Tips for Choosing the Right Jogging Stroller

If you’re planning to be active outdoors with your kiddo, a jogging stroller is likely going to be on the top of your registry wish list. As with most things related to babies and kids, there are lots of options and features to consider. To make the selection process a little bit easier, here are some things to keep in mind as you do your research and shop for jogging strollers.

1. Fixed Wheel vs. Adjustable Wheel Jogging Stroller

First, you’ll need to choose between a jogging stroller designed to be exclusively used as a jogging stroller, and a stroller that can double as a jogging stroller and a more traditional stroller. The main difference is that a pure jogging stroller has a fixed wheel in front, making it great for jogging but pretty difficult to maneuver in everyday life, like in the aisles of a grocery store. A combo jogging/traditional stroller has a front wheel that can be fixed while jogging, but can be adjusted to swivel if you plan to use it for non-workout occasions as well. Dedicated jogging strollers are safer, smoother and easier for running with your child, but can also be larger and bulkier due to their bicycle-style wheels.

2. Look for a Five-Point Harness

Some jogging strollers have a three-point harness, but the five-point harness, which is more like what you’ll find in a carseat, is much safer because it keeps your child from sliding out if the jogging stroller happens to flip over. You definitely want straps that are easy to adjust and tighten, and you want the clasp to be something you can use with ease, but that would be tricky for a kiddo to fiddle with.

Couple exercising and jogging together at the park pushing their baby in a stroller

Jogging strollers can come with a fixed wheel or a more nimble adjustable wheel that are easier to maneuver in tight spaces

Family sport - jogging with baby stroller

Look for a comfortable, adjustable handle

Senior couple with grandchildren in jogging stroller.

A shade canopy to block out the sun and protect your baby’s skin

Be certain that the stroller has a five-point safety harness, like this one on the Baby Trend Carbon Expedition Double Jogger

3. Consider the Jogging Stroller’s Weight

Something too heavy will get hard to push (don’t forget there will also be a baby in it!), and also hard to tote around if you plan on taking it places in your car a lot. You also need to know how much weight the jogging stroller can support, so you can have a sense of how long you’ll be able to use it for your child – most jogging strollers are made for kids up to five years old.

Having cargo space under the stroller may also be important to you, but keep in mind everything you put in there adds to the weight.

4. Test the Handle’s Height and Feel

You’ll be holding onto this thing a lot if you plan on using it regularly, so test the handle’s height and feel. You’ll want to be sure the handle on the jogging stroller is adjustable and can accommodate a variety of heights with ease in case multiple people in your household will be using it. If you’re shopping online, look for descriptions and reviews when it comes to the feel of the handle.

Make sure it also has a wrist strap you can attach to the stroller while running. This is for safety purposes, to keep the jogging stroller from getting away from you on a run. A stroller with a hand brake is also helpful in controlling the it when you suddenly need to stop.

5. Keep Weather in Mind

You’ll want your child to be comfortable and protected from the elements – such as sun, wind and rain – while riding in the baby jogging stroller, so pay attention to the stroller’s canopy situation. Many have clear sections so you can easily peek in at your kiddo, which is a helpful feature for your peace of mind while you’re running. You can also sometimes purchase a clear plastic cover designed to fit over the stroller and cover. Either way, you want a stroller that offers both coverage and ventilation. You might also want to consider a light baby blanket so you can block out more light or rain.

Oh, and a quick tip to keep in mind as you prepare to run with your baby: Be flexible with your goals, since babies are definitely unpredictable at times. If your goal for your run is anywhere between two and four miles, if you get four in you’ll feel great. But if something happens with baby that causes you to cut it short at two, you’ve still met your goal. This will leave you feeling far less discouraged, which is the last thing you want from a workout with your kiddo.