All Terrain Push Chair
All-terrain pushchairs are a great choice for parents who will likely get their child covered in mud or dirt especially if they like going on walks. These push chairs also have larger wheels and puncture-proof tires.
Look for a pushchair that has a seat that reclines flat and can be used from birth with a carrycot or seat unit (not suitable for overnight sleeping). It should have an expandable the hood, and a view window in the hood.
Features
All terrain pushchairs are designed to be able to handle the rough terrain. They have large wheels, puncture-proof tires, and excellent suspension. You may think they're merely for National Trust walks or woodland walks, but that's not the situation. Many of these models have the look of a traditional pushchair and come with reversible seating options and a full carrycot option, and even fabrics that suggest fashion.
The key characteristics to look out for are the front wheel that rotates and locks into a straight position which will come in handy on slippery tracks. It is also worthwhile to look for models with a handbrake that sits high on the handlebar which allows you to use it to reduce speed on steep descents. This is a fantastic feature to have when you reside in a hilly area or take frequent long walks with your toddler on the bike.
If you're looking for an all-terrain stroller, ensure that it has a handlebar that is adjusted in the height. This will make it easier to maneuver in the event that the parent and child are different heights. You may want to look for a wrist-strap to reduce the risk of your pushchair crashing 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 with a compact fold that will fit into a boot that is small. These pushchairs are usually constructed from washable fabrics which are easy to clean and quick to dry.
The Mamas & Papas Ocarro, which won the Mother and Baby Gold Award in 2016 is a perfect model of a pushchair that is all-terrain that meets all the criteria. It's suitable from birth due to the XXL seat's one-metre length and can be used in combination with a compatible baby car seat or carrycot to create a complete 3-in-1 travel system. Dual suspensions are able to handle the bumps and dips on the road, and the hood has a viewing panel that allows you to keep an eye on your child.
Design
All-terrain buggies, unlike regular pushchairs which may be unable to handle rough terrain typically come with large wheels and a sturdy suspension. They also tend to have extra features that make them ideal for woodland walks, mud and gravel tracks as well as market town cobbles and other difficult terrains.
Make sure you choose models with locks on the front wheels, as well as tyres with foam that do not require airing (a major benefit if you plan on jogging in the future with your child). All-terrain pushchairs often have larger rear wheels than city pushchairs. This makes them able to handle rough terrain off-road. A wide handlebar will also aid in maintaining the control in rough terrain.
A handbrake is a useful feature included on many all-terrain pushchairs. It is perfect for slowing down descents or coming to a halt in a rocky area with your child on board and shopping in the basket below! Some all-terrain strollers also have reclined seats that can be adjusted to a flat position for your toddler or child.
When folded the all-terrain strollers tend to be quite large and bulky. Mountain Buggy and Thule offer an array of compact folding options. Look out for models that allow you to tuck the front wheel and frame section under the main body which will help to reduce the overall size of the pushchair for easier storage.
Some all-terrain strollers, such as the iCandy Core are designed to be a standard pushchair that can be transformed into a stroller that can be used all terrain for woodland walks or market town walks. It has a hammock seat design, which means that the fabrics are hung from the chassis rather than connected to a separate frame for the seat. This allows for a greater weight limit, better directional control on rough ground and a more comfortable ride for your child.
The UPPAbaby Fox 5 is an all-terrain pushchair that has impressive mudguards, a huge wheelbase with a smooth suspension and parent-friendly features including a large expandable hood, a large 10kg basket and one-handed fold. It can be used from birth with an UPPAbaby carrycot, or car seat adaptors. It also has the option of converting into a twin pushchair that faces the parent.
Safety
All-terrain pushchairs are a great choice if you want to use your pushchair in rough terrain. These pushchairs feature large wheels that can withstand bumpy or muddy ground more easily than regular pushchairs. In addition, they often have suspension that helps to absorb the impact of rough surfaces. Some all-terrain strollers have a lockable wheel on the front, which can be used to walk on rough or uneven pavements. Some even have foam-filled never-flat tyres designed to resist puncture.
These features can make pushchairs that are all-terrain more comfortable for both parents and children. However, they do tend to be larger and heavier than other pushchairs. They aren't easy to maneuver in tight spaces or in aisles of shops. The larger rear wheels on some all-terrain strollers can make them difficult to navigate up and down escalators and stairs.
Another important safety characteristic of an all-terrain stroller is the possibility of connecting an infant car seat. All-terrain strollers are equipped with an adapter that is universal for infant carriers. Many all-terrain strollers have reversible seats, so you can choose if your child faces you or away.
A true all-terrain pushchair is specifically designed to handle rough terrain, rutted fields and forest trails easily. It looks different from an ordinary pushchair and features an extreme off-road capability. If you're not sure if you need something so extreme, you could find a range of pushchairs that offer excellent all-terrain capabilities without the expense of an offroader.
These strollers are equipped with large wheels that are great for rough terrain and have a more rugged feeling than the standard pushchair. But they fold up easily and are significantly lighter than an off-roader that is a bit more extreme. They also have a range of features that make them more comfortable for your child, like reclined seats and large storage baskets. Some of these all terrain pushchairs have adjustable legrests and shade to shield your child from sun.
Stores
All terrain push chairs are often heavier than buggies that are standard and therefore you must ensure that you have enough room in your car boot to fit one even when it's not being used. Also, make sure that the chassis is light enough to be able to lift into and out of your car boot without difficulty.
Storage is another important feature. All-terrain strollers usually have large shopping baskets beneath the seat. They also have an easy zip pocket on the hood and smaller mesh pockets at the handlebar. There may even be a parent tray for drinks or snacks.
The design of the handle is a crucial factor, too. Look for ergonomic handles and grips that match your height. Some brands offer one-hand brakes that are more user-friendly and operates with one hand. Other brands have a dual-lock system which is more secure and easy to operate with two fingers.
Many all-terrain pushchairs feature adjustable leg rests that help keep your child in a comfortable position. pushchairsandprams can also adjust the recline according to your child's temperament. You can also choose a flat bed for infants or toddlers, allowing them to lay flat.
If you intend to take your pushchair on nature walks and other outdoor activities you should select one with decent suspension. This will ensure that your child has an easy and comfortable ride, not being affected by every bump on the road.
The all-terrain pushchair from UPPAbaby, the Ridge features some distinctive features that allow it to go from hill to high-street, including its large tyres filled with foam and its impressive suspension. It's also suitable for babies because it comes with a separate carrycot, and the seat can be positioned flat. The Ridge's other features that impressed MFM reviewers include an easy fold with one hand, a large shopping basket, and an adjustable handlebar. It's also compatible with the iCandy Jane carrycot and car seat to create an all-terrain baby stroller that can be used right from birth.