If you are a mom or dad with a young child and you are an avid jogger, inline skater or power walker (or want to be) and you want to be outdoors and stay fit with your baby you can still do it. More and more families are considering a baby jogging stroller. Times have changed - baby strollers used to be for gentle walks in the park. Not anymore - baby jogging strollers are here to stay - helping moms and dads stay fit and get fit. There are lots of strollers to choose from - so it is not easy to decide. Here are 10 things that will help you to decide which one is best for you.
1. Lightweight. The lighter the better. Strollers with an aluminium frame will be noticeably lighter and much sturdier than strollers with metal tube frames. Look for a jogging stroller that weighs less than 25 pounds.
2. 16 inch wheels. A jogging stroller has three large wheels - one in front and two in back. They achieve a smooth ride for passenger and are easy to push for jogger by reducing rolling resistance. 16 inch air-filled wheels provide less rolling resistance and therefore a smoother ride and push.
3. Seating comfort. Many babies love to nap during their parents run. The stroller seat should tilt back at a 25 percent angle to make it easier for baby to sleep. In addition, the material in the seat should be a light weight fabric that breathes making it comfortable for baby especially on warmer weather days.
4. Sun canopy. Everyone is now conscious of the destructive nature of the sun`s rays, and when out exercising you want to make sure that your son or daughter is fully protected. Each jogging stroller that you consider will have a sun canopy - but some will do a better job than others in providing protection from the sun. For maximum coverage for your baby make sure that the stroller you choose has a sun canopy that rotates 360 degrees to block the sun`s rays no matter which direction your run takes you.
5. Keep your baby safe. When making your choice about any baby equipment safety is always the number 1 consideration. Jogging strollers are built for speed - so you want to make sure that your stroller will stop when you want it to. The most reliable method for stopping a stroller when it is on the move is a hand brake - much the same as those used on high-end bicycles. Your stroller should also have a foot brake for when the stroller is parked. Make sure that your child is safe and secure in their seat. Choose a stroller that employs a five point harness system. They are the safest and are easy to use.
6. Folds easily. Make sure that it can be easily folded with a one step process that one person can do (there is not always a second person available to help you) for placing into a car trunk. If it compacts to no more than 45 inches long, 25 inches wide and 18 inches tall it will fit in most cars. For even more compactness make sure it has quick release wheels that pop off and on with a push of a button.
7. Adjustable handlebar. If you are 6 foot 4 inches tall and your partner is 5 foot 4 inches tall, and you are both going to be using the stroller, the handlebar on your stroller should be easily adjustable (with a simple push of a button) making it comfortable for each of you when jogging.
8. Make sure the baby will not outgrow the stroller. The stroller is not just for use for a year. You want to make sure that you maximize its use over several years. Make sure that the seating area is large enough for your child as they grow (it should be 24 or 25 inches high in the seating area) and make sure that the stroller is rated to handle your child`s weight as they get older (look for a weight rating of up to 80 pounds).
9. Guarantees and returns. Jogging strollers are an investment in your health and your baby's happiness. You want to make your purchase with confidence. Make sure that it can be returned to the retailer with no hassles if it just isn't right for your family. And there should be a guarantee on the stroller frame of at least five years, and a guarantee of at least one year on the non-frame part of your stroller.
10. They cost as little as $280 and can be over $1,000. Don`t overpay, and don`t pay for the branding of the stroller. List the features and benefits that are most important to you. Keep in mind that the purchase will provide many years of benefits to you and your family. Then look for the least expensive stroller that meets those features and benefits. In all likelihood you can purchase one for $280 or slightly higher.
Use this list of ten things to do to list which stroller features are most important to your family. Then use your list to help you to purchase the stroller that best meets your needs.
1. Lightweight. The lighter the better. Strollers with an aluminium frame will be noticeably lighter and much sturdier than strollers with metal tube frames. Look for a jogging stroller that weighs less than 25 pounds.
2. 16 inch wheels. A jogging stroller has three large wheels - one in front and two in back. They achieve a smooth ride for passenger and are easy to push for jogger by reducing rolling resistance. 16 inch air-filled wheels provide less rolling resistance and therefore a smoother ride and push.
3. Seating comfort. Many babies love to nap during their parents run. The stroller seat should tilt back at a 25 percent angle to make it easier for baby to sleep. In addition, the material in the seat should be a light weight fabric that breathes making it comfortable for baby especially on warmer weather days.
4. Sun canopy. Everyone is now conscious of the destructive nature of the sun`s rays, and when out exercising you want to make sure that your son or daughter is fully protected. Each jogging stroller that you consider will have a sun canopy - but some will do a better job than others in providing protection from the sun. For maximum coverage for your baby make sure that the stroller you choose has a sun canopy that rotates 360 degrees to block the sun`s rays no matter which direction your run takes you.
5. Keep your baby safe. When making your choice about any baby equipment safety is always the number 1 consideration. Jogging strollers are built for speed - so you want to make sure that your stroller will stop when you want it to. The most reliable method for stopping a stroller when it is on the move is a hand brake - much the same as those used on high-end bicycles. Your stroller should also have a foot brake for when the stroller is parked. Make sure that your child is safe and secure in their seat. Choose a stroller that employs a five point harness system. They are the safest and are easy to use.
6. Folds easily. Make sure that it can be easily folded with a one step process that one person can do (there is not always a second person available to help you) for placing into a car trunk. If it compacts to no more than 45 inches long, 25 inches wide and 18 inches tall it will fit in most cars. For even more compactness make sure it has quick release wheels that pop off and on with a push of a button.
7. Adjustable handlebar. If you are 6 foot 4 inches tall and your partner is 5 foot 4 inches tall, and you are both going to be using the stroller, the handlebar on your stroller should be easily adjustable (with a simple push of a button) making it comfortable for each of you when jogging.
8. Make sure the baby will not outgrow the stroller. The stroller is not just for use for a year. You want to make sure that you maximize its use over several years. Make sure that the seating area is large enough for your child as they grow (it should be 24 or 25 inches high in the seating area) and make sure that the stroller is rated to handle your child`s weight as they get older (look for a weight rating of up to 80 pounds).
9. Guarantees and returns. Jogging strollers are an investment in your health and your baby's happiness. You want to make your purchase with confidence. Make sure that it can be returned to the retailer with no hassles if it just isn't right for your family. And there should be a guarantee on the stroller frame of at least five years, and a guarantee of at least one year on the non-frame part of your stroller.
10. They cost as little as $280 and can be over $1,000. Don`t overpay, and don`t pay for the branding of the stroller. List the features and benefits that are most important to you. Keep in mind that the purchase will provide many years of benefits to you and your family. Then look for the least expensive stroller that meets those features and benefits. In all likelihood you can purchase one for $280 or slightly higher.
Use this list of ten things to do to list which stroller features are most important to your family. Then use your list to help you to purchase the stroller that best meets your needs.
About the Author:
FREE e-book and checklist Choosing a Baby Jogging Stroller is jam packed with things to consider when researching a jogger stroller. BabyTravelPlanet - FREE tips and articles on baby travel. They sell baby gear such as Dreamer Design Baby Jogging Stroller
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