Can we tell you what we really love about jogging strollers? They’re the one bit of baby kit focused on helping you keep a little bit of your ‘old self’ alive. You may not be out for impromptu weekday evenings, and your living room may look more like a playroom, but with a jogging stroller, at least you can keep active just like you used to. Strap in your little one, lace up your trainers and hit the road.
Jogging strollers, or run strollers, are all about performance; some are so high spec they rival the best racing bikes! (But don’t worry, you won't need any lycra to get behind one of these bad boys.) Advanced responsive suspension, fast action brakes, off-roading tyres with puncture-proof inner tubes. The list of features is satisfyingly long and makes for excellent handling and performance. Even the double strollers cruise along with ease.
All jogging strollers are built to keep you and your little one safe when out on the track or trail, but we’ve selected models at the top of the range from UPPABaby, Thule and Mountain Buggy that make running even more enjoyable, for both of you!
Do I need a jogging stroller?
The answer to this question depends on your lifestyle. But if you’re a relatively active person who likes to get out and about, we’d strongly suggest you consider one. Jogging strollers open up a whole wealth of options for where you can take your family. Not just for jogging, these more rugged strollers make trips off the beaten track so much easier. Exploring a nature park, a walk on the beach, even a picnic on a grassy lawn goes more smoothly with the increased suspension and chunkier tyers you’ll find on jogging strollers. If you’re feeling a little restricted by your compact stroller, adding a jogger to your collection could be just the solution.
And as for actually running, if you decide to increase your speed with a conventional stroller, even if it’s just a dash to the bus, you’ll notice that they’re really not built for speed. The swivel wheels that come standard on most strollers start to wiggle and shake and make things very unstable for you and undoubtedly very uncomfortable for your passenger. Jogging strollers have a fixed (or lockable) front wheel that makes steering at speed much safer. They also come with a five-point harness, meaning the wriggliest toddler is held safely as they speed along. Brakes on the handlebar make going downhill much safer, and the wrist safety strap allows you the peace of mind to loosen your grip to avoid white-knuckle-running!
Pop over to our stroller buying guide to read more about how a jogging stroller could fit into your life.
Getting the most out of your run
If you’re used to running without a child, get ready for some changes. Running behind a stroller uses a whole different set of muscles, and pushing the weight of your little one plus the stroller means you’re in for a more intense workout. You probably won’t be able to go as far or as fast as you could if you were running solo, but bringing your kiddo along is a ‘two birds one stone’ scenario, so you can count any distance as a win.
Jogging strollers are quite adjustable, so play around with yours until you get the right feel. Adjust the handlebars so that your hands reach them naturally without having to haunch your back. And in models with adjustable suspension, such as our pick, the UPPABaby Ridge, you’ll want to adjust the suspension as your child grows.
Keep in mind that running is not advised for babies until they can hold up their own head. To be really sure, check in with your paediatrician or child health nurse before you head out.