10 Quick Steps for Getting the Best Baby Jogging Stroller for You
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. Lighter the better. The stroller you choose should weigh less than 25 pounds. Strollers are made with either aluminum frames or metal tube frames. The lightest ones are those that have an aluminium frame. Not only are aluminum frames much lighter but they are also stronger and longer lasting.
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. 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. Accommodate baby as they grow. The last thing you want is to have your child outgrow their stroller. It should be rated to hold a baby that weighs up to 80 pounds, and can hold a child that has a seated height up to 25 inches.
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.
Follow this list of 10 Things To Do and get the stroller that you need, and save yourself time and money.