Jogging Pram vs All Terrain Pram: What’s the Difference?
Many parents searching for an all terrain pram eventually come across jogging prams and assume they are exactly the same thing.
While both are designed to handle rougher terrain better than standard strollers, there are some important differences that can completely change which option is best for your family.
Some parents need a true jogging pram built for running and active outdoor use, while others simply want a smoother and stronger pram for parks, gravel paths and uneven footpaths.
If you’re unsure whether a jogging pram or all terrain pram best suits your lifestyle, walking terrain, travel needs or everyday routine, our free Pram Finder can help narrow the best options for your family.
At Bubs n Grubs, we help families compare both every day in-store. Here’s what actually separates a jogging pram from a regular all terrain pram.
What Is a Jogging Pram?
A jogging pram is specifically designed for:
- Running
- Jogging
- Faster movement
- Higher-speed stability
- Rough outdoor terrain
Most jogging prams use a three-wheel design with larger rear wheels and advanced suspension systems to improve tracking and stability.
Many also include:
- Lockable front wheels
- Hand brakes
- Larger terrain-focused tyres
- Wrist straps for safety
These features help keep the pram stable and easier to control during jogging or rough outdoor use.
Important: Not every 3 wheel pram is designed or approved for jogging. Always follow the manufacturer’s guidance before running with a pram.
What Is an All Terrain Pram?
An all terrain pram is designed to handle surfaces that traditional city strollers often struggle with.
This may include:
- Grass
- Gravel
- Parks
- Uneven footpaths
- Walking trails
However, not every all terrain pram is designed for jogging.
Some models focus more on:
- Everyday family use
- Comfort
- Outdoor versatility
- Shopping centre usability
- Mixed urban and outdoor lifestyles
This is why many four-wheel all terrain prams feel more like traditional everyday prams while still offering stronger outdoor capability.
Three-Wheel vs Four-Wheel Designs
One of the biggest differences between jogging prams and other all terrain prams is wheel layout.
Three-wheel jogging prams are generally:
- Better for running
- Easier to push at higher speeds
- More stable on rough terrain
- Designed for outdoor performance
Four-wheel all terrain prams are often:
- Better balanced for everyday family use
- More familiar to parents moving from standard prams
- Easier in some shopping centre environments
- Designed for mixed terrain rather than dedicated jogging
Neither is automatically “better”. The right choice depends on how you plan to use it most often.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Jogging / Running Pram | All Terrain Pram |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for Running | ✔ Only if the model is specifically approved for jogging or running | ✘ Most all terrain prams are not designed for running |
| Rough Terrain Capability | ✔ | ✔ |
| Shopping Centre Practicality | Moderate | Better |
| Compact Fold | ✘ | ✔ (Selected Models) |
| Large Terrain Wheels | ✔ | ✔ |
| Outdoor Performance Focus | High | Moderate to High |
| Everyday Family Convenience | Moderate | High |
Tyres Make a Big Difference
Many jogging prams use air-filled tyres because they can provide excellent shock absorption and smoother ride feel across rough terrain.
However, they may also require:
- Pressure checks
- Occasional pumping
- Tube replacement over time
Some newer all terrain prams now use never-flat tyres to reduce maintenance and remove the need to carry pumps or deal with punctures.
Many parents appreciate the convenience of maintenance-free tyres for everyday family use.
Suspension and Ride Comfort
Good suspension can completely change how an all terrain pram feels to push.
Higher-end models often include:
- Advanced suspension systems
- Larger terrain-focused wheels
- Smoother tracking
- Better bump absorption
This becomes especially noticeable when walking across:
- Gravel
- Parks
- Grass
- Uneven footpaths
- Outdoor walking trails
Families are often surprised by how much smoother premium all terrain prams feel compared to standard everyday strollers.
What Most Parents Don’t Realise
One of the biggest mistakes parents make is focusing only on wheel size or aggressive outdoor styling without thinking about everyday practicality.
Some jogging prams can feel:
- Large in smaller car boots
- Bulky in cafés and shopping centres
- Heavier to lift daily
- Less practical for quick errands
At the same time, some compact city prams can become frustrating on rough footpaths, grass or gravel.
This is why many families end up choosing a pram that balances outdoor capability with real-world everyday practicality.
Everyday Practicality Still Matters
Features that matter long term include:
- Fold size
- Boot space
- Storage basket size
- Toddler comfort
- Upright seat position
- Ease of folding
- Capsule compatibility
If you’re unsure which setup best matches your terrain, lifestyle and daily routine, our free Pram Finder can help compare the best options for your needs.
Which Option Is Better for Your Family?
Choose a jogging pram if:
- You plan to jog or run regularly
- You spend lots of time on rough terrain
- You want maximum outdoor performance
- You prioritise suspension and tracking stability
Choose an all terrain pram if:
- You mainly want smoother everyday outdoor use
- You regularly walk on parks, gravel or uneven footpaths
- You still want shopping centre practicality
- You want a balance between outdoor performance and everyday convenience
Our Recommendation
For active families regularly using parks, gravel paths or outdoor walking areas, both jogging prams and all terrain prams can be excellent options.
The most important thing is choosing a pram that suits how your family actually lives day to day rather than simply choosing the biggest wheels or most aggressive outdoor design.
If you need help comparing different jogging prams and all terrain prams, our team can help narrow down the best option based on your lifestyle, terrain and everyday use.
Helpful Resources
- Shop All Terrain Prams
- Pram Finder Tool
- What To Look For In An All Terrain Pram
- How to Service Your Pram
Standards & Guidance (Australia)
All prams and strollers sold at Bubs n Grubs comply with the mandatory Australian safety standard for prams and strollers under AS/NZS 2088.
Safety Disclaimer
This content is general information for Australia. Always follow the product manual and relevant safety guidance and consult a qualified professional for advice specific to your child or family’s needs.
FAQs About Jogging Prams and All Terrain Prams
Can I jog with any all terrain pram?
No. Not all all terrain prams are designed for jogging. Always check the manufacturer guidance before running or jogging with a pram.
Why do jogging prams usually have three wheels?
Three-wheel designs help improve tracking, stability and manoeuvrability at higher speeds, especially during jogging or rough outdoor use.
Are jogging prams good for everyday use?
Many jogging prams can still work well for everyday family use, especially for active families regularly using parks, gravel paths and outdoor walking areas.
Are jogging prams harder to use in shopping centres?
Some jogging prams can feel larger in tighter indoor spaces because of their wheel size and frame design, although many still fit through standard doorways.
Which is better for parks and gravel paths?
Both jogging prams and all terrain prams can work well on parks and gravel paths. The best option depends on whether you prioritise jogging performance or everyday family practicality.
About the Author
Frank is a founding owner of Bubs n Grubs. He is also the sole author of the Bubs n Grubs Baby Blog. He has been personally evaluating baby products & testing them before offering them to our customers since 2009. In addition, he is consistently giving manufacturer’s feedback & product development advice, reviewing & getting customer feedback. He has been doing this since the business started in 2009. He is proud to be one of the rare baby store owners who regularly engages with customers in store. Frank values the constant feedback and regularly seeks it out. He has been featured on the Morning Show & the Today Show on Channel 7 and Channel 9 and is a recognised expert in baby products as a result.
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