Purchasing a jogging stroller is no walk in the park! It used to be that strollers were designed for gentle walks in the neighbourhood. Now, parents are jogging and even inline skating with the stroller at a quick clip. If you have a young child, and you or your partner jog, inline skate or power-walk to stay in shape, you have probably considered a jogging stroller for your family - and no doubt have realized that deciding on the best one can be a difficult decision. Here is help for you to choose one that best fits your lifestyle and budget.
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. Stroller wheels. The stroller you choose should have air-filled 16 inch wheels since they provide easy pushing for mom or dad, and they provide your baby with a comfortably smooth ride. Traditional jogging strollers have two back wheels and one front wheel. The goal with a jogging stroller is to reduce rolling resistance, and any wheels that are less than 16 inches in diameter just don`t do the trick.
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. Protect your baby from the sun. Any jogging stroller that you consider will have a sun canopy. You want to make sure that the sun canopy is fully flexible so that it can be positioned to block out the sun`s rays so that no matter which way your baby is facing they are protected. You should not have to clip a blanket to the stroller for protection. The last thing you want is direct sun into your son or daughter`s face causing potential harm to them, and making the baby uncomfortable which will eventually lead to crying and fussing.
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. Compact for storage. It should be easy to fold by one person with very little effort. If you plan on putting it into your car`s trunk its folded dimensions should be no greater than 45 in. x 25 in. x 18 in. To make it fold even smaller look for wheels that easily can be removed with a push of a button.
7. Handlebar adjustment. If people of different heights will be using the stroller a very good feature to have in your stroller is the ability to - with a push of a button - change the height of the handlebar. Some strollers now provide the ability to change the height of the handlebar anywhere from 35 in. to 43 in., and it can be done even while on the run.
8. Make sure that it works for your baby as they grow. Babies come in all sizes and shapes - isn`t that great. Your stroller is an investment - and you want to get as much use from it as possible. A child that measures under 25 in. when seated should be able to sit in the stroller, and a child eighty pounds or less should be safely be able to use the stroller. Look for a stroller that provides good height and weight capacity.
9. Guarantees and returns. Jogging strollers are an investment in your health and your baby's happiness. You want to make your purchase with confidence. Make sure that it can be returned to the retailer with no hassles if it just isn't right for your family. And there should be a guarantee on the stroller frame of at least five years, and a guarantee of at least one year on the non-frame part of your stroller.
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.
You can save yourself a lot of frustration, not to mention time and money by following this list of things to do - and in the end you will get the stroller that best meets the needs of your family. - 15255
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. Stroller wheels. The stroller you choose should have air-filled 16 inch wheels since they provide easy pushing for mom or dad, and they provide your baby with a comfortably smooth ride. Traditional jogging strollers have two back wheels and one front wheel. The goal with a jogging stroller is to reduce rolling resistance, and any wheels that are less than 16 inches in diameter just don`t do the trick.
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. Protect your baby from the sun. Any jogging stroller that you consider will have a sun canopy. You want to make sure that the sun canopy is fully flexible so that it can be positioned to block out the sun`s rays so that no matter which way your baby is facing they are protected. You should not have to clip a blanket to the stroller for protection. The last thing you want is direct sun into your son or daughter`s face causing potential harm to them, and making the baby uncomfortable which will eventually lead to crying and fussing.
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. Compact for storage. It should be easy to fold by one person with very little effort. If you plan on putting it into your car`s trunk its folded dimensions should be no greater than 45 in. x 25 in. x 18 in. To make it fold even smaller look for wheels that easily can be removed with a push of a button.
7. Handlebar adjustment. If people of different heights will be using the stroller a very good feature to have in your stroller is the ability to - with a push of a button - change the height of the handlebar. Some strollers now provide the ability to change the height of the handlebar anywhere from 35 in. to 43 in., and it can be done even while on the run.
8. Make sure that it works for your baby as they grow. Babies come in all sizes and shapes - isn`t that great. Your stroller is an investment - and you want to get as much use from it as possible. A child that measures under 25 in. when seated should be able to sit in the stroller, and a child eighty pounds or less should be safely be able to use the stroller. Look for a stroller that provides good height and weight capacity.
9. Guarantees and returns. Jogging strollers are an investment in your health and your baby's happiness. You want to make your purchase with confidence. Make sure that it can be returned to the retailer with no hassles if it just isn't right for your family. And there should be a guarantee on the stroller frame of at least five years, and a guarantee of at least one year on the non-frame part of your stroller.
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.
You can save yourself a lot of frustration, not to mention time and money by following this list of things to do - and in the end you will get the stroller that best meets the needs of your family. - 15255
About the Author:
FREE e-book and checklist Choosing a Baby Jogging Stroller is jam packed with things to think about when researching a jogging stroller. BabyTravelPlanet - FREE tips and articles on baby travel. They sell baby gear such as Dreamer Design Baby Jogging Stroller
