All Terrain Push Chair
All terrain push chairs are a great choice for parents who may be able to see their child covered in mud or dirt especially if they like walking. They also tend to have larger wheels and puncture-proof tyres.
Look for a pushchair that has the seat that can recline flat and can be used from birth with a carrycot or seat unit (not suitable for sleeping over night). It should come with a view panel and an extendable hood.
Features
All terrain pushchairs are designed to withstand rough terrain and have large wheels, puncture-proof tires, and excellent suspension. You might think they're just for National Trust walks or woodland walks, but that's not the situation. Many of these models come with an edgier pushchair design, with reversible seating as well as a carrycot that is fully functional and even fabrics that suggest fashion.
The key features to look for include a front wheel that can swivel and locks in a straight line, which will come in handy on slippery tracks. Also, look for models with a handbrake mounted on the handlebar, so that you can slow down on steep slopes. This is a useful feature if you are a resident of an area that is hilly or you often go for long walks with your toddler.
If you're searching for an all-terrain pushchair ensure that it comes with a height-adjustable handlebar because when both parents and children are different heights this will make it easier to use. You might want to search for a wrist-strap to reduce the risk of your child's pushchair falling off on slopes or cliff edge.
All-terrain pushchairs tend to be heavier than normal pushchairs, so if weight is a concern for you, think about models that fold down that can fit in a boot that is small. These pushchairs are usually made of washable fabrics which are easy to clean and quick to dry.
The Mamas & Papas Ocarro, which was awarded the Mother and Baby Gold Award in 2016, is the perfect model of a pushchair that is all-terrain that ticks all the boxes. The XXL model is suitable for babies from birth and can be combined with a baby car seat or carrycot compatible to create a three-in-one travel system. Dual suspensions are able to handle the bumps and dips in the road, while the hood has a viewing panel that allows you to keep an eye on your little one.
Design
All-terrain buggies, in contrast to regular pushchairs that may struggle on rough terrain generally come with large wheels and a robust suspension. They also tend to come with additional features that make them ideal for woodland walks or mud and gravel tracks, market town cobbles and other terrains that are difficult to navigate.
Look for models that have lockable front wheels, and tyres that are filled with foam and don't need to be aired (a huge plus if you plan on jogging in the future with your child). All-terrain pushchairs typically have larger rear wheels than city pushchairs. This makes them able to withstand bumpy off-road terrain. Additionally, a wider handlebar can help you maintain the control on rough terrain.
A handbrake is another useful feature that will be found on some all-terrain pushchairs, which is ideal to slow down the descent or coming to a halt in a rocky area with your child aboard and shopping in the basket below! Some all-terrain pushchairs also feature recline seats that can be lowered to a lie-flat position for your infant or toddler.
All-terrain pushchairs can be very large and bulky when folded. Mountain Buggy and Thule offer an array of compact folding options. Look for models that allow you to put the front frame and wheel section under the main body. This will decrease the overall size for easier storage.
Certain all-terrain pushchairs, like the iCandy Core, are designed specifically to be a daily pushchair that transforms into an all-terrain stroller to enjoy markets and woodland strolls. all-terrain stroller Push Chairs And Prams features a 'hammock' seat design, which means that the fabrics are hung from the chassis rather than attached to a separate frame. This allows for a higher weight limit, better directional handling on uneven terrain and a more comfortable ride for your child.
The UPPAbaby Fox 5 is a true all-terrain pushchair with impressive mudguards, a huge wheelbase with a smooth suspension, and great features for parents, including an extendable hood, a spacious 10kg basket, and a one-handed fold. It can be used with an UPPAbaby car seat adaptor or carrycots starting at birth. It also has the option of converting into a twin pushchair facing parents.
Safety
If you're looking for a swivelling pushchair to tackle rough terrain an all-terrain pushchair could be the best option. These pushchairs are equipped with large wheels that are able to better handle bumpy or muddy terrain than standard pushchairs. In addition, they often have suspension that helps absorb the impact of rough surfaces. Some all-terrain pushchairs come with a lockable front wheel that can be used for walking on uneven or rough pavements. Some even have foam-filled never-flat tyres designed to withstand punctures.
All-terrain pushchairs can be more comfortable for the baby as well as the parent. However, they tend to be heavier and wider than other pushchairs. This can make them difficult to manoeuvre in small spaces or aisles in shops. The larger rear wheels of certain strollers that are all-terrain can make them difficult to navigate up and down escalators and stairs.
A car seat for infants or carrycots can be connected to an all-terrain stroller. This is a very important safety feature. Most pushchairs with all-terrain features have an adapter for car seats universally that allows you to attach the most compatible infant carriers. Additionally, many all-terrain pushchairs come with reversible seats so you can choose to face your child towards you or away from you.
A true all-terrain stroller has been designed to handle rough terrain or paths that are rutted and forest trails with ease. It looks different from a standard pushchair and has a more extreme off road capability. However, if you aren't sure whether you need something so extreme, there is many different pushchairs with excellent all-terrain capabilities, without the expense of an off-roader.
These all-terrain pushchairs have large wheels that are great for rough terrain and have a more rugged feel than a traditional pushchair. However, they still fold very well and are lighter than an extreme off-roader. They also have a number of features that make them comfortable for your child, like reclining seats and large storage baskets. Some of these all terrain pushchairs feature adjustable legrests and shade features to shield your child from the sun.
Storage
All terrain push chairs are often a lot bulkier than buggies that are standard So make sure you have enough space in your car boot to accommodate one when it's not in use. It's also worth checking that the chassis is lightweight enough to be able to lift out and into your car boot without difficulty.
Storage is a further feature. All-terrain strollers typically have large shopping baskets underneath the seat. They also come with a handy zip pocket on the hood, as well as smaller mesh pockets at the handlebar. You may find an adult tray that has drinks or snacks.
The design of the handle is an important consideration, too. Find ergonomic handles and grips that match your height. Certain brands have a single hand-operated brake which is more accessible and can be used by using just one hand. Others have a dual-lock brake which is more secure and easy to control with two fingers.
A lot of all-terrain strollers come with adjustable leg rests that can help to keep your child in an ergonomic position. You can also alter the recline to suit your child's needs. Also, you can choose a flat bed for infants or toddlers to allow them to lie flat.
If you're planning on using your pushchair for walks in the country or outdoor activities, it's a good idea to choose a model with good suspension. This will ensure that your child has a smooth and comfortable ride, not being affected by every bump in the road.
The Ridge all-terrain stroller from UPPAbaby is equipped with unique features that allow it to use on any terrain, including urban streets and hills. This includes its large foam-filled tyres, and its impressive suspension. It's also suitable from birth with a separate carrycot and a lie-flat seat that meets standards for infants from birth to toddlerhood. MFM reviewers were impressed by the Ridge's other features like its easy one-handed folding, spacious shopping basket and adjustable handlebar. It's compatible with the iCandy Jane car seat and carrycot to create a stroller that can be used from birth.