Finding time to keep fit while making sure your baby is safe and happy is one of the issues that new parents encounter. In between enjoying quality time with your child, getting back to work, maintaining a clean and orderly house, and relaxing with your spouse, keeping fit is mostly pushed back to the bottom of any parent’s list for natural reasons.
However, jogging strollers are one of the baby items that were made with the infant and parent in mind. It serves as a ride for an infant as well as a jogging opportunity for parents. There are regular strollers that have toy accessories to entertain your child, but for jogging strollers, the motion of the stroller itself can be a treat to help lull your kid into sleep – or at least keep them entertained.
The primary function of jogging strollers is to make it easy for parents to enjoy a good workout by jogging while still spending quality time with their child outdoors. The ease of having one makes it comfortable for parents to jog without worrying too much about their kid’s safety. And it can also help save money from hiring a baby sitter.
What Makes It Different from a Regular Stroller?
The jogging stroller can be used every day, similar to a regular stroller, even if it is made explicitly for jogging activities. The telltale sign that says it’s a jogging stroller is the three big wheels used compared to the four wheels of the regular stroller.
The wheels in the back of a typical three-wheeled-stroller are more prominent compared to the single one in front, but there are still same-sized wheels available in the market. The three-wheel feature prevents the stroller from toppling over, and it provides better control in maneuvering when moving at a fast pace. The front-wheel serves as the control for direction, while the hind wheels are meant to bear the weight of the child riding in it to provide stability.
The four wheels of a regular stroller are meant for simple traveling from place to place. It is lighter with smaller sized wheels compared to a jogging stroller. Regular strollers are not intended for rough terrain and jogging. The most exercise that you can do on one is brisk walking.
Jogger strollers can be more expensive compared to its counterpart regular stroller because of its features. If you find the attributes of a jogging stroller appealing, you will understand that the price is worth it.
Factors to Consider When Purchasing Jogging Strollers
From safety functions to aesthetics, there are a lot of things to consider when buying a jogger stroller. You don’t just pick one without considering various factors. Make sure to think it through before committing to purchase.
- Your Running Terrain
Rough and bumpy terrain can be hard to run on with your baby in your stroller. If the path you run in is really rocky, consider having a jogging stroller that comes with suspension to make the ride comfortable. Aside from suspension, rubber air-filled tires are preferable than solid foam-filled tires to make the trip less bumpy.
Quick tip
Be careful if you will use air-filled tires since it can get punctured. Maintain it by always checking before and after use.
- Swivel and Lockable Front Wheel
There are jogging strollers in the market that have a fixed front wheel. This is an essential feature for a jogger stroller to avoid wobbling and any accident while running. It gives the stability needed while running at a fast pace. To turn with a fixed front wheel, you will need a sturdy hold in the handles and develop a push and pull method to lift the front part of the stroller.
Depending on your other requirements, you can opt for a swivel and lockable front wheel instead. This is the right choice if there is a lot of turning roads when you are walking to wind down from a brisk run. It is also an excellent alternative for regular strollers since it can be used for other everyday activities aside from running.
To identify which kind of wheels you need, determine the time that you will spend on running versus the everyday activities you plan to use it on.
- Handbrake
A handbrake is perfect for hilly terrains. It lets you run with ease through downhill paths. For a runner, this feature helps a lot in keeping form, and for a parent, this serves as an added security for your child as well.
- Handle Height
Will you be the only one using it, or does your spouse plan to use it during runs as well? You might not overthink it, but the handle height affects how well you can maneuver the stroller. If you are off the average height, you should consider getting a stroller with an adjustable handle height.
- Five-Point Harness
Most strollers nowadays are equipped with a five-point safety harness. It is a lot of straps to latch on, but it will keep your baby secure as you run. Infants can find it irritating, so make sure to find one which your kid will find comfortable.
- Padded Seats
This is a common feature for strollers. The seat itself is padded with foam to make it comfortable for your baby while taking a stroll. Be wary of low-quality strollers that only use a cloth or thin pads of foam.
- Canopy
This is crucial, especially during the summer. It serves as protection for your child’s eyes and skin when the day is exceptionally sunny.
- Adjustable Seat
To further the child’s comfort, the seat itself is adaptable to a recline so that when your baby sleeps, you can adjust it to a resting position.
- Storage
Going out with your infant requires packing bottles, wipes, diapers, and other baby items. It will not do you any good if you are holding a lot of things while pushing the stroller at the same time. This is why most strollers are equipped with storage space beneath to accommodate your other belongings. Overall, it will significantly serve you for daily activities like grocery shopping and general walking.
- Travel System (Car Seat Ready)
Having a car seat ready stroller provides a two-way function. It’s as simple as pulling out the chair and attaching it to the stroller without the hassle of moving your child from the seat.
Strollers are equipped with car seat adapters to accommodate all kinds of car seats, and some strollers only allow specific types on it. If you already purchased a car seat, you should check the strollers that would best fit with it. Having a fit one will make it more secure for your baby.
- Cleaning the Stroller
Most jogger stroller only needs to be wiped to keep it clean, but there are some cases where you would want to have the whole thing washed. If you are the type who wants to have it cleaned before use, you will need a stroller that is machine washable. It will save you time and effort in keeping it clean.
- Storage Size
Strollers are bulky in general, and it requires its own space when not in use. Before purchasing one, plan the area where you will store it. Consider the size of the wheels and if it’s removable. Check how it folds for storage since there are strollers that stand up when in compact mode, while most take up a lot of horizontal space.
Buying Guide – Here’s Our Favorites
After considering the features you need for your jogging stroller, it’s time to choose one. It is not impossible to find everything you need in one stroller. To help you out, here are our absolute favorites on the market.
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
Baby Trend prioritizes quality, comfort, and style in their products. The Expedition Jogger Stroller uses large bicycle tires that make it easy to go over different kinds of jogging paths. The front wheel can swivel, and there is an option to have it locked while you’re jogging.
The stroller has two cup holders for both parent and child. There is a small cupboard storage compartment in between the cup holders near the handle where you can keep your phone, keys, or small items. It also has a storage basket where you can store other belongings.
For the infant’s comfort and safety, the jogger stroller uses an adjustable five-point safety harness to keep the kid secure during a walk or a jog. The seat can be arranged for reclining to help with the child’s comfort. It has a ratcheting canopy with a peek-a-boo window that lets you look into your child to see what he’s up to.
For added security, it comes with a tether strap that you can fasten to your wrist. This keeps the stroller close and within reach if you are pausing to take a drink. The Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller is equipped with a locking device for Baby Trend Infant Car Seat, which can be bought on Amazon. Placing and securing an infant seat car is effortless.
Once you are done using it, there is a trigger release to make the stroller fit for storage. The two wheels in the back can be removed to make it more compact.
Specifications:
- Color: Phantom
- Item Dimensions: 47 x 21 x 41 in
- Item Weight: 25.5 lbs
- Minimum Weight Recommendation: 5 lbs
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 50 lbs
Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller
Thule Urban Glide 2 is an excellent option for all kinds of terrain. The front wheel can swivel or be locked into place with a simple turn of knob just above the front wheel. It has 16” rear wheels that are equipped with suspension for a smoother ride. The overall length of the stroller is long enough to avoid kicking the rear of the stroller while you are walking or running. For a more comfortable running, the handlebar can be adjusted from 100 to 150 centimeters.
The car seat adapter is purchased separately and available on Amazon, but unlike most jogging strollers, the Thule Urban Glide 2 has two forms of brake in it. The first one is the integrated twist hand brake in the handlebar, which can help you fine-tune your speed as you run in downhill terrain. While the other is the foot brake just behind the storage space beneath the seat.
The stroller has a hood and a small sun visor integrated into it to protect your child from glaring light. The canopy can be extended further by opening the zipper on the top edge. There is also a cloth flap on it so that you can check on the child.
The rider’s comfort and safety are supported with padded seats and five-point child safety harness. It is wide and tall to keep accommodating your infant as he grows up. It also has a recline strap mechanism in the back that can be adjusted with a squeeze of the clamp to bring it down or up depending on the child’s preference.
The seat fabric is made of splash-proof polyester. Spills on the seat can be simply wiped with baby wipes.
This jogging stroller provides ample storage in its shopping basket beneath the seat. It has a zip closing lid to keep your valuables safe. There is also a mesh pouch in the back where you can store other essentials within reach.
When keeping for storage and transport, the Thule Urban Glide 2 can be easily folded. The mechanism is beneath the bottom seat flap. When you flip it up, there is a blue twist handle that will enable you to fold out the whole stroller into a compact size. There is an automatic lock in the frame to keep it folded as you lift it. The rear wheels can be removed by merely pushing on the blue buttons on the center of it while pulling it off.
Specifications:
- Color Options: Jet Black (with black frame), Dark Shadow, Thule Blue, Mars
- Item Dimensions: 41.1 x 27.2 x 40 in
- Item Weight: 25.3 lbs
- Weight Supported: 75 lbs
Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller
Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller has three air-filled tires to provide suspension and a smoother ride. The front swivel wheel can be locked with a small switch on top of it.
This stroller is compatible with all Graco Click Connect Infant Car Seats, which can be found on Amazon. It has a one-step attachment to keep the car seat secure in the stroller.
The seat has an adjustable recline lever in the back. The canopy is also wide enough to make sure your baby is covered from the sun’s glare.
Both parent and child have two cup holders. There is storage space beneath the seat, which is big enough to carry bags. It also has a covered compartment in-between the parent cup holders where you can keep your keys. On top of it, there is a smartphone holder with an adjustable lock, but it can only hold small phones.
It is machine washable, but it should be set on a delicate cycle during the wash.
Like what the name of the product suggests, it has a fast action fold mechanism that only takes a second to fold. You only have to pull the strap in the corner edge of the seat, and it will easily fold out and stand on its own.
Specifications:
- Color: Gotham
- Item Dimensions: 40 x 24 x 42 in
- Item Weight: 35 lbs
- Minimum Weight Recommendation: 5 lbs
- Maximum Weight Recommendation: 50 lbs
Having a jogging stroller is a big thumbs up for outdoor activities. It will be around for at least two years, but definitely more, if you and your child love outdoor exercise even as he or she grows up. But make sure it’s within weight capacity to avoid accidents.
As a parent myself, purchasing a jogging stroller is practical if you want to have a workout, bonding time with your kid, and the convenience that comes with it. The main point of purchasing one is creating an enjoyable activity for you and your child. Have fun!