All terrain stroller, stroller buying advice, baby stroller guide

In our most recent tests of 11 all-terrain strollers—three- or four-wheeled strollers with large, air-filled tires for use on smooth or rough roads—the three least expensive models were at the top of our Ratings (available to subscribers), costing about half as much as many lower-rated models. Price range of the models we tested was from $135 to $500. (See our complete strollers buying guide.)

Although many people think "all terrain" strollers are equivalent to "jogging" strollers, that is not necessarily the case. Of all the models in our recent tests, only half are usable for jogging, according to their manufacturers. Similarly, many stores lump any three-wheeled stroller in with others that may or may not be all-terrains or even jogging strollers. There is often a degree of overlap in stroller categories, making it difficult to classify some models. (See stroller types.)

If you're considering an all-terrain stroller, keep in mind that they're relatively heavy—all of the models we tested weighed between 22 and 30 pounds—and are often very large when folded. This is not a type of stroller for a parent who wants a light, compact model.

Consumers looking for an all-terrain or jogging stroller should consider doing some research online before buying. This is especially necessary when shopping at larger chain stores, where the sales staff may not be as well informed about the products. If you want a stroller with maximum versatility that you can use every day, for off-road conditions (on uneven dirt, grass, or beach terrains) and for jogging with your baby, make sure the model you consider meets all those needs. (See all-terrain stroller Ratings and model pages, available to subscribers, for details of each tested stroller.)

While we did test the all-terrain strollers on "normal" and off-road surfaces (such as grass, dirt, mulch, and over tree-branch debris), we did not evaluate the models that allow jogging (per the manufacturer) for their performance as joggers. (See the details in the Ratings (available to subscribers) for models that allow jogging.) But in our opinion, an all-terrain stroller that scored Excellent or Very Good for off- and on-road maneuverability should perform satisfactorily for occasional jogging. (See the details in the Ratings, available to subscribers, for models that allow jogging.)

About one-third of the models we tested are car-seat compatible, meaning they allow you to insert an infant car seat into the stroller. (Some stroller brands accept just one, or maybe a few, of their own infant seat models; other brands can accept infant seats from a variety of different manufacturers.) This makes them more infant-friendly and practical as an all-around stroller for everyday use. Though none are required to do so because their seats don't recline to an angle greater than 150 degrees, none of the all-terrains we tested have the foot-area enclosure—a flap of fabric that covers the area at the base of the child's feet—that would make them safe for infants younger than six months. If you choose to use an infant-car-seat-compatible all-terrain stroller (or any type of stroller), always be sure to attach the car seat securely to the stroller, following the instructions in the stroller's and car seat's user manuals.