How To Pick the Perfect All-Terrain Stroller
All-Terrain strollers are the perfect mix of walking stroller and jogging stroller, built to tackle all types of terrain with ease for the driver and comfort for the rider. If you are on the fence about whether or not you actually want an all-terrain stroller, take a minute and jot down where you will most likely be taking your stroller. If grassy parks, sandy beaches, rocky pathways, or trails are on your list, it is safe to say that you could definitely benefit from a stroller that adapts to each of those different terrains.
JOGGER vs. ALL-TERRAIN
The biggest difference is that not every all-terrain stroller is designed to be a jogging stroller. There are multiple features that jogging strollers have that make them safe for the speed and impact of jogging or running. If a stroller has been made to be a jogger, the manufacturer will specify so.
DO NOT assume that because an all-terrain stroller looks a lot like a jogger it is safe to jog or run with it. Do you want to jog with your all-terrain stroller? No problem. Just make sure that the stroller you purchase is meant to be both! To get a more in depth look at all the features needed to make your jogging experience with your all-terrain stroller, check out our Jogging Stroller Gear Guide!
IT’S (MOSTLY) ALL IN THE TIRES
The most important characteristic of an all-terrain stroller is its type of tire. A stroller's tires have a huge impact on how different terrain affects the stroller. All-terrains typically come with either three or four large (12 inches or larger) air-filled tires. In some of these strollers the front tire(s) is slightly smaller than the back tires, but that is not always the case.
Large air-filled tires allow for a smoother ride over rough and uneven surfaces, keeping the ride much more comfortable for your baby in the stroller. Pay attention to the tread on the tires as well! If you know that you will be encountering slick situations often, make sure your tires have a good, thick tread to help you with stroller control. Think of it as the difference between your snow boots and the cute sandals you wear in the summer. Snow boots would be useless without a good tread!
An all-terrain's front tire should have the capability to both swivel and also lock into place. A front tire locked into a straight forward position is best for bumpy terrain. A front tire that swivels provides good maneuvering capability, which is good for places like the mall, where you want to easily turn corners. A wheel that swivels and locks is becoming a very common feature, so you shouldn’t have to search too hard to find it. The best part about it is that for most strollers you can switch between the two with just the click of a button.
UPPAbaby Ridge All-Terrain Jogging Stroller