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. Choose an aluminum framed stroller. Your choices will be strollers made with either metal tube frames or aluminum frames. You want your stroller to weigh less than 25 pounds. Metal tube frame strollers are much heavier than those made with an aluminum frame. Choosing an aluminum frame provides you with a lighter, easier to push stroller, and they are also longer lasting, stronger and more resistant to rust and corrosion.
2. Bicycle style 16 inch wheels. All three of the wheels (two in the back and one in the front) should be spoked, air-filled, 16 inch wheels very similar to a bicycle tire. To be effective when running you want the stroller to run smoothly over any surface. These types of wheels are the most effective size and style for an easy ride for your child and a great run or walk for dads and moms.
3. Baby should be as comfortable as possible. The more comfortable baby is during the run the more enjoyable the time will be for everyone. The fabric in the stroller seat should allow for good air flow to help keep baby cool, and it should be made from a light material that will help reduce the baby getting too warm especially on hot days. You also want the seat to lay back (at least 25%) so that the baby can be comfortable if they decide to nap during the run.
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. Child safety. Safety is number 1 whenever it comes to your baby. Make sure that the stroller you choose keeps your baby safely strapped into their seat. Look for a stroller with a five-point harness. The stroller should have both a hand brake, and a parking brake (engaged by flipping a bar with your feet).
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. Make sure the manufacturer and retailer stand behind their product. You should expect to have many years of enjoyment from your stroller for your family. Shop for a stroller that provides a solid long term warranty on the frame (5 years is good) and at least a 1 year warranty on the seat material. And when you purchase your stroller make sure that you have at least 30 days to try it out - if it isn`t all that you had expected it to be - make sure that you can return it for a refund.
10. They range in price. Make sure it fits within your budget. You can purchase a good jogging stroller for as little as $280 and you can pay over $1,000. Sometimes you are paying for the `brand name`. Select your stroller based on your family`s needs and the features that are important to you. Remember, that it is a multi year investment in your child`s health and your family`s happiness. If you are able to afford $280 a jogging stroller can become an important part of your life.
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. - 17944
1. Choose an aluminum framed stroller. Your choices will be strollers made with either metal tube frames or aluminum frames. You want your stroller to weigh less than 25 pounds. Metal tube frame strollers are much heavier than those made with an aluminum frame. Choosing an aluminum frame provides you with a lighter, easier to push stroller, and they are also longer lasting, stronger and more resistant to rust and corrosion.
2. Bicycle style 16 inch wheels. All three of the wheels (two in the back and one in the front) should be spoked, air-filled, 16 inch wheels very similar to a bicycle tire. To be effective when running you want the stroller to run smoothly over any surface. These types of wheels are the most effective size and style for an easy ride for your child and a great run or walk for dads and moms.
3. Baby should be as comfortable as possible. The more comfortable baby is during the run the more enjoyable the time will be for everyone. The fabric in the stroller seat should allow for good air flow to help keep baby cool, and it should be made from a light material that will help reduce the baby getting too warm especially on hot days. You also want the seat to lay back (at least 25%) so that the baby can be comfortable if they decide to nap during the run.
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. Child safety. Safety is number 1 whenever it comes to your baby. Make sure that the stroller you choose keeps your baby safely strapped into their seat. Look for a stroller with a five-point harness. The stroller should have both a hand brake, and a parking brake (engaged by flipping a bar with your feet).
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. Make sure the manufacturer and retailer stand behind their product. You should expect to have many years of enjoyment from your stroller for your family. Shop for a stroller that provides a solid long term warranty on the frame (5 years is good) and at least a 1 year warranty on the seat material. And when you purchase your stroller make sure that you have at least 30 days to try it out - if it isn`t all that you had expected it to be - make sure that you can return it for a refund.
10. They range in price. Make sure it fits within your budget. You can purchase a good jogging stroller for as little as $280 and you can pay over $1,000. Sometimes you are paying for the `brand name`. Select your stroller based on your family`s needs and the features that are important to you. Remember, that it is a multi year investment in your child`s health and your family`s happiness. If you are able to afford $280 a jogging stroller can become an important part of your life.
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. - 17944
About the Author:
FREE e-book and reference list Choosing a Baby Jogging Stroller is jam packed with things to consider when buying a jogger stroller. BabyTravelPlanet - FREE tips and articles on baby travel. They sell baby items such as Dreamer Design Baby Jogging Stroller
