Buy a Jogging Stroller to Fit Your Family

If you’re ready to get out of the house with baby a jogging stroller could be the perfect match for you. Many babies love to ride in a jogging stroller and you’ll be able to get your fitness on without having to find a sitter or watch yet another video. Before you buy a jogging stroller, review these questions to make sure you’re getting the perfect one for your family.

Why Buy a Jogging Stroller?

You may wonder why you need even more baby gear when you already have your car seat stroller combo and an umbrella stroller. A three-wheeled jogging stroller does a very specific job, in that it allows you to easily control the steering of the stroller at higher speeds. Whether you walk, jog, or try to break records the jogger will maintain course. This works by having a fixed front wheel that keeps the stroller pointing in the correct direction. Strollers with front wheels that swivel are great for shopping or strolling around the block. The small wheels allow for small turn radius and easy maneuverability. However, if you hit a rock or sidewalk crack with your swivel wheel at high speeds it could cause the stroller to go careening in the wrong direction.

How Much do Jogging Strollers Cost?

Jogging strollers can range from around $100 to over $700 depending on what features you want. In general, you will get what you pay for – so make sure you know what you want before checking the price tags. A jogging stroller is an investment in your health and fitness as well as a way to bond with your child and create new memories. Some joggers such as the Hamax Outback transition to traditional strollers and even bike trailers. This makes them especially ideal for active families that enjoy many outdoor activities.

How Old Should My Baby Be to Use a Jogging Stroller?

The general guidance suggested is that babies should be able to support their head and neck fully before riding in a jogging stroller. This typically happens at about 9 months of age however, you should always consult with your pediatrician if you have any questions.

What Safety Features Should I Look For?

You’ll want to make sure that your new jogging stroller follows the standards set forth by the ASTM. The certification should be visible on the manufacturer’s tag with other general safety information and warnings. Jogging strollers should also come with a 5-point harness for your child. Brakes (both hand and foot) should work well and be easy to reach and use.

Other Considerations

There are many other things that you may want to take into consideration depending on your lifestyle and where/how often you plan to use your new jogging stroller. Make sure you have a list of your non-negotiables before you buy a jogging stroller. This will ensure you are happy with your new jogging stroller and that it fits your family perfectly.

Fixed Front Wheel

Some jogging strollers have swivel wheels that can be locked to create a fixed wheel. While this seems like a good plan, many of those swivel wheels are quite small, which can impact steering and stability of the stroller during use. If you’re going to be running with your child we suggest that you buy a jogging stroller with a permanently fixed wheel. These tend to be a larger size which helps to keep the jogger in a straight line. To turn, push down on the handle to lift the front wheel.

Size of the Jogging Stroller

Jogging strollers come in all sorts of different sizes, with double joggers being typically larger than single-seat strollers. If you choose to go with a larger jogger, check to see what materials the frame is made of. Lighter materials will mean a lighter stroller – and therefore less weight to push up that hill on the way home.

Assembly

Depending on how mechanically inclined you are, the assembly of your new jogger could make or break your determination to use it. Thankfully the Hamax Outback has just 4 screws and assembles in minutes.

Folding Ability and Ease

If you are planning to run right out your front door, this may not be an issue for you. However, those that need to drive to get to a park or trail will want to consider how easy it is to fold the jogging stroller before purchasing. Depending on the size of your car you’ll also want to look at how small the jogging stroller collapses. The Hamax Outback has removable wheels that allow it to collapse to a compact 11″ deep.

Suspension Systems

The easiest way to get your kiddo on board with your new jogging plan is to make it comfortable and fun for them. Having a suspension system on the jogging stroller will provide your child with a smooth and pleasant ride.

Adjustable Handle Bar

An adjustable handlebar is especially important if more than one person will be using the stroller on a regular basis. The Hamax Outback has a micro-adjustable handle that rotates over 180 degrees – accommodating almost any user.  Even if you are the only person to push the stroller you’ll want to make sure that the handlebar is at a comfortable height for your running position. If the handlebar is too high or low it could cause muscle fatigue and other issues over time.

Whatever your family needs, we wish you luck on your journey to buy a jogging stroller. Once you’ve found the right one, make sure to read through these quick jogging stroller tips.