Choosing the Best Jogging Stroller {Guest Post}

Choosing a stroller was much harder than I ever thought it would be.  As a new mom, you just don’t know what you’re looking for.  Better yet, what you’re looking for might not be what you actually need.  We test drove and researched, but even then we questioned our final choice.  And selecting a double stroller was even more work.  So I was thrilled when Elena from WalkingMama agreed to write a guest post on picking out the perfect jogging stroller.  Such great tips!  Thanks Elena!

For me the best jogging stroller means the one that I can rely on doing sports and  is good enough to accommodate my baby whole day long.

I define it as Sports Use and Real Life Needs. These are the Two Things you should bear in mind when buying a jogging stroller.
Sports Use – what to expect from a proper jogging stroller in terms of performance, durability and a safety when running, walking, hiking and rollerblading:

• Cool Sporty Look – well, yes, it matters. If a stroller looks like a sports car, most probably it will have all these features: three large air pumped wheels, one-piece aluminum frame, and an adjustable handle bar (or at least highly placed), a hand break, a safety wrist strap. A proper jogging stroller has to call for action: let’s go running!
• Three Large Fixed Wheels – forget about a swivel front wheel. Have you ever seen a sports car with wheels that can be fixed for racing and go swivel for better maneuvering in crowded places? Even fixed-wheels strollers have to solve the main issue – keep a front wheel going perfectly straight. If it pulls aside, you’ll have to stop every few steps to adjust the front wheel again and again.  If it does not convince you – the last thing I want to think of while rollerblading with the stroller in front of me is – what if the front wheel would unlock now?
• One Piece aluminum frame – for the lightweight and durability. To have an aerobic effect from the training – you have to move fast and easy rather than just getting tired by pushing a heavy struggling stroller. Good check – if a stroller can be moved with just one finger – it’s already fitness promising.
• The Hand break and Safety Wrist Strap – these things are the must-have for rollerblading – to make emergency stops. Also, when going down the hills a hand break is something you’ll really appreciate.
• Higher handle bar or an Adjusting handle bar – to suite your height when running and allow maximum steps stretch. There’s nothing less disturbing that trying to make a decent run with a stroller that doesn’t fit
• The Shock absorbers – I had none on my own jogging stroller. However, after testing some models with the shock absorbers, I can definitely promise that my next jogging stroller will have these. Some models offer a shock absorbing system, however a simple coil spring absorber works just fine.

To conclude with Sports Use– when testing and driving a jogging stroller – check how easy it rolls, whether it goes straight (just push an empty stroller far forward to check a stroller’s alignment) and how well it is balanced – hang your fully packed diaper bag on an empty stroller’s handle. If the stroller stays put – good. Does it fit your height – can you run freely, stretching max. step’s length? When buying online – read reviews and pay attention to these points rather than on its weight or cup holders (last one you can always buy  in addition).

Real Life Needs – what things to check to make a little comfy riding home for your baby out of a stroller and stay a stress-resistant mobile parent.

• Deep Reclining Seat – kids love to sleep in strollers and have all the rights to do so full length and with comfort. All the best jogging strollers have a reclining seat. I would suggest choosing one which could be adjusted using a simple strap; in this case you’ll be able to adjust it quietly, not waking up your child. Do not forget about an Underneath Basket – real life conditions are as such – we need to take some stuff with us when we are going out with kids.  Most probably, we also need to stop at a  grocery store on your way back home.  I don’t like carrying much in my backpack.
• Easy Fold – you should be able to do it yourself with just two hands. I’ve seen models that offer an amazing one hand fold – breathtaking!
• Generous Sun Canopy – to have more space inside the stroller, chose one with highly curved roof. Also there are models which allow unfastening the canopy from the back and pull it forward almost till the edge. In this case you’ll be able to customize the shadow.
• Seat Height and Long Footrest  – bear in mind that your child is growing,  and a proper jogging stroller is a 2-3 years buy. A Higher seat is more important than its capacity – just not to face a situation when your hi-end 70 lbs. capacity stroller is simply too short for your two years old kid. Highly curved canopy’s roof can be an insurance that this won’t happen.

To conclude about Real Life Needs – look at a stroller – can you pack it up and go for a whole day outdoor? Can you put your child to sleep in a stroller (rain or shine), store toys, food, water and extra clothing? Can you still squeeze in some stuff that you will buy on your way back home? Good. Put your child in – recline the seat, check extra space for the head and legs – looks spacious and comfortable? Very good!

It’s not easy to find your dream jogging stroller. To get an idea, check my Top 5 Best Jogging Stroller list.

The author Elena Filatova from  www.walkingmama.net. – an expert blog about fitness with the baby stroller. Walkingmama writes about a weight loss walking, stroller fitness for the new moms called strollnetics, rollerblading pushing stroller, an expert reviews on a best jogging strollers and much more.