Best Jogging Strollers

Best Jogging Strollers Buying Guide

What Is a Jogging Stroller?

Jogging strollers are designed for runners who want to take a child with them while jogging. They have frames and safety and control features that are typically not found in a standard stroller. These strollers are usually heavier and wider than the standard stroller, have bigger air-filled wheels with a lockable front wheel and, as you might expect, better suspension. Hand brakes and a hand strap provide added security while jogging. Running with a baby in a jogging stroller isn't recommended until the child is at least 8 months and has the necessary neck and head control to safely withstand fast motion and sharp turns.

Features To Consider

Fixed vs. Swivel Wheel

A front wheel that can be fixed in place is arguably one of the most important saftey features of a jogging stroller. If the front wheel is not fixed or cannot be locked in a fixed position, the stroller can become unstable when used for running. Some jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel (like our recommended Thule Glide 2), while others have a switch on the front wheel that allows runners to lock the wheel for jogging and unlock it for walking. If the stroller is only to be used for serious running then go with the fixed front wheel. For more versatility, such as also using the stroller for walking or strolling, then opt for the swivel front wheel.

Storage

For the serious runner, pockets or under carriage baskets add bulk and weight. All our recommended joggers have storage features which reduce the impact on stride length.

Safety

A handbrake allows the runner to maintain form and pace when running downhill with the stroller just like the brake on a bike. This feature is typically only found on high end models such as our recommended Thule joggers. Foot parking brakes are a more common feature, usually a one-step brake mechanism for both wheels -- a must for hilly terrains. All models are three wheelers and have rear wheel suspension which absorbs impact much like a mountain bike. The bigger the wheels the easier it is to push the jogger over uneven terrain. A strong, durable safety strap with one end attached to the stroller and the other end worn around the wrist is a must. The strap prevents the stroller from rolling away from the jogger.

About Our Best Picks

All our recommended joggers are high-quality, versatile and will last for years. And yes, you can have it all. Joggers with swivel front wheels that can be locked should suffice for most runners and are a better all-around solution.

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