Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers  are for parents who want to take their children on whirlwind tours of their errand and exercise routes. They're more sturdy, aerodynamic and shock-absorbent than other strollers. If you are new to the stroller game, check out our stroller buying guide first.

Why They Are Good

• Bigger wheels, more sturdy construction, hoods, canopies and special shapes make jogging with your toddler(s) a breeze.
• You can get them in all different sizes and for varying degrees of intensity.
• Sometimes they come in all-in-one designs  replete with a baby carrier and/or car seat.
• Jogging Strollers for Two  are also available for the tandem stroller lover.

Safety Warnings

• Children less than 6 months old should not ride in jogging strollers, unless it's explicitly an infant jogging stroller. 
• Do not skate with a jogging stroller.
• Familiarize yourself with the brakes before embarking on that hilly running route.

Special Features

Extra Large Wheels: Wheel size plays a large part in a stroller's stability and comfort.

• The bigger they are the easier the stroller is to push and the smoother the ride.
• The average wheel size is 16",  which seems adequate for most joggers.

• 12"  are often considered too small.
• 20"  models are great for bumpier rides.
• The enormous (and bulky) 24" model by Baby Jogger  is not so well reviewed.
• Almost all models come with three equal sized wheels but some use a smaller front wheel and two larger back wheels.
• Very few models use two front wheels.
• An all-terrain stroller,  sometimes known as a hybrid jogging stroller,  has smaller 12" wheels and often a front swiveling wheel for added mobility and versatility.
• But the small wheels are often too bumpy.
• Swivel wheels are better in theory, but you can't jog with them.

Large, Sturdy, Built-in Canopy: The canopy is crucial on a jogging stroller.

• If the parent is jogging, the child will be subject to wind and most likely sun too.
• No matter how comfortable the seat is, being blinded by the sun or wind burned will not make the child happy. A happy baby makes for a happy runner.
• You can purchase add-on canopies but they may not fit as well.

Adjustable Handlebars: Since a jogging stroller is good for more than just jogging, it should be versatile enough to meet all the needs or all the stroller-pushers.

• Look for models that have adjustable (and straight continuous) handlebars so that pushing the stroller doesn't become uncomfortable.
• Keep in mind the wheel size will raise the bars higher as well.

Heavy-Duty Handling: Strollers have weight limits, and these are not just dependent on the size or age of the child.

• The weight capacity is also a measure of the quality of overall construction of the stroller. The more weight it can handle, the better quality it is.

Shock Absorbers: Most jogging strollers offer some sort of shock protection.

• Keep in mind where you jog, walk or run.
• Smooth surfaces without lots of bumps, as on a dirt trail, won't require a heavy-duty shock system.
• If you prefer to go on smooth pavement, shock absorbers will actually make it harder to push the stroller because it will add weight and friction.
• Only pay for what you need, since shocks will add on a bit in price.

Brakes: These are a major safety issue.

• Most models include at least one brake on the front wheel.
• Some models also have a parking brake, which is not essential, but it can act as a type of emergency brake, ensuring your stroller stays put.
• Put the brake on when you are strapping and unstrapping your child.
• Many jogging strollers also include a wrist guard. When wrapped around the runner's wrist, this in an extra precaution against the runaway stroller phenomenon.

External Links

• Baby Zone: The top ten mistakes of jogging stroller buyers.
• Skate FAQ: An incredibly in depth description of which strollers to get. Very long and well-researched with a handy chart at the bottom.
• Wow Shopper: A history of jogging strollers, so that you can put your workout in a historical context.
• Associated Content: General advice for selecting a good jogging stroller.