What to Look For in an All-Terrain Pram
If you like going out in the great outdoors, then you'll require a stroller capable of handling rough terrain. The best all-terrain strollers have large wheels filled with air and spring suspension to ensure a smooth ride.
They usually fold bigger and heavier than standard strollers. Many are compatible with infant car seats, but you must consult your pediatrician first. Some seats recline flat, and some have an open-air seat.
Features
All-terrain prams must be as comfortable for little ones in them as they are for the parents, so you'll want to ensure that the suspension is in good condition and there's enough space in the seat to accommodate a large, padded, breathable cushion. You'll want to make sure the seat reclines flat and that your child's feet are still in the air. This will provide them with extra comfort during long hikes up a rocky mountain and keep them from getting cold.
It is also important to ensure that the all-terrain stroller you purchase has a canopy. The last thing you want is your child to get sunburnt while on a hike. Choose a canopy with an open space that can be adjusted to suit your needs or removable panels that provide some protection during certain weather conditions. Your all-terrain stroller should have five points of safety harnesses to protect your child and stop them from falling.
You should also select an infant stroller with plenty of storage. Most will have a decent big shopping basket under the seat, and some will also come with front and rear mesh pockets. They are a great place to store things such as keys and mobile phones.
Most all-terrain prams are suitable for hiking, walking and even jogging (check the product guidelines to see if this is recommended). They may cost more than standard strollers, but they're designed to withstand rough surfaces so you should be confident that they will last longer. Some have additional features, like changing facilities or a newborn cocoon that can be used from birth. These extra features can raise the price, but are worth it for certain families.
Suspension
To ensure a smooth ride, the best suspension system is essential in any stroller that is all-terrain. A well-padded seat is also an important consideration especially if your child will be napping throughout your outdoor excursions.
If you're looking to maximize your space while keeping the family moving and active, an all-terrain stroller with an ultra-light and compact frame is an excellent option. The Bumbleride Indie is a good model, featuring a spacious pram that has air-filled tires as well as an all-wheel suspension, which gives it the best traction on any surface. The Indie has a lay-flat seat and a built-in infant mode. It is suitable for infants and toddlers.
There are see this here of all-terrain strollers available, but you should choose one that is easy to maneuver around curbs, uneven pathways, and tree roots. You'll need to select one that is simple to lift into and out of the car's boot, as well as one with a large enough shopping basket for everything you need for an outdoor adventure.
The Bugaboo Fox 5 offers impressive all-terrain capabilities that are ideal for tackling country walks and dog walks on roads that are gravel. It comes with large tyres that have excellent shock-absorption and can roll over almost anything. It also comes with a sturdy chassis that enhances stability and maneuverability. This all-terrain stroller also comes with a few features that are suitable for parents. They include a handy twist-handbrake that is located on the back wheel bar to regulate speed and an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted for taller parents.
The UPPAbaby Ridge is designed for families that enjoy walking or running with their dogs and children. It has a light and versatile design, with the capability to convert into a double pram within a matter of minutes. It also offers a range of features, including a cutting-edge suspension system and a spacious reclining seat with side ventilation and the ability to open a magnetic window. The Ridge is a breeze to drive and maneuver, even with a hefty load of kids and other accessories. The front wheels of the Ridge can also be locked into place for greater stability on steeper slopes.
Tires
If you are one who likes to get away from the main roads or you have a child who likes to run and explore, an all-terrain pram will let you enjoy your walks and runs without having to worry about your little one slipping or falling off the seat. This kind of pushchair typically features large rugged, puncture proof wheels designed to glide over different surfaces like grass and gravel.
The UPPAbaby Ridge is a great choice for active families. It has large, puncture-proof tyres that can glide over everything. A shock-absorbing suspension will keep your baby in a comfortable position when they're traveling. It has a lockable wheel in the front and an swivel chair that can be turned to face either you or the world, so that your child can be able to see when they're out and out and about.
The Mamas & Papas OCarro is another great option. It's available as a single pushchair or in a six-piece bundle that includes the seat unit, the chassis and adaptors. (Carry cot is available separately). This attractive pushchair features an adjustable canopy that gives UPF 50+ sun protection, so you can shield your child from harmful UV rays, while the rain cover shields them from sudden showers.
The Ocarro may be a bit more expensive than other all-terrain strollers however, it's worth the cost if you don't wish to buy different components and accessories as your child grows. The chassis can be transformed into a twin-sized stroller with the purchase of the second seat kit. The carry cot can be transformed into a toddler's seat and then the footmuff can be used as.
The suspension system is the most crucial part of any all-terrain stroller. This is essential for smoothing out bumps and absorbing them for your baby. The suspension system should be easily adjustable so you can adapt it to different terrains and weather. The suspension on the Bugaboo Fox 5 for instance, can be adjusted depending on the surface you're on and how rough it is by changing the amount of air in the tyres. The more air you pump into, the more the tyres will absorb bumps, resulting in the most comfortable ride for your child.
Storage
If you enjoy long, exciting walks and off-road adventures with your baby an all-terrain stroller or pushchair could be the ideal choice for you. These models have more sophisticated suspension and are made to cope with a range of terrain including paved paths through woodland and countryside to urban streets and steep inclines. You can use a basket for shopping to store extra clothes, a change of clothes or even an outdoor picnic. You'll have to think about how much luggage you will be carrying and if you can lift the chassis into and out of the car boot easily.
A lockable front swivel wheel can be useful for controlling manoeuvrability. It can be particularly beneficial when you are driving off-road. Look for wheels with tyres that are filled with air or puncture-proof options that can handle rough terrain. This will let you avoid carrying an extra tire. Some models also feature hand brakes that help you control the movement of the vehicle when it goes up and down hills and over a variety of surfaces.
Some models are compatible with travel systems, meaning you can use them from birth. They work with a carrycot, bassinet or baby car seats that lay flat (carrier sold separately). This will save you money and ease your burden since you can change between the car and the stroller when you go on a walk.
One of our mom testers particularly liked the easy one-handed fold on this model. She found it suited her lifestyle and made it quicker to prepare for outings and bring inside when it was time to leave again. She also found it to be a great fit in her car boot and occupied less space than other side by side double prams she's tried.
This single pram expands to a double in minutes and has an expandable UV50+ canopy featuring two magnetic windows that peek-a-boo. It also comes with a Mountain Buggy Parenting Bag, as well as a an attractive shopping basket that replaces one of the seats.