Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Activities

NewFolks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

Here’s how to find the best running strollers for moms on the go

Scott Harris
By
A woman, baby and running stroller
Blazej Lyjak/Shutterstock

After months if not years of upheaval at every level of life, new moms want nothing more than to regain some semblance of their old routine. Rarely has a simple run felt so liberating.

Parents need not set their favorite healthy habit aside just because a baby’s in tow (sometimes literally). That’s where the perfect running stroller, also known as a jogging stroller or jogger, comes in. And that’s what this list is here to help you find.

Related Videos

You might be a serious fitness enthusiast, or you may be a dabbler looking to shed some maternity pounds. You may want a running stroller with durability, a maternal multitasker, or something that can maneuver through tight spaces. There’s a running stroller to meet every need.

Related

Here are some things to consider as you get back up to speed and bring your little one(s) along for the fun. We’ve also factored in the best double jogging strollers for those times when the pack expands.

How will you be using this stroller?

It’s a simple but important question. Will you use this only for running, or will you use it for other functions, too? Depending on your answer, a traditional stroller or a jogging stroller equipped with a bike trailer could be the best fit.

There is no wrong answer, and there are excellent options on all fronts. Just be sure you’re getting what you really want.

Couple with a double strollerWheels that work

Wheels are the main difference between strollers and joggers. Forget about stroller models with wheels pulled straight from a broken shopping cart. Modern running strollers are far tougher and more streamlined.

One key difference is that running stroller wheels are made of rubber and inflated with air, much more closely resembling bicycle wheels than the harder, more solid construction found on traditional stroller wheels, which also tend to be substantially smaller. Running stroller wheels provide better traction and shock absorption, resulting in a smoother ride for all involved.

Running strollers also have two types of wheel setups: Fixed wheel and swivel wheel.

A rigid or fixed front wheel helps a running stroller maintain stability, particularly as runners increase their speed. Running with a stroller that doesn’t have a fixed front wheel is unsafe and could endanger you or your child.

By contrast, strollers with swivel wheels have a movable wheel setup that makes the stroller easier to maneuver. However, virtually all models contain a locking mechanism to fix the front wheel in place as needed.

What other safety features should I look for?

The modern running stroller takes a lot of precautionary measures. Not every stroller will include every feature, but these are some common components that beef up the safety profile:

  • Brakes: There are two kinds of stroller brakes, both of which are equivalent to those found in the average car. Think of the hand brake as the brake you use to slow down for a red light, while the rear brakes are the parking brake, helping you stay put once the journey’s done.
  • Five-point harness: This well-known harness design is the best option for a baby’s security.
  • Tether strap: wrap this around your wrist to keep the running stroller from accidentally getting away from you.
  • Canopy: An adjustable canopy over his or her little head protects your baby from the elements.

A couple and a double jogger

What’s the key to the best double jogging stroller?

The same features and considerations apply to double jogging strollers just as they do for single jogging strollers.

One issue, however, takes on extra importance when there are two babies on board: Storage. It might be a pocket, a pouch, a console, or a cup holder. The more storage you have, the easier life is going to be.

Storage is one of the reasons we chose the Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger as our favorite double jogging stroller.

This model includes a convenient parent tray with two cup holders and a covered storage compartment, as well as a large storage basket. Never worry again about the Cheerios intermingling with the diaper bag.

It’s natural (and necessary) for your life to revolve around your little ones. A running stroller is a way of evening the scales a bit — keeping kids safe and engaged while reconnecting with those semi-mythical things you remember enjoying pre-baby. And there’s no better way to give your baby a taste of fresh air or the feel of the wind in their face.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Why peekaboo baby is a great game to play with your little one
When do babies play peekaboo? You should start playing as soon as possible
toddler playing game

We all play the same adorable baby games when there's an infant around. Peekaboo is one game that's always at the top. Your grandparents played it with your parents, your parents played it with you, and now you’re playing it with your child. But what’s the deal with the peekaboo baby game? Why do babies absolutely love this simple game?

Could it be that during a game of peekaboo, baby brains are undergoing some sort of important developmental process? If you’ve read any literature on infant development, you could guess that, yes, peekaboo definitely plays a role in your child’s development. Here’s everything you need to know about this game and why you should play it with your mini human. 

Read more
6 fantastic reasons to enroll your child in toddler gymnastics classes today
If you're looking for a great activity for your busy tot, try toddler gymnastics classes
toddler-gymnastics-class

You don't need to have aspirations of your child becoming an Olympic athlete to enroll your child in toddler gymnastics classes. Anyone who has ever had a toddler or been even remotely close to a toddler knows they are full of limitless energy. Parents and caregivers can spend hours every day simply trying to entertain a boisterous three-nager, thoroughly exhausting themselves in the process.
Toddler gymnastics classes have become increasingly popular over the last few years as a way to not only get kids active in a safe and monitored environment but also as a way to teach children from a young age the importance of exercise and how to work with others as a team. They also give parents and caregivers a much-needed break while their toddler enjoys socializing with other children. If you're not convinced that toddler gymnastics classes are right for your family, here are a few reasons why you should consider enrolling your child.

What are toddler gymnastic classes?

Read more
What are the benefits of sports in child development? We break it down
Sports for 3-year-olds are a must for your child's development
preschool girl having fun playing soccer

Seeing tiny humans play sports is one of the most adorable things ever. Watching your little child run the wrong way in baseball or score for the wrong team in basketball is all part of the process, and it's also extremely good for their individual development. If you can't wait to see your precious peanut in a tiny uniform, you don't have to wait too long. Three is an ideal age to introduce your preschooler to sports.

Preschooler sports aren't about competition, winning, or losing. Three year olds who participate in sports gain a lot of benefits. Let's go over the benefits of sports in child development for your little tyke.

Read more