3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
A pushchair that is all-terrain and offers excellent maneuverability will suit you whether you're looking for a buggy for nature walks or an excursion on the high streets. These types of models are typically equipped with large wheels and suspension that gives an easy ride on bumpy terrain.
The majority of them are suitable from birth and come with a lie-flat seat or a newborn carrycot. These vehicles also have tyres that never flatten, and are usually comprised of foam.
Suspension
A genuine all-terrain pushchair will have a good suspension that is specifically designed to be smooth on rough terrain and help your child to feel comfortable and relaxed. The wheels should also be large and usually have a puncture-proof design to avoid damage from sharp sticks or rocks.
Some all-terrain strollers also allow you to switch between additional tyres for different conditions. Certain all-terrain strollers come with an swivel wheel which can be locked to give stability, or left unlocked to allow for greater manoeuvrability.
Some all-terrain strollers come with a brake handbrake lockable that is easy to reach by hand. This is more convenient than an ordinary pedal on the handlebars. This is a fantastic feature to have in case you prefer to take on steep hills, especially with children in the seat and a lot of shopping bags stashed underneath!
If you don't wish to go quite as extreme as an all-terrain stroller, there are a lot of strollers available that offer excellent - but not ultimate - off-road capabilities, and have great suspension and big wheels. These are often a bit more affordable than the more expensive full-on all-terrain buggy models but are perfect for excursions to the dog park or for short walks in the country.
Many of these pushchairs can be used starting at birth, either with a carrycot or a newborn-ready car seat. Be aware that the seats do not lay flat when pushing over bumps or dips. As per EU regulations, they have to meet minimum requirements of an incline of about 150deg. Graco has gotten around this issue by introducing a new 'comfitech in-seat suspension' that lets the seat recline at a more rounded angle for a bit more comfort. This feature is available on the Lila XP All-Terrain Pushchair, which can be paired with a compatible Graco Infant Car Seat to create a three-in-one travel system.
Seat
There is a variety of 3-wheeled all-terrain pushchairs that offer an excellent off-road capability. They are great if you reside in the countryside or take a walk on rough, uneven ground. They are usually more durable and sturdy than a regular pushchair, with special features like large wheels that can withstand punctures to deal with the toughest of surfaces. They tend to be quite large, which means they could be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or narrow aisles in shops.
All-terrain buggy seats can be placed either in the direction of parents or world facing. They will grow with your child from birth to toddler. It is equipped with 'never-flat' foam tyres that provide a smooth ride. It also comes with dual frame suspension, luxurious padding and a seat unit with excellent postural support. It also has a reclining mechanism, as well as a large extendable sun hood with integrated ventilation, as well as an integrated pocket for smartphones.
The brand new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 is another excellent choice. It's an all-terrain stroller that's a trailblazer. It comes with a excellent suspension and tyres with air-filled so it's suitable to jog once your child is of the right age. It also features the ability to lock the front 360 swivel wheel to allow for maneuverability, and a one-handed fold that's super simple and quick. It's suitable from birth, and can be used with an UPPAbaby infant car seat adaptor or carrycot (sold separately).
A lot of all-terrain pushchairs do not have a reversible seat, but 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 2 year old. A lot of pushchairs are categorized as all-rounders. This includes the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and a few others. They are able to manage rough terrain in parks or National Trust locations, but don't have the off-road capabilities as genuine all-terrain strollers.
There are also crossover models that are a great alternative to extreme off-road and high street and offer excellent all-terrain capabilities with large wheels and a great suspension, but they're built more in the typical pushchair style with reversible seats as well as fully-equipped carrycots which means they can be used everyday. Brands like iCandy, Easywalker and Bugaboo have come up with some fantastic models to take a look at.
Wheels
If you live in a rural area or frequently take your child for walks over rough terrain an all-terrain pushchair becomes vital. These models have larger wheels on the back than normal pushchairs, allowing them to withstand bumpy terrain better and provide the most comfortable ride for your child. Many models also have a durable suspension and are 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 an adjustable front wheel that provides more stability when walking on rough terrain or on high kerbs. Some models have swivel wheels at the front which allows you to move the buggy more easily when you need to change direction or turn corners.
Most all-terrain pushchairs feature air-filled tyres that provide excellent shock absorption and are great for tackling rough ground but they are more susceptible to punctures than the EVA tyres that are used on city strollers, so it's worth buying a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump to go with your pushchair. Certain models have foam tyres which are less likely to puncture, but might be more difficult to push.
The new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is an excellent model of a stroller that has both foam and air filled tyres. It also comes with an excellent suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture-proof and suitable for off-road usage or jogging (once your child is of the appropriate age). It can also be used as a baby with a carrycot as well as a lying-flat chair.
Another alternative is the iCandy Peach All-Terrain, which comes with large tyres and a single steering wheel at the front. It's not as flexible as the other strollers that are all-terrain however it can manage hilly terrain and features a large one-hand fold that is ideal for long walks in the countryside or long journeys. It's also suitable for babies and has a spacious canopy that extends with an adjustable handlebar and a large, spacious basket.
Stores
There are some excellent all-terrain pushchairs that are ideal for parents who would like to take their child off-road, but don't want to take on Ben Nevis. They are the best of both. Find 3 wheel buggy that have good all-terrain capabilities, sturdy suspension and large puncture-proof wheels, but is designed in a traditional pushchair design with reversible seating and carrycot options.
UPPAbaby's popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a perfect illustration of this. It offers excellent suspension, an easy one-handed fold and a huge 10kg basket. It also has parent-friendly features including an adjustable handlebar, a hand-operated brake on the right side and a huge covered storage space. The hood can be taken off and washed with cool soapy water to keep out mould and mildew.
If you're planning on driving your all-terrain pushchair off road it's a good idea to choose air-filled tyres rather than those with rubber grips. They'll provide a more comfortable ride on uneven ground and be easier to manoeuvre in tight spaces. If you intend to use your all terrain pushchair for jogging, ensure that the front wheel can be rotated or has a quick-release feature so it can lock in place for more stability.
It is essential to determine if the pushchair fabrics can be machine washed to keep them in good condition. If not, a spot clean with warm water and a small amount of mild soap will suffice. Drying the fabric thoroughly outside will also help to prevent mildew and mould from forming.
The majority of our three wheel pushchairs are suitable from the moment of birth. It is recommended to look for models that have a fully lying-flat seat with an adjustable backrest. This will allow you to use the pushchair from the moment your baby is born until your child reaches around three years old. If you 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 some all-terrain pushchairs with a fixed front wheel that are ideal for casual strolling or light jogging, such as the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon that is available in a variety of canvas and frame sizes that can be used by adults and children.