Best Jogging Strollers 2017 – Top Reviews and Buying Guide
Made for active parents, a jogging stroller is just about a dream come true. Why not turn your little bundle of joy into an excuse to exercise? You take your little one out on walks anyways, right? None of us could fathom trying to run with our baby in our warms or strapped to our front or back. In fact, that’s highly frowned upon, so please, don’t do that.
Anyways, generally with a lightweight frame, shock absorbers and bigger wheels, jogging strollers allow you to move at faster paces without concerns of bumps in the road.
Not only does this benefit your little babe, but it benefits you and your health. So what makes a good jogging stroller? What should you look for when choosing the right fit for you and your child? Why a jogging stroller instead of a regular stroller in the first place? Below are some guidelines to help you through these questions.
Jogging Stroller vs. Regular Stroller:
Telling the difference between these two strollers isn’t always obvious seeing as there aren’t many notable differences. However, the jogging stroller is definitely designed differently because its purpose is for control at faster speeds whereas regular strollers are mostly for maneuvering at most.
Jogging strollers avoid the bump and swerve that regular strollers face with any sign of uneven ground. When looking to jog, run or go faster than a normal walking pace, a jogging stroller is the one you want to keep your child at their safest and most comfortable. And, whether you truly plan to jog or not, the jogging stroller offers a smoother ride overall. Here’s why:
Most often jogging strollers have larger, often all-terrain wheels that do not swivel when locked in place, whereas regular strollers do not. Some models also offer wheel locks for different functions. Front wheels will lock in place for jogging/running, and unlock to swivel when it is necessary to do so, such as walking, in a mall or store, on smooth surfaces, etc.
Other differences include:
- They are typically wider than regular strollers
- They have more leg room for a longer stride
- They have a braking system on the handlebar
- They often come with a hand strap
- They are a bit heavier than standard strollers for stability, but are still lightweight
- They usually have larger wheels
- They usually have better suspension
- They almost always require your child to be sitting upright
Overall, jogging strollers are equipped for a more active trip outdoors or when running, while still offering the same benefits of a more improved regular stroller. There are many instances, though, that many people invest in both types of strollers for their different uses.
Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Stroller
This jogging stroller features large bicycle tires to roll effortlessly over all surfaces, and the front swivel wheel offers easy maneuvering but also locks for when you want to jog. The body of the stroller has a reclining padded seat with a 5-point harness, tether, large canopy and storage basket all to make sure that your little one is comfortable, secure and that all of your belongings are in check. The overall stroller is lightweight and easily folds and compacts for storage or when you are traveling. There’s a convenient parent tray that includes two cup holders and covered compartment storage for your keys or phone, and the child tray also has two cup holders. Also, this stroller accepts car seats to form a Travel System. Additional features are the extra wide, ergonomically shaped rubber handle and also the adjustable canopy with a covered sunroof to help block out the sun and wind from your little one.
Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Stroller
This stroller combines all of the comfort and convenience features you love from a regular stroller with the performance and maneuverability of an all-terrain jogger stroller. It is lightweight designed, yet has a sturdy build, so it is perfect for when you are on-the-go. With a simple “click” in this system, you will know that your child is secured in place. This “click” system also allows the child’s tray to pivot out of the way so that you can get your little one in and out of the stroller with ease. The tires on this stroller are air-filled rubber tires that offer suspension for a smooth ride on almost all terrain, and the front swivel wheel offers easy maneuvering but also locks for when you want to jog. The padded stroller seat and multi-position recline ensures that your child rides comfortably as they grow from baby to toddler. An extra-large canopy helps cover your child from the sun. The storage space features a large storage basket, a parents’ tray with two deep cup holders as well as a smartphone cradle so you can be sure you have everything you need.
Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller
This jogging stroller offers a fresh and fashionable look while keeping up with functionality. It is built to be lightweight but also is strong and sturdy, which makes it perfect for when you are out and about jogging or simple running errands. The set-up of this stroller offers your child great visibility to you and to their surroundings. A padded and supportive seat is sure to keep your little one comfortable as well. A great feature that this stroller has is shock absorbent suspension, which is important when you are out running with your child. This feature helps maintain the smoothest ride when you hit any bumpy or uneven terrain. That being said, the air-filled pneumatic tires and front swivel wheel all enhance the function of this jogger. Other features that keep you and your child happy are the convenient storage below the stroller and the trays for both you and baby. Assured, you can easily keep your valuables or snacks for your child along with you as you go. Lastly, a bonus with this stroller is that it is easy to fold up and store or travel with, and the quick-release wheels remove as well making it hassle-free when storing.
BOB 2016 Revolution FLEX Stroller
This jogger stroller is ideal for off-road trails, jogging paths and when running errands. The swivel-locking front wheel swivels to easily maneuver around tight turns and then locks forward for increased stability when you want to jog or take on rough terrain like unpaved trails. The air-filled tires and high-impact wheels have the same smoothness and stability. The adjustable, padded handlebar offers 9 different positions to find the perfect fit and height for whoever is pushing the stroller. Also, the adjustable suspension system helps to relieve your child from bumpy or uneven ground by offering 3-inches of travel and 2-stages of weight support for a smooth ride. When you are done using the stroller or need to pack up to travel, all it takes is an easy, two-step fold for convenient transportation and storage. This stroll is also travel system ready when you use the BOB Infant Car Seat Adapter with it, though it is sold separately. And, like most all strollers, there is plenty of storage space for necessities and valuables.
Chicco TRE Performance Jogging Stroller
This jogger stroller is great for an active parent. It brings together convenience with performance. Featuring Chicco’s TRE Control Console system, you can have all the control at your fingertips with the hand-activated swivel lock, deceleration brake, parking brake, and height-adjustable handlebars. It’s a very handy and assuring feature to have on a jogging stroller. The quick-release, one-hand, and self-standing upright fold feature makes storing this stroller easier. An extra-large, extendable canopy keeps the sun off your little one. Great suspension ensures that your little one remains comfortable on a smooth ride. And, this stroller features the FlexCore Suspension system that is foot-activated and adjustable so you can make sure the suspension is at the right level for any terrain with the ease of the tap of your foot. Other stroller logistics include a multi-position reclining seat for ultimate comfort that is specified to your little one, an adjustable 5-point harness for security, solid wheels and air-filled pneumatic tires, storage space and water-resistant fabrics to keep everyone dry, comfortable and to make sure the stroller lasts for the duration of your little one’s growth.
How to go about choosing one:
Fixed Wheel vs. Swiveling Wheel: fixed wheel is considered better for long-distance runs, but having the option of turning your jogger stroller into an everyday stroller with a lockable swivel wheel is something a lot of people prefer. Also, avoid plastic wheels. All the wheels should be air-filled, pneumatic tires and bigger than 12-inches.
Suspension: to make sure that your baby or infant isn’t subjected to a lot of bouncing, good suspension and a good pair of shock absorbers is important to look into.
Adjustable Handlebar: make sure the handlebar can be adjusted to fit different heights. If you and your spouse greatly differ in height, this is going to be very important.
Cup Holders and Other Features: these features are important when it comes to having your necessities on hand. However, things like closed bottles (nothing hot!) are the only things that should be in the cup holders. And having secure areas to store your keys, other valuables are, well, key.
Other Things to Consider:
In any full-sized stroller there are important things to look for. The following is a list of key things you should consider when purchasing a full-sized stroller:
- Multi-position reclining seat for baby’s comfort
- Convertible 3 or 5-point harnesses provide safety as your child grows
- Pivoting child’s tray for no-fuss entry
- Sturdy, swivel front wheels for enhanced maneuverability
- Height-adjustable handle for comfortable strolling
- Parent’s tray with cup holders for on-the-go convenience
- Lightweight, one-hand easy-fold design
- Extra-large storage basket for holding your travel essentials
- Back wheel lock for added safety
To recap: jogging strollers have all the benefits of a regular stroller, and then some. That is not to say that a regular stroller is the wrong choice, because if you are not an active-type, then perhaps the investment doesn’t truly make sense. But that being said, if you are active a jogging stroller is the way to go. Help yourself out while treating your child to comfort with a jogging stroller. You will love the features and functions and, not to mention, feel stylish doing so. So take to the trails, and then hit up the mall afterwards! Either way, with your jogging stroller in tow, both of these activities should be a breeze for you and comfortable for your baby.