Jogging strollers are a great accessory to motherhood, as they allow for a healthy and active lifestyle with baby in tow. Not only are jogging strollers easier to push, they also offer a smoother ride for baby.
Though jogging strollers are not generally recommended for infants under 6 month of age, most can accommodate a car seat adapter, allowing you to begin walking with a jogging stroller as early as 6 to 8 weeks, depending on your health and a physician's approval.
Choosing a jogging stroller is equally as taxing as buying your baby's first car seat or choosing his or her name. However, with time and research, you can browse through the mounds of information to find the jogging stroller that's right for you.
What to Look for
There are various options in jogging strollers, from color, wheel size and materials, to price, purpose and weight.
For the casual exerciser who power walks and jogs lightly, a jogging stroller with 16-inch wheels should suit your purpose. However, if you are a more intense jogger or runner, or are training for a marathon, you may consider 20-inch wheels.
Many strollers now offer swivel wheels, meaning the front wheel can either remain locked in (recommended for jogging and running) and unlocked while walking, allowing for a tighter turning radius and easy maneuverability.
Pricing varies greatly with jogging strollers, depending on the quality, materials and brand of the stroller, but most range from $150 to $1,000. While most jogging strollers have wheels which are filled with air (allowing for a smoother ride) some of the less expensive versions may have rubber or plastic wheels just like regular strollers.
You'll also want to consider whether you will need a single, double or triple jogging stroller, depending on the number of children you may have. While double and triple jogging strollers tend to be much more expensive, they offer the same benefits and ease that the single jogger offers.
Common Pitfalls
A major concern with jogging strollers is the cost. Jogging strollers should be thought of as an investment and generally hold a reasonable resale value. You can also check your local children and sports consignment stores for second hand joggers. Though new joggers are coming out every day, older joggers work just as well and maintain the same concept.
Another concern is that joggers are not safe for infants under 6 months of age. If you are not sure, ask your pediatrician. There are several accessories, like the car seat adaptor mentioned above, and other supports that can be used with younger infants, with the approval of your pediatrician.
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