The main difference between regular 3 wheel baby strollers and jogger strollers is in the size of the wheels and the ability to absorb shock.
These two categories are also different in their size and weight. And finally, they are usually different in the kind of brakes used.
Lets begin with the wheels and then move down to brakes.
Wheels
The wheels of most regular strollers are smaller than those of jogger strollers. This is because regular strollers are designed for light use, especially indoors while jogger strollers are made to be used mostly outdoors.
Bigger wheels makes it easy to push especially outdoors on rough terrain. Big wheels also add some shock absorbing function to the stroller.
Many regular strollers have the same size wheels both on the front and the rear while jogger strollers usually have bigger wheels on the rear to increase suspension.
The front wheels on regular strollers are always designed to swivel to give these strollers great maneuverability indoors especial through tight spaces and around corners.
The front wheel of jogger strollers are designed either fixed only or both swiveling and fixed. Fixed only designs are meant for jogging only and are great for running straight and avoiding sudden turns.
Some jogger strollers have both fixed and swiveling front wheels as many people like to have a more rounded stroller. This way, they can use the fixed option for jogging and the swiveling option for other normal errands.
Baby trend makes some really good regular three wheel baby strollers and travel systems.
Suspension
Most regular 3 wheel strollers are designed with little or no shock absorbing function. This is so because they are meant to be used lightly for indoor activities or strolls outdoors.
Jogger strollers on the other hand usually have a suspension system to counter the force generated when you use your stroller for jogging. Some have rear wheel suspension systems and others have all wheel suspension systems.
Some jogger strollers have adjustable suspension system. Suspension is great in a jogger because it makes the ride smooth for your child so they will cooperate with you while you jog. It is also safe for their little bodies.
Bob strollers,Thule and Bumbleride strollers are examples of great jogger strollers with excellent suspension systems.
Size and weight
Regular strollers are generally made to be relatively small and lightweight when compared to typical jogger strollers.
They are made light to make it easy to transport from place to place and they are smaller so they can easily fit through doors and tight store aisles.
They usually fold small for easy storage.
Regular jogger strollers on the other hand are usually bigger and heavier. The weight help make them sturdy for jogging. Since they are designed mostly for outdoor use, they are bulkier as the outdoors is huge.
Jogger strollers have a bigger foot print and they fold somewhat bulkier than regular strollers so you need a bigger storage space for these strollers.
Because of their weight, they are not very convenient to transport.
Brakes
This feature is similar in both except for true jogger strollers that usually have a hand activated brake system. This hand brake is great for going down hill and gives you more control over the stroller as you jog.
Most strollers have a regular foot activated parking brake system. Some are linked while others are not. A parking brake is great for flat terrain use and they are usually located on the rear of the stroller.
Others
Other differences between a 3 wheel baby stroller and a jogger stroller include,
- wrist strap for securing the stroller to you as you jog
- Reflectors on wheels or foot rest to help alert car and foot traffic, especially at night.
- Multiplicity; most jogger strollers are single but there doubles and even triples too.
- UPF 50+ canopy for protection from harmful UV radiations.