What to Look For In a Jogging Stroller - Check list for jogging strollers

Image via WikipediaHere are some things to consider when you shop for a jogging stroller:

   * Make sure the stroller you are considering has a JPMA seal to show it has passed the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association testing.

  * Check that the handles fit you for ease of pushing, you don't want to be bent over pushing a stroller all day.

  * Try to get a stroller with either "no flat" tires or easy to pump pneumatic tires.  These type are much more forgiving to bumps and gaps.

  * For safety please check the gap between the grab bar, snack tray or cup holder and the seat.  Your baby's head should clear it if she happens to slide down the seat..  Otherwise she could get caught and strangle.

  * Make sure that there is enough room between your feet and legs and the back of the seat while fully reclined when you are in full jogging stride.

  * Chuck the suspension, padding on the seat and backrest, the jogging stroller should have some sort of shock absorbers along with a very sturdy frame.

  * Check for a hand brake to help you slow down quickly to avoid pot holes and make sure the stroller has a good parking brake - think San Francisco hills.

 *  Check for currently active recalls on the model jogging stroller you are considering, especially if you are in the market for a used stroller.  You can consult the Consumer Products Safety Commission's website here.http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerel.html?tab=recalls

 * Insure that the stroller unit folds enough for your needs.  Some models need to have  the front wheel removed to fold.

 Some don't have a lock to keep the unit folded, some don't have a trigger to let you fold it with one hand.  Quite a few don't fold flat enough to really fit into a car trunk easily.

One last word - remember your baby will not be ready for jogging until the age of 6 months or more.  The muscles in the neck won't be developed enough to provide head stability until then.  Please consult with your baby's health care provider.

What to Look For In a Jogging Stroller Part 3

Image by ex.libris via FlickrThere are many other excellent three wheel strollers on the market.  Most of these will have 8 to 10 inch rear wheels and have 4 to 6 inch front tires.  Some will have dual front tires.  These are hightly maneuverable and comfortable strollers.  They are just not made for runnng or walking.  They are make for strolling and maneuvering through stores, shopping malls and your neighborhood.

In the stroller market you usually pay more for the best stroller.   The best of the jogging and all terrain stroller will easily cost over $300.  You can find good jogging and all terrain stroller for between $200 and $300.  Going under $200 you will have to make some compromises.

The lower end strollers substitute steel frames for the aluminum frames of the top models.  This makes the stroller heavier and a bit harder to push.  Most lower end models carriy one year warranties as opposed to the five plus years for the upper priced models.  The higher price models are of course more durable and engineered better.

Next the checklist for jogging strollers.

What to Look For In a Jogging Stroller Part 2

Image by Zane Selvans via FlickrWhat to Look For In a Jogging Stroller - All Terrain Strollers

All terrain strollers also have 3 wheels and the front wheel swivels and tends to be smaller than the back wheels.  These can be used for jogging in a pinch as most of them have a locking front wheel.  Due to the fit of the front wheel lock these kind of strollers will vibrate a bit while running, they are just right for us walkers.

All terrain strollers are much more maneuverable than true jogging strollers because the front wheel swivels.  The large, rugged rear tires make it very easy to negotiate rough terrain.  They usually have quite a bit of storage space and a 5-point safety harness.

Most all terrain strollers have large rear tires (12-inch or so) and smaller front tires (8-inch or so.)  I like these as they soften the bumps in the sidewalks and seem to be less harsh on the baby's ride when I hit a chuckhole.

What to Look For In a Jogging Stroller Part 1

Image by pepell via FlickrThere are three types of three wheeler strollers you can buy, depending on what you are using them for.  Jogging strollers tend to be narrow, have a longer, leaner silhouette and have larger wheels than the rest of the strollers.  The seat may be narrower and the stroller may have less storage space - you are jogging, not going out for a day long tramp. 

Jogging strollers are the sports cars of strollers and have a similar price tag costing up to four times as much as your average around town strollers.

True Jogging Strollers

True jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel to avoid wheel wobbling and vibration.  This makes them great for running and difficult for maneuvering - these should be used only for jogging.  Jogging strollers usually have between 16-inch and 20-inch skinny tires on all 3 wheels.  They look like small 10-speed bike tires.  Try to get the models with 20-inch tires as these are easier to push which makes it easier on you.  The also offer a smoother ride.

Look for jogging strollers with good suspension, a well designed 5-point safety harness, good back and head support and good breaks are a must especially for infants as they will sleep while you get your miles in.  Make sure the handle will fit you and anyone else that will be pushing the baby. Check the canopy to insure good coverage with jogging into the sun.

Jogging strollers are good over paved and non paved surfaces due to the larger tires.

Part 2 coming soon.