These are the top options if you are looking for a jogging stroller to fit your needs in 2021.
Best overall jogging stroller: Joovy Zoom 360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller
Best for rough terrain: Graco Fastaction Fold Jogger Click Connect Stroller
Best jogging stroller for maneuverability: Thule Urban Glide 2
Best adjustable handlebar jogging stroller: BOB Revolution Flex Jogging Stroller
Best jogging stroller for twins: BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Jogging Stroller
Table of Contents
Things to consider before buying jogging strollers
Stroller wheels
Wheels play a very important role in your overall experience with a baby stroller. They will determine how easy or hard it will be to push the stroller on different terrains while jogging and also your baby’s experience on the jogging stroller. You should start with ensuring that the jogging stroller comes with large wheels; this will be the case for most baby jogging strollers, so you do not have to stress over it.
Simply put, large wheels make it easy to move on different terrains from grass, concrete to gravel and dirt surfaces. These wheels should be often monitored to ensure their air pressure is at an optimum level. It would help to have a bike pump so that you can inflate it now and then.
However, just like most wheels jogging stroller wheels are not exempted from punctures. Therefore having a spare wheel will make life easier for you just in case of a defective wheel.
The nature of your runs will also affect the type of jogging stroller you choose to buy. There are two types of wheels, designed to fit your running style:
- Fixed wheel
Are you a long-distance or a fast runner? If your answer to either question is yes, then you should go for a jogging stroller with a fixed wheel. A jogging stroller with a fixed wheel will flourish on rough surfaces with debris. This is because they are locked in place. Though you won’t be able to make sudden turns, it offers more stability at high speeds and long distances.
- Swivel wheel
Swivel wheels are easier to steer; the front wheel can move left or right. This is suitable if you have a more relaxed approach to jogging. A swivel wheel limits the speed and is only suitable for use in flat terrains.
Though if you like to switch your running style from time to time, get a jogging stroller that has front wheels that can lock. This means that you can easily adjust to the terrain and your running speed by locking or unlocking the front wheel.
Safety harness
Before you consider the harness on your jogging stroller, you have to ensure that your baby can sit up on the baby stroller. Most babies can sit up on their own for 6 months. If your baby meets the requirements, you should opt for the five-point harness, which will securely hold your baby to the stroller while still keeping him/her comfortable.
Stroller seats
Speaking of comfortability, seats contribute a lot to whether your baby will be comfortable or not. The seat design and padding will be important in keeping your baby comfortable, especially during long runs. For convenience and hygiene, ensure the padding is washable.
Ensure that the seat reclines or is adjustable to a reclining position to enhance comfortability for your little one.
Portability and ease of storage
If you want a portable and easy to store jogging stroller, you should consider a foldable option. Some jogging strollers come with a folding mechanism that will only need one hand for the whole process. In these strollers, you only need to push a button or adjust a lever, and it will automatically fold.
The other option is a stroller that will require both hands to fold. Most of them come with removable wheels, which will lead to a more compact fold. The only difference between the two is that the manual fold produces a much smaller fold than the one-handed fold mechanism.
Either way, a foldable jogging stroller will be easier to store and move around with if you are traveling.
Handlebars
Handlebars can either be adjustable or non-adjustable. Adjustable handlebars are suitable if you are shorter or taller than the average height to ensure that you are comfortable while jogging.
However, for some adjustable handlebars, there will be up and down movements, especially in rough terrains, which can be annoying.
Suspension
Jogging strollers have coiled springs at the back of the rear tires, which act as shock absorbers. Shock absorbers ensure only the wheels move up and down on bumps.
Brakes
Jogging strollers come with either a hand brake or a foot brake. Foot brakes allow you to use the brakes without having to bend down, while hand brakes only require you to squeeze it to ensure better control, especially in hilly areas.
Additional features
- Storage compartments
When going out for a run, you may want to carry some items that you and your baby will need. From house keys, water bottle to baby wipes, and diapers. Therefore jogging strollers with a storage compartment will be convenient as you will not have to carry a separate backpack, which would have otherwise ruined your jogging experience.
Storage compartments vary from brand to brand. Some come with a compartment at the bottom of the seat while others have pockets sewn at the side of the canopy or both. Since you know your storage requirements, choose a jogging stroller that will be the most appropriate for your requirements.
- Canopy
Canopies are meant to keep the sun off your baby’s skin when you are jogging. They can either be attached to the backseat or come separately. Canopies that come separately are more effective as you will be able to adjust them depending on the position of the sun.
You should also look for canopies with a peek-a-boo window so that you will be able to monitor how your baby is doing from time to time.