Introduction

The difference between jogging and all-terrain strollers

Jogging strollers are often called the SUVs of strollers. Unlike traditional strollers, joggers sport three wheels and bright colors -- they also cost two to four times as much as standard strollers. Most owners and experts say they offer a smoother ride than standard four-wheeled strollers, and most jogging strollers have inflatable tires, hand brakes and parking brakes. On the other hand, jogging strollers aren't as compact or maneuverable as regular strollers. They don't fit as easily into trunks, and they aren't as light. If you're not sure what type of stroller will meet your needs, see our reports on umbrella strollers and full-featured strollers.

True jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel to help the stroller track straight and glide easily at high speeds. Although this is great for running, it limits the versatility of these strollers. The fixed wheel makes jogging strollers difficult to turn and hard to maneuver in tight spaces like grocery stores or shopping malls, and most true jogging strollers are used exclusively for running or fitness walking.

As a result, all-terrain strollers are becoming increasingly popular as an option for those who like the look of a three-wheeled stroller but don't plan on much jogging. These strollers have a swiveling front wheel (for easy maneuverability) that locks into place for jogging or power walking. All-terrain strollers are typically heavier than true jogging strollers, but they have more storage space and tougher tires that make them suitable for trails, gravel and uneven sidewalks. They also sport convenience features like cup holders and toy trays. However, all-terrain strollers are really not designed for jogging, and even with the front wheel in a locked position, many reviewers find it hard to keep some strollers tracking straight. That's why experts recommend that serious runners go with a jogging stroller with fixed wheels.

We found the best jogging and all-terrain stroller reviews in "Baby Bargains," an excellent book written by Alan and Denise Fields. The Fields consider parent feedback, test results themselves and conduct interviews with both retailers and manufacturers. Each stroller brand receives a grade and thorough evaluation, making this book truly indispensable for evaluating jogging strollers. While no one really comes close to "Baby Bargains," we also found useful reviews in pregnancy and parenting publications, including Cookie magazine and Fit Pregnancy. Babble.com, an online parenting website, also provides useful coverage of jogging strollers.

There are plenty of owner-written reviews for jogging strollers at Amazon.com, Buzzillions.com, and JoggingStroller.com. Some popular models have more than 100 reviews, but most top-rated jogging strollers earn similar average ratings. These sites are especially helpful for determining which jogging and all-terrain strollers fall below average.

Safety is a big issue when it comes to jogging strollers, and it's a good idea to check current recalls before you buy. One popular company, phil&teds, had three safety recalls in 2008. They voluntarily recalled 44,000 all-terrain strollers in 2008, including the popular Sport v1 model, because the hinge locking mechanism posed a laceration hazard to parents when folding or unfolding the stroller. Phil&teds has corrected the defect on new models, but keep this in mind if you plan to purchase a used stroller that was originally sold before August 2008. Phil&teds also voluntarily recalled Dash strollers that were sold between July and September 2008 because of a problem with the stroller's frame. The Consumer Product Safety Commission is the best source of information on product recalls.