There are so many different types of strollers on the market. So, choosing the right model for your lifestyle can be a challenge, and buying the wrong one can be an expensive mistake. If you enjoy running or jogging, you may be considering purchasing a jogging stroller. But can you use a jogger for everyday shopping trips too? And could you go jogging with a regular stroller?
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Because my full-time job is being mom to 2 precious daughters, and I know a thing or two about strollers. Besides personal experience, I get feedback from other moms who use these strollers every day and put all that research into our unbiased stroller buying guides
- Kyli
In this article, we compare jogging strollers and regular strollers one-to-one. We’ll give you the highlights of the pros and cons of each style plus their similarities. That will give you a clearer understanding of whether a regular or jogging stroller would be the best choice for you and your family.
Table of Contents
Jogging Strollers: Fitness and Robustness
If you enjoy exercising and taking your child with you on off-road adventures, a jogging stroller could fit the bill.
A top-quality jogging stroller will be practical to use pretty much anywhere. From flat trails and sidewalks to uneven tracks, thick snow, woodchip paths, grass, and the beach, you’ll be good to go. They’re great if you enjoy keeping yourself in shape by running, power-walking, or jogging. Plus, a jogging stroller means that you can do all these activities without the hassle of having to arrange a babysitter while you go out. Just strap junior into the stroller, and you’re good to go!
Jogging strollers are usually fitted with three, air-filled wheels. That makes for an easy push and excellent maneuverability for you and a comfy, smooth ride for your child.
Unlike a regular stroller, the front wheel of a jogging stroller is lockable to improve the vehicle’s stability and maneuverability. Joggers’ tires are usually air-filled to give superior cushioning and comfort for your child over bumpy ground.
A decent quality jogging stroller should have a canopy that will shield your child from the elements. Regular strollers have canopies and often feature a peekaboo window. That way, you can keep an eye on your little one without disrupting them. Often the canopy on a jogging stroller will be on the small side when compared to those on regular strollers.
Most joggers have several storage pockets for your essential items. However, you don’t get as much storage space as you do with a regular stroller. Regular strollers have underseat storage baskets and multiple pockets incorporated into the rear of the seat or canopy. That’s essential if you plan on using your stroller for shopping trips or when you’ll be out for awhile.
Disadvantages of jogging strollers
If you’re looking for an easy to maintain stroller, you may find air-filled tires something of a pain. First of all, air-filled tires can puncture. That can be a real nightmare if you’re some distance from home with a fractious child on board. So, you’ll need to take up some of your limited storage space with a puncture repair kit, which you’ll also need to know how to use! Also, you’ll need to check the tire pressures regularly to be sure that they’re properly inflated.
Although they’re usually lighter, joggers can be bulkier than regular strollers because of their larger wheels. So, their size could be an issue if you plan on taking your stroller with you on day trips in your car or on public transport. To be fair though, that can also be an issue with some regular strollers.
Both regular and jogging strollers can be folded for storage and transport. However, they will still take up a fair amount of room in your trunk and on public transport. If that’s going to be a problem for you, you might be better buying a convertible, travel system stroller or an umbrella stroller as well as a jogger.
That said, there are a couple of jogging stroller brands that go some way to addressing the problem of bulk. For example, the Joovy Zoom 360 is an ultralight jogger, and the Baby Trend Expedition Jogger has removable wheels for easier transport in your car.
Regular Strollers: Practicality and Versatility
Regular strollers are the go-to choice for parents who want a stroller that can be used around town and for walks in the park on fairly flat trails.
These strollers usually have four wheels. Many have hard, foam-filled or solid plastic wheels instead of air-filled tires. To compensate for what might otherwise be a bumpy ride, most good-quality regular strollers, such as the Chicco Cortina, have a sophisticated suspension system to smooth out any jarring and jolting on all but the most uneven going.
The two front wheels of regular strollers are designed to swivel, making the stroller easier to maneuver while you’re walking. However, that same maneuverability makes steering the stroller difficult when you’re moving at a faster pace. So, for that reason and because they’re generally heavier, regular strollers are not suitable for jogging or running.
Both regular strollers and many joggers have comfy, padded seats. These usually have multiple recline positions, including a flat position that’s suitable for a newborn. However, you may find that regular strollers have larger seats and will accommodate a heavier child than a jogger will.
Doubles
You can buy both double joggers and double regular strollers that will accommodate two young children.
Double joggers such as the BOB Revolution SE Duallie are designed with two large wheels at the rear and a small wheel in front. You can also find double jogging strollers with three wheels of the same size, like the Baby Jogger Summit X3 Double. Regular double strollers generally have four wheels for greater stability and easy steering with two children on board, but they’re not built for moving safely at speed over rough ground.
Wrapping it up
If you enjoy running, jogging, or even just taking off-road trips with your child, a jogging stroller is probably your best choice. A jogger gives you the flexibility to stroll, jog, or run pretty much anywhere you want to. Plus, you won’t have to worry about your child’s comfort or safely on uneven terrain. You can also use your jogger for trips to the mall. However, you may find yourself short of storage space if you want to pick up your groceries while you’re out and about.
A regular stroller will suit you if you want a sturdy, reliable vehicle that has plenty of room for your shopping and baby essentials. Also, will handle well on generally encountered terrains such as gravel paths, uneven sidewalks, and flat shopping mall floors.
As far as prices go, there’s not much difference between a good quality jogger and a decent spec regular stroller. It’s really just a matter of choosing the style that most closely matches your lifestyle and your budget.
