3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
Whether you're seeking a stroller for walks in the woods or strolls along the high-street, an all-terrain pushchair with excellent manoeuvrability will be the perfect choice. These types of models are typically equipped with large wheels and suspension systems that provide an easy ride on rough terrain.
The majority are suitable for infants and come with seats that can be placed in a flat position or a carrycot for newborns. These vehicles also have tyres that do not flatten, and are usually composed of foam.
Suspension
A true all terrain pushchair will have a good suspension, designed to be extremely smooth on rough terrain which allows your child to feel comfortable and at ease. The wheels will also be large and will usually be a puncture-proof type to prevent damage from sharp sticks or rocks.
Some all-terrain strollers also provide the option of switching between different tyres to suit the conditions. Certain all-terrain strollers come with an swivel wheel that can be locked to provide stability or unlocked to allow for greater manoeuvrability.
A few all-terrain strollers include a brake handbrake lockable that is easier to reach by hand. This is better than an ordinary pedal on the handlebars. This is a fantastic feature for those who are a fan of steep hills.
If you don't want go as extreme as an all-terrain pushchair there are a lot of strollers available that offer excellent - but not perfect - off-road capabilities, and have great suspension and big wheels. These are often a bit more affordable than the more expensive all-terrain pushchairs, and will still be perfectly suitable for walks in the park with your dog or short walks around the countryside.
Many of these pushchairs are suitable starting at birth, either with a carrycot or a newborn-ready car seat. Be aware that the seats do not lie flat when pushing over bumps or dips. According to 3 wheel pushchair , they have to meet minimum requirements of an incline of about 150deg. Graco has solved this issue with its new 'comfitech in-seat suspension' which allows the seat to recline at a more rounded angle to provide a little more comfort. It is available on the Lila XP all-terrain pushchair which can be used with a compatible Graco infant car seat to create a 3 in one travel system.
Seat
There are a wide range of 3-wheeled all-terrain pushchairs available that provide a fantastic off-road capabilities. They are perfect for those who live in the countryside or regularly take a walk on uneven, rough ground. They are often more robust and sturdy than a regular pushchair, and come with features like large wheels that can withstand punctures to handle the most difficult of surfaces. They tend to be quite large and may be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in the aisles of shops.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy may be facing the world or towards the parent and will grow with your child from infant to toddler (it's suitable from 6 months). It's equipped with foam-filled 'never flat' tyres that provide an easy ride, dual frame suspension and lavish padding inside the seat, which provides excellent postural support and comfort. It also comes with a reclining mechanism and comes with a large extendable sun hood that has integrated ventilation as well as a pocket for your smart phone.
Another great option is the brand new Out 'n' About Nipper V5, a pushchair that's all-terrain that is a true trailblazer with an excellent suspension and tyres that are air-filled, which means it can be used to jog once your child is old enough. It features an adjustable 360-degree locking front wheel that provides effortless maneuverability as well as a swift one-handed folding. It is suitable from birth, and is compatible with an adaptor for the UPPAbaby infant car seat or carrycot (sold separately).
A lot of all-terrain pushchairs do not have an reversible seat, however the likes of the Oyster 3, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do have this option and both offer a very good level of off-road capability and an acceptable weight limit for a two-year old. There are many pushchairs that are classified as all-rounders like 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 all-terrain pushchairs.
There are also crossover models that offer an excellent compromise between off-road and high-street. They come with big wheels, great 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 companies such as iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
If you live in a rural area or frequently take your child for walks on rough terrain, an all-terrain pushchair is essential. These pushchairs have larger wheels on the back of normal pushchairs, allowing them to handle bumpy terrain better and provide an easier ride for your child. Many 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.
Certain all-terrain strollers also feature a lockable wheel on the front, which gives extra stability while walking over rough terrain or high kerbs. Some models have swivel wheels at the front which allows you to move the buggy with ease when you need to change direction or turn corners.
All-terrain strollers have air-filled tyres which are ideal for dealing with rough terrain. However 3 wheel pushchair are more susceptible to punctures than the solid EVA tyres that are found on light city strollers. It's therefore worth purchasing a repair kit and spare inner tube with your pushchair. Some all-terrain models have foam tyres that are less prone to punctures but aren't as good at absorbing shock and may feel harder to push than tyres with air filled.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is a great example of a stroller that includes both foam and air filled tyres. It also comes with an excellent suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture resistant and suitable for off-road use or running (once your child reaches the appropriate age). The model can be used even from birth with a carrycot or a lying-flat chair.
The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another option. It comes with large tyres, a single steering wheel in the front and big tyres. It is not as flexible as other all-terrain strollers on this list however it can manage hilly terrain and has a spacious 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 sun canopy that extends and a host of great features for parents, such as a brake pedal that is easy to use and a movable handlebar, as well as a large sized basket.
Storage
There are excellent all-terrain pushchairs for parents who want to take their child off-road but don't want to tackle Ben Nevis. They provide the best of both. Look for a model with excellent all-terrain capabilities, durable suspension and big puncture-proof wheels, but built in a more traditional pushchair design with reversible seats as well as 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 generous basket that can support up to 10 kg. It also comes with many parent-friendly features, including an adjustable handlebar and an operated break that can be operated by hand on the right. The hood can be removed, and washed with cool soapy water to avoid mould or mildew.
If you're going to be using your all-terrain pushchair off-road, it's worth opting for air-filled tyres rather than those with grips made of rubber. They will give you a smoother ride over rough terrain, and make it easier to navigate through tight spaces. If you are planning to use your all-terrain pushchair for occasional jogging, ensure that the front wheel can swivel or features a quick release mechanism to ensure it is locked in place to provide more stability.
It's important to check the pushchair fabrics can be machine washed to ensure they are in pristine condition. If not, a spot cleaning with warm soapy water and some warm water should suffice. Drying the fabric completely outdoors will also help to prevent mildew and mould from forming.
Most of our 3 wheeled all terrain pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth. Choose models that have a fully lie-flat seat and a reversible backrest to allow you to use it from newborn all the way to when your child is three years old. If you plan to travel as a family of three, many are compatible with car seats due to the built-in adaptors. If you'd prefer to leave the car at home, there are some all-terrain pushchairs with fixed front wheels that are perfect for casual strolling or jogging for a short distance like the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon that is available in a variety of frame and canvas sizes to suit children and adults.