Everything You Need To Know About Jogging Stroller

Have you been trying to lose weight after your baby was born but just haven’t had enough time on your hands? Perhaps you should invest in a jogging stroller.

This type of stroller is designed to withstand wear and tear while you are working out. Plus, it allows you to spend quality time with your baby so you don’t have to feel guilty about leaving him with a sitter.

First – Check Out The Infographic

Why Jogging Stroller?

Sure, you can invest in a regular stroller but its wheels will not be sturdy enough to handle the abuse of daily jogging. Here are some benefits of purchasing a jogging stroller:

It’s Time To Get Fit Again

You can’t use your baby as an excuse to remain cooped up inside your home forever. The biggest advantage of using a jogging stroller is you can run with it while your baby is onboard.

Sure, you can run with practically any stroller but your baby will be much safer with a stroller designed especially for jogging. This will not only allow you to take care of your little one but your baby will probably enjoy his time outdoors.

Quality Time With Your Baby

Turn your morning workout into a “baby and me session” with your child. Talk to your child about the trees and the surroundings while you are jogging.

You can also play games with them when you are taking a break.

Putting in a little effort can greatly help with language development and help your baby learn new words. Additionally, your child will be more likely to turn to you for support when he is older if you have built a strong relationship with them from the very beginning.

Perfect For Bumpy Roads

Unlike any other means of infant transport, a baby stroller is perfect for bumpy rides and will make the ride much smoother and comfortable for you and your baby.

To Walk Or Run?

Either way, jogging strollers offer plenty of capabilities that allow you to modify the stroller according to the situation you are in. However, not all jogging strollers are designed for walking so ensure the one you have purchased is designed for both activities.

Showoff Your Sporty Side

Imagine the neighbors seeing you on the street jogging after conceiving a baby. A jogging stroller will help you look chic and fresh, and, who knows, you may inspire other mums on the block to show off their sporty look. This way, you will have a friend to accompany you on your early morning jogs.

Tips On How To Start Running With Your Baby

Staying fit becomes more difficult when you have to take care of a baby. However, you can’t use your bundle of joy as an excuse for staying at home forever and a jogging stroller is just want you need to get started.

Stroller running is a completely new type of workout that incorporates different muscles, requires patience and involves a lot of extra planning.

It may be tough but it is a killer workout and is a fun way to switch things up when you are training.

Here are some tips for running with your baby:

Don’t Head For The Hills

You may be tempted to challenge yourself and head for the hills. Well, don’t. Pushing the stroller on a flat path is exhausting enough, so give yourself a break.

Take baby steps and be easy on yourself, at least until you have mastered the art of running with a stroller. When you feel you are ready for a bit of a challenge, remember to engage your core but most importantly, check the brakes before you head downhill.

Switch Things Up

You may find pushing the stroller with one hand more comfortable and that’s totally fine! However, remember to switch sides every few minutes or else you might end up with a sore arm. Also, keep both hands on the handles when you are going downhill to avoid any mishaps.

Think About The Rewards

When you are having a tough time with the stroller, try to focus on the rewards, which are yet to come. One of the biggest advantages of a jogging stroller is it is a great combination of strength training and cardio.

Not to mention, the workout not only focuses on your leg muscles but also the back, shoulders and abs. Another great advantage of jogging strollers is you will receive some serious appreciation from fellow runners because of your commitment.

Hold your head up high because you really are a super mom or dad for taking up stroller running.

Pack For The Apocalypse

Once you have made all the effort to get yourself and your little one out the door, the last thing you want is to turn around just because your baby is hungry.

Here is where you need to understand the importance of prior planning.

Pack a baby bag with essentials (we will talk about this in more detail in the next section).

The most important items include crackers, Sippy cup, toys and books to calm down your baby in case he/she gets bored or cranky.

You may also want to pack diapers, changing mats and a change of clothes in case of accidents.

Factors To Consider While Investing In A Jogging Stroller

Here are a couple of factors you need to consider when purchasing a jogging stroller:

Stability

Stability is among the most important features when purchasing a jogging stroller, especially since you will be using it to carry your precious bundle of joy. However, a well-balanced stroller might not always be your best friend.

Turning a stroller is easier when there is uneven weight distribution among the three wheels, which makes it easier for the runner to corner the stroller on the road. Strollers that are designed for both walking and running are more difficult to maneuver while running.

It is best you take into consideration how much time you spend running versus walking before making your final choice.

Wheel Width

Some people may feel uncomfortable while pushing a stroller that takes up more than half the space of the sidewalk. Consider the width of the wheels for aesthetic and space concerns. Additionally, you may not have sufficient space to store the jogging stroller if it is too large.

On the bright side, wider wheels tend to offer more space to pack supplies. Additionally, big stroller is a good choice for older children who will feel more secure compared to narrow spaced ones.

On the other side, narrow wheeled vehicles are sleek and slim, not to mention, they can fit through most doors easily.

Front Wheels

Most jogging strollers in the market offer a front wheel that can be either locked or fixed into a straight-ahead position, which is ideal for running. This makes it much easier for parents to swivel the stroller into the right position.

However, if you only intend on using the stroller for jogging, you need not invest in extra money for the swivel option. Additionally, keep in mind that running with the stroller on swivel mode is dangerous as you can run over a small pebble.

The swivel option is great for parents who live in the city and have limited space when it comes to walking on the sidewalk. However, if you live in a neighborhood where there is plenty of room on the sidewalks, parks and stores, you may want to skip the swivel wheels.

Handbrakes

Handbrakes may seem like a cute accessory but they are actually a useful feature, particularly for parents who live in hilly areas. The hand brakes allow runners to maintain a steady pace while running downhill with a stroller.

Parking Brake

It doesn’t matter if you are only jogging for a couple of minutes, you will need to take a break, to drink water or simple catch your breath. In such cases, it is crucial you hit the stroller parking brake immediately.

The parking brake prevents the tires from casually rolling away with your baby inside. Parking brakes are found in almost all jogging strollers and must be used carefully.

For added convenience, opt for a jogging stroller with a foot brake so you can hit the brakes without bending your back. A foot-operated brake is certainly a useful feature, especially if you are holding your baby.

Folding

Because of its functionality, a jogging stroller is designed to be much larger compared to its traditional counterpart. This is why jogging strollers do not fold small. Depending on the brand, the stroller will fold in the following ways:

Folding Mechanism

Strollers that use a folding mechanism are relatively easier to fold. All you have to do is remove your baby from the seat, push the button and fold up the device accordingly.

However, some strollers may incorporate a quick folding technology, which means you can essentially fold up the stroller with one hand, and balance your baby using the other.

Compact Folding

This type of stroller may require more work but the good news is that it will result in an easier fold. This type of stroller will require you to remove the wheels and fold the frame down.

The ability to store the jogging wheels separately will be super convenient for you, especially if you have a small car or do not have much space to store the stroller at home. The most notable downside of this type of stroller is that it takes longer to fold and set up the stroller.

Additionally, you will also be required to use both hands, which means you will not be able to carry your baby during the folding process.

Storage

If you are leaving the house with your little one, be prepared to carry a whole lot of baby gear with you. This includes baby wipes, diapers, foods and the list goes on.

Multiple storage compartments on your jogging stroller can make it easier for you to carry all your baby gear while jogging. Practically, every jogging stroller comes with a storage basket located underneath the baby’s seat.

While some may feature an outer mesh covering to protect the contents from spilling on the ground, be on the lookout for stroller with pockets that allow you to easily store your phone or wallet.

Some strollers may also feature storage pockets sewn on the canopy to hold small objects, such as your car keys.

Evaluate your storage needs prior to investing in a jogging stroller.

Additionally, keep in mind that more pockets will ultimately result in more weight, making it difficult for you to transport the stroller from place to place.

Canopy

The canopy is probably among the most important features while investing in a stroller as it will keep the sun out of your baby’s eyes and protect their sensitive skin while you are both outdoors. Don’t forget to douse some sunscreen on yourself! You will certainly need it.

Peek-A-Boo Window

With the canopy, it can be difficult for you to keep an eye on your little one and see what they are up to.

To solve this problem, some canopies come equipped with peek-a-boo windows that allow you to view your baby from behind the stroller.

All you have to do is lift up the flap and look at your baby from a bird’s eye view.

Double Jogging Strollers

If you have twins or have kids who are around the same age, it is essential you invest in a double jogging stroller. These strollers have all the features outlined in this section and may feature additional features for more convenience.

Spokes And Rims

You will find the spokes and rims inside the tire. The rims and tires help the wheel retain its round shape while supporting the entire weight of the jogging strollers and are typically available in two types:

Metal

The traditional spoke and rim design is similar to that of a bike tire. Sure, the metal design might not look as fancy as the plastic version but it is certainly practical. 

The metal spokes and rims contribute to a smoother ride for you and your baby. Cheaper metal options are made using a mixture of metals that are prone to rush if you do not take special care of them.

This is can become a serious problem if you live somewhere with a humid environment or near the coast.

Quality spokes are made using stainless steel materials.

Stainless steel is a superior material that is resistant to rust. Alloy wheels are also good options if you want to remain rust free.

Plastic

Plastic spokes and rims are also known as mags (due to their resemblance with car tires) Because of its flexibility, plastic can be molded into several aesthetically pleasing designs compared to traditional metal spokes and rims.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, plastic spokes and rims are also lightweight. So, if you are trying to keep the weight as minimal as possible, plastic is a good option.

However, on the downside, plastic isn’t as durable a metal, is prone to fading especially because of constant sunlight exposure, and is susceptible to scratches and marks.

Expect tons of scratch marks if you use the jogging stroller in a shrubby area. In short, opt for a metal rim if you are serious about fitness. However, if you are a casual jogger, opt for a plastic design.

Accessories To Bring On The Run

When you are running with a baby, it is essential you pack a handy baby bag that has all the essentials you and your little one might need on the run. Here are a couple of handy items you should pack while you are on the go:

Essential Items

Conclusion

A jogging stroller can be among the greatest investments you ever make if you are trying to lose weight after having a baby. For more information, check out our buyer’s guide.