All Terrain Push Chair
All terrain push chairs are a great choice for parents who will likely be able to see their children covered in dirt or mud, particularly if they enjoy walking. These push chairs also have larger wheels and puncture-proof tires.
Look for a stroller which can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or seat unit from birth. (Not suitable for overnight sleeping). It should also have an open-air panel and an adjustable hood.
Features
The all-terrain pushchair is exactly what it claims on the tin: it's designed to tackle rough terrain, and typically comes with excellent suspension, large wheels and puncture-proof tyres. You might think they're just for National Trust walks or woods walks, but that's not the situation. Many of these models feature an edgier pushchair design and come with reversible seating options, full carrycot options, and even fabrics that hint at fashion.
A front wheel that is able to be swiveled and locked in a straight position is a key feature to look for. This will come in handy when riding on bumpy roads. Also, consider models with an adjustable handbrake on the handlebar to slow down on steep slopes. This is a fantastic feature to have if you reside in areas with hills or take frequent long strolls with a toddler on board.
If you're in the market for a stroller that is all-terrain, make sure that it has a handlebar that can be adjusted in the height. This will make it easier to maneuver in the event that parents and children are of different heights. You may want to look for a wrist-strap to reduce the risk of your child's pushchair falling off on cliff edges or slopes.
All-terrain pushchairs are typically heavier than normal pushchairs, so if weight is a concern for you, consider looking at models with a compact fold that fit in a boot that is small. As these pushchairs can get very wet and muddy, they're often made with washable fabrics that dry quickly and easy to clean.
The Mamas & Papas Ocarro, which won the Mother and Baby Gold Award in 2016, is a great example of an all-terrain pushchair that ticks all the boxes. It's suitable for babies from birth thanks to the XXL seat's one-metre length and can be used with a baby car seat or carrycot to create an entire 3-in-1 travel system. Its dual suspension is able to take care of the bumps and dips on the road. The hood features a view panel that lets you keep an eye on your little one.
Design
As opposed to standard pushchairs, which may struggle on rough terrain, all-terrain buggies usually feature sturdy suspensions and large wheels that are puncture-proof. They also tend to include extra features that make them great for woodland walks, mud and gravel tracks, market town cobbles and other challenging terrain.
Look out for models with lockable front wheels and foam-filled tyres that never need airing (a huge advantage if you're going to be running around with your child in the future). All-terrain pushchairs typically have larger rear wheels than city pushchairs. This helps them to withstand rough terrain off-road. Similarly, a wide handlebar can help you keep control over uneven terrain.
Some all-terrain strollers have a handbrake. This is useful to stop in a slope with your child in the pushchair, and shopping in the basket. Certain all-terrain pushchairs also have recline seats that can be adjusted to a lying-flat position for your infant or toddler.
When folded best all terrain prams -terrain strollers tend to be very large and bulky. Mountain Buggy and Thule offer some excellent compact folding options. Look out for models that allow you to tuck the front wheel and frame section under the main body, which can help reduce the overall dimensions of the pushchair, allowing for better storage.
Some all-terrain pushchairs such as the iCandy Core, are designed specifically to be a daily pushchair that can be transformed into an all-terrain stroller for markets and woodland strolls. It features a 'hammock' seat design, which means that the fabric is hung from the chassis rather than attached to a separate frame. This allows for a greater weight limit, better control of the direction and a more comfortable ride.
The UPPAbaby Fox 5 is an all-terrain pushchair that has impressive mudguards, a massive wheelbase, smooth suspension and great features for parents, including an expandable hood, a large 10kg basket and a one-handed fold. It can be used from birth with an UPPAbaby carrycot or car seat adaptors, and has the option of converting into a twin pushchair that faces the parent.
Safety
If you're looking for a pushchair that can handle rough terrain, an all-terrain pushchair may be the best option. These pushchairs have large wheels which can better cope with rough or muddy terrains than standard pushchairs. Additionally, they usually come with suspensions that help absorb the shock of rough surfaces. Certain all-terrain pushchairs have an adjustable front wheel that is useful for walking on uneven or rough pavements. Some models have foam-filled, never flat tyres that are designed to be puncture proof.
All-terrain pushchairs are comfortable for both the child as well as the parent. They are larger and heavier but they are still smaller as opposed to other pushchairs. They aren't easy to maneuver through narrow spaces or in the aisles of shops. The larger rear wheels on some all-terrain strollers can make them difficult to maneuver up and down stairs and escalators.
Another important safety feature of an all-terrain pushchair is the ability to connect to a carrycot or infant car seat. Most pushchairs with all-terrain features have a universal car seat adapter that allows you to attach most compatible infant carriers. A lot of all-terrain strollers come with seats that can be reversible, meaning you can choose whether your child faces you or away.
A true all-terrain pushchair has been specifically designed to handle rough terrain, rutted fields and forest paths easily. It is a distinct design than a standard pushchair, with more extreme off-road capability. If you're unsure whether you're in need of something this extreme, you can still find a range of pushchairs with good all-terrain capability without the cost of an offroader.
These all-terrain strollers have large wheels that are ideal for rough terrain. They also have more rugged feel than a standard pushchair. They fold up easily, but are lighter than the extreme off-roaders. These pushchairs also come with reclined seats and large storage bins, which make them more comfortable for your child. Certain of these all terrain pushchairs come with adjustable legrests as well as a shade to protect your child from the sun.
Storage
All terrain push chairs are often much heavier than regular buggies, so make sure you have enough room in your car boot to fit one when it's not in use. It's also important to ensure that the chassis is lightweight enough to be able to lift out and into your car boot without difficulty.
Storage is another important feature. All-terrain strollers tend to have large shopping baskets underneath the seat. They also come with an easy zip pocket on the hood and smaller mesh pockets at the handlebar. There may even be a parent tray for snacks or drinks.
The design of the handle must be taken into consideration. Find ergonomic handles and grips that match your height. Some brands have one hand-operated brake that is more accessible and can be used with only one hand. Some brands have a dual-lock brake which is more secure and easy to control with two fingers.
Many all-terrain pushchairs have adjustable leg rests to help keep your child in a comfortable position. They may also have a recline which can be adjusted to suit your baby's mood, or you might choose a flat-bed chair for infants and toddlers that allow them to lie completely flat.
If you're planning on using your pushchair for country walks and outdoor activities, it's a good idea get a model with decent suspension. This will ensure that your child gets a an enjoyable and smooth ride, not being jolted by every bump along the road.
The Ridge all-terrain stroller by UPPAbaby is equipped with unique features that make it easy to use on any terrain such as urban streets and hills. This includes its large tyres filled with foam, and its impressive suspension. It's also suitable from birth with a separate carrycot as well as a lie-flat seat that meets the requirements for babies from birth to toddlerhood. MFM reviewers were impressed with the Ridge's other features, including its easy one-handed folding, spacious basket, and adjustable handlebar. It's even compatible with the iCandy Jane carrycot and car seat to create a multi-terrain stroller that can be used from birth.