Nowadays, there is such a vast collection of strollers in the market that choosing one that suits your needs is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Don’t fret, you are at the right place. This post will be addressing the things you need to look for when shopping for a sport/jogging stroller.
First things first,
What is a sport stroller?
A sport/jogging stroller is a type of stroller designed to be used for running/jogging. They are designed with big wheels and shock absorbers to make the ride smooth and safe for babies. They are usually more expensive than most regular strollers and come in a variety of designs.
What are the qualities of a good jogging stroller?
Wheels
A good sport/jogging stroller should have big wheels preferably 16″ wheels. If the stroller will be used for running or jogging only then a stroller with fixed front wheels are great because they are steady and do not make sudden turns. Good examples of a stroller with fixed front wheel is the bob ironman stroller and the thule glide stroller.
If you have to buy a stroller with a swiveling front wheel, make sure the lock is firm when in the jogging mode else it will have some play and make the ride horrible. A great sport stroller that have swiveling front wheels that lock is the thule urban glide stroller.
However, some people use their stroller for shopping as well as running and jogging. In this case, the stroller will need to have swiveling front wheels because when shopping this will make maneuvering around corners easier.
Some swiveling wheels lock both forward and backwards giving the user more options. No locking direction is better than the other, it all depends on the user.
Shock Absorbers (dampers, suspension system)
Some sport strollers come with adjustable shock adsorbing systems that can be adapted for the user’s weight plus the weight of the luggage. This absorbers when added to the big tires increases the babies comfort during the ride by absorbing most of the force generated during the run. Bob makes great strollers with good suspension systems.
Safety
- A five point safety harness is a must have for a sport stroller or any other stroller. This harness secures children better such that they cannot slide out of the chair during exercise.
- A parking brake is also very important especially when running downhill or uphill. You never know when you might run out of breath and need to stop. You want a brake that actually stops the stroller and not just slow it down.
- A wrist or waist band that attaches you to the stroller is very important because this will prevent the stroller from rolling away from you
- A canopy that extends fully is very important during the summer. One that can block some amount of UV radiation is even better for your baby.
- A peek-a-boo window for checking on your child regularly as you run is a very great feature for a stroller.
Comfort
If you are going to be running regularly with your baby, you want to make sure they are very comfortable. A padded seat with padded harnesses will help your child feel comfortable; it can even make your baby so comfortable that they fall asleep during a run.
A reclining seat is very convenient in that you can adjust it to fit your baby’s needs. Some seats can even recline to about 90 degrees from the vertical; this is very good for outdoor diaper changes.
For your comfort and health you need a stroller with adjustable handle bars or one with a handle bar height that will work for you. Nothing is as bad as pushing a stroller that is way tall or short for you; this will only lead to bad posture and eventually back problems.
A stroller that folds quick and easy, preferably with one hand, while leaving your other hand free to hold the baby is great. One that auto-locks and self stand when folded is even better.
Storage and accessories
A big storage capacity for any stroller is very important because between you and your child, there are going to be plenty of things you will need to take with you; a diaper bag, water bottles, phones, car keys, food and much more. Big storage is good an easily accessible storage is better (saves you from fighting with your stroller every time you put something in it).
A stroller should have accessories like weather shields, rain shields, handle bar console and much more.
There probably might be other things that I have missed, that could be very important to consider before buying a stroller. Please leave a comment about them to help fellow readers.
Cheers Denise!
Thanks for the review! I’ve been looking into ideas for a group purchase for my niece who is about to have her 2nd baby and keen to work on her figure afterwards! This is great information as I had my babies 20 years ago and, boy, have things changed since then! Your points on safety are the biggest draw card for me. Great site with valuable info, thanks!
Hi Alona,
I’m happy my post was helpful. Things have really changed a lot in the last decade or so. Plenty of innovations have taken place and now strollers are the new normal. Thanks for the encouragement.
Hello there! It’s my first time to hear this sports stroller. Sounds good for a sporty parents. I guess those listed factor are enough to determine a good sports stroller. Shock absorber would be my number 1 factor if it happens that I will look for this sports stroller, because my concern would be the baby’s comfort inside the stroller while running.
Hi Kathe,
I couldn’t agree with you more. Shock absorbers are very important and like you said, baby’s comfort and ofcourse safety comes first.
This a very informative and intriguing article. My eldest sister is expecting a child soon and this looks like something that would interest me as well as her. I will have to refer her to your website because she is currently looking for one. Have you used these products yourself? If so, then please recommend the best one please. Thank you for the information.
Kevin
Hi Kevin,
I have only used the BoB revolusion se single stroller and I loved it. There are many out there like the thule urban glide and the BoB iroman stroller that are great strollers as well. Check out these strollers and more on Amazon and be sure to read reviews for user experiences.
This has just blown my mind! I have never heard of sports strollers, and just always assumed I’d have to find time around raising kids to fit my runs and exercise in! I’m glad to know I can keep running and share quality time with the kids! I like what you say about safety, and shock absorption will play a big part in that so I’ll be making sure to look at that very closely!
Hi Matt,
I am happy you stumbled here today. You don’t have to find someone to watch your child anymore before you exercise. However, you need to check with your doctor first before you start running with your baby. Your baby’s neck need to be ready for it and that is around when they’re 9months old.
Hello, I’ve been reading your website for quite some time now and I really love it!
Sometimes it can be kinda hard to find reasonably priced and high quality stroller. I know some young parents who might really want to purchase one. Where do you think is the best place to get quality sport stroller?
Hi Julius,
Amazon has a variety of really good strollers. Warranties are usually covered when you buy via Amazon and plenty of times returns are free.
you have a very informative site. I am a grandmother of 4 girls and soon of 1 boy. My daughter loves to run and i am looking for a stroller to give as a present. I didn’t know there were sport strollers. I was looking for a normal stroller but this is even better as i am sure she will start running again and then she can take the baby. I believe it is a good idea to let her read this sight. Have you any idea about a price and where to buy them? Thanks, Marion
Hi Marion,
Many good sport strollers have prices starting from $350. There are a lot in the market and a good place to buy them online will be on Amazon because they have a vast collect of seller under them and they usually offer free returns if you do not like the stroller.
I have written many reviews on sport strollers like Bob revolution se, Bob flex, thule urban glide and many more. You can check them for more information.
thanks for your post:))
can I ask you something? which is the proper age for a child to stop going in a stroller?
My nephew is 4 years old and still like the sports stroller. Which one is the best for this age?
I like the security you talk about, the comfort and the shock absorber and I think also the sun protection is important especially here in Greece where the sun is very bright , most of the year.
I think i will let my sister have a look to your site , she will find it very helpful , i am sure:)
thanks for sharing
cristina
Hi Christina,
There are strollers that have a capacity of up to 75lbs so it is a matter of weight not age. If you have say a small 6 year old who weighs within the carrying capacity of the stroller then it is ok for that child to ride in the stroller whereas it will not be recommended for a younger child who weighs more. That said, there are many strollers with high weight capacity like the bob revolution se or bob flex strollers.