A buyer’s guide to finding a model that is right for you

A jogging stroller is something that parents could have only dreamed about a decade ago but now is almost commonplace as our lifestyles become more active and health-orientated. Whether you take jogging very seriously or enjoy it only as a casual form of exercise, it is a whole lot easier to make time for it if you can juggle it with your parenting responsibilities and bring your kids along on your adventures. Jogging strollers have been specially designed to be used for this purpose

Choosing any stroller is a difficult business that is extremely hard to get right first time. This is doubly difficult where a jogging stroller is concerned simply because of the fact that you can’t test drive it in your preferred running environment before you buy. This means that it is extra important to do your research before deciding on a stroller to make sure it fits in with your kids’ needs and your lifestyle as much as possible. The questions below have been designed to help you work out which features to look out when buying a jogging stroller.

1. What do you want to use the stroller for?

Obviously, you will want to use a jogging stroller for jogging but is that to be the sole use of the stroller or do you need it to perform everyday transportation tasks too? For the more serious joggers, a sturdy fixed wheel model like the BOB Sport Utility Stroller will give better performance for straight-line running whereas a swivel-wheel model like the BOB Revolution or the Schwinn Free-wheeler is more versatile for use in cramped urban spaces and everyday situations.

2. What sort of terrain would you like to run on?

Your running surface will largely determine which wheel size you opt for. Jogging strollers have wheels ranging from 12 to 24 inches with pneumatic tires. Bigger wheels generally mean fewer bumps so are better for uneven terrain but these will give less manoeuvrability so if your jogging path involves tortuous bends and twists, a smaller wheel diameter will be better. For rougher rides, consider models with shock absorbers, good wheel suspension and slick tires.

3. Will you need to transport the stroller?

If you are going to be driving to your jogging location, you will need to transport the stroller in the boot of your car so portability will be a very important factor. Some strollers have detachable wheels to make them more compact for storage; other models stand upright once folded meaning that you don’t have to stoop to retrieve them off muddy ground. Always make sure that the stroller fits into your car boot or any other storage space.

5. How much weight are you likely to have to carry?

If you have a heavier child or if you are transporting two kids, it is worthwhile choosing a stroller with a lighter frame. Aluminum frames tend to be lighter but models with steel frames are generally cheaper e.g. the Instep Safari. Always check that a stroller can accommodate the weight of your child and always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the minimum age suitability.

6. How much storage do you need the stroller to provide?

If you need to carry around a lot of gear choose a model that gives ample storage options; this may be provided in under-seat baskets, rear pockets or side pockets built into the seat interior. Parent trays on the handlebars provide a good place to keep drinks and other essentials.

7. How many kids is it for?

Currently, many brands of jogging strollers are available in single or double models that can transport kids side-by-side. If you need to jog with more kids you may need to have a stroller custom-made for you.

8. Which comfort features will you be likely to need?

Basic comfort features include good seat padding, reclining seats and sun canopies to offer your child some shade. Depending on how much you will use the stroller and what sort of terrain you will be jogging on, it may be worthwhile investing in a model with shock absorbers for a smoother ride. Most jogger strollers come with rain-covers but mosquito nets or UV shades can be purchased for additional protection.

9. Which safety features are you likely to need?

As a bare minimum, the stroller must offer a five-point safety harness to keep your child securely in place and parking brakes fitted to the rear wheels. Some higher specification models feature hand brakes for gradual slowing down; these are great if you do a lot of downhill jogging. Other safety elements are wrist straps and front restraint-bars for little hands to hold onto.

10. What is your budget?

How much you are prepared to spend on a jogging stroller will largely determine how many features you get. Be prepared to splash out a little more for models that are versatile and suited to purposes other than jogging as you will get more value for your money with these.

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