How to choose a jogging stroller

I’m often getting a request to suggest or consult on buying a jogging stroller.

In response to these inquires, 3 Things have been crystallized to get parents to the right track:

• Ignore the Price&Brand
• Begin with Simple
• Big is Beautiful (read more about it)

If you are willing to get more tips on choosing a jogging stroller, here  I have some:

Cup holders and build in mp3 players matter less

than, say a lightweight frame, large underneath basket (never buy without) and a roomy reclining seat. Focus on whether a stroller is reliable (simple and sturdy construction) good for sleeping  (reclines quietly) and  has enough storage space (backseat net and underneath basket) to pack it up for empty-handed walking. Think less on maneuvering in crowded areas or collapsing a stroller in one sec (later, still, you should be able to do this with just your two hands).

Take a  fixed wheel if you’re serious about sport and swivel if you’re not

if you’re going to run or to do inline skating with the stroller – you never want a swivel wheel. For sandy trials (beaches) or snowy roads – swivel is okay since you will be fixing it anyway. A swivel wheel jogging stroller is acceptable for walking, if you really have to have it.

Test drive it if you can

when testing it – check how easy it rolls, whether it goes straight (just push an empty stroller far forward and look if it doesn’t pull left or right) and how well is it balanced -  it should stand solid on the ground with the fully packed diaper bag on a stroller’s handle. Does the handle fit your height – can you run freely, stretching maximum step length?  Put your child in – recline the seat, check extra space for head and legs.
If buying online – read reviews and pay attention to these points rather than how much does the stroller weight or if a model has a rain cover included (you can always buy it separately). Can this stroller be packed up for a whole day out? Can you let your child to sleep in a stroller and store all the stuff you usually need? Can you still squeeze some stuff from the grocery store on your way back home? Read user’s manual for a stroller if you have any doubts.

To round off, some frequently asked questions (will be updated with more questions to come):

-          Does it fit into the sedan’s trunk – yes, all the jogging strollers do.

-          How easily it folds – easy fold is almost all jogging stroller’s signature.

-          How easily the wheels can be removed – usually with just one click.

If you have any further questions on choosing a stroller – please feel free to go to the Just Ask section and I’ll answer your questions.

It’s personal and it’s free.

Related Tags: best jogging strollers, best jogging strollers 2012, help buying a jogging stroller, tips for choosing a jogging stroller

About the Author

My name is Elena Filatova and I’m a mother of a 6 year old son. Stroller Walking has become my sport and the way of life for almost four years: I've walked with the baby stroller more than 5000 miles, as well as developed Strollnetics and promoted Fitness Rollerblading for Moms. In fact, I haven’t invented anything, I just rethink the way a mom can do more sport and have more freedom staying with her child.