What to Look For in an All-Terrain Pram

If you're a fan of exploring the great outdoors you'll require a stroller to take on rough terrain. The best all-terrain strollers have large, air-filled tires and built-in suspension for a smooth ride.

The majority fold bigger and are bulkier. A lot of them are compatible with infant car seats but make sure to consult your pediatrician before. Some have a world-facing car seat that reclines fully flat so you can use them from birth.

Features

All-terrain strollers are designed to be as comfortable as is possible for both the child as well as the parent. To make sure this is the case you'll need to ensure that the suspension is smooth, and that there's plenty of space in the seat to accommodate a huge, padded cushion. It is important to ensure that the seat reclines flat and that your child's feet remain in the air. This will provide them with extra comfort when they go on long hikes up a rocky mountain, and prevent them from getting cold.

You should also make sure the all-terrain pushchair you purchase comes with a canopy. The final thing you want is your child getting sunburned while on a hike. Choose a canopy with a large opening that can be adjusted to suit your needs or removable panels that offer protection during certain weather conditions. You should also make sure your all-terrain stroller comes with five-point harnesses that are secure for the child in order to stop them from falling out of the seat.

It is also recommended to choose a pushchair that has plenty of storage. Most will have a fairly big shopping basket under the seat, and a few will also come with front and rear mesh pockets. They are a great place to store things like keys and mobile phones.

All-terrain prams are suitable for hiking, walking and even light jogging. (Check the guidelines for the product to find out if this is recommended). These prams are more expensive, but because they are designed to handle rough surfaces, you can rest assured that they will last a lot longer. Certain models come with extra features such as changing rooms or a newborn cocoon that can be used from birth. These can add to the price of the pushchair, but can be worth it for active families.

Suspension

A top-notch suspension system is a crucial element in any pram that is all-terrain to ensure a smooth ride. A well-padded seat is also essential, particularly if you are planning to take your child out on numerous outdoor adventures.

A all-terrain stroller with a lightweight frame and compact footprint is the best all-terrain pushchair choice to maximize space while keeping your family active. Bumbleride Indie, a large pram with air-filled tires that have an all-wheel suspension for better traction on any terrain, is a good example. The Indie also features an easy-to-leap seat and built-in infant mode, making it suitable from birth through to toddlerhood.

There are many all-terrain strollers to choose from, but you should choose one that is easy to maneuver over curbs, uneven pathways and tree roots. Look for a chassis weight that's not too difficult to move in and out of your car's boot, as well as a basket that is big enough to accommodate all the essentials you'll need for your 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 has large puncture-resistant foam tyres that can roll over almost everything and offer excellent shock absorption for an easy ride, as well as solid chassis that provides greater stability and manoeuvrability. This all-terrain stroller is also equipped with some parent-friendly features. It has a convenient twist-handbrake that is located on the back wheel bar to regulate the speed of the stroller and an adjustable handlebar for taller parents.

The UPPAbaby Ridge was designed for families who love walking and running with their dogs and babies. It has a light and versatile design, with the capacity to transform into a double-sized pram in a matter of minutes. It also offers a range of features, such as a state-of-the art suspension system as well as a spacious reclining seat with side ventilation and a magnetic peekaboo window. The Ridge is also a breeze to steer and maneuver even when loaded with children and other toys, while its front wheels can be locked in place for more stability on more incline.

Tires

All-terrain strollers are perfect for those who love to explore and get off the beaten path or have children who enjoy running. You can enjoy your walks or 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 which can move over a wide variety of surfaces, including grass and gravel.

The UPPAbaby Ridge is a fantastic choice for active families. It has large, puncture-proof tyres that can glide over anything. A shock-absorbing suspension will keep your baby comfortable when they're on their way. It comes with a lockable wheel on the front, and the swivel seat that can be turned to face either you or the world, so your baby can see when they are out and out and about.

The Mamas & Papas OCarro is another excellent option. It's available as one pushchair, or in a six-piece bundle comprising the chassis, seat unit and adaptors. (Carry cot is available separately). The pushchair comes with a movable canopy that has UPF 50+ sun protection. It will protect your child from harmful UV rays. The rain cover protects your child from sudden rain showers.

While the Ocarro is a little more expensive than some other all-terrain strollers however, it's a good choice in order to avoid the frustration of needing to purchase separate parts or accessories as your child grows up. For example the chassis can be transformed into a twin-sized one by purchasing the second seat kit and the carry cot will be able to change into a toddler's seat and then a footmuff.

The suspension system is the most important element of any all-terrain stroller. This is essential for smoothing out bumps and taking them for your infant. The suspension system should also be easily adjustable so you can adjust it to different conditions and terrains. 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 altering the amount of air in the tyres. The more air you pump in the tyres, the more they will absorb bumps and offer a more comfortable ride for your baby.

Storage

All-terrain pushchairs and prams are the ideal choice if you love long, exciting walks with your baby. These models have higher-quality suspensions and are built to withstand a variety of terrain from paved pathways through the countryside and woodlands to steep hills and urban streets. Look out for models with an excellent shopping basket as they are useful for carrying extra clothing as well as changing clothes, or even a picnic. You'll also need to think about the amount you plan on bringing along and whether the frame is too heavy for you to lift out and in of your car's boot regularly.

A lockable front swivel wheel can be useful for controlling manoeuvrability and can be especially helpful when using the buggy off-road. Look for wheels with air-filled tyres, or puncture-proof models that can withstand rough terrain. This will allow you to avoid carrying a spare tire. Some models also come with a hand brake to assist in controlling the speed of the vehicle when it goes up and down hills and on different surfaces.

There are some models that are compatible with travel systems which means you can use them from birth with an adjustable bassinet, a carrycot or baby car seat (carrier sold separately). This will save you money in the end and reduce stress by allowing you to simply switch between your car and the pram when you go for walks.

One of our mum testers particularly enjoyed the simple one-handed fold on this model, which she felt suited her lifestyle and made it easier to prepare for trips and then bring back when it was time to go again. She also found it an ideal size for her car boot and took up less space than other side-by-side double prams she's tried.

The single pram can be expanded to double in a matter of minutes and comes with an expandable UV50+ canopy that has two magnetic windows that peek-a-boo. It includes a Mountain Buggy Parenting bag and a nifty shopping cart that can replace one seat.