What to Look For in an All-Terrain Pram
If you enjoy being outdoors, you'll need a stroller that is able to handle rough terrain. The best all-terrain strollers have large, air-filled tires and suspension built-in for an easy ride.
They are usually bigger and heavier than standard strollers. Some are compatible with infant car seats, but you must consult your pediatrician first. Some seats recline flat, and some have a world facing seat.
Features
All-terrain prams should be comfortable for little ones in them as they are for the parents, so it's important to check the suspension is smooth and that there's enough room in the seat for a large cushion, which is breathable and cushioned. You should ensure that the seat reclines flat and that your child's feet are in the air. This will give them extra comfort on a long hike through a mountain that is rocky and stop them from becoming cold.
You'll also want to ensure that the all-terrain pushchair you buy will have a canopy. The last thing you want is your child to be sunburned while on an excursion. It is a good idea to choose a canopy with large openings and can be adjusted to fit your needs, or that has removable panels to provide some protection during certain weather conditions. It is also important to ensure that your all-terrain stroller has five-point harnesses that are secure for the child to prevent them from falling out of the seat.
It is also recommended to choose an infant stroller with plenty of storage. Most have a large basket of shopping under the seat. Some also have mesh pockets in both the back and front. They are great places to store things like keys and mobile phones.
The majority of all-terrain strollers are suitable for walking, hiking and even some light running (check the guidelines for the product to see if this is recommended). These prams can be more expensive, but because they are built to withstand rough terrain they can ensure that they will last a lot longer. Some come with additional features, such as changing facilities or a newborn cocoon for use from birth. These may add to the price of the pushchair, but can be worth it for active families.
Suspension
To ensure a smooth ride, a high-quality suspension system is a must-have in any all-terrain stroller. A well-padded seat is also an important consideration, especially when your child is sleeping during a lot of your outdoor adventures.
An all-terrain pram with a light frame and a compact footprint is the best choice to maximize space while keeping your family active. Bumbleride Indie, a large pram with air-filled tires and an all-wheel suspension for excellent traction on all terrains is a great example. The Indie also has a seat that can be laid flat as well as a built-in infant mode making it suitable from birth right until toddlerhood.
There are a variety of all-terrain strollers available, but you should choose one that can be easily maneuvered over curbs, uneven pathways and tree roots. You'll want to choose one that is simple to lift and lower out of the car's boot and comes with a sufficient shopping basket to hold everything you require for your outdoor adventure.
The Bugaboo Fox 5 is a versatile all-terrain stroller that's perfect for country walks or dog walks on gravel road. It has large puncture-resistant foam tyres that roll over pretty much anything and excellent shock-absorption for a smooth ride and a sturdy chassis to improve stability and maneuverability. This all-terrain pushchair comes with certain features for parents to enjoy, like the convenient twist handbrake that is located on the back wheel bar for easy speed control and an adjustable handlebar for taller parents.
The UPPAbaby Ridge is designed for families who like running or walking with their dogs and babies. It has a lightweight and versatile design that can be expanded to a double stroller in minutes. It has a variety of features including a state-of the-art suspension system, a spacious recliner that has side ventilation and an electronic peekaboo. The Ridge is also a breeze to steer and maneuver even when loaded with children and other items, and its front wheels can be locked into place to give more stability when climbing steeper slopes.
Tires
All-terrain strollers are great for those who like to explore and get off the beaten path, or have children who like to run. You can enjoy your walks and runs without having to worry about your child slip or falling from the seat. This kind of pushchair comes equipped with large, rugged, puncture-proof wheels that can move over a wide variety of surfaces such as grass and gravel.
The UPPAbaby Ridge is a great option for families with active children with its large puncture-proof tyres that will glide over just about everything and an absorbing suspension system that absorbs shocks to ensure your baby is comfortable while they're on the move. best all terrain stroller has the option of locking the front wheel as well as a swivel seat that can be changed between parent and world facing so that your baby can see you while they're out and out and about.
Another great alternative is the Mamas and Papas Ocarro which is available as a single pushchair or as part of a six-piece starter bundle that includes chassis, seat unit, carry cot, and adaptors (carry cot sold separately). This pram features an adjustable canopy with UPF 50+ sun protection. It will shield your child against harmful UV rays. The rain cover will shield your child from sudden rain showers.
Although the Ocarro is a bit more expensive than some other all-terrain models however, it's a good choice if you want to avoid the frustration of having to purchase separate components or accessories once your baby gets older. For instance, the chassis can be converted into a twin pram by purchasing an additional seat kit, while the carry cot would then be able to transform into a toddler's seat, and then an infant footmuff.
The suspension system is the most important element of any all-terrain stroller. This is crucial for smoothing out bumps and absorbing them for your baby. The suspension system must be easily adjustable, so that you can adapt it to different conditions and terrains. The suspension on the Bugaboo Fox 5, for example can be adjusted based on the surface you are on and how rough it is by adjusting the amount of air that is pumped into the tyres. The more air you pump the more the tyres will absorb bumps and offer a more comfortable ride for your child.
Stores
All-terrain prams and pushchairs are your best choice if you enjoy long, exciting walks with your child. These models feature more advanced suspension and are made to handle a variety of terrains including paved paths through woodland and countryside to urban streets and steep inclines. You can use a basket for shopping to carry extra clothing, a change of clothes or even picnics. You'll need to consider how much luggage you will be bringing and whether you can lift the chassis in and out of the car boot with ease.
A front wheel that locks is a great option for controlling manoeuvrability, and is particularly useful if you are using the buggy off-road. Choose wheels with tyres that are filled with air or puncture-proof models that can withstand rough terrain. This will allow you to avoid carrying a spare tire. Certain models also have hand brakes to aid in controlling the movement of the buggy as it travels up and down hills, and on a variety of surfaces.
Some models are compatible with travel systems, so you can use them right from the time of birth. They can be used with a carrycot, bassinet or baby car seats that lie flat (carrier sold separately). This can save you money in the end and reduce stress by allowing you simply switch between your car and the pram while taking an excursion.
One of our mum test subjects liked the one-handed folding on this model. It was simple to use and made it easier to prepare for trips and to take it inside when it was time to leave. She also found it to be perfect for the car boot and took up less space than other side by side double prams she'd tried.
This single pram is able to expand to double in a matter of minutes. It also has an expandable UV50+ canopy featuring two windows with magnetic peek-a-boo. It comes with a Mountain Bike Bag for parenting and a convenient shopping cart that can replace one seat.