Parents shouldn’t have to slow down their lifestyle just because they have a little one to care for. In fact, staying active and healthy is now more important than ever!

We’ve compiled a list of the best all-terrain strollers for active parents to stay on the move while keeping their children safe and comfortable.

Do I Need An All-Terrain Stroller?

If you plan on walking around on a perfectly smooth surface, like a mall, then any standard stroller will do you well.

But if you want to walk or jog anywhere where there may be uneven flooring, an all-terrain stroller is a must. These rough terrains include sidewalks, gravel, dirt roads, and more.

All-terrain strollers are specifically designed to protect the child during any bumps by absorbing the shock, maintaining balance, and resisting any slips, sometimes even at jogging speeds.

When Can I Switch To An All-Terrain Stroller?

Even though you may be feeling antsy to go outdoors again after having a baby, you may need to leave your tiny walking partner home for the first few months.

Experts suggest waiting anywhere between 6 months and to a year before taking an infant on a ride in an all-terrain stroller unless specifically noted that it is infant safe. This is because an infant’s neck will not be able strong enough to handle bumps in the road or the motion of jogging.

Some all-terrain strollers, however, can be attached to an infant car seat and can be used much sooner. Be sure to check and follow the age requirements of each stroller and consult with a pediatrician before use with infants.

Safety Features To Look For

Just like with any strollers, you’ll want to look for how easily the stroller can fold, how easy it is to push and that your baby is secure at all times. But what features can you look for in an all-terrain stroller to ensure the most safety for your child?

Brakes

A solid set of brakes is crucial for a stroller intended for an active lifestyle. Ensure that any stroller you purchase has a parking brake that will keep the stroller in place and prevent it from rolling away.

Some strollers also come with a hand brake, which is helpful for parents who are jogging to slow down the stroller safely.

Front Wheel

One of the defining features of an all-terrain stroller is its three wheels. If you plan on using this stroller for jogging or going on rough terrain, look for the capability to lock the front wheel to prevent it from swiveling to increase stability. Some strollers come with the front wheel fixed, while others are able to lock and unlock it.

Some front wheels are a bit large and can be awkward for parents to maneuver, but looking through the product reviews can help determine if that could be an issue.

Wheel Material

The material of your stroller’s wheels can determine the smoothness of the ride, absorption of shock, and convenience.

The standard rubber wheel requires no maintenance, but is only meant for smooth surfaces like mall floors.

Air-filled tires are made for uneven surfaces and are able to give you and your baby a smooth ride with less bumps along the way. However, air-filled tires can deflate over time or pop while out on a run.

Joggers may want to look for pneumatic tires. These wheels have compressed air stored inside reinforced rubber.

Another great option of tires for your stroller is air wheel tires with sealed ball bearings. While they are often larger than the other option, they are very durable and provide a smooth ride or jog on any terrain.

Canopy

A nice, hooded canopy will provide your child with protection from harsh UV rays and from any rain that may surprise you on your trip.

For extra peace of mind, look for a canopy with a mesh or plastic section that allows the parent to see into the stroller and check on the child without moving the canopy.

Safety Tether

Being a parent is all about being ready for the unexpected, and your stroller’s safety features should be no exception.

Some all-terrain strollers come with a safety tether to hold in your hand or tie around your arm so that in the event of your hands letting go of the stroller, your baby is still close to you and safe.

Seatbelt/Harness

Arguably the most essential safety feature on an all-terrain stroller is the safety belt. Some parents prefer a 5 point harness instead of a 3 point harness because of the extra security for the upper body.

Other Features To Consider

Adjustability

If multiple people are going to be using the same stroller, this feature is a huge plus. Users of different heights will be able to adjust the height of the push handles in order to have their arms positioned comfortably while walking or jogging with the stroller.

Storage

Being weighed down by a diaper bag or backpack while pushing your all-terrain stroller is definitely not ideal.

Be sure to check out the storage features while browsing for your new stroller. Take note of the dimensions of the primary storage basket and the functionality of pockets available.

Size

While sometimes, you can skip the entire process of loading and unloading your stroller into your car’s trunk when you jog straight out the door and back, you should still pay attention to the dimensions of your potential strollers.

You’ll want this stroller to be multi-purpose, getting you and your baby throughout any adventure from zoo trips to jogs in the wilderness. By looking into the stroller’s size dimensions when folded, you can avoid the hassle of a return.

Attachments

Many strollers are proud to be compatible with several different infant car seat brands and models, but there may be important information hiding in the small print. Some strollers do not come with the necessary attachment to be able to connect the car seat on and parents will have to buy that piece separately.

Some strollers also only have cup holders for baby bottles, snack trays, phone holders, and tethers sold separately but these features may be in pictures of the stroller listing even if they are not included in the main stroller package.

All-Terrain Stroller Reviews

Chicco Activ3 Air Jogging Stroller, Q Collection

This stroller has several features, including a breathable backrest with 3D AirMesh, the padding on the safety harness, and a foot perch that make your tiny passenger as comfy as can be.

It was also designed with parent satisfaction in mind with a soft handle, two cup holders, and easy-access storage underneath.

The Chicco Activ3 will please any parent looking for a multifunctional stroller. Its sleek design leads to easy maneuvering on all terrains and is safe to jog with. It can also adjust to your child’s needs as they grow, starting with a rear-facing bassinet with the infant car seat attached, and graduates to a seat with several reclining settings.

Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System

The Graco FastAction Fold Jogger promises to be as convenient and comfortable as typical strollers, but with the performance and functionality of an all-terrain jogger. The travel system is perfect for parents with an active lifestyle or who are looking for a stroller that is compatible with a Graco car seat with an easy setup and putting away process.

Messes are bound to happen, and this stroller is ready for them. The easy-to-clean material is waterproof and is meant to be wiped with soap and water, no machine watching necessary.

Britax B-Free Stroller

The Britax B-Free stroller is one of the more lightweight all-terrain strollers on the market, weighing about 22 pounds while still being able to carry up to 65 pounds! If you often find yourself looking for more storage, this stroller is made for you. There are seven storage pockets, including two zippered pockets in the back and an extra-large storage basket with access from the front of the stroller.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Stroller

Baby Jogger strollers are made with an active parent’s lifestyle in mind, and the City Mini GT2 stroller model is no different. It can easily steer through any terrain, folds easily, has an adjustable handlebar and a hand-operated parking brake.

This stroller is available as a single, double, travel system, or stroller and pram. The double stroller can accommodate children of different ages, as one side can have the rear-facing infant car seat, while the other side can have your toddler in the reclining seat facing forwards.

BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller

BOB brand strollers are a tried and true parent favorite, and this model is no different. The Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Jogging Stroller focuses on making folding and unfolding easier and more efficient. The seat is made with a cushion and padding all along the seat and harness for maximum comfort. While this stroller is on the more expensive side, its luxurious components and fabrics speak for themselves.

Conclusion

While each of these strollers has impressive features and deserves to be on our list of the best all-terrain strollers for active parents, there is one clear winner: the Graco FastAction Fold Jogger Travel System.

It checks off nearly all the boxes for safety and functionality we mentioned early, like a locking front swivel wheel, canopy, and brakes. This stroller can last your family years and several kids, as it is approved for infant use when attached to an infant car seat and can hold up to 50 pounds. It is an all-terrain stroller made for jogging and can fulfill any needs of an active lifestyle. The material is comfortable, breathable, and easy to spot clean. All these factors, along with it being one of the cheaper options on this list make the Graco FastAction Fold Jogger System the best bang for your buck.