All Terrain Push Chair
A all-terrain push chair is a great choice for parents who will cover their children in dirt and mud, particularly if they enjoy going on walks. These pushchairs also come with larger wheels and puncture-proof tires.
Find a pushchair that has the seat that can recline flat and can be used as a newborn with an infant seat or a carrycot (not suitable for overnight sleeping). It should have a view panel and an extendable hood.
Features
All terrain push chairs are built to be able to handle the rough terrain. They come with large wheels, puncture-proof tires and great suspension. You might think they're just for National Trust walks or woods walks, but that's not the case. Many of these models come with a more conventional pushchair design that includes reversible seating and a full carrycot option, and even fabrics that hint at fashion.
The main features to look for include a front wheel that can swivel and locks into a straight position, which will come in handy when you're on bumpy tracks. It's also worth looking for models with a handbrake that is set high on the handlebar to allow you to slow down when you're on steep slopes. This is a great feature if you're a resident of a hilly area or frequently go on long walks with your toddler.
If you're in the market for an all-terrain stroller, ensure that it has a handlebar that is adjusted in the height. Best all-terrain stroller will make it easier to maneuver in the event that parents and children are of different heights. You may also want to look for a wrist strap that minimises the chance of the chair rolling away from you on cliff edges or slopes.
All-terrain pushchairs are typically heavier than regular pushchairs. If weight is a factor for you, think about models that fold down that can fit in a boot that is small. And as these models are prone to getting very muddy and wet they're usually made from washable fabrics that dry quickly and easy to clean.
The Mamas & Papas Ocarro is the perfect example of a multi-terrain stroller that ticks all boxes. It's suitable from birth due to the one-metre-long XXL seat and can be used with a baby car seat or carrycot to create a complete 3-in-1 travel set-up. Its dual suspension expertly tackles the bumps and dips on the road, while the Hood has a view-through panel that allows you to monitor your child.
Design
Unlike regular pushchairs which might struggle on rough ground, all-terrain buggies usually feature sturdy suspensions and large wheels that are puncture-proof. They also have extra features that make them suitable for woodland walks, mud and gravel tracks as well as market town cobbles and other terrains that are difficult to navigate.
Look for models that have locking front wheels and tyres that are filled with foam and don't need to be aired (a big plus if are planning to run in the future with your child). All-terrain pushchairs typically have larger rear wheels than their city pushchair counterparts because this helps them cope well with bumpy, off-road terrain. A wider handlebar can aid in maintaining control over rough terrain.
Some all-terrain strollers have handbrakes. This is great for stopping in a hilly area with your child in the pushchair, and shopping in the basket. Some all-terrain pushchairs come with a recline seat that can be lowered to a lying-flat position for your baby or toddler.
When folded, all-terrain strollers are usually quite large and bulky. There are however excellent compact fold options available on the market from brands such as Mountain Buggy and Thule. You should look for models that can fold the front wheel and frame section underneath the main body, which can help to reduce the overall size of the pushchair for better storage.
Certain all-terrain prams like 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 and market town walks. It features a 'hammock' seat design, which means that the fabric is hung from the frame instead of attached to a separate frame for the seat. This creates a higher weight limit, better directional handling and a more comfortable ride.
The UPPAbaby Fox 5 is an all-terrain stroller that has impressive mudguards and a large wheelbase. It also comes with an elegant suspension, an extended hood, and a huge basket that can carry up to 10 kg. It folds in one hand. It can be used from birth with an UPPAbaby carrycot or car seat adaptors, and has the option of converting to a twin pushchair with a parent-facing.
Safety
All-terrain pushchairs are the best option if you plan to use your pushchair in rough terrain. These pushchairs have large wheels that are able to better cope with bumpy or muddy terrain than regular pushchairs. They also have suspensions to absorb impact of rough surfaces. Some all-terrain strollers have locks on the wheel at the front that can be used to walk on uneven or rough pavements. Some models even have foam-filled, never-flat tyres that are designed to withstand punctures.
All-terrain pushchairs can be more comfortable for the baby as well as the parent. They are more heavy and wider but they are still smaller unlike other pushchairs. They aren't easy to maneuver in tight spaces or in the aisles of shops. The larger rear wheels on some strollers that are all-terrain can make it difficult to move up and down escalators, stairs and other steps.
Another important safety feature of an all-terrain pushchair is the possibility of connecting an infant car seat. Most all-terrain pushchairs have an adapter for car seats universally that allows you to attach most compatible infant carriers. In addition, a lot of all-terrain pushchairs feature seats that can be reversible which allows you to face your child towards you or away from you.
A true all-terrain vehicle is made specifically to conquer rough tracks or rutted fields, as well as forest pathways easily. It has a distinct look than a standard pushchair, with more extreme off-road capability. However, if you're not certain if you're looking for something so extreme, you can still find many different pushchairs with excellent all-terrain capabilities, without the cost of an off-roader.
These all-terrain strollers have large wheels that are great for rough terrain and offer more rugged feel than an ordinary pushchair. But they fold very easily and are significantly lighter than an extreme off-roader. They also have seating that reclines and large storage bins that make them more comfortable for your child. Some of these pushchairs are all-terrain. include adjustable leg rests and a sunshade to protect your child from sun.
Stores
All terrain pushchairs are generally more bulkier than standard buggies. Make sure you have the space in your boot to accommodate one when not in use. Check that the chassis can be lifted easily to and from the car boot.
Another thing to look for is storage - pushchairs that are all-terrain tend to have large shopping baskets underneath the seat, as well as a handy zipped pocket on the hood and smaller mesh pockets in the handlebar. There may be a tray for parents that holds drinks or snacks.
The design of the handle must be considered. Choose ergonomic handles and grips that are suited to your height. Some brands offer one-hand brakes that are more user-friendly and operates with one hand. Some brands come with a dual lock brake that is more secure and easier for two fingers to control.
A majority of all-terrain pushchairs come with adjustable leg rests to keep your child in a comfy position. They might also come with a recline which can be adjusted to suit your baby's mood, or you might choose an infant seat that is flat and toddlers that allow them to lay flat.
If you're planning on using your pushchair for country walks and outdoor adventures, then it's a good idea to get a model with decent suspension. This will ensure that your child gets a an easy and comfortable ride, not being hit by every bump in the road.
The all-terrain pushchair from UPPAbaby, the Ridge is a standout model with a few distinctive features that make it able to go from hill to high street with its large tyres with foam-filled tyres as well as its impressive suspension. It's also suitable from birth with a separate carrycot as well as a lie-flat seat that meets standards for infants from the time of birth until toddlerhood. The Ridge's many other features that wowed MFM reviewers include a simple fold with one hand, a large shopping basket, and a movable handlebar. It's also compatible with the iCandy Jane carrycot and car seat to create an all-terrain pram that can be used right from birth.