What to Look For in an All-Terrain Pram

If you're looking forward to going out in the great outdoors you'll need a stroller that can take on rough terrain. The best all-terrain strollers have large air-filled wheels and built-in spring suspension for a comfortable ride.

Most fold larger and bulkier. Some are compatible with infant car seats but make sure to consult your pediatrician before. Some have a world-facing car seat that is fully reclined and allows you to use them from birth.

Features

All-terrain strollers must be as comfortable as they can for both the child as well as the parent. To make sure this is the case, you'll need to make sure the suspension is in good condition, and there's enough space to fit a large, padded cushion. You'll also want to ensure the seat can recline and, in most cases, able to do this while keeping your child's feet in the air. This should give them some extra comfort on an extended walk up a rocky hill and stop them from getting cold.

You'll also want to make sure the all-terrain stroller you purchase comes with a canopy. You do not want your child to get burned during a walk. It's a good idea to find an umbrella that has a wide opening and can be adjusted to suit your needs, or that includes removable panels that offer some protection in specific weather conditions. Also, make sure your all-terrain stroller comes with a 5-point harness that secures the child to prevent them from falling Out ‘N’ About Nipper Sport Jogging Stroller - Black of the seat.

The pushchair that you select for all-terrain use will have plenty of storage space, too. Most come with a large, basket of shopping under the seat. Some have mesh pockets in both the back and front. They are an excellent place to store things such as keys and mobile phones.

All-terrain prams can be used to walk, hike and even light jogging. (Check the product guidelines to find out whether this is a recommended option). They may cost more than regular strollers but they're made to handle rough terrain, so you can feel confident that they'll last longer. Some come with additional features, like changing facilities or a baby cocoon to use from birth. These features can increase the cost, but are worth it for certain families.

Suspension

A high-quality suspension system is a vital feature of any all-terrain pram to help ensure a bump-free ride. A well-padded chair is also important, especially if you intend to take your child on a variety of outdoor adventures.

An all-terrain pram with a light frame and a compact footprint is an ideal choice if you want to maximize space while keeping your family active. The Bumbleride Indie is a great example, with a large pram with air-filled tires, as well as an all-wheel suspension that gives it superior traction on any surface. The Indie also comes with an easy-to-leap seat as well as a built-in infant mode making it suitable from birth right into toddlerhood.

While there are plenty all-terrain prams available with excellent traction, you'll need to make sure you choose one that is easy to maneuver over uneven paths, curbs and tree roots. You'll need to select a chassis that is easy to lift and lower out of the car's boot and comes with a sufficient shopping basket to accommodate all the necessities you might require for your outdoor adventure.

The Bugaboo Fox 5 offers impressive all-terrain capabilities that are perfect for tackling country walks and dog walks on roads that are gravel. It features large foam tyres with excellent shock absorption that can be rolled over nearly everything. It also has a sturdy chassis that enhances stability and maneuverability. This all-terrain stroller comes with some parent-friendly features. It has a convenient twist-handbrake mounted on a back wheel bar to control the speed of the stroller and an adjustable handlebar that can be adjusted for taller parents.

The UPPAbaby Ridge is designed for families who enjoy walking or running with their dogs and babies. It has a lightweight and versatile design that can be transformed to a double stroller in minutes. It has a variety of features like a modern suspension system, a large reclining chair with side ventilation, and the ability to peek inside with a magnetic. The Ridge is also a breeze to steer and manoeuvre, even when fully loaded with children and accessories, while its front wheels can be locked to provide more stability on more incline.

Tires

All-terrain strollers are great for those who like to explore and get off the beaten track, or have children who enjoy running. You can enjoy your walks and runs without being concerned about your child sliding or falling off the seat. This kind of pushchair comes equipped with large, sturdy, puncture-proof wheels that can move over a wide variety of surfaces, including gravel and grass.

The UPPAbaby Ridge makes a great choice for active families. It comes with large, puncture-proof tyres that can glide over anything. A shock-absorbing suspension keeps your baby safe traveling. It features an lockable wheel on the front, and the swivel seat that can be turned to face you or the world so your baby can be seen when out and about.

Another great option is the Mamas & Papas Ocarro, that is available as an individual pushchair or as part of a six-piece starter package which includes a chassis, seat unit, carry cot, and adaptors (carry cot is sold separately). This eye-catching pram comes with an adjustable canopy that gives UPF 50+ sun protection, meaning you can protect your child from harmful UV rays while the rain cover protects the child from sudden rain.

Although the Ocarro is a little more expensive than some other all-terrain prams, it's worth it in order to avoid having to purchase separate components or accessories when your baby grows up. For instance, the chassis can be converted into a twin-sized one by purchasing a second seat kit, while the carry cot will be able to change into a toddler's seat, and then an infant footmuff.

The suspension system is the most crucial component of any stroller that is all-terrain. This is essential to smooth out bumps and absorbing them for your infant. In addition the suspension system must be easily adjustable to allow you to optimize it for various conditions and terrains. The suspension on the Bugaboo Fox 5, for example can be adjusted based on the surface you're on and how rough it is by adjusting the amount of air in the tyres. The more air you pump the tyres, the more they will absorb bumps and offer an easier ride for your child.

Stores

If you enjoy long, adventurous walks and off-road adventures with your child, then an all-terrain pram or pushchair may be the ideal option for you. These models are more advanced in suspension and are made to handle a variety of terrains including paved paths through the countryside and woodlands to urban streets and steep slopes. Be sure to look for models with a large shopping basket because these can be useful for carrying additional clothing or a change of clothes and even taking a picnic. Also, think about how much you'll need to bring with you and whether the frame is too heavy to lift into and out of your car boot frequently.

A lockable front swivel swivel is useful to control manoeuvrability. It can be particularly useful when driving the buggy off-road. You should look for wheels that are designed to tackle rough terrain, including puncture-proof tyres that are filled with air so you don't need to carry a spare wheel around with you. Some models also come with hand brakes that help you control the movement of the buggy when it's going up or down hills and over different surfaces.

You'll also find some models that are compatible with travel systems so you can use them from the beginning with a carrycot, a bassinet with a flat bottom, or baby car seat (carrier sold separately). This could save you money in the end and reduce stress by allowing you easily switch between your car and pram when you go for walks.

One of our mom test subjects particularly appreciated the simple one-handed fold on this model, which she felt suited her lifestyle and made it easier to get ready for outings and bring it back home when it was time to go again. She found it was also an ideal size for her car boot and took up less space than other side-byside double prams she's tested.

This single pram is able to expand to double in a matter of minutes and has an extendable UV50+ canopy that has two windows with magnetic peek-a-boo. It comes with a Mountain Buggy bag for parents and a handy shopping cart that can replace one seat.