Jogging strollers are a great way to get fit and get your pre-baby body back, plus your little one gets to enjoy the great outdoors with you! Unlike traditional strollers or
double strollers, jogging strollers will keep your little one safe and comfortable whilst you jog over a variety of bumpy terrains and surfaces. Before purchasing a stroller, however, there are a few considerations you may want to think about.
First, have a think about the type of wheels will be most suited to you and your workout routine. Unlike
standard strollers, jogging strollers have three wheels that are usually around 12”-24” in diameter. These larger wheels allow you to easily push your stroller across a variety of terrains. The wheels in a jogging stroller are usually made from more durable materials such as solid rubber or plastic similar to bicycle tires. You’ll need to check the tires for air pressure every now and again for both safety and ease of use (you can easily inflate your tires using a bicycle pump).
There are two main types of tire options to choose in your new jogging stroller: fixed wheel or swivel. Products with fixed wheels will be locked in one single position and will be unable to move. The benefit of using products with fixed wheels is that they are much larger than swivel wheels and can easily roll over rougher terrains. If you are particularly serious about jogging then a fixed wheel may be more suitable to your needs as they tend to move a lot more smoothly.
Fixed wheels, however, can make the stroller slightly more difficult to steer. Strollers with swivel wheels can turn both left and right, and are more suited to parents who only use the stroller to jog short. One thing to note about fixed wheels is that they can easily change directions, especially if they aren’t used on smooth terrains.
Another consideration before purchasing a product is the capacity of the stroller. Most jogging strollers will have a maximum capacity of around 50lb to 100lb, so it’s a good idea to measure or
weigh your child beforehand. Strollers also come in a whole host of different sizes. Some are easily foldable so they can be stored in the trunk of your car or garage. This isn’t the case for ALL jogging strollers, so check this out before making your purchase if this particular feature is important to you.
Jogging strollers also offer a variety of reclining positions. Products with more reclining options tend to be pricier but are a good idea if you are jogging long distances or for an extended period of time. Jogging stroller seats tend to be more reclined than traditional strollers as it helps reduce the impact of movement on your baby’s body. The type of safety features will vary between products, but the most common are harnesses, and canopies. If you are a passionate jogger, then a harness may be a good option, as it will keep your child in place whilst you exercise. If you live in a hot or rainy climate, then a canopy may be a good option for you too.
Price
The majority of jogging strollers will set you back between $120 and $650 depending capacity, the amount of positions available, wheel type and safety features. Products on the higher end of this scale tend to have larger capacities (between 70lb and 100lb) and can therefore be used for longer periods of time or carry multiple children at once. Pricier products also tend to have far more position options (between 3 and 4) and can sometimes fully recline.
More expensive strollers also tend to have more maneuverability and wheels that are more durable and easy to use. More expensive products tend to offer more safety features such as canopies, harnesses and safety straps. Products at the lower end of this scale work just as well, but may be more suited to those who will be jogging shorter distances or using the stroller for trips to the shop or park. Less expensive jogging strollers are available ($100 or less) but be aware that these products won’t be as durable or as effective.
Features
The features you will want included in your new jogging stroller will depend entirely on personal preferences as well as the stroller’s primary use and the terrain it will be used on. There are a few features that we recommend keeping an eye out for to help select the best possible product for your lifestyle!
Here are some important features to look out for…
- Storage
- Canopy
- Peek-a-Boo Window
- Safety Strap
Construction and Design
When it comes to selecting a high-quality jogging stroller, we recommend keeping an eye out for products that have plenty of storage space. When you leave the house, there are lots of extra bits like diapers, snacks, bottles and toys. Having a storage compartment in your new jogging stroller makes it much easier to transport necessities and to access these items quickly. You can even look for storage baskets that have mesh surroundings or zippers to prevent items from falling out.
Another useful feature is an included canopy. Canopies are great ways to shelter your little one from UV rays as well as wind, rain and snow. Some products even have canopies that completely close over the stroller.
We also recommend looking for products that feature a peek-a-boo window, especially if you have opted for a canopy. This will allow you to check in on your baby without having to disturb them, and they can look on at the world around them.
Finally, look for jogging strollers that also feature a safety strap, especially if the stroller doesn’t have a handbrake. A safety strap consists of a loop that is attached to the stroller handlebar. By placing your hand in this loop you can prevent your jogging stroller from rolling away or moving too quickly, especially if you forget to activate the brakes!
Performance and Ease of Use
Most jogging strollers come pre-assembled, although a few may require minimal assembly. If this is the case then simply follow the products handy ‘how-to-guide’ or log onto the manufacturers website for more hints and tips. When cleaning your stroller, some parts will be removable and can therefore be put in the washing machine or hand-washed (make sure you read the care instructions of the product first to prevent damage). For the rest of the stroller, simply scrub the product clean with a sponge, hot water and soap or use a chemical-free antibacterial spray and let dry.
When it comes to deciding which jogging stroller is right for you and your little one, it can be stressful because there are many different styles and designs out there. Hopefully after reading through our buying guide, you’ll have figured out what type of jogging stroller is best for you, as well as all the special features you would like. So let’s get looking at our top 5 picks!
Now, we’ve narrowed down which types of jogging stroller are available. If you haven’t found the perfect stroller, go ahead browse the brands' other stroller products to find one you love. Then all that’s left to do is start jogging!
