3 Key Points to Consider When Choosing a Jogging Stroller

As a new parent who also enjoys jogging to stay in shape, it was a no-brainer that I would purchase a jogging stroller. I want to take my baby son out when I go running both as a way to get him outdoors, and to start viewing fitness as a part of life as he grows older. As with everything else that I've purchased form my child, I did my research when it was time to buy my jogging stroller, and I found 3 key points to consider.

The first point to consider is safety. You want to be safe above all else, so you'll have to thoroughly check the stroller you intend to buy. Some things to check for are the chassis. What material is made from? How solidly built and sturdy is it? How stable and balanced is it? What about the baby's seat? How is your child strapped to it? You also have to check the weight limit. Will it hold your child?

Don't skip the safety check. Go to a store where this stroller is being sold and physically inspect it. Do your research using the Internet. Go online and read reviews of the stroller. Check for recalls by typing your stroller's name plus the word "recall" in a search engine.

The second thing you must decide is whether to choose a jogging stroller with a swivel, or non-swivel front wheel. How do you decide? You have to be honest with yourself. Are you really going to go jogging with your jogging stroller, or are you buying it for appearances sake?
If you're actually planning to jog, then buy the non-swivel front wheel stroller. They're much more stable on uneven surfaces, or while running over gravel, where a swiveled front wheel will cause the stroller to shake too much. However, these are much harder to turn so you might get an upper-body workout as well.

If you're just buying it for looks, then by all means get the swivel front wheel. They turn a whole lot easier, and they're fine for going on sidewalks, or other paved and smooth surfaces.

The third and last point to consider when choosing a jogging stroller is comfort. You have to consider how comfortable it'll be for both you and your child. Check the handle and how ergonomic it feels while walking, and jogging. Check the baby seat and how comfortable it'll be for your child. Is there a cushion in there?

If you'll be doing a lot of jogging, then you're going to be spending a lot of time with this stroller so you'll want to make sure it's comfy for both you and your baby. No matter how safe it is, or whether it has a swivel or non-swivel front wheel won't matter if you hate how it feels when you use it.
There you have--my top three key points to consider when choosing a jogging stroller. The first is deciding on a swivel, or non-swivel front wheel. The second is safety. The third is comfort. Using these points will help you decide on a jogging stroller that's just right for you.
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by Eliu Cordova
About the Author
The Graco Quattro Stroller is a great stroller to choose when you're ready to purchase a stroller.