3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly

3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair

A pushchair that is all-terrain with excellent maneuverability will suit you whether you're looking for a buggy for walking in the woods or for an excursion on the high street. These models are usually equipped with large wheels and a suspension system that provides smooth riding on rough terrain.

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

Suspension

A quality all-terrain pushchair should have a good suspension that is specifically designed to be ultra smooth and comfortable on rough terrain. This will make your child feel relaxed and comfortable. The wheels are usually big and puncture-proof to prevent damage caused by sharp rocks or sharp sticks.

The larger tyres can allow you tackle more difficult terrains easily Some all-terrain pushchairs even offering the option of additional tyres to switch between for different conditions. Certain all-terrain strollers come with an swivel wheel which can be locked to offer stability or unlocked to allow for greater manoeuvrability.

For added peace of mind Certain all-terrain pushchairs feature a locking handbrake that is more accessible to use with your hands free than with a traditional brake pedal placed on the handlebars' sides. This is a great option if you're a fan of steep hills.

If you don't wish to go as far as an all-terrain stroller, there are a lot of strollers that are very well-built, but not ultimate - off road capability with great suspension and large wheels. They are generally more affordable than full-on all-terrain buggy models, and can be suitable for short country walks or trips to the park.

Many of these strollers are suitable for infants with either an infant carrycot or a car seat that is designed for infants. Be aware, however, that when it comes to pushing over dips and bumps, the seats aren't completely flat - as per EU regulations they only have to meet the minimum requirements for reclined position of around 150deg. Some brands, including Graco have gotten around this with their new "comfitech" in-seat suspension that allows the seat to recline at a slightly flatter angle to provide a bit more comfort. It is available on the Lila XP all-terrain pushchair which can be used with an compatible Graco infant car seat to create a 3 in 1 travel system.

Seat

There are a wide range of 3-wheeled all-terrain pushchairs, which offer a superb off-road capability. They are ideal if you live in the countryside or walk frequently on rough, uneven terrain. These are more robust and durable than a standard pushchair. They come with special features like large puncture-proof tires to handle the most challenging surfaces. They tend to be quite wide, so may be difficult to maneuver in narrow spaces or through aisles in stores.

All-terrain buggy seats are placed either in the direction of parents or world facing. They can grow with your child from newborn to toddler. It comes with 'never flat' foam-filled tyres that give a smooth ride. It also has dual frame suspension luxurious padding and an adjustable seat that provides excellent postural support. It also comes with a reclining mechanism and comes with a large extendable sun hood with integrated ventilation, as well as an integrated pocket for smartphones.

The new Out 'n' About Nipper V5 is another excellent choice. It's an all-terrain stroller that's a trailblazer. It comes with great suspension and air-filled tyres, so it's able to jog once your child is of the right age. It features an adjustable 360-degree locking front wheel that provides ease of maneuverability and one-handed folding. It's suitable from birth and can be combined with an UPPAbaby car seat or infant car seat adaptors (sold separately).

A lot of all-terrain pushchairs do not have a reversible seat, but the models like the Oyster 3, Venicci Tinum and egg 2 do offer this option and both offer an excellent level of off-road capability and an adequate weight limit for a 2 year old. A lot of pushchairs are classified as all-rounders. These include the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and a few others. They are able to handle rough terrain in parks and National Trust locations, but don't have the off-road capabilities as true all-terrain strollers.

There are also crossover models, which are a great alternative to extreme off-road and high-street and are able to handle all terrains with large wheels and great suspension, but they're designed in a typical pushchair style with reversible seats and fully-equipped carrycots and are suitable for use on a daily basis. Brands like iCandy, Easywalker and Bugaboo have created some great ones to take a look at.

Wheels

All-terrain pushchairs are essential when you live in a rural area or take your child on regular walks over rough terrain. These pushchairs typically have larger back wheels than regular pushchairs which makes them better in handling rough off-road terrains and ensuring a smooth ride for your child. Some also have a sturdy suspension and puncture-proof types so that they're suitable for use on woodland, grass or paths through the forest, gravel tracks and market town cobbles.

Some all-terrain pushchairs also feature an adjustable front wheel that offers additional stability when walking on rough terrain and over high kerbs. Some models have swivel wheels at the front, which allow you to move the buggy more easily if you want to change direction or turn corners.

Most all-terrain pushchairs have air-filled tyres that provide excellent shock absorption and are perfect for rough terrain, but they're more prone to punctures than the solid EVA tyres found on city strollers, which is why you should invest in a repair kit, spare inner tube and pump alongside your pushchair. Certain models have foam tyres which are less likely to puncture, but may be harder to push.

The brand new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is an excellent example of a stroller that includes both foam and air filled tyres. It also comes with an excellent suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture resistant and suitable for off-road use or running (once your child reaches an appropriate age). It is also suitable for babies and can be used with a carrycot or a lie-flat seat.

The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another option. It has big tires, a single steering wheel at the front, and huge tyres. It's not as versatile like the other pushchairs with all-terrain capabilities on this list but it does handle hilly terrain and has an ample, one-handed fold which is ideal if you plan to be using the pushchair for long walks or trips into the countryside. It is suitable for children and features a large, extendable canopy, an adjustable handlebar, and a large, spacious basket.

Storage

For parents that want to take their children off-road, but don't want to commit to tackling Ben Nevis, there are some excellent all terrain pushchairs that offer the best of both worlds. Look for  3 wheeled pushchair  with excellent all-terrain capabilities, durable suspension and large puncture-proof wheels, but built in a more traditional pushchair design with reversible seats as well as full carrycot options.

UPPAbaby’s popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is a good example. It comes with a fantastic suspension and a single-hand fold and a generous basket that can support up to 10kg. However, it also has many features that are child-friendly, like an adjustable handlebar and a hand-operated break on the right. A hood that can be removed and brushed down with cool soapy water is another useful feature that can help keep mildew and mould from forming.

If you plan to take your all-terrain stroller off-road, opt for air-filled tires rather than rubber grips. They'll provide a more comfortable ride on rough terrain and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you intend to use your all-terrain stroller for occasional jogging, make sure the front wheel is able to swivel or features a quick release mechanism to ensure it is locked in place to give you more stability.

To keep the fabrics in pristine condition, ensure that they can be machine-washed. If not, a spot clean with warm soapy water and some warm water should suffice. The fabric can be dried completely outside to avoid mould or mildew.

The majority of our three wheel pushchairs can be used from the moment of birth. Look for models with a fully lie-flat chair and a reversible rearrest that will allow you to use it from newborn all the way to when your child is around three years old. Many of them are compatible with car seat adapters if you're traveling as an all-three-person family. If you'd prefer to leave the car at home, there are some all-terrain pushchairs with a fixed front wheel that are perfect for casual strolls or light jogging like the Delta Special Needs all-terrain jogger from Delichon which is available in a variety of canvas and frame sizes to fit adults and children.