3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
If you're seeking a stroller for woodland walks or strolls on the main streets, a pushchair that is all-terrain with excellent manoeuvrability will be an ideal fit. These types typically have big wheels and offer impressive suspension for smooth rides over rough terrain and bumps.
Most are suitable from birth and include a lie-flat seat or a newborn carrycot. 3 wheel buggy come with tyres which never flatten, which are typically comprised from foam.
Suspension
A true all terrain pushchair will have a good suspension which is designed to be extremely smooth on uneven ground, helping your little one to feel comfortable and relaxed. The wheels should also be large and will usually be a puncture-proof type to avoid damage from sharp rocks or sticks.
Some all-terrain strollers also provide the option of switching between different tyres to suit the conditions. Depending on what kind of terrain you like to explore Some all-terrain pushchairs come with a swivel front wheel which can be locked to ensure stability or unlocked for more manoeuvrability when needed.
To give you added peace of mind Certain all-terrain pushchairs include a lockable handbrake which is much easier to reach and use with your free hand than with the traditional brake pedal that is located to the handlebars' side. This is a fantastic feature to have if you want to tackle steep hills, especially with children in the seat, and a number of shopping bags tucked away underneath!
If you don't want to go as far as an all-terrain pushchair there are many strollers that offer excellent - but not the ultimate off-road capabilities, and have great suspension and large wheels. 3 wheel buggy are usually more affordable than the more expensive all-terrain buggy models, and will still be perfectly suitable for excursions to the park with your dog or short country walks.
A lot of these pushchairs can be used for babies from birth, whether with the carrycot or a newborn-ready car seat. Be aware that when pushing over bumps and dips, the seats aren't completely flat. As per EU regulations they only have to meet the minimum requirements for reclining position of about 150 degrees. Some brands, including 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 combined 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 provide a fantastic off-road capability. They are great if you live in the countryside or regularly take a walk on rough, uneven ground. They are usually more durable and durable than a standard pushchair, and have special features like large puncture-proof wheels to handle the most difficult of surfaces. They tend to be quite wide and can be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in aisles of shops.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy can either be world or parent facing and expands with your child from infant to toddler (it's suitable from 6 months). It's equipped with foam-filled 'never flat' tyres that provide smooth rides with dual frame suspension as well as luxurious padding in the seat, which provides superb postural support and comfort. It also has a reclining feature, as well as a large extendable hood and integrated venting as well as a pocket for a smartphone.
The new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 is a great option. It's an all-terrain stroller that is an inspiration. It comes with great suspension and tyres with air-filled so it's able to run once your child is of the right age. It also has an adjustable 360-degree swivel front wheel to allow for maneuverability, and a one-handed fold that's super simple and quick. It's suitable for babies from birth and is compatible with an UPPAbaby infant car seat adaptor or carrycot (sold separately).
A majority of all-terrain pushchairs lack seats that can be reversible, however the likes of the Oyster 3, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do have this option, and both provide a very good level of off-road performance and have an adequate weight limit for a two-year old. A lot of pushchairs are categorized as all-rounders. They include the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and others. They can manage rough terrain in parks and National Trust locations, but don't have the off-road capabilities as genuine all-terrain strollers.
There are also crossover models that offer a good compromise between extreme off-road and high-street. They have big wheels, excellent suspension, and are designed in a pushchair-style, with an option for reversible seating and a carrycot. Some of the best ones are manufactured by brands like iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
All-terrain pushchairs are essential if you live in the countryside or take your child for regular walks on rough terrain. These models have bigger wheels on the back of normal pushchairs, allowing them to deal with bumpy terrain better and provide the most comfortable ride for your child. A lot of models also have a sturdy suspension and puncture-proof so they can be used on grass, woodland paths, forest paths, gravel roads, and market town cobbles.
Some all-terrain pushchairs also feature a lockable front wheel which offers extra stability when walking over rough terrain or on high kerbs. Some models have swivel front wheels which allow you to manoeuvre the buggy more easily when you are changing direction or turning corners.
Most all-terrain pushchairs have air-filled tyres which offer excellent shock absorption and are perfect for rough terrain however they're more susceptible to punctures than the solid EVA tyres used on lightweight city strollers therefore it's a good idea to invest in an repair kit, spare inner tube and pump to go with your pushchair. Certain models have foam tyres which are less likely to puncture, but may be harder to push.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is a great model of a stroller that has both foam and air filled tyres. It also has a great suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture resistant and ideal for off-road use or jogging (once your child reaches an appropriate age). The model can be used even from birth with a carrycot and a lying-flat chair.
Another option is the iCandy Peach All-Terrain, which has large tyres and has only a single steering wheel in the front. It's not as versatile as some of the other pushchairs with all-terrain capabilities on this list, but it does handle hilly terrain and has an expansive, one-handed fold which is great if you're going to use the pushchair for long walks or trips into the countryside. It's suitable for children and has a spacious canopy that extends with an adjustable handlebar and a large, spacious basket.
Stores
For parents that would like to take their children off-road, but aren't sure about taking on Ben Nevis, there are top 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 designed in the traditional pushchair style, with reversible seats and all carrycot options.
The UPPAbaby's bestselling Ridge all-terrain pushchair is an excellent example of this; it offers excellent suspension, a simple one-handed fold and a generous 10kg basket but also has parent-friendly features including an adjustable handlebar, a hand-operated brake on the right and a large covered storage space. A hood that can be removed and brushed down with cool soapy water is a handy feature that will help to stop mould and mildew from building up.
If you're going to be driving your all-terrain pushchair off road it's best to opt for air-filled tyres, rather than ones with rubber grips. They'll provide a more comfortable ride on rough terrain and will be more maneuverable in tight spaces. If you intend to use your all-terrain pushchair to jog occasionally, ensure that the front wheel can be rotated or has a quick-release facility to lock it into position for better stability.
To keep the fabrics in pristine condition, it's important to ensure that they are machine-washed. If not, a spot clean with warm water and a bit of soap gentle enough should be sufficient. Drying the fabric thoroughly outdoors will also help to prevent the growth of mould and mildew.
The majority of our three wheel all terrain pushchairs can be used from the time of birth. Choose models that have a fully lie-flat chair and a reversible rearrest that will allow you to use it from newborn until your child is three years old. If you plan to travel with your family of three, many are compatible with car seats thanks to the built-in adaptors. You can leave your car at home and instead use all-terrain strollers that have fixed wheels for casual jogging or light strolling. One example is the Delta Special Needs All-Terrain Jogger from Delichon, which comes in various frame and canvas sizes that can be used by children and adults.