Discover the best all-terrain prams and pushchairs for thrilling off-road adventures with your tot

all-terrain-pram

by Emily Gilbert |
Updated on

You don’t need to be a hardcore outdoor adventurer to warrant choosing an all-terrain pram or pushchair these days. With light yet robust frames and generally three wheels instead of four for extra manoeuvrability, an off-road pushchair will ensure you don’t get stuck in the mud at the park or stranded on a sandy beach with a buggy that won’t budge. With one of these, nowhere is off-limits, whether you’re clattering over cobblestones or wandering through woodland.

If you have an outdoorsy lifestyle, you'll most likely want an all-terrain pram or pushchair. It’s a must if you love forest walks or more adventurous off-road exploits or if you want to take your baby with you in the pushchair when you’re out running. But even if you’re just after an easy-to-manoeuvre buggy that’ll cope with kerbs and uneven pavements, then it’s well worth considering, too. A bit more sturdier than a lightweight, compact pram, an all-terrain pram will ensure your baby gets a smooth ride over any terrain – rural or urban – so wobbly cheeks can become a thing of the past!

The best all-terrain prams and pushchairs at a glance:

Best all-terrain pram and pushchair overall: Thule Urban Glide 2 - View offer on Thule
Best lightweight all-terrain pram and pushchair: Out ’n’ About Nipper Single - View offer on Amazon
Best all-terrain pram and pushchair for folding: Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 - View offer on Amazon UK

If you think you could be in the market for an all-terrain pram or pushchair, we've done the hard work for you and have rounded up the very best ones on the market available to buy.

All-terrain prams and pushchairs to buy

Best all-terrain pram and pushchair overall

The Thule Urban Glide 2 is ideal for those who enjoy walks or jogging in the countryside thanks to its built-in suspension. Our parent testers found it easy to assemble, and despite it being sturdy, it’s a lightweight build and easy to manoeuvre. Key features include an adjustable ergonomic handlebar with a twist-handle handbrake, removable 16" rear wheels, and a front wheel that can either swivel or lock. The stroller folds compactly, fitting easily into most car boots, including our testers Ford B-Max.

The stroller's canopy is versatile, and the seat reclines for napping, although this shifts the center of gravity, necessitating careful handling to prevent tipping. It's particularly effective for running, making parkruns enjoyable with minimal effort. “It is SMOOTH” commented our dad tester Jim, “and SO easy to push when running! It seems to take the minimum of effort.” Our tester appreciated the integrated handbrake for safety during sudden stops.

Though its 69cm width may be on the larger side for some doorways, it allows for large storage capacity, however, additional pouches could be beneficial. Though marketed as an all-terrain stroller, our tester notes that its performance on rougher, narrow trails might be limited. However, for urban settings and country paths, it meets expectations well.

At a higher price point, it’s considered a more premium option but offers high quality and durability. “We've used it now pretty much since the start of the year and have been very impressed - the pros the Urban Glide 2 offers seriously outweigh the minor cons, by a long way.” Said our dad tester Jim.

Read our full Thule Urban Glide 2 review.

Pros

  • Brilliant for running
  • Lightweight yet very sturdy
  • Superb build quality
  • Adjustable ergonomic handlebar

Cons

  • Don't press/lean downward on handlebars too hard: feels like it could tip backwards when baby is reclined
Folded dimensions:87 x 69 x 34 cm
Max child weight:22 kg
Weight:11.5 kg

Best all-terrain pram and pushchair from birth

The Trider pushchair stands out for its puncture-proof rubber wheels and adjustable shock absorber, making it ideal for walking baby over bumpy ground. Its front swivel wheel and handlebar brake make it easy to maneuver and bring to an easy stop. The high seat position is versatile, allowing it to double as a highchair if eating while out (ideal for picnics!), and the reversible seat unit can face either direction. It's compact when folded making it ideal for fitting in smaller cars, with one tester saying “It’s light and so compact – absolutely tiny when folded!” It’s also compatible with Jané carrycot and car seat, suitable from birth.

Parents loved its stylish design, ease of use, and light, compact nature. And although other pushchairs performed better on rougher terrains, parents found it handles park walks well. The handlebar brake, though useful, can be easy to forget and despite concerns about size limitations for older children, it offers both comfort and convenience.

Featuring three large, high-performance puncture-proof PU rubber wheels which swivel for maximum movement. The long suspension stroke with adjustable shock absorber ensures baby’s comfort. The PRO-FIX system allows easy attachment of carrycots and car seats. It also includes some added extras including a sun cover, shade, bumper bar, raincover, and changing bag.

Pros

  • High seat position meaning it can double up as a highchair for eating
  • Adjustable suspension depending on the terrain
  • One-handed unfold

Cons

  • Small shopping basket compared to other models
Dimensions unfolded:83-108 x 61 x 108 cm
Dimensions folded (with seat unit):70 x 61 x 39 cm
Chassis weight:10 kg

Best lightweight all-terrain pram and pushchair

Featuring a lightweight aluminium frame, The Out 'n' About Nipper Single pushchair is easy to manoeuvre on various terrains thanks to the pneumatic tires, independent rear suspension, and a lockable swivel wheel. It includes an adjustable handlebar and a retractable sun canopy with a window. The pushchair’s multi-position reclining seat with a lie-flat mode, large shopping pouch, and handy storage pockets impressed reviewers. 

Suitable for newborns up to toddlers, it is compatible with a carrycot and car seat, forming a complete travel system. Testers found it easy to use, fold, and store with it being very easy to lift, and fitting comfortably in car boots, with one tester commenting, “It’s lightweight to lift in and out of the car, and it is easy to change from folded to upright and vice versa.” The reclining seat options cater to both active and napping babies. 

Testers loved how easy the fabric is to clean, and how easy it was to put on the rain cover. “Another advantage of the fabric is its easy to clean - we simply use a damp sponge and it brings marks out easily (and as you can imagine, a 20 month old, who loves a snack on the go can make a mess!)” said our tester. The pushchair handles off-road and uneven terrain smoothly, thanks to its strong steering and suspension. The adjustable handle suits taller parents and adjusts easily.

Read our full Out 'n' About Nipper Single review.

Pros

  • Range of travel system options
  • Bespoke carrycot
  • Great for off-road/bumpy surfaces

Cons

  • Forward facing only
Size open:61.5 x 97 x 116cm
Size folded:61.5 x 42.5 x 94cm (wheels on) 48 x 29 x 86cm (wheels off)
Weight:9.8kg
Maximum load:22kg
Age suitability:Newborn to 4 years (approx)

Best all-terrain pram and pushchair for easy steering

The Cybex Avi is part of Cybex's sports collection, designed with active parents in mind. Light in weight, it’s great for running thanks to its aluminium frame, air-filled tires, and rear suspension, ensuring a smooth ride on various terrains. Reflective markings make it ideal for walking or running in darker evenings. Suitable for children from six months to approximately four years, or up to 22 kg, it also offers easy, one-hand steering. “Being able to push it with one hand was wonderful.”

Commented our tester. “I can’t even use the old regular pram anymore even for walking into town because I love being able to do things with my other hand without my previous cargo veering off to the left or right or having to steady it with my belly while juggling a coffee, phone, sunglasses, headphones, you get the gist.” 

Our mum tester Claire found the Cybex Avi made her life easier in two main ways: its large wheels facilitated pushing heavy shopping, and its one-hand steering allowed her to multitask efficiently. However, she noted its width and length made it a little less suitable for navigating narrow spaces. “The only drawback for using this around town is that it’s wider and much longer than other prams so you can get stuck down narrower aisles, but in fairness, this isn’t what it is designed for.” She commented. Despite this, she appreciated its performance on smooth surfaces, although it wasn’t ideal for off-road trails where as it made the ride a little too bumpy for baby. 

Testers loved the stroller's adjustable handlebar, which suits various heights, and its large undercarriage for storage. However, testers found the folding mechanism, while compact, can pinch fingers. The brake offers resistance but doesn’t fully stop the stroller, which she found concerning for the price point. For value, she personally preferred the Out and About Nipper Sport, which offers similar functionality at a lower cost.

Read our full Cybex Avi review.

Pros

  • Lightweight so easy to manoeuvre and fold
  • Easy to steer with one hand
  • Folds easily and compactly into small car boots

Cons

  • The folding mechanism did pinch our testers fingers at times
Suitable for:use at normal walking pace from 6 months to 4 years (approx.) Child must be at least 9 months old and able to sit upright unassisted for running
Maximum child weight:22kg
Unfolded dimensions:137-150 x 68.5 x 99-117cm
Folded dimensions most compact:89 x 58.5 x 25cm
Weight: 10.6kg

Best all-terrain pram and pushchair for folding

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2
Price: £426.48

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is great for folding and fitting easily into cars, making it ideal for families who like to travel a little further for a brilliant walk in the countryside. It’s clever fold mechanism allows the pram to be collapsed simply by lifting the seat straps, with an auto-lock securing it for travel or storage. One tester said, “It is so much easier to fold, doesn't take up as much room in my car boot.” The pram's extendable UV50+ canopy includes two magnetic peek-a-boo windows for easy viewing while keeping your baby shaded from the sun. The pram also includes an adjustable calf support and a multi-position seat recline, suitable from birth with the near-flat recline or by adding a carrycot or car seat, both sold separately.

The pram is built for agility with large, all-terrain rubber tyres and all-wheel suspension, allowing smooth navigation over any surface. It supports children from birth up to 22 kg, providing longevity of use. The adjustable handlebar and hand-operated parking brake offer convenient steering and control and the ample storage with a large under-seat basket holding up to 4.5 kg adds to its practicality. The pram’s durability and high-quality build are tested to withstand various conditions, ensuring it can keep up with active families.

Another stand out for parents was the extra features that come with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, with one mum saying “the wheels are fantastic and the extra touches like the magnetic windows, footrest, hand break and extra padding really give it a more luxurious feel.”

Pros

  • One hand fold/unfold
  • Large hood for added protection from the elements
  • Great for all terrains

Cons

  • Heavy to carry
Maximum child weight:22kg
Dimensions:‎81.2 x 54 x 18.8 cm
Weight:‎13.4 kg

Suitable for children from birth to approximately four years old, parents love its puncture proof standout features include puncture-proof wheels and a state-of-the-art suspension system that ensures a smooth ride over any terrain. Parent tester Ashley said, “The suspension system makes the ride silky smooth and coupled with the lightness and quality steering makes it very easy to push and manoeuvre.” The seat is designed to keep your child cool and comfortable and the soft-touch fabrics add a luxurious feel, making it ideal for newborns and toddlers. 

The Bugaboo Fox 5 features a user-friendly, one-hand operation for folding, adjusting the handlebar, and reclining the seat. Its lightweight yet sturdy frame is easy to manoeuvre and compact enough to fit into a car boot without disassembly. Parents also loved the extra features that come with this seat, “It features a large UV50+ canopy with peek-a-boo windows, adjustable calf support, and a multi-position seat recline for maximum comfort. The pram is also compatible with various accessories, including car seat adapters and carrycots, sold separately.”

It’s also worth noting it’s made from sustainable materials producing a lower CO2 footprint – a popular feature amongst parents. One downside our tester did find was that fitting the bassinet together was very difficult. “There are two button-style clips, one at each end and you have to stretch the bassinet to meet the clips and fasten it.” They said. “I'm not the strongest person in the world nor am I the weakest either but this took a lot of physical strength for me to do.” Our tester continued.

Read our full Bugaboo Fox 5 review.

Pros

  • Stylish appearance
  • Lightweight but strong
  • Brilliant steering and handling
  • Fits into the boot without removing the seat

Cons

  • Can be difficult to first put together
Pushchair weight:10.4 - 12.2 kg
Age range:From birth to approx. 4 years old (max. 22 kg/50 lbs)
Two-piece compact fold:89 x 53 x 34 cm
One-piece self-standing fold:44 x 60 x 90 cm
Unfolded dimensions:93 x 60 x 105 cm

Best all-terrain pram and pushchair for style

Best all-terrain pram and pushchair travel system

The iCandy Peach 7 is suitable from birth and includes a carrycot. It’s designed to be effortlessly converted from a single to a double or twin pushchair, making it ideal for growing families. Made using plush fabrics and featuring a spacious 44-litre under-seat storage basket that holds up to 10kg as well as an integrated Ride-on Board for toddlers who want to join the ride.

Our mum tester Natalie praised the Peach 7 for its high quality and found it very useful as a makeshift highchair in restaurants and a comfortable bed for outdoor naps, thanks to the seat height adaptors. Suitable from birth for children up to 25kg, it’s suitable for all-terrains featuring smooth suspension and puncture-proof tyres for easy manoeuvrability. The seat provides ultimate comfort for your baby with adjustable head support, a calf rest, and four recline positions. The carrycot is spacious, supportive, and can be used for overnight sleeping, providing warmth and comfort with its luxury fleece lining.

The main downside our tester found was an issue with the cup holder. Our parent tester said, “if you want to use the cup holder this does cause some issues in narrower places as it sticks out from the side quite a bit. I also found that it was far too low down for me to reach whilst pushing the pram so I would have to stop each time I wanted to use it. Also, the clip that holds it in place is the same one used for the parasol so unless you purchase a second clip you can only use one or the other.”

Read our full iCandy Peach 7 review.

Pros

  • Extremely comfortable for baby to sit and sleep in
  • Generous 44-litre basket which holds up to 10kg in weight
  • Smooth suspension and very easy to push with puncture-proof tyres
  • Can be easily converted into a double/twin pushchair

Cons

  • The frame is very heavy to carry when folded and takes up quite a bit of space when not in use
  • The cup holder is difficult to reach whilst walking and makes narrow places difficult to navigate due to how much it sticks out
Suitable from:birth (with carrycot) up to 25kg (15kg on elevators)
Seat Unit Dimensions:88 x 36 x 23 cm
Folded Dimensions – No wheels:70 x 54 x 28 cm
Folded Dimensions – Complete:70 x 61 x 29
Complete Weight:12.9 kg

Best all-terrain pram and pushchair with dual suspension

The Mamas & Papas Ocarro, a Mother and Baby gold award winner, stands out with its large, robust design, making it ideal for all-terrain adventures. The dual suspension expertly handles the bumps of off-roading, ensuring your baby remains snug and cosy in the spacious, padded seat complete with chest pads and a head hugger. This pushchair is suitable from birth up to 15kg, and features a lie-back seat design, ventilated seat, extendable hood and puncture-proof tyres. 

Our mum tester Laura loves how lightweight and non-bulky this pram is, making outings hassle-free and easy to store at home. “When out walking I noticed it gave a really smooth ride and felt really lightweight so it was easy to handle. It was easy to use and fold away - loved it!” Laura said. Mum tester Celia also loved the one-hand fold and compactness, which is perfect for navigating narrow spaces and quick outings. “The one hand fold and assembly definitely made my life easier.” Said Celia. “We have a narrow staircase and little space for the pushchair. The Occaro was perfect due to the compact fold making it easy to get up and down the stairs as well as storing the pram, this has really made a difference to just a quick outing rather than feeling like it's an ordeal each time.”

From its stylish design to ease of use, and comfort, our parents loved its smooth ride and lightweight handling. Its longevity and easy steering as well as compact fold and secure basket made this pram a firm favourite amongst parents.

Read our full Mama & Papas Ocarro review.

Pros

  • Ideal for uneven terrain thanks to the dual suspension
  • Folds away with one hand
  • Easy to carry when folded
  • Reflective wheel rims for night time walks

Cons

  • Doesn't include a footmuff
  • Difficult to stand up straight and balance when folded
Suitable from:birth up to 15kg
Weight:13.5kg
Dimensions:104 x 59 x 96 cm
Dimensions when folded:37 x 59 x 76 cm

What makes an all-terrain pram different?

Often designed with a single front swivel wheel to make it easier to push along different kinds of terrain, it makes it suitable for cobblestones, woodland walks and even muddy fields. They're a lot more practical than standard prams, whose wheels might often be smaller and less durable on rough flooring.

All-terrain pram and pushchair: things to think about

Do you need a travel system?

Some all-terrain pushchairs are also travel systems, which means you can remove the seat unit and attach a carrycot or infant car seat to the chassis if you wish. This is useful if you drive to most places you go, as you can move your baby between your vehicle and pushchair without disrupting her. But if you don’t have a car or only use it infrequently, your money would be better spent on an all-terrain pushchair with a fixed seat. Remember, if you're simply looking for a pushchair that travels easy, you might be better off with a travel stroller instead.

How much storage space do you have?

Some of these prams and pushchairs are much bulkier than conventional four-wheeled ones, so you’ll need plenty of space to store it when it’s not in use. And the fold isn’t always as compact as you might like. Do check that it will fit the limited space in your hallway and that it’s small enough for your car boot and light enough to lift in and out easily.

Do you plan to take it running?

If you’re a keen runner, choose a pushchair that’s officially approved for running, as not all models are. Heavier models might be less comfortable to run with, too.

Do you want to use it from birth?

To get the functionality, not all of these prams and pushchairs are suitable from birth, and many of the seats mean they’re only suitable for use from six months. Those that convert to travel systems can be used from birth if you attach the appropriate carrycot or car seat – but this may be an additional expense, so remember to factor that into your budget.

What to look for in an all-terrain pram and pushchair

Seat recline: A good seat recline – preferably lie-flat – means comfortable naps on the go. And if you’re likely to be out for a while, that’s important. Check how easy it is to adjust and if the mechanism is quiet to operate so as not to disturb your baby.

Handlebar: A height-adjustable handlebar is an absolute must if you and your partner – or anyone else who is likely to use the pushchair regularly – are of different heights. Check how easy it is to adjust it to suit your particular needs.

Wrist strap: A safety feature worth having on an all-terrain pram or buggy, a wrist strap minimises the risk of it rolling away on sloping ground. Check if you can buy one separately if it’s not included.

Hood: Check how far the hood extends because if you’re spending time outside, you’ll want it to protect your baby well from wind, rain and sun. If the seat is forward-facing, a viewing panel in the hood means you can check on your baby easily.

Washable fabric: All-terrain pushchairs are built to withstand the elements, but they tend to get muddier than the average pushchair, so it’s worth choosing one with washable fabrics that are easy to keep clean.

Suspension: Some all-terrain prams and pushchairs have more sophisticated suspensions than others. Think about the sort of ground you cover and whether the ride feels smooth enough for your baby to nap in on a typical walk without getting jolted awake.

Chassis weight: An all-terrain pram or pushchair is never going to be the lightest option, but if you need to lift it in and out of your car boot regularly, choose one with a lightweight chassis.

Shopping basket: The baskets on these tend to be generously sized, but think about what you’ll want to take. If you’re planning on big adventures then you’ll need room for a change of clothes, extra layers and a picnic.

Wheels: The wheels on all-terrain prams and pushchairs are all designed to cope with rough terrain. A lockable front swivel wheel allows you to control the manoeuvrability and is really useful if you’ll be switching between smooth and rough ground. Air-filled wheels make for a smooth ride but look for puncture-proof tyres so you won’t need to carry a puncture repair kit with you, too.

Brake: Most models have a foot-operated brake. Some, especially those suitable for running, have an additional brake control on the handlebar. This is a useful option for slowing the buggy when you’re going downhill.

Fold mechanism: Check how easy it is to fold and unfold. Could you do it with one hand while holding your baby? Make sure it fits your car boot, and choose one that’s free-standing when folded if storage space is limited.

How Mother&Baby selected the best all-terrain prams and pushchairs

Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.

Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group#mumtribe also often hold great insights as to which products mums really like best and why, helping us highlight the products that meet what you really want.

For the essential products, our annualMother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested, and you can find full reviews from our mum testers provided on the product page. The winners and runners-up for each category then will appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.

Testing the best all-terrain prams and pushchairs

When it comes to testing all-terrain prams and pushchairs, we considered various aspects of each product including the suspension level over bumpy terrains, how effective the breaking system was, the portability, size, foldability and weight of each pushchair as well as safety features, storage space and adjustability for both yours and baby’s comfort.

Of course, with an all-terrain pram, it really does depend a lot on the terrain it’ll be used on and the activities you like to do. For example, if you love to run and you’re looking for a buggy you can go on a jog in the countryside in that scores high on stability and durability, then the Cybex Avi might be best for you.

Alternatively, if it’s muddy dog walks in the countryside you’ll be going on, then you’ll want something that’s easy to clean with reliable wheels that can deal with mud, meaning you may want to consider the Out ’n’ About Nipper Single which testers said was very easy to clean. And if you’re looking for something that will prepare you for every eventuality, then the Thule Urban Glide 2 with its easy manoeuvrability, stylish design and comforting features for little one might be more up your street.

Emily Gilbertis the Features & Reviews Editor for Mother&Baby and has written for the website and previously the magazine for six years. Specialising in product reviews, Emily is the first to know about all the exciting new releases in the parenting industry.

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