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

From Informatic
Jump to navigation Jump to search

3 Wheel All Terrain Pushchair
A pushchair that is all-terrain with great maneuverability will be perfect whether you're seeking a stroller for nature walks or taking a stroll along the high street. These models typically have large wheels and have a powerful suspension for smooth rides over bumps and rough ground.
The majority are suitable for babies and come with a lie-flat baby seat or a newborn carrycot. They also usually have foam-filled tyres that are never flat to help with maintenance.
Suspension
A quality all-terrain pushchair should have a good suspension that is designed to be extra smooth and comfortable on rough terrain. This will make your child feel relaxed and at ease. The wheels will also be large and usually be puncture-proof to avoid damage from sharp rocks or sticks.
The larger tyres will also help you navigate more difficult terrains easily, with some all-terrain pushchairs even offering the option of additional tyres to switch between to suit different conditions. Depending on the kind of terrain you like to explore Some all-terrain pushchairs come with an swivel front wheel that can be locked to ensure stability, or unlocked to allow for more maneuverability when required.
Some all-terrain strollers come with a lockable brake handbrake that is easy to reach by hand. This is more convenient than an ordinary pedal on the handlebars. This is a great feature if you are a fan of steep hills.
If you don't wish to go as far as an all-terrain pushchair there are plenty of strollers on the market which offer excellent - but not perfect - off road capability with great suspension and big wheels. These are usually cheaper than full-on all-terrain buggy models and can work well for short country walks or trips to the park.
Many of these pushchairs can be used from birth, either with the carrycot or a newborn-ready car seat. However, be aware that when pushing over dips and bumps, the seats aren't completely flat. According to EU regulations, they are required to meet minimum requirements for reclined position of around 150 degrees. Graco has gotten around this issue by introducing a new 'comfitech in-seat suspension' which allows the seat to recline to a more comfortable angle to provide a little more comfort. This feature is available on the Lila XP All-Terrain Pushchair, that can be used in conjunction with a compatible Graco Infant Car Seat to create a three-in-one travel system.
Seat
There are a wide range of 3-wheeled all-terrain pushchairs available that offer an excellent off-road capabilities. These are ideal for those who reside in the countryside or frequently take a walk on rough, uneven ground. These are more robust and durable than a regular pushchair. They come with special features such as large puncture-proof tires to withstand the most challenging surfaces. They tend to be quite large and may be difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or in aisles of shops.
The seat of an all-terrain buggy may be world or parent facing and will grow with your child, from infant to toddler (it's suitable for children as young as 6 months). It's outfitted with foam-filled "never flat' tyres for a smooth ride with dual frame suspension as well as luxurious padding in the seat, which provides excellent postural support and comfort. It has a reclining feature, a large extendable hood, integrated venting and an area for a smartphone.
Another great option is the new Out 'n' About Nipper V5, an all-terrain pushchair that's a true trailblazer, with an excellent suspension and tyres that are air-filled, which means it can be used for jogging when your child is old enough. It also comes with the ability to lock the front 360 swivel wheel to allow for maneuverability, and a one-handed fold that's super easy and quick. It's suitable for babies from birth and can be used with an adaptor for the UPPAbaby infant car seat or carrycot (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 provide an excellent level of off-road performance, and also have a decent weight limit for a 2-year old. A lot of pushchairs are categorized as all-rounders. This includes the iCandy Pear, Bugaboo Cameleon and a few others. 3 wheeler pushchairs are able to navigate rough terrain in parks and National Trust locations, but do not have the off-road capabilities of genuine all-terrain strollers.
There are also crossover models that are an excellent compromise between off road and high street. They have large wheels, excellent suspension, and are built in a pushchair-style, with an option for reversible seating and a carrycot. The best models are manufactured by brands like iCandy Easywalker and Bugaboo.
Wheels
All-terrain pushchairs are essential when you live in a rural area or take your child for regular walks over rough terrain. These pushchairs typically have bigger back wheels than standard pushchairs, making them better in handling rough, off-road terrain and providing an easy ride for your child. Many models also have robust suspension that is puncture-proof. They can be used on woodland paths and forest paths, as well as gravel roads, and market town cobbles.
Some all-terrain strollers also have a lockable wheel on the front that provides stability when walking on rough terrain or high kerbs. Others have swivel front wheels which allow you to manoeuvre the buggy more easily when changing direction or turning corners.
All-terrain pushchairs come with air-filled tyres which offer excellent shock absorption and are ideal for rough terrain, but they're more prone to punctures than the solid EVA tyres used on city strollers that are light, which is why you should invest in repair kits with spare tubes and a pump alongside your pushchair. Some models come with foam tyres which are less likely to puncture, but may be harder to push.
The brand new Bugaboo Fox 5 pushchair is an excellent model of a stroller that has both foam and air filled tyres. It also features a great suspension and large rear wheels that are puncture resistant and suitable for off-road usage or jogging (once your child is of the appropriate age). It can also be used as a baby with a carrycot and a lie-flat chair.
The iCandy Peach All-Terrain is another option. It has big tyres, a single steering-wheel in the front and big tyres. It is not as flexible as other strollers that are all-terrain however it can handle hilly terrain well and has a spacious one-handed fold that is great for long walks in the countryside or long trips. It is also suitable for babies and features a large canopy that extends and a movable handlebar and a hugely-sized basket.
Stores
Parents who want to take their little one off-road but don't necessarily fancy tackling Ben Nevis, there are some top all-terrain pushchairs that give you the best of both worlds. Choose a model that has good all-terrain capability, sturdy suspension, and large puncture-proof wheels, but built in a more traditional pushchair design with reversible seats and all carrycot options.
UPPAbaby's popular Ridge all-terrain pushchair is an excellent example of this. It provides excellent suspension, a simple fold, and a large 10kg basket. It also has parent-friendly features including an adjustable handlebar, a hand-operated brake on the right-hand side and a large covered storage space. The hood can be taken off and washed with cool soapy-water to avoid mould or mildew.
If you are planning to take your all-terrain stroller off road, opt for air-filled tires instead of rubber grips. They will provide a smoother ride on uneven ground and are easier to maneuver in tight spaces. If you intend to use your all terrain pushchair for occasional jogging make sure that the front wheel can be rotated or has a quick release feature to lock it into place for more stability.
To keep the fabrics in perfect condition, make sure they can be machine-washed. If not, a spot cleaning with warm soapy water and some warm water should be sufficient. The fabric can be dried thoroughly outside to prevent mold or mildew.
Most of our 3 wheeled all terrain pushchairs are able to be used from the time of birth. Look for models with a fully lie-flat chair and a reversible rearrest that will allow you to use it from newborn until your child is around three years old. If you plan to travel with your family of three, there are plenty of models that are compatible with car seats due to built-in adaptors. You can leave your car at home and utilize all-terrain strollers that have a fixed wheel for light jogging or casual strolling. One example is the Delta Special Needs All-Terrain Jogger from Delichon, which comes in various frame and canvas sizes that are suitable for children as well as adults.