by a machine. If not, a spot wash with warm soapy water and warm water should be sufficient. Drying the fabric thoroughly outside will also help to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
The majority of our three wheeled all terrain pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth. Choose models that have an all-flat seat that is fully lie-flat and a reversible backrest to allow you to use it from newborn until your child is about three years old. If stroller three wheels plan to travel with your family of three, there are plenty of models that are compatible with car seats due to the built-in adaptors. If you'd prefer to leave the car at home, there are all-terrain pushchairs with a fixed front wheel which are ideal for casual strolls or light jogging, such as the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon which is available in a variety of canvas and frame sizes to suit children and adults.