3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
Whether you're seeking a stroller to take on walking in the woods or a stroll on the main streets, a pushchair that is all-terrain with a great maneuverability will be an ideal choice. These types of models are typically equipped with large wheels and suspension systems that provide smooth riding on rough terrain.
The majority of them are suitable from birth and come with a lie-flat seat or newborn carrycot. These vehicles also have tyres that never flatten, usually composed from foam.
Suspension
A genuine all-terrain pushchair will have good suspension which is designed to be extra smooth on uneven ground and help your child to feel comfortable and relaxed. The wheels will also be large and will usually be a puncture-proof type to prevent damage from sharp sticks or rocks.
The larger tyres will also allow you navigate more difficult terrains easily Some all-terrain pushchairs even offering different tyres you can switch between for different conditions. Some all-terrain strollers have a swivel wheel that can be locked to give stability or unlocked to permit greater manoeuvrability.
Certain all-terrain strollers have a brake handbrake lockable that is more accessible by hand. This is superior to a traditional pedal on the handlebars. This is a fantastic feature to have if you like to climb up the steep slopes, especially with a child in the seat, and a number of shopping bags hidden under!
There are many strollers that offer decent off-road capability but aren't the most powerful. They also have large wheels and great suspension. They tend to be cheaper than full-on all-terrain buggy models and can be suitable for short strolls in the countryside or trips to the park.
Many of these strollers are suitable for newborns with either a carrycot or car seat that is designed for infants. Be aware that the seats will not lay flat when pushing over bumps or dips. As per EU regulations, they must meet minimum standards of a reclining angle of around 150 degrees. Graco has overcome this problem with its new 'comfitech seat suspension' that lets the seat recline at a flatter angle for a bit 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 three-in-one travel system.
Seat
There is a broad selection of 3-wheeled all-terrain pushchairs available that offer an excellent off-road capability. These are ideal if you reside in the countryside or walk on uneven, rough terrain. They are typically more durable and sturdy than a normal pushchair, and have special features such as large puncture-proof wheels to deal with the toughest of surfaces. They're usually quite large, which means they may be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or through aisles in shops.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy can either be facing the world or towards the parent and grows with your child from newborn to toddler (it's suitable from 6 months). It is equipped with 'never-flat' foam 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 features a recline feature, as well as a large extendable hood and integrated venting as well as pockets for smartphones.
Another option that is a great choice is the new Out 'n' About Nipper V5, a pushchair that's all-terrain that is a true trailblazer with great suspension and air-filled tyres, making it suitable for jogging once your child is old enough. It features a 360-degree lockable front wheel that allows easy maneuverability and a quick one-handed folding. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be used with an UPPAbaby car seat or infant car seat adaptors (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 come with this option, and both provide an excellent level of off-road capability and a decent weight limit for a 2 year old. Many pushchairs are categorized as all-rounders. three wheel pushchair includes the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and others. They are able to manage rough terrain in parks and National Trust locations, but don't have the off-road capabilities as real all-terrain strollers.
Then there are the crossover models that are a great alternative to extreme off-road and street and offer excellent all-terrain capabilities with large wheels and a great suspension, but they're built more like a standard pushchair, with reversible seats and the option of a full carrycot which means they are suitable for use on a daily basis. Brands such as iCandy, Easywalker and Bugaboo have come up with some fantastic models to look at.
Wheels
All-terrain pushchairs are essential when you live in the countryside or take your child for regular walks over rough terrain. These models typically come with larger back wheels than regular pushchairs, which makes them more adept at handling bumpy off-road terrains and ensuring an easy ride for your child. Many also come with a sturdy suspension and puncture-proof types so that they're suitable for use on grass, woodland or paths through the forest, gravel tracks and market town cobbles.
Certain all-terrain pushchairs have a lockable front wheel which gives extra stability when walking over rough terrain and over high kerbs. Some have swivel wheels on the front that let you maneuver the buggy more easily when changing direction or turning corners.
All-terrain strollers come with air-filled tyres that are excellent for dealing with rough terrain. However, they are more prone than the solid EVA tyres found on lightweight city strollers. It is therefore recommended to purchase a repair kit and spare inner tube to go with your pushchair. Some all-terrain models have foam tyres which are less susceptible to punctures, but aren't as effective at absorbing shock and may feel harder to push than tyres filled with air.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 is a excellent example of a pushchair with both foam-filled and air-filled tyres. It also has an excellent suspension system, and large rear puncture-proof wheels that are ideal for off-road or running (once your child is old enough). This model is also suitable for babies and can be used with a carrycot or a lie-flat chair.
The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another alternative. It comes with large tyres, a single steering-wheel at the front, and huge tyres. It's not as flexible as other strollers that are all-terrain, but it can be able to handle terrain that is hilly and features a large, one-handed fold that is great for long walks in the countryside or long journeys. It's also suitable for babies and has a huge, extendable sun canopy and some great parent-friendly features like a simple 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 do not wish to tackle Ben Nevis. They offer the best of both. Find models that have good all-terrain capabilities, sturdy suspension and large puncture-proof wheels, yet is built in a traditional pushchair design with reversible seating and carrycot options.
UPPAbaby's popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a great example of this; it offers excellent suspension, an easy one-handed fold and a generous 10kg basket but also has features that are suitable for parents, such as an adjustable handlebar, hand-operated brake on the right and a huge covered storage space. A hood that can be removed and brushed down with cool soapy water is a helpful feature that can prevent mildew and mould from growing.
If you're going to be driving 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 terrain and be easier to manoeuvre 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 so it can be locked in place to give you greater stability.
It is important to verify that the pushchair fabrics can be machine washed to ensure they are in perfect condition. If not, spot cleaning with warm water and a little of mild soap will suffice. The fabric can be dried thoroughly outside to avoid mildew or mould.
The majority of our 3 wheeled all terrain pushchairs can be used from birth. You should look for models with a fully flat seat and an adjustable backrest. This allows you to use the pushchair from birth until your child reaches around three years of age. If you want 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 all-terrain pushchairs that have fixed front wheels which are ideal for casual strolls or jogging light like the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon which is available in a range of canvas and frame sizes to suit children and adults.