Are you ready to take your baby with you for a jog? Jogging strollers are certainly a favourite among many new moms. And we’re guessing you’re one of them if you’re reading this article. Are you looking to buy one for yourself? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Manufacturers have been designing jogger strollers for decades. And the designs are constantly improving—with each new model certainly looking better than the last. But does it have the features you want? Ideally, the one you pick must be best suited for your lifestyle and needs.
We’re here to give you a few tips regarding what exactly to look for in a jogging stroller. This way it’ll make your selection process easier—and quicker too.
How Easy is it to Maneuver?
Understand this — a jogging stroller is different from an ordinary stroller. You need a jogging stroller not only to carry your little one, but run with too. This means you need to establish a balance between what’s good for your baby and for your running.
While a stable stroller is safe for your baby, it’s not ideal for running. Many jogging strollers are built on three wheels. This is because you need an uneven distribution of weight among these wheels to easily turn a stroller while running.
We’ve discovered that strollers that are made for both running and walking are very stable, and usually these multipurpose strollers are better suited for running than walking. Does this mean you have to purchase two strollers — one for running and jogging? Not necessarily.
The best thing you can do is to determine which activity you’ll be using the stroller for more — is it running or walking – and purchase accordingly.
Front Wheel Design: Fixed vs. Swivel
Do you want a front wheel that’s fixed or designed to swivel? We’ll quickly outline the difference between the two and you can select the best one for you.
Fixed
A fixed wheel is permanently locked and designed to track straight ahead. This makes it the ideal pick for running because it ensures that the stroller glides straight at all times.
Swivel
A jogging stroller with a swivel wheel isn’t ideal for running. Running with strollers in swivel mode is very dangerous especially if you hit loose pebbles. The stroller will shoot off in an unexpected direction. Jogging strollers with swivel wheels are easier to navigate and are ideally suited for navigating tight spaces like inside stores or on sidewalks.
Width of Wheel
Still on the subject of wheels, it’s equally important to consider the width of the wheel. The width of the wheel will influence many factors including stability and storage.
Wide Wheel
Do you have plenty of room to store your stroller? It’s wise to pick a stroller with a wide wheel. But be prepared to take up more space on the sidewalk with the stroller.
On the upside, jogging strollers with wide wheels have the following benefits:
- They usually contain more space for extra storage to place any additional items
- These strollers are better suited for larger kids
- They are more stable than strollers with narrow wheels
- Narrow Wheel
Picking strollers with narrowly spaced wheels come with the following advantages:
- They feature a sleek and slim design
- They’ll easily fit through doors
- It’s easier to store if you don’t have much storage space
Height of the Handle
Will you use the stroller alone or with your partner? If you’re planning on using it with your partner, chances are you aren’t the same height. Your best option is to purchase a jogging stroller that has an adjustable handlebar.
Will you use it by yourself? Buying one with an adjustable handle isn’t really necessary. Simply buy a stroller with a comfortable handle height for you.
Handbrake
If you live in a hilly area, then buying a stroller with a handbrake is non-negotiable. Handbrakes are more than just cute accessories, because they also come with the following advantages:
- Allow you to maintain your pace while running downhill
- Gives you better control of the stroller
- Generally safer on steep hills
Does it Have a Canopy?
We get that you want to get back in shape, but you’ll agree that your child’s safety comes first. For days you run in the sunny weather, you need a jogging stroller with a canopy; you want to keep your baby protected from the sun’s harsh rays at all times. Exposing your little one to the sun even for an hour can have devastating effects, so rather play it safe.
Some manufacturers design jogging strollers with adjustable sun canopies. This type is even better because you can rotate the canopy to block the sun’s rays from reaching your child from any direction. Avoid strollers that have accessories that snap into place with no room for adjusting.
Folding Capabilities
We mentioned how convenient using a jogging stroller with adjustable capabilities is. But make sure the one you pick is also foldable. Before buying your stroller answer the following questions.
How Easy is it to Fold?
Does the stroller need one, two or four hands to break it down? A stroller that needs four hands to break down is time-consuming.
Picking a jogging stroller that can easily be snapped into place using one hand will work to your advantage. The process of either setting up or breaking it down will be quick and easy. This frees your hand to handle other tasks like comforting a fussy child or carrying extra items.
How Small is It?
If you have minimal storage space or a small car, you must pick a stroller that folds twice. This makes it more compact and easier to store because of the smaller profile.
Final Words
No matter the jogging stroller you select, make sure that it’s easy to use. Above all, it mustn’t only be best for your running needs but ideal for your little one; this means it must be safe and comfortable for your child. After all, your child does come first, right?
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