All-Terrain Pushchair
All terrain pushchairs are perfect for families that live on country tracks or walk on rough grass and rutted trails. These models are usually equipped with 4 wheels and can take on any terrain. However, they may not be as flexible as some prams classified as all-rounders.
Features
All terrain pushchairs are a great alternative for those who require a sturdy and durable buggy that can withstand rough terrain. The best all terrain pushchairs feature a host of features that ensure your child has a comfortable ride, and plenty of storage space for all your baby's equipment.
These pushchairs are often constructed with extra-large all-terrain wheels. They can handle a variety of terrains and are well-suited to rough terrain. These pushchairs are also more comfortable than standard prams and buggies due to the fact that they have a higher suspension.
The type of tyres you choose is important when choosing an all-terrain pushchair. A majority of all terrain pushchairs come with air-filled tires similar to the ones on bicycles. This makes for a smoother ride but they are prone to punctures and you will require a spare set in your bag if you're going to use the pushchair often. You can also find all terrain pushchairs equipped with gel or foam tyres that handle bumps well but are less prone to punctures.
The majority of terrain pushchairs come with a hand brake that is located on the right side of the chassis. This is easy to use and works well on hills especially with a toddler riding on. There are also pushchairs that have a brake operated by a foot which is great to slow down steep descents.
The iCandy Core pushchair is a great option for parents who are active. It's available as a stand-alone pushchair or as part of the six-piece starter set that includes the seat, chassis and carrycot as well as adaptors. It comes with a compact, one-handed fold as well as a large underseat basket.
The Special Tomato Jogger is another lightweight all-terrain jogging style pushchair that is ideal for active parents. It features a seat back that reclining, which can be adjusted from 10 through 15 degrees. It can be paired with a padded back and seat cushions (sold separately) to provide an additional pelvic and lateral support. It is suitable for babies from birth and can be used in combination with car seats or a baby carrier to create a complete 3-in-1 travel system.
Suspension
If you're looking for an all-terrain pushchair, the suspension is one of the most important features to think about. This helps your child to stay comfortable and relaxed on bumpy or uneven ground. It also reduces the impact of sudden stops, so it's better for their little legs. You should choose an adjustable suspension system that has different levels of adjustment in order to determine the most suitable setting for your child.
All-terrain strollers come with larger wheels that can withstand more bumps. A lot of models have air-filled tyres, which are perfect for all-terrain and off-road pushing but can be susceptible to punctures, so be sure you carry a repair kit with you. Some models use foam- or gel-filled tires, which offer a more comfortable ride. However they are also heavier and more expensive than air-filled tyres.
The Qbit+ All-Terrain gb is designed for parents who want a light and easy-to-use pushchair that can handle rough terrain. It's simple to put together, with no tools required and is extremely compact when folded. To fold the buggy, press two white buttons on the handlebar to depress it. Then, pull it away. The buggy will then move into the folded position, and the seat will be popped onto the top. The handbrake is situated on the right side of the handlebar which makes it less likely to be accidentally kicked by your baby when walking or running.
Another alternative is the UPPAbaby Ridge It comes with a wonderful range of features for parents, including large and padded tyres, an adjustable handlebar, a zippered pocket on the hood, and an ample basket. It can be used with the car seat or a carriedcot and is suitable for infants thanks to the adjustable suspension and lie-flat mode.
The Bugaboo Fox 5 all-terrain stroller is stylish and comes with large puncture-proof tires. It can be used in single or double mode, and comes with an adapter for car seats, making it a great choice for growing families. Parents loved the smooth suspension and features for parents such as a huge 10kg basket, a simple fold using one hand, and a handlebar that can be adjusted.
Folding
All pushchairs that are terrain-specific are required to be able to take on more than just smooth tarmac along the high street. They are usually designed to withstand dirt tracks, gravel tracks and even cobbles from markets and the wheels are likely to be bigger than those on a standard stroller (with some even being inflated to give more height clearance over tussocks). There are also all-terrain models that can be used to jog once your child is old enough. These are often built with a swivel lockable front wheel that can be removed and replaced with a fixed one to meet your walking or jogging needs, plus large air-filled tyres and excellent suspension.
All of the top all terrain pushchairs are spacious with storage space, designed with an active lifestyle in mind. You can expect clever pockets on the hood and seat backs, as well as large or zipped under-seat storage baskets. There are models that have a bag for shopping that is removable, which helps you keep your gear well-organized and easily accessible.
It's important to note that terrain pushchairs tend to be heavier than all-rounders. They are more durable and robust to withstand the extra wear of rough terrains. However, brands like Mountain Buggy and Thule have achieved the art of making their all terrain pushchairs as compact as possible without sacrificing quality and practicality.
All pushchairs with terrain can be folded down to a compact size that can fit in the trunk of your car and are ideal for urban excursions. This is because you can keep the rear swivel wheel and the front frame in place and fold the main body of the pushchair and the front wheel beneath to create a fairly compact and flat unit.
UPPAbaby’s Ridge stroller that is all-terrain is a great example. It comes with a range of features that allow it to withstand rough terrain, such as an adjustable rear wheel that can be locked, swivels and air-filled tyres. This makes for an enjoyable ride for the child.
Stores
Built to take on everything the nature throws at it, the four-wheel all terrain pushchairs are typically larger and more robust than their all-rounder counterparts. These models will often have bigger front wheels, allowing them to negotiate bumps or tree roots as well as high kerbs with ease. These models are typically built with smaller wheels on the back, which could reduce their overall bulk and make them easier for to maneuver over rough terrain.
Parents who choose an all-terrain stroller must also take into consideration the kind of tyre. A lot of brands offer tyres which are filled with gel or foam, which are great for rough terrain and lumps and bumps. These tyres are more prone to be punctured and require more frequent maintenance. Other pushchairs for all-terrain use will have the standard pneumatic tyre which is less prone to punctures but doesn't offer as much grip on slick terrain.
The majority of strollers with all-terrain features have plenty of storage space for your items. Look for pockets on the hood, seatback and under the seat.
There are also pushchairs that are all-terrain that are suitable from birth, with either an extra carrycot or built-in lie-flat seat. These pushchairs typically come with the newborn cocoon, which MFM reviewer Alice describes as "padded, breathable, and comfortable."
All-terrain strollers are a compromise between off-road capability, and street-useability. These models typically have large wheels and excellent suspension, but they are designed in a typical pushchair style. They could also include reversible seating or carrycot options. Fabrics and details may be a nod to fashion.