Whether you are a marathoner or just a habitual jogger, if you have young children then you’ve probably considered purchasing a jogging stroller. But like cars, there are many options with all different price ranges. A lot of regular strollers might look like jogging strollers, but might not actually be made for running.
For safety reasons, prior to purchasing you need to make sure that the manufacturer has specifically stated that the stroller is meant for running. You should also look for a stroller that has a front wheel that will lock in place. Finally, most legitimate jogging strollers will also have at least 12” tires that are made from the same material as your bike tires. These are necessary to absorb shock and stabilize the unit.
When looking for the right jogger, there are a couple crucial elements that can set it apart from the rest.
- Versatility (Can you attach an infant seat?)
- Rolling resistance and weight limits
- Ease of Use
- Ability to load and unload from your car or your house/apartment
We mom-tested a few of the current favorites on the market and here are the results:
BOB Ironman
Retails around $400
Pros
- Very Light
- Meant for serious runners
- Capacity goes all the way to 70lbs
- With its high-tech look and a bright yellow color option, it looks pretty amazing whizzing by you on the trail.
Cons
- Seat length is short and might not accommodate your child even if they aren’t at weight capacity yet
- Pricey
- Almost all accessories, like infant seat conversion kit, cost extra
Retails for around $99
Pros
- Affordability
- Stands when folded for tight spaces
- Cup Holders
Cons
- Front wheel has been known to bend and break the bolt. This can result in tip-overs!
- Not meant for serious runners, or for long distances
- No hand break
- Some users have said that it shakes “violently” when running.
Retails for around $200
Pros
- Lots of extra storage space
- Fits many infant car seats
- Smooth ride whether you are running on a trail, asphalt, concrete
Cons
- Very large and troublesome to maneuver in smaller places like elevators
- Tires need to be replaced often
- Difficult to store in smaller places like closets
- Gets stuck easily when opening. Once user said that she usually looks ridiculous trying to force pry the thing open in public places.
What’s your favorite jogger? Any tips for moms on the run?
Tessa Westnitzer is a personal trainer and mother of two who lives and works out in Tucson, Arizona. She loves helping new moms get back to their fighting weight!
