Weight and Durability
When choosing a jogging strollers weight and durability are two of the key factors. Obviously, the lighter the better, and the more durable the better. The frame on a jogging stroller will either be welded aluminium frame construction or will be constructed of metal tubes connected with plastic joints.
Look for a jogging stroller that has a welded aluminium frame. The stroller will be more expensive, but they are noticeably lighter and much sturdier than strollers with metal tube frames.
As far as weight of the stroller, look for a jogging stroller that weighs less than 25 pounds.
Wheel Size
A jogging stroller has three large wheels. They have one in front and two in the back. A good jogging stroller should provide your baby with a smoother ride than a regular stroller, and obviously it should be easy for the runner to push while jogging.
The way that jogging strollers achieve a smooth ride and are easy to push is by reducing rolling resistance. And, reduced rolling resistance is achieved by the stroller’s wheels.
The back wheels on your jogging stroller should always be large wheels – at least 16" wheels. The front wheel will depend on how you will use the stroller.
If the stroller will be primarily used for jogging and walking on smooth surfaces, like sidewalks, bike paths, and indoors a 12 inch will work well.
If you plan on using the stroller for frequent outdoor walking or jogging on fairly smooth surfaces, with some off-road use (like cutting across a grassy field) a 16 inch wheel is preferable. The 16 inch wheel will provide less rolling resistance and therefore a smoother ride.
If you are a serious runner that does frequent long-distance running and off-road use look for a stroller with 20 inch wheels on the back and the front.
Wheel Style
Generally speaking a jogging stroller will have a fixed front wheel. When using the term fixed front wheel it means that the wheel does not swivel or turn. Because of the fixed front wheel when you want to turn the stroller you tilt the stroller back onto its rear wheels to make the turn.
The fixed front wheel is ideal for jogging, because it provides the stability and straight tracking that you need.
Some parents that like to jog with their child have a problem with the fixed wheel that comes on most traditional jogging strollers. The problem they experience is that they want their stroller to be used both for jogging but also for other uses such as using the stroller at the mall. The fixed wheel is great for jogging but it becomes a nuisance when out shopping because the stroller has to be tilted back onto its rear wheels to make a turn.
Some stroller manufacturers such as Dreamer Design Strollers recognized that many people want a jogging stroller that can be used for jogging and also more general everyday uses as well.
To meet this need some manufacturers have created a "hybrid" jogging stroller with a swivelling front wheel. The hybrid strollers usually have a smaller 12 inch front wheel that can be locked in place for jogging purposes and can be a swivel wheel for everyday shopping purposes.
The moms in our family both have hybrid jogging strollers made by Dreamer Design. The swivel front wheel on the strollers provides superior manoeuvrability for those indoor situations such as shopping. And, since these hybrid strollers in our family, when used for outdoor jogging or walking, are primarily used on smooth surfaces, like sidewalks, and bike paths. On these types of surfaces the 12 inch front wheel placed in its locked position works very well. It provides a smooth ride to the baby and is easy for the jogger to push.
The drawback to the hybrid stroller is when it is used on rough terrain. The smaller front wheel decreases the stroller's handling abilities on rough terrain. If you plan on using your jogging stroller for a lot of path, beach or off-road running you should be looking at a fixed-wheel jogging stroller.
Wheel Construction
Look for alloy wheels and hubs, rather than steel. Top of the line strollers will have alloy wheels and alloy hubs.
You can save money by purchasing a stroller with steel wheels and hubs. Steel is cheaper but is heavier and has a tendency to rust. If budget is an issue we recommend that you look for a stroller that has alloy wheels and steel hubs. Try to stay away from strollers that have steel for both its wheels and hubs.
If the stroller does have steel in its wheel construction and if you live in an environment where there is winter road salt, or ocean salt in the air or on pathways you can reduce the rust problem by periodically rinsing the wheels and hubs of your stroller.
Baby Seat Harness
Safety is the most important aspect whenever it comes to your baby. Look for a jogging stroller that has a five-point harness. A five-point harness will keep your child secure in the stroller when out for a walk or a jog. The seat harness should be easy to use. The Dreamer Design strollers that we use have a simple, easy to use harness. We just place the baby in the seat, and snap the belt buckle. Then all that’s left to do is pull one strap located at the front center of the seat until it’s tight and we are finished.
Seat Construction
When out for your run or walk you want your baby to be as comfortable as possible. The seat should be padded and especially during warmer weather the seat material should be made of a lightweight, breathable fabric. Purchase a jogging stroller that has a breathable padded seating area for your baby.
It is important to many parents that their baby gear stay looking good. If this is important to you look for a jogging stroller that has washable seats that can be easily removed cleaned and dried in a washing machine and dryer.
Many of the moms that we know will plan their walk or jog at baby’s naptime. Because of this we think that it is important to have a jogging stroller that reclines.
As every child develops differently, before starting to use your stroller with your baby should consult with your Pediatrician. Generally speaking, you should wait until your child is about 6-8 weeks old before using your stroller. For very young babies use neck support and an infant insert until your child has adequate neck strength. Most stroller manufacturers have optional infant inserts that are designed to assure parents that their child will travel safely and comfortably in the stroller. And when the baby is quite young you should limit the walks or jogs to flat, smooth terrain.
Sun Canopy
We think one of the most important aspects of any baby stroller whether it is a jogging stroller or a traditional baby stroller is having a sun canopy that has the flexibility to provide shade to your baby no matter what the angle of the sun. Direct sunshine into the baby’s face not only will in all likelihood cause the baby to be very uncomfortable and unhappy – but we are all becoming more and more conscious of the negative impact of the sun’s rays.
When looking for a jogging stroller look for one where the canopy can shade the rider from almost any angle
Brakes
Brakes are an essential safety feature on any jogging stroller. A traditional jogging stroller will usually have a hand brake that operates much like a bicycle break and more advanced strollers will also feature parking brakes. Hybrid jogging strollers (strollers with a swivel front wheel that locks) should have a foot brake and may come equipped with a hand brake. When purchasing a jogging stroller ensure that there is a parking brake – either hand operated or a foot brake.
Arm Safety Wrist Strap
On a good quality jogging stroller an arm safety wrist strap comes standard. Basically it's like a leash attached to the back rear of the stroller, with the loop end worn around your wrist. Because strollers are built for running and speed, you want to protect yourself from the stroller running away from you in an instance where you lose your footing while jogging.
Folding
Many people who own or are looking to own a jogging stroller are looking for a stroller that can be easily folded for easy storage. A good jogging stroller should have a one step process for folding down to a compact size for storage or placing into a car trunk.
If you plan to travel a lot with your stroller you should look for a jogging stroller that has quick-release wheels that pop off for ultimate compactness when folded.
The jogging stroller that you purchase should be foldable easily by one person. If it takes two people to fold the stroller – keep looking. There will be many times when you are on your own with your baby and you will not have a second person available to help you fold the stroller.
Most people take their stroller with them in your car. Make sure that the stroller will fit into your trunk when the stroller is folded. Look for a stroller that when folded that is no more than 44 inches long, 25 inches wide and 18 inches tall. If your stroller compacts to this size it will fit in most cars. The Dreamer Design strollers that our family uses compacts down to as small as 39 x 20 x 12 without the wheels and down to 42 x 25 x 16 with the wheels left on.
Handlebars
When considering a stroller it may be important that the handlebars are adjustable. If your spouse is significantly taller or shorter than you the stroller should have the flexibility to easily adjust the height of the handlebars. Several of the quality jogging strollers available on the market have adjustable handlebars so that people of varied height will be comfortable pushing the stroller.
The Dreamer Design strollers that we use easily adjust to a height of 39 inches to 43 inches.
Stroller Storage Pockets
Many people when purchasing a stroller are looking for pockets, pouches, cup holders and storage space that are part of the stroller’s design and construction. Does the stroller you are considering have the storage that you need? Many active parents want zipper or drawstring pouches that provide an added measure of security during bouncy rides.
Weight Capacity
Weight capacity refers to the certified weight that the stroller can carry. The number refers to the total weight of the rider and not the weight of any accessories or items carried in the pockets and pouches. When purchasing a jogging stroller make sure that your stroller has enough capacity in order to accommodate your child as they grow older and gain weight. Generally speaking look for a jogging stroller that is rated to hold a baby that weighs up to 80 pounds. The last thing you want is to have your child outgrow their stroller.
Stroller Guarantee
Jogging strollers are an investment in your health and your baby’s health. You want to make your purchase with confidence. Your stroller should come with a guarantee on the stroller frame of at least 5 years, and there should be a guarantee of at least one year on the non-frame part of your stroller.
Stroller Cost
Jogging strollers range widely in price. Look for the features and benefits that you need for your stroller and then expect to pay somewhere in the range of $200 to $900.
One of the moms in our family uses a good quality hybrid stroller called Dreamer Design Manhattan Lite that costs $229.99 ($259.78 in Canada).
Another of the moms in our family uses a top-of-the-line hybrid stroller, the Dreamer Design Manhattan Deluxe and it cost $339.99 ($369.78 in Canada).
You can purchases a solid, good quality traditional jogging stroller, the Dreamer Design Rebound Jogger Lite that costs $249.99 ($279.78 in Canada).
A top-of-the-line fully loaded traditional jogging stroller Dreamer Design Rebound Jogger Deluxe costs $324.99 ($354.78 in Canada).
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