More and more new parents see jogging strollers as a great way to get out of the house for some fresh air and exercise after having their baby.
True jogging strollers that are designed for serious running have 3 large inflatable tires, with a fixed front tire, a sleek frame, good suspension and shock absorbers to offer a more comfortable, smoother ride for baby. They are the safest strollers on the market for recreational and serious running. They are built for speed, not handling. Trying to use them for other activities such as shopping and travel may lead to frustration and disappointment in your purchase.
There are also other "jogging" strollers on the market, that have front swivel wheels, but they are better made for power walking. Make sure you are aware of what a stroller can and can't do before you decide what to buy.
Features
If you're a serious jogger, as a minimum, you want your stroller to have the following features:
lightweight frame
large (16 or 20 inch), smooth tires for pavement running, or textured tires for off-road use
sturdy and stable construction (for no tipping on turns)
shock absorbers (if you plan on running off-road or over bumpy surfaces)
easy and compact folding system
padded, adjustable handle
safety wrist strap
hand brake and rear brake
storage pockets
storage basket
sun canopy
durable weatherproof, washable fabric
child weight capacity of up to 75 pounds
meets or exceeds American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) safety standards
lifetime warranty on frame
If you want fancier features (for a heftier price tag), here’s what to look for:
aluminum alloy frame and wheels for rustproofing in humid climates and for lighter stroller weight
padded seat
adjustable reclining seat
adjustable shock absorbers (for big or small children)
front wheel fender (for mud and water)
large footplate
ergonomically shaped handle (for wrist comfort)
parent tray for water bottles and personal effects
key lash
reflective safety fabric
ability to fold without removing any wheels
adjustable sun canopy with viewing window, side ventilation (for fresh air) and nylon mesh cover (for bugs)
all weather cover (wind, rain, snow)
quick release wheels
removable machine-washable fabric
no tools necessary for assembly or folding
tire pump
Advantages and Disadvantages
True jogging strollers are designed for serious running, so trying to use them for other activities such as shopping and travel may lead to frustration and disappointment in your purchase. Make sure you are aware of what a stroller can and can't do before you decide what to buy.
Advantages
Disadvantages
large (usually 16-inch or 20-inch) wheels for more traction and speed
*not recommended for newborns
shock absorbers give a smooth ride
difficult to turn if front wheel can't swivel
single models are slim enough to fit through doorways and average-size store aisles
not ideal for maneuvering down narrow store aisles (especially double and triple models)
have bright colored canvas to be easily seen
can be expensive (2-4 times more than standard strollers)
recent models can be folded and easily fit into most vehicles
heavier and longer than standard strollers
lack fancy features and accessories that get in the way when running or jogging
some models may be difficult to assemble
models available for up to 3 children (side-by-side seating)
lack significant storage space
front wheel may need to be removed before folding
*It is not recommended to use jogging strollers with children under the age of 1 year.
Price Considerations
Light Jogging or Walking
Strollers for jogging can be purchased for as little as $100, but you basically get what you pay for: cheaper parts (plastic, not metal alloys) and design (tube fitted instead of welded). But if you're only an occasional light jogger or do a lot of walking, paying less for a jogger stroller may give you an acceptable level of satisfaction. Or you might decide that it's worthwhile to spend a little more and have less complaints to deal with (from your passenger and you!)
Serious Jogging and Running
If you're a serious jogger or runner, expect to spend anywhere between $250 and $450 for a durable, comfortable, easy-to-push jogger stroller (the price increases for
double
and
triple
models). Good quality models are designed by hard-core runners who know what elements are important to have. Don't buy a stroller just because it's a bargain. Paying a lower price tag may be preferable, but you will end up regretting it if you and your child aren't comfortable or if the stroller breaks down due to lower quality parts.
According to experts, paying a very high price for a true jogging stroller (one that has an aluminum frame and a 16 or 20-inch fixed front wheel) doesn't necessarily mean you're getting a better quality product. Sometimes you're just paying for a brand name, so it's important to research other less-known manufacturers as well by reading consumer reports and reviews.
If $250 to $450 is more than you want to spend, and you don't want to sacrifice higher-end features, you might want to consider buying a used model, although there may be safety issues to consider if you do this. Keep in mind that these types of strollers usually have high resale value due to their good quality frames.
***Great Books ***
Looking for information on jogging? Then visit
Jogging101.com
Jogging is the fresh air-in-your-face, fat burning, inexpensive aerobic exercise that gets results! Jogging can be enjoyed alone or with friends and family. You'll find jogging tips and techniques for all levels to keep you moving on the path to a better, healthier you.
If you like doing multiple activities, such as walking, jogging, biking, hiking and/or cross-country skiing, you might want to check out an extremely versatile
child carrier.
***Buyer Beware!***
Many three-wheel strollers don’t live up to their names, so when you’re looking at "all-terrain", "jogging", "sport" or "fitness" strollers, make sure to check the box or the brochure to make sure that they are designed to do the activities you want.
For example, there are strollers that have the three-wheel look of a jogging stroller, but are really meant for walking and everyday use. They are usually more durable than standard strollers and have many more features than jogging and all-terrain strollers.
