Having a kid should never be one of the reasons why you need to stop doing the things you love. Most especially if it’s something healthy, like walking or jogging around the neighborhood.
Brisk-walking, running, or simply strolling around can be tough with your baby around. But not if you have jogging strollers!
These strollers are built to be your jogging buddy. Thanks to their three-wheel bicycle set-up and lightweight frame, you can go on about your usual jogging routine while treating your young one to a world of sights and sounds.
But how is a jogging stroller better than the average model?
In the past, people have been using traditional strollers to take their child for walks. However, you have to be wary the running surface when using standard strollers. While they’re good for flat and smooth surfaces, traditional strollers aren’t ideal on bumpy roads and uneven surfaces. Plus, the four-wheel buggies tend to skitter when you run.
The best jogger strollers, on the other hand, doesn’t suffer from these safety issues because of their three large wheels, shock absorbers, and a five-point harness. The design makes them suitable for just about any terrain, including rough surfaces.
Some jogging strollers are compatible with car seats but KEEP IN MIND that jogging strollers are not to for infants. While it’s true that you can use them up until your kid is five years old, hold on to the idea of jogging with your baby until he’s at least one year old.
| My Top Picks |
|---|
| Bob Revolution SE Stroller |
| Thule Urban Glide |
| Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller |
| Graco FastAction Fold Jogger |
| BOB Revolution FLEX Stroller |
You will need a jogging stroller for two reasons:
- If you want to take your child out with you for an everyday activity like jogging or brisk walking, and you want to make sure that he or she stays safe.
- If you’re into adventures like hiking or trekking on rough surfaces, and you want to take your baby with you.
To be reliable, a jogging stroller MUST have the following:
- Front Swivel Wheel – some models have these and are more suitable to use for jogging and walking.
- Locking wheels
- Five-point safety harness
- Deep child seat – for better security in case of a collision.
- Hand brake
- Large wheels – for smooth, shock-free ride
- Suspension – good suspension to ensure a smooth ride.
- Tether strap – this is a leash that circles your wrist and is attached to the stroller in case you lose grip on the handle.
- Front wheel fender – keeps you safe from dirt, mud, and water.
Other features that are good to have in a jogging stroller, though not required are:
- Height adjustable handle
- Storage basket
- Canopy
- Cup/bottle holder
- Reclining seat
So what other features should you consider before getting a jogging stroller for your kid? I’ve listed some of them below.
- Wheel size – Jogging strollers’ wheels usually come in three sizes — 12”, 16”, and 20”. Smaller wheels are more suited on smoother surfaces while the larger ones are ideal for long runs and off-road usage.
- Frame construction – Go for one with a welded aluminum frame. These strollers are sturdier and lightweight
- Alloy or steel wheels – Steel wheels may be cheaper but they are also more prone to rust. Opt for alloy wheels especially if you live in an area with salty air.
- Suspension and shock absorbers – Before buying one, ensure that it has a high-quality suspension. This feature is of utmost importance as it keeps your baby stable even while you’re on the run.
Here are my top picks for the best baby strollers for joggers and active parents:
1. Bob Revolution SE Stroller
If you’re looking for a stroller that will give your child a smooth ride, regardless of what kind of road you’re on, then look no further.
The Bob Revolution SE lets you stroll and job whatever the terrain. It comes with two large rear tires and a swiveling front wheel for easy maneuvering. It also has a state-of-the-art, adjustable suspension, ensuring baby’s smooth ride while protecting him from elements through an adjustable canopy.
What else do you get? Padded handlebars for easy pushing and a tether strap for additional security even when you’re running downhill.
Some might overlook this, but having a strap on your jogging stroller is a big deal. Your hands may slip off of the handle as you pick up your speed. And while the leash doesn’t get rid of this problem, it lets you stay connected to the stroller.
Hit the handbrake when you need to stop or catch a breather. And when you feel like you’re veering off-course, you can adjust the tracking of the front wheels with ease.
Lastly, you can get a car seat adapter to attach the seat of your choice (check compatibility). Now you have a jogger and a travel system in one neat package!
The only con that I found is that the bottom storage basket isn’t deep enough for a diaper bag to fit. Another possible setback, though subjective, is that folding and snapping the frame close can prove difficult.
Additional Specs
- Stroller weight: 25 lbs
- Age range: 0 – 8 weeks in an infant car seat with adapter, 8 weeks to 8 months (walking only), 8 months to 5 years (jogging/off-road use)
Other jogging strollers worth mentioning as well are as follows:
2. Thule Urban Glide
The Thule Urban Glide is one of the lightest jogging models around and the lightest in our list.
You may think that a lightweight stroller uses less durable materials than heavier models. Perhaps that’s true in other cases, but not with this jogging stroller.
The Thule Urban Glide is sturdy enough to easily travel through grass, bumpy sidewalks, and dirt paths.
You also get a front wheel that swivels and locks into place when you’re jogging. The padded seat comes with a vented top that reclines to a near-flat position, making it ideal for baby naps.
And you can get the car seat adapter and turn the Thule Urban Glide into a complete travel system.
The only disadvantage I found:
While the undercarriage storage basket has a weatherproof covering, getting things in and out of it can sometimes be difficult.
Additional Specs
- Stroller weight: 23 lbs
- Age range: from birth with an infant car seat or up to 75 lbs. (approximately 5 years old)
3. Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single Stroller
The Summit X3 is made with convenience in mind. Think of it as a hybrid between a traditional and a jogging stroller.
It has a jogger’s all-terrain stability, a handbrake for slowing down, and a handlebar control shifting the front wheel from locked to swivel mode.
It also comes with a UV 50+ weather canopy that protects your little one from elements. A one-hand fold and a spacious storage bin also make the Summit X3 a bang for your buck.
A car seat adapter is also available, by the way.
The stroller pushes well while jogging. But some parents find say that holding onto the handles steadily can get tiresome after a while.
Additional Specs
- Stroller weight: 28 lbs
- Age range: From birth with an infant car seat and adapter up to 75 lbs. (approximately 5 years old)
4. Graco FastAction Fold Jogger
Aside from the price, the biggest selling point of the Graco FastAction Fold Jogger is its one-hand foldability. Unfolding it is also really simple, truly living up to its name.
It’s also one of the very few jogging strollers out there that stands upright when folded. In fact, it’s the only one on this list that comes with this feature. The storage bin is also spacious for other things that you need to bring while on the go.
The infant car seat is also available as a separate purchase.
On the other hand, this jogging stroller is not ideal for serious runners. It doesn’t have the proper suspension to make your baby’s experience comfy enough, especially when you’re breaking a sweat. But if for casual walking or strolling around, this Graco stroller can get the job done.
Additional Specs
- Stroller weight: 30 lbs
- Age range: up to 50 lbs
5. BOB Revolution FLEX Stroller
The FLEX stroller has all the features and qualities of its other brother, the Revolution SE stroller: from effortlessly gliding over rough surfaces, the spacious seat, to the large canopy.
The only noticeable difference between the two is the handlebar. The FLEX stroller comes with a handlebar that adjusts to nine different positions to suit the height of anyone pushing the stroller.
The front wheel locks and swivels, too, for easier maneuvering on rough ground.
Same with the Revolution SE, you can purchase the car seat adapter to transform it into a travel system.
Two cons I found:
One, it’s a little bulky so storage can be an issue. Two, there’s no cup or bottle holder.
Additional Specs
- Stroller weight: 29 lbs
- Age range: 0-8 weeks in an infant car seat with adapter, 8 weeks to 8 months walk only, 8 months to 5 years jogging/off-road use
To sum it all up, I’m pretty sure that you’d be able to find a jogging stroller that will suit your needs. Just make sure that you put your baby’s safety above everything else. Go for something that has all the functionalities that you need.
With that, keep on running!
