Stay Safe and Comfortable On Runs with a Jogging Stroller

Every busy parent knows how hard it can be to find the time to hit the gym or trail. Jogging strollers are a great way to fulfill your parenting duties and still make time to get your fitness on. Before you run out the door, make sure you have the best strategies to keep the kids entertained and comfortable. Staying safe while jogging with the kiddos is also of importance. Keep reading to find the best tips for staying safe and comfortable on runs with your jogging stroller.

1. Follow All Safety Guidelines

First, you’ll want to make sure that your baby is old enough to handle the inevitable bumps, twists, and turns during your run. Jogging strollers have a minimum age of 6 months. This is to allow your child to develop enough neck muscles to protect their head and spine from each bounce on the trail. When strapping your precious bundle of joy in, make sure that all straps are tight. The harness should be situated as shown in your user manual.

Most jogging strollers will have a hand brake and wrist strap that come in handy when running down hills or slowing your pace after a burst of speed. We recommend testing the brake during your pre-run inspection. This inspection should also include checking shocks, tire pressure, and reflectors. You’ll want to pump up the tires about every month or so depending on how often you run. This will help with the smoothness of the ride for your little one as well as make the stroller a bit easier for you to push.

2. Use Nap Time to Your Advantage

If your child is still napping this can be a great time to head out for your longer runs. Some newer strollers such as the Hamax Outback have adjustable suspension to give your kiddo the smoothest ride possible. The steady motion will help them fall asleep and then you can run to your hearts content! Using a Neck Cushion is helpful in making sure your child stays comfy while you get your run in. The cushion helps to protect little necks and heads from rocking back and forth keeping them safe and snug.

3. Make Jogging Fun

Nobody likes to go out for a run with a cranky screaming toddler. Avoid this by making your jog a fun experience for your child and something they look forward to. Depending on their age you can do silly things during your warm up and cool down like wheelies or crazy turns with the stroller. Letting the kiddo bring a special toy or lovey that is just for your jogging time will give them an extra incentive as well. Including a “race” home and letting your child out of the stroller a block or two from home is a great way to encourage running. Your child will be excited to race, especially if they beat you occasionally.

Older children may like to count fire hydrants or stop signs as a way of keeping track of the “time” of your run. The 5 stop sign run might have a fun house that is always decorated whereas the 3 fire hydrant run might have a pony that comes to say hello. Many children do not understand time or distance the way that adults do. Giving them something else to keep track of can help your child feel more at ease.

4. Pack Enough but Not Too Much

Having snacks and water on hand is a necessity – especially if you need a bribe halfway into that 3-mile run. A light diaper bag with only the essentials as well as a small first aid kit would also be helpful to throw in your stroller. You’ll also want to bring your ID and phone, and either some cash or a card for an emergency uber ride home. We like to say that you should be somewhere between preparing for the apocalypse and the purse you carry on date night. Just remember that the more stuff you bring, the more weight you have to push up those hills.

5. Ensure Your Jogging Stroller is Comfortable

When shopping for a jogging stroller you’ll want to find one that fits your lifestyle. We don’t recommend using a regular stroller for jogging as the front wheels are not meant to remain stable at a high rate of speed. The very thing that allows you to make sharp turns in the grocery store is what will find you flat on your face when jogging. Adjustable push bars are a must for most families, especially if mom and dad both want to use the same stroller. If the push bar is too low or high it will throw off your running form and could make you sore in weird places as well as have long-term effects on your posture.

6. Maintain Proper Running Form

Speaking of being sore from running… make sure that you are running with proper form when pushing your jogging stroller. Try to push the stroller with only one arm at a time while keeping your shoulders relaxed and your elbows in. This allows you to pump with one arm and still maintain control over your stroller. We recommend switching arms about every 5 minutes to workout each side evenly.

7. Recognize Differences

When runners switch running surfaces, say from asphalt to packed dirt, their pace changes. Similarly, when switching to running with a jogging stroller there will also be differences. You may find that your pace increases and those hills are a bit more difficult than before. Not to worry – you are pushing 50 lbs while you run! Imagine how fast and free you will feel when running without a stroller, baby, and all the accouterments that come with having a child.

Running up hills while pushing a stroller will be more difficult for sure. But what many people don’t realize is that going downhill also becomes harder. On the downhill portions, you will need to pull your stroller and fight gravity so the littles don’t go shooting off.

Another thing to consider when running with your stroller is the route. Often the sidewalk is not the ideal place to run because of cracks in the pavement, tree roots, or other uneven surfaces. Packed dirt paths or paved trails both work well when using a jogging stroller.

Finding a durable jogging stroller that the whole family loves and is comfortable to sit in as well as push can be a chore. Thankfully the Hamax Outback works for all types of families. It easily transitions from jogging stroller to bike trailer to stroller. The Hamax comes in a single or dual model and has all the amenities you expect from a multi-sport trailer + stroller.