All Terrain Push Chair

An all terrain push chair is a great choice for parents who are likely to have their child covered in mud and dirt particularly if they love going on walks. These push chairs also have larger wheels and puncture-proof tires.

Look for a stroller which can be used with a carrycot or a seat unit from birth. (Not suitable for overnight sleeping). It should have an extendable hood and a view panel inside the hood.

Features

The true all terrain pushchair is exactly what it says on the tin - it's designed to withstand rough terrain and usually comes with excellent suspension, large wheels and puncture-proof tyres. You may think they're only suitable for woodland walks or National Trust excursions, but this is not necessarily the case - some of these models, including the Bugaboo Cameleon 3 and the iCandy Core, feature the traditional pushchair style with reversible seats, complete carrycot options, and even a nod to fashion with their fabrics.

A front wheel that is able to be swiveled and locked to a straight angle is a key feature to look for. This will help when you're riding on rough roads. Also, look for models that have a handbrake mounted on the handlebar to slow down on steep slopes. This is a great feature if you are an owner of an area that is hilly or you often go for long walks with your child.

When you're browsing for an all-terrain pushchair make sure it has an adjustable height handlebar, as when both parents and children have different heights, this makes it easier to use. You may want to look for a wrist-strap to reduce the risk of your pushchair rolling off on cliff edges or slopes.

All-terrain pushchairs tend to be heavier than standard pushchairs, so if weight is a factor for you, think about models that fold down that can fit in a small boot. Also, since these models can get very muddy and wet they're typically made of washable fabrics that dry quickly and easy to clean.

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro, which was awarded the Mother and Baby Gold Award in 2016, is the perfect example of an all-terrain pushchair that checks all the boxes. The XXL model is suitable for babies from birth and can be used with a baby car seat or carrycot to create a three-in-one travel system. Its dual suspension expertly tackles the bumps and dips in the road. The hood features a view panel to allow you to monitor your child.

Design

All-terrain buggies, in contrast to normal pushchairs, which can be unable to handle rough terrain typically come with large wheels and a robust suspension. They also tend to have extra features that make them suitable for woodland walks or mud and gravel tracks as well as market town cobbles and other terrains that are difficult to navigate.

Find models with locking front wheels and tyres filled with foam that don't need to be aired (a huge plus if you are planning to run in the near future with your child). Often all-terrain pushchairs have bigger rear wheels than their city pushchair counterparts, as they can cope with rough terrain. A broad handlebar will assist you in keeping the control in rough terrain.

Some all-terrain strollers feature a handbrake. This is useful for stopping in a hilly area with your child in the pushchair and shopping in the basket. Some all-terrain pushchairs also feature a recline seat which can be lowered to a flat position for your baby or toddler.

When folded all-terrain strollers are typically very large and bulky. Mountain Buggy and Thule offer several excellent folding options that are compact. Look for models that permit you to put the front wheel section and frame under the main body. This will decrease the overall size to make it easier for storage.

Some all-terrain pushchairs such as the iCandy Core, are designed specifically to be an everyday pushchair that transforms into an all-terrain stroller suitable for strolls through the woods and market town strolls. It has a hammock seat design that means the fabrics are hung from the chassis rather than connected to a separate seat frame. This enables a higher weight limit, better control of the direction and a more comfortable ride.

The UPPAbaby fox 5 is an all-terrain stroller that has impressive mudguards and a large wheelbase. It also has an elegant suspension, a huge extendable hood and a large basket that can hold up to 10kg. It can be folded in one hand. It can be used from birth with an UPPAbaby car seat adaptors, and has the option of turning into a twin pushchair that faces the parent.

Safety

All-terrain pushchairs are the best choice if you want to use your pushchair on rough terrain. These pushchairs have large wheels that can take on bumpy or muddy surfaces more easily than regular pushchairs. They also have suspension to absorb the impact of rough surfaces. Some all-terrain strollers have wheels that lock on the front that can be used to walk on rough or uneven pavements. Some have tyres with foam-filled never flat tyres designed to be puncture proof.

These features can make all-terrain pushchairs more comfortable to both parents and children. They are larger and heavier, however, than other pushchairs. They can be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or in aisles of shops. The larger rear wheels of some all-terrain strollers can make them difficult to navigate up and down escalators and stairs.

Another important safety aspect of an all-terrain pushchair is the possibility of connecting to a carrycot or infant car seat. Most all-terrain strollers have a universal adapter for infant carriers. Many all-terrain strollers feature seats that can be reversible, meaning you can choose if your child is facing you or away.

A true all-terrain vehicle is made specifically to conquer rough tracks as well as rutted fields and forest paths easily. It's different from a standard pushchair and has a more extreme off road capability. If you're not sure whether you're in need of something this extreme, you could find a range of pushchairs that offer excellent all-terrain capabilities without the expense of an offroader.

These all-terrain strollers come with huge wheels which are perfect for rough terrain and have more rugged feel than a standard pushchair. They fold up easily and are lighter than the extreme off-roaders. These pushchairs also come with seating that reclines and large storage bins that make them more comfortable for your child. Some of these all terrain pushchairs feature adjustable legrests and a shade to protect your child against the sun.

Stores

All terrain push chairs are often a lot bulkier than standard buggies So make sure you have enough space in your car boot to accommodate one when it's not being used. It's also worth checking that the chassis is lightweight enough to allow you to move it in and out of your car boot with ease.

Another feature worth looking for is storage space - pushchairs that are all-terrain tend to include 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 even be a tray for parents for snacks or drinks.

The design of the handle is a crucial factor, too. Look for ergonomic handles and grips that fit 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 control using two fingers.

A lot of all-terrain strollers come with adjustable leg rests that can help to keep your child in a comfortable position. They might also come with recline that can be adjusted to suit your child's temperament or preferences. You can also choose a flat-bed chair for infants and toddlers that allow them to lie completely flat.

If you are planning to take your pushchair on nature walks and other outdoor activities, it's best all terrain buggy to choose a model that has decent suspension. This will ensure that your child has a comfortable ride and won't be disturbed 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 move from hill to high street, including its large foam-filled tyres and impressive suspension. It is also suitable for babies since it comes with an additional carrycot, as well as the seat can be positioned flat. The Ridge's many other features that impressed MFM reviewers include a simple fold using one hand, a large shopping basket and an adjustable handlebar. It's compatible with the iCandy Jane car seat and carrycot to create a pram that can be used from birth.