Jogging strollers—those funky three-wheelers you see whizzing about with baby on board—are practically standard issue for moms and dads who want to stay active.
“I couldn't always get to the gym, but I was always able to get exercise with our Baby Jogger,” says Victoria, a mother of two who lives in Ipswich, Massachusetts with her husband and daughters. She jogs with the stroller on weekdays, and takes it to the beach or to trails at a nearby state park on the weekends. “The fresh air is great for all of us,” says Victoria.
With a minimal design that consists of metal tubing, canvas seats, and mini-bicycle-style wheels, they are lightweight and a breeze to push and maneuver. Originally designed to accommodate runners, jogging strollers are built with plenty of leg room, so they won't hinder your stride. Not feeling fleet of foot? Running is optional; walkers enjoy the ease-of-use just as much, though in-line skating is a no-no.
You can find joggers to accommodate one, two, or even three little ones. Because joggers don't have the same support as a standard stroller or carriage, it's a good idea to wait until your baby has control of his head (generally around six months of age) to go for a spin. Very young passengers will appreciate reclining seats, and a rolled towel or car seat neck roll for head support. Most jogging strollers have a weight limit of at least 75 pounds, which means you can bring your child along until about age four or as long as you can convince her to sit still.
On the downside, jogging strollers are bigger than your average stroller, making them more cumbersome to store and transport. They're also pricey. Expect to pay over $250 for a single model. Mini jogging-strollers are less expensive, but there are tradeoffs: small overall size and 12” wheels mean a bumpier ride and less room for baby.
Some stroller companies also offer less expensive three-wheelers, but they are not necessarily intended for jogging. Plastic materials and small wheels keep the price down, but they result in a less durable and less comfortable vehicle for pusher and passenger.
Not all jogging strollers are created equal. Phil Moore of LadySport in Vancouver is a father of four who has been selling jogging strollers since their introduction in the early 1980s. He gives these buying tips:
Before you hit the road, take a few simple precautions to make sure your precious cargo stays safe. Use the tether, a simple strap to loop around your wrist, in case of a runaway stroller. If you'll be out at dusk or twilight, Moore suggests adding reflective stripping so you can be seen easily by cars, bikers, and pedestrians. As your child gets bigger, make sure little hands can't reach the wheels where they could get rubbed or snagged in the spokes.
Look for ASTM International certification to ensure that the stroller meets the most rigorous standard set by the jogging stroller industry. However, ASTM testing is not required by law, so not all manufacturers participate.
References
ASTM International website. Available at: http://www.astm.org/ .
Last reviewed November 2009 by Brian Randall, MD
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