Becoming a parent is often followed by decreased activity levels and unhealthy changes in diet. In fact, studies have shown a direct link between having children and an increased risk and likelihood of gaining weight and becoming overweight or obese, particularly among dads.
Plenty of parents - both mum and dad - say they want to lose weight and get healthier after having their child, and so the ability to fit in regular exercise around raising a child becomes a factor when searching for the best baby strollers.
So whether you want to start exercising after having a baby, or already exercise regularly and want to keep your activity levels up, a Jogging stroller (also known as running stroller, jogging buggy or running buggy) is probably the ideal purchase.
Table Of Contents
Our top three jogging strollers
Best overall
Baby Jogger Summit X3
Best for performance
Thule Glide 2
Best for budget
Baby Trend Expedition
Jogging stroller features
When you put a jogging stroller next to a traditional stroller, it’s easy to spot the differences. Jogging strollers have an elongated frame and sit on three wheels, whereas traditional strollers tend to have shorter frames, sit more upright, and have four wheels.
If you look at them side on, a jogging stroller is more of a right-angled triangle whereas a traditional one is more square.
But there are plenty of other features that set them apart from each other.
We already know that jogging strollers have three wheels, but they’re almost always air-filled rubber tyres like you’d find on a bicycle. The two rear wheels are usually 2-4” inches larger than the front with a wheel lock for a fixed front wheel to prevent it swivelling around while running.
Any decent jogging stroller will have an all wheel suspension system to ensure a smooth ride for your little one over bumpy and uneven terrain. And some models will actually have an adjustable suspension system that allows you to switch from a softer ride for everyday use and a firmer rider for jogging.
All strollers have a brake to stop it rolling away, but jogging strollers often come with a deceleration brake. Because you’re pushing the stroller, it will carry its own kinetic energy even if you suddenly stop.Usually found on the handlebar as a pump brake (just like a bicycle) or a twist mechanism, these help to slow the stroller down as you move downhill or if you need to stop immediately in an emergency situation.
Almost every stroller in the world has adjustable handlebars, and almost every decent jogging stroller on the market has a single handlebar. While most extend outwards, jogging strollers tend to allow you to adjust the angle of the handlebar itself, allowing you to find the right position for your stride.
Most jogging strollers come with a wrist strap attached to a handlebar or the stroller’s frame. This should be used to stop the stroller getting away from you if unexpectedly slow down or trip.
It’s always essential to strap your child into any stroller with a safety harness. Jogging with a stroller does increase the risk of danger somewhat so it’s even more important for them to have a strong, secure five-point harness.
You’ll find that most jogging strollers have larger canopies than a lot of traditional strollers. They’re designed to offer extra protection to your child from the elements during a run. It does compromise their visibility but no one wants to see a little one’s eyes watering from the wind as you go for a sub-20 minute 5k!
The 10 best jogging strollers
1. Baby Jogger Summit X3
Editor's Review
“Excellent pram. Folds super quickly and easily. Light weight makes it easy to push or jog with. Large wheels and suspension give it a nice ride and makes gutters and driveways a non-event. It is an excellent stroller.”
Our ‘best overall’ jogging stroller, the Baby Jogger Summit X3 offers an unrivalled combination of running performance and everyday usability. The all-wheel suspension offers a smooth ride whether you're pounding the streets on a run or out for a countryside walk. It features a bike-style brake handle that works brilliantly for decelerating downhill.
Suitable from - 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Class leading one-handed folding mechanism
All wheel suspension
Large UV50+ sun canopy and peekaboo window
PROS
CONS
2. Thule Glide 2 Performance
Editor's Review
“I use this stroller daily to walk/jog 5+ miles. It rolls easily and my pace per mile has improved since getting it. I use it mostly in a neighbourhood where it effortlessly glides over curbs, grass, and gravel.”
When it comes to pure running performance, there is none better than the Thule Glide 2 Performance. And you will pay a premium for that performance. Known as the ‘Ferrari of jogging strollers’, It only misses out on the ‘best overall’ label because that fixed front wheel makes it very tricky to use as your everyday stroller. The large wheels and excellent suspension gives your little one a lovely, smooth ride, while it’s almost effortless to push along as you run.
