What to Look For in an All-Terrain Pram
If you like exploring the outdoors, you will need a stroller that is able to handle rough terrain. The best all-terrain strollers come with large wheels filled with air and spring suspension to ensure a smooth ride.
The majority fold bigger and are bulkier. Many are compatible with infant car seats, but you should check first with your pediatrician. Some have a world-facing car seat that can recline completely flat so you can use them from birth.
Features
All-terrain prams must be as comfortable for children in them as they are for parents, so you'll need to ensure that the suspension is smooth and there's enough space inside the seat for a big, padded, breathable cushion. Also, make sure the seat can recline and the majority will be able to do this while still leaving your child's feet up in the air. This will provide them with extra comfort during a long hike through a mountain that is rocky and prevent them from getting cold.
It is also important to ensure that the all-terrain stroller you purchase comes with a canopy. You do not want your child to get burned during a walk. Find a canopy that has a large opening that can be adjusted according to your needs, or removable panels that provide some protection in certain conditions. You should also make sure your all-terrain stroller has a 5-point harness that secures the child in order to stop them from falling out of the seat.
The pushchair that you select for all terrain push chair-terrain use should have plenty of storage space too. Most will have a fairly sized shopping basket underneath the seat, and some will also have front and rear mesh pockets. They are a great place to keep things like keys and mobile phones.
Most all-terrain strollers are good for walking, hiking and even some light running (check the guidelines for the product to see if this is recommended). These prams may be more expensive, but since they are designed to handle rough surfaces they can ensure that they will last longer. Certain models come with extra features such as changing rooms or a baby cocoon that can be used from the time of birth. These features can increase the cost of a pushchair, but they can be worth the investment for some active families.
Suspension
To ensure a smooth ride an excellent suspension system is a must in any stroller that is all-terrain. A well-padded seat is also an important factor to consider, especially when your child is napping throughout your outdoor excursions.
If you're looking to maximize your space while keeping the family mobile and active, an all-terrain stroller with an ultra-light and compact frame is a great choice. Bumbleride Indie, a spacious pram that has air-filled tires with an all-wheel suspension for excellent traction on all terrains is a great example. The Indie also features a seat that can be laid flat as well as a built-in infant mode making it suitable from birth right into toddlerhood.
There are many all-terrain strollers on the market however, you must select one that is easy to maneuver around curbs, uneven pathways and tree roots. Make sure you choose a chassis weight that's not too difficult to move into and out of your car boot, and a shopping basket big enough for all of the necessities you'll require for an outdoor adventure.
The Bugaboo Fox 5 offers impressive all-terrain capabilities that are perfect for tackling country walks and dog walks on gravel roads. It comes with large tyres with excellent shock-absorption that can be rolled over nearly everything. It also comes with a solid chassis to enhance the stability and maneuverability. This Hauck Runner: All-Terrain Buggy with XL Wheels stroller also comes with some parent-friendly features. It has a convenient twist-handbrake located on a back wheel bar to control speed and an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted for taller parents.
The UPPAbaby Ridge was designed for families who love running and walking with their pets and children. It has a lightweight, versatile design that can be transformed to a double stroller in minutes. It also offers a range of features, including a state-of-the-art suspension system, as well as a large reclined seat with side ventilation and the ability to open a magnetic window. The Ridge is also a breeze to steer and maneuver, even when fully loaded with children and accessories, while its front wheels can be locked into place to give more stability when climbing steeper inclines.
Tires
If you love to wander away from the main roads or you have a child who likes to run and explore, an all-terrain pushchair will allow you to take pleasure in your runs and walks without worrying about your child sliding or falling off the seat. This type of pushchair typically has large, robust, puncture-proof wheels designed to glide over a variety of surfaces including grass and gravel.
The UPPAbaby Ridge makes a great choice for active families. It comes with large, puncture-proof foam tyres which will glide over almost everything. A shock-absorbing suspension keeps your baby in a comfortable position when they're out and about. It also comes with the option of locking the front wheel as well as a an adjustable swivel chair that can be turned between world and parent facing so that your child can be able to see you even when they're out and about.
Another great alternative is the Mamas & Papas Ocarro, which is available as one pushchair or part of a six-piece starter set that includes chassis, seat unit, carry cot, and adaptors (carry cot is sold separately). This eye-catching pram has an adjustable canopy that gives UPF 50+ sun protection, meaning you can protect your child from harmful UV rays while the rain cover shields your child from sudden rainstorms.
While the Ocarro is a little more expensive than the other all-terrain strollers, it's worth it if you want to avoid needing to purchase separate parts or accessories once your baby grows older. For instance, the chassis can be transformed into a twin pram by purchasing a second seat kit, and the carry cot will be able to convert into a toddler's seat, and then a footmuff.
The most important aspect of any all terrain pram-terrain pram is its suspension system. It is essential to absorb bumps and ensuring a smooth ride for your child. The suspension system must be able to be adjusted so that you can adapt it to different terrains and weather. The suspension on the Bugaboo Fox 5, for example, can be adjusted depending on the surface you're on and the roughness of the surface by adjusting the amount of air that is pumped into the tyres. The more air you add to, the better the tyres are at absorbing bumps and providing an enjoyable ride for your child.
Stores
All-terrain prams and pushchairs are the ideal choice if you love long, exciting walks with your baby. These models feature more advanced suspension and are designed to handle a variety of terrains including paved paths through countryside and woodlands to urban streets and steep inclines. Be sure to look for models with a good shopping basket as they can be useful for carrying extra clothes as well as a change of clothes and even a picnic. You'll have to think about the amount of luggage you'll be bringing and whether you can lift the chassis into and out of the car boot easily.
A lockable front swivel swivel is useful to control manoeuvrability and can be especially helpful when using the buggy off-road. You'll want to choose wheels designed to tackle rough terrain, such as puncture-proof tyres with air in them and options for puncture-proof so you don't need to carry a spare wheel around with you. Certain models also have a hand brake to aid in controlling the movement of the buggy when it goes up and down hills and on different surfaces.
There are some models that are travel system compatible which means you can use them right from birth using a carrycot, a bassinet with a flat bottom, or a baby car seat (carrier sold separately). This will save you money in the long run and ease anxiety by allowing you to easily switch between your car and pram when you go for an excursion.
One of our mom testers was impressed by the one-handed folding on this model. It was easy to use and made it easier to prepare for trips and to bring it inside when it came 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's tested.
The single pram can be expanded to double in a matter of minutes and comes with an expandable UV50+ canopy featuring two magnetic peek-a-boo windows. It comes with a Mountain Bike Parenting bag and a nifty shopping cart that replaces one seat.