Top Tips for Running with Jogging Stroller | ParentsNeed
/ Top Tips for Running with Jogging Stroller
Be prepared before jumping into losing those pregnancy pounds!
It can be difficult keeping up with your running schedule when your baby arrives. If you like to run, a jogging stroller may be the answer. It will give you the freedom to continue with your running, without the need to arrange a babysitter. Making your baby or toddler part of your workout, can be fun for both of you and will help to strengthen your bond. It will also expose your child to a healthy lifestyle at a young age.
Top tips to read before going running with a jogging stroller.
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Follow our top tips to ensure your stroller jogging is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
If you intend to go jogging with a newborn baby, you will need to ensure your stroller can recline fully. A newborn has little head control as the neck muscles are not yet fully developed. Newborns are unable to hold themselves in an upright position. An upright jogging stroller could, therefore, cause injury.
J﻿ogging strollers that remain in an upright position carry a manufacturer’s guide age of around six to eight months. However, this will depend on your child’s development and will differ from child to child. If you are unsure, check with your pediatrician.
Never be tempted to go jogging with a standard stroller. They are not built with this in mind. The wheels are not designed for faster speeds, and they could easily tip. Jogging with a stroller requires a smooth and stable ride. Using a regular stroller for this purpose could cause injury to you and your child.
The safety of you and your child is of the utmost importance. When purchasing your jogging stroller, ensure that it is JPMA (Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association) certified. This will ensure that it meets the highest quality and safety standards.
Other things to check for are:​
A fixed or lockable front wheel
Well-inflated tyres
Effective shock absorbers which will ensure a smooth ride
Adjustable handle if you and your partner are different heights
Basket/compartments for storage
The ability to fold it away for storage
A jogging stroller differs from standard strollers in several ways. Some strollers have a fixed front wheel and others allow you to lock the wheel into position when needed. This feature will prevent the stroller from swivelling suddenly and causing you to fall.
If you intend to use the stroller for other purposes, as well as jogging, it is useful to be able to control the front wheel. While a fixed position is essential for running, a swivel wheel is more comfortable when walking. It makes it much easier to manoeuvre around the grocery store, etc.​
A 5-point harness will ensure your baby is secured safely within the stroller. It will provide padding and hold him/her in place to avoid being shaken as you jog. A harness will also prevent them from reaching out and getting their fingers caught in the wheels. Make sure the buckle is closed firmly before you set off.
Like a bike, a handbrake will allow you to control the stroller as you run. Some strollers include wrist straps for added safety. It will prevent the stroller from rolling away from you. This is useful, especially in hilly areas. In a worst case scenario and the stroller gets away from you, it will still be attached by the wrist strap.​
Many strollers have a back wheel lock feature. If it has, then make sure you use it. These strollers are designed to glide effortlessly. If you stop for any reason and need to let go of the stroller, make sure this feature is in place.
This is not strictly a safety feature, though it certainly has some implications. You may have to transport your stroller in a small vehicle, or you may be short on storage space at home. If this is the case then being able to fold your stroller flat will be an advantage. The ability to fold it down on your own is another bonus. This will become clear when you only have one hand free, as the other is holding your child.
A stroller is a little like a bike and needs to be maintained. This will enable it to perform at its best and ensure everyone’s safety. Make sure you keep it in optimum condition. Inspect your tyres before every run to check they have enough air. It’s a good idea to top them up regularly, depending on the frequency of your runs. Check for other issues at the same time, such as loose screws, etc. Keep it lubricated and oiled.
If you go for a run in muddy conditions, clean the stroller as soon as you get home.
Never run with your headphones on. When running with a baby or small child, you need to be extra vigilant. So save the headphones for solo runs.​
As you’re running, you will feel warmer. This will not be the case for your child and so make sure they are dressed appropriately. Use the weather shield in cold or hot conditions. If you’re running in warm weather, then ensure your child wears sunblock. This is in addition to the weather shield.
It is important that you also are prepared for the weather conditions. Your safety is also important. Make sure you dress according to the weather and protect yourself from the elements.
Opt for a stroller with an adjustable weather canopy. This will allow maximum comfort, wherever the sun is positioned.
Cut your run short on hot or very cold days. Or, consider running solo in these conditions.
4. Choose A Safe Route
Avoid running near cars as much as possible. Busy roads don’t make the best running conditions. And it is even more of a safety hazard when you’re running with a stroller and a precious cargo. Find a route that you feel comfortable with. If you’re new to this, avoid hilly areas. You will find that running with a stroller is a lot different to running without one. The added weight of the stroller and baby takes some getting used to. So opt for simple routes first.
Plan your route ahead so you can let young children know how long you’re going to be. Depending on age, they are likely to ask. Combine it with some play time. For example, you could run to the park and allow your child to play on the swings for a while before you head back. This will make it fun for everyone and provide an incentive for them to be patient. You could also take along some snacks.
Avoid running in crowded areas. Remember, you’re running with the front wheel fixed into position. Therefore, weaving in and out of people is difficult and frustrating. Paved trails are the ideal choice.
As the popularity of jogging strollers has grown, more stroller-friendly areas are cropping up. You will also become aware of races which allow for runners with strollers. These can be fun events, where you get to know other parents. If you do get involved in a race, it is important that you’re aware of the rules. Some races require that you start at the back and don’t get in the way of other runners. This is fine, as you will be running at a slower pace.
5. When To Run
When to run is down to you and your child’s schedule. You may have to experiment a little to find the best time. It’s not advisable to run just before your child's mealtime. They will be feeling hungry and impatient. Some runners find that jogging before nap time is a good idea. The motion of the buggy will rock them gently to sleep. Many children sleep through the majority of the run.
It’s useful to remember that this will be a new experience for your child. They will also need to adjust. It’s worth setting up a routine around your runs. You could begin by each of you getting ready for the run and allowing them to choose a toy. If they are old enough, talk to them about where you’re going and how long it is likely to take. Talk to them about what they will see.
Bring as little as you can get away with. The weight of your child and your stroller will be more than you’re used to. Adding to this with unnecessary items will only add to your burden. So only bring the essentials. This might be diapers, wipes, water, milk, snacks, etc. It may also be useful to provide a couple of toys to keep your child occupied.
Most strollers have a basket and a few compartments for packing.
7. Starting Slow And Building Up
If running with a stroller is new to you, it is advisable to start slowly. You will need to run in a different way, which will put a strain on different areas of the body. It will be a completely different experience to running solo. Avoid injury by taking it steady and building up over time.
If you have a stroller with an adjustable handle height, find the correct height for you. Your arms will already be restricted by the stroller. Ensure your comfort by setting the handle at the correct height.
Make sure you keep your elbows bent so that the stroller is closer to your body. Running with straight arms will cause you to stoop, which could cause pain and injury. It is tempting to lean into the stroller towards the end of the run when you’re getting tired. Avoid doing this as it can cause back pain and injury.
Always keep your toes pointing forward. When running up an incline, you may naturally turn your feet sideways to help take the strain. However, this will place undue strain on your body. Remember, you’re already taking the strain with the additional weight. Don’t add to this by overcompensating. So, check that your feet are in the correct position. If they’re not, correct them.
If you need to slow down, then do so. It’s better to take it slowly in the early stages. Jogging with a stroller takes a lot of getting used to. You’re still burning calories, even though you’re running slower. And don’t forget that you are working much harder by pushing the buggy.
9. Stay In Control Of The Stoller
It is important to stay in control of the stroller at all times. Never be tempted to remove your hands, even if just for a few seconds. To work on your momentum, it’s fine to run with one hand, unless you have a wide stroller. But never be tempted to push and then remove your hands.
There are lots of reasons to run. Before your child came along these may have included keeping fit, maintaining a healthy weight, stress relief, enjoyment, etc. Now that your child is here, you have another reason to run. This is a precious time that you can spend together doing something that is enjoyable to both of you. It’s something you can look back on when they have grown out of the stroller. It may even create a spark in them to be outdoors and exercise.
Having fun is important for both of you. If your child becomes bored, things will get difficult. As you head off, keep him/her entertained with chatting and songs. Point out things along the way. Make them laugh. Play games such as hide and seek. If you get the start right, this should set the mood for the rest of the journey. Making it a fun and enjoyable experience will increase the likelihood of a successful run.