3 wheel all terrain pushchair (Writeablog blog article)

A pushchair that is all-terrain and has excellent maneuverability will suit you whether you're looking for a buggy for woodland walks or a stroll on the main street. These models typically come with large wheels and suspension systems that provide an easy ride on rough terrain.

The majority of them are suitable from birth and come with a lie-flat baby seat or a baby carrycot. These vehicles also come with tyres which never flatten, usually comprised of foam.

Suspension

A genuine all-terrain pushchair will have a good suspension, designed to be extremely smooth on rough ground, helping your little one to feel comfortable and at ease. The wheels will also be large and will usually have a puncture-proof design to protect against damage caused by sharp sticks or rocks.

The larger tyres will also help you tackle more difficult terrain with ease, with some all-terrain pushchairs even offering the option of additional tyres that can be switched between for different conditions. Certain all-terrain strollers come with an swivel wheel which can be locked to offer stability or unlocked to permit greater manoeuvrability.

Some all-terrain strollers come with a brake handbrake lockable that is easier to reach using your hands. This is more convenient than a traditional pedal on the handlebars. This is an excellent option if you're inclined to climb steep hills.

If you don't want to go quite as extreme as an all-terrain pushchair there are plenty of strollers on the market which are very well-built, but not perfect - off-road capabilities, and have great suspension and big wheels. These are usually less expensive than full-on all terrain buggy options and will still be suitable for short country walks or trips to the park.

Many of these strollers are suitable for babies and come with an infant carrycot or a car seat that is suitable for newborns. However, be aware that when it comes to pushing over dips and bumps, the seats will not lie completely flat. According to EU regulations, they have to meet the minimum requirements for reclining position of about 150deg. Graco has gotten around this issue by introducing a new 'comfitech in-seat suspension' that lets the seat recline at a flatter angle for a bit more comfort. It is available on the Lila XP all-terrain pushchair which can be used in conjunction with a compatible Graco infant car seat to create a 3 wheel stroller with seat- in 1 travel system.

Seat

There's a variety of 3-wheel all-terrain pushchairs available, offering a superb off-road capability. These are perfect if you live on the countryside or walk regularly on uneven, rough terrain. They are usually more durable and sturdy than a regular pushchair, with special features such as large wheels that are puncture-proof to deal with the toughest of surfaces. They are often quite wide and can be difficult to maneuver through narrow spaces or in aisles of shops.

The seat of an all-terrain buggy may be world or parent facing and grows with your child, from newborn to toddler (it's suitable for children as young as 6 months). It has 'never-flat' foam-filled tyres that provide a smooth ride. It also features dual frame suspension, luxurious padding and a seat unit with excellent postural support. It also has a reclining feature, as well as an enormous hood that can be extended and integrated venting as well as pockets for smartphones.

The new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 is another great option. It's an all-terrain stroller that is a trailblazer. It has fantastic suspension and tyres with air-filled so it's suitable to jog once your child reaches the appropriate age. It also has a 360 swivel lockable front wheel for manoeuvrability, and it folds with one hand, which is simple and quick. It's suitable from birth and can be combined with an UPPAbaby car seat or infant car seat adaptors (sold separately).

Many all-terrain pushchairs don't have a reversible seat, but the likes of the Oyster cheap 3 wheel buggy, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do come with this option and both offer a very good level of off-road performance and have a decent weight limit for a two-year old. There are also many pushchairs classified as all-rounders like the iCandy Pear and Bugaboo Cameleon which are very good with the rough terrain found in park or National Trust places but don't offer the off-road performance of all-terrain pushchairs.

There are also crossover models that are an excellent compromise between off road and high street. They have big wheels, great suspension, and are designed in a pushchair-style, with reversible seating and carrycot options. Some of the top models are manufactured by companies such as iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.

Wheels

All-terrain pushchairs are a must if you live in the countryside or take your child for regular walks on rough terrain. These models usually come with larger back wheels than standard pushchairs which makes them better at handling bumpy off-road terrain, and ensuring an easy ride for your child. Many also come with a sturdy suspension and puncture-proof versions so that they're suitable for use on grass, woodland or paths through the forest, gravel tracks and market town cobbles.

Certain all-terrain strollers also feature a lockable wheel on the front, which gives extra stability when walking on rough terrain or over high kerbs. Some have swivel wheels on the front, which allow you to move the buggy with ease in case you want to change direction or turn corners.

All-terrain strollers come with air-filled tyres which are ideal for dealing with rough terrain. However they are more prone to punctures than the solid EVA tyres found on lightweight city strollers. It's therefore worth purchasing a repair kit as well as an spare inner tube to go with your pushchair. Some all-terrain models have foam tyres which are less susceptible to punctures, but aren't as effective at taking in shock and could feel harder to push than air-filled tyres.

The brand new Bugaboo Fox 5 is a good example of a pushchair that has both foam-filled and air-filled tyres, a great suspension system and large wheels that are puncture-proof at the rear. They are ideal for off-road and running (once your child is old enough). The model is also suitable from birth and can be used in conjunction with a carrycot or a lie-flat chair.

The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another option. It has large tyres, a single steering wheel at the front and large tyres. It's not as flexible as the other strollers with all-terrain wheels on this list however it can be able to handle terrain that is hilly and has a spacious one-hand fold that is ideal for long walks in the countryside or long journeys. It's also suitable for children from birth and has a large, extendable sun canopy and some great parent-friendly features like a simple brake pedal and a movable handlebar, as well as a large sized basket.

Storage

There are excellent all-terrain pushchairs for parents who would like to take their child off-road, but don't wish to tackle Ben Nevis. They provide the best of both. Find one that has all-terrain capabilities, sturdy suspension and large puncture proof wheels, but is constructed in a traditional pushchair style with reversible seating and carrycot options.

The UPPAbaby's bestselling Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a great illustration of this. It offers excellent suspension, an easy one-handed fold and a generous 10kg basket but also has parent-friendly features including an adjustable handlebar, hand-operated brake on the right and a large covered storage space. A hood that can be removed and brushed down with cool soapy water is another handy feature that will help to stop mould and mildew from building up.

If you're planning on using your all-terrain pushchair off-road it's best to opt for air-filled tyres instead of those with rubber grips. They will provide a smoother ride on uneven ground and will be more maneuverable in tight spaces. If you plan to use your all terrain pushchair 3 wheels to jog occasionally, make sure that the front wheel is swivelable or has a quick-release feature to lock it in place for greater stability.

It's important to check the pushchair fabrics can be machine washed to ensure they are in good condition. If not, a spot clean with warm water and a small amount of gentle soap should suffice. The fabric can be dried thoroughly outside to prevent mildew or mould.

Most of our 3 wheel buggies wheeled all terrain pushchairs can be used from the time of birth. Choose models that have a fully lie-flat chair and a reversible backrest to allow you to use it from birth all the way to when your child is around three years old. Many are compatible with car seat adapters for a family of three. You can leave your car at home and use all-terrain strollers with a fixed wheel for casual jogging or light strolling. One example is the Delta Special Needs All-Terrain Jogger from Delichon that comes in various sizes of canvas and frame that can be used by children and adults.