Jogger Stroller Versus Regular Stroller

Updated on May 31, 2008
J.M. asks from Newark, DE
22 answers

I recently had a baby and want to start jogging again. I am wondering if I need to buy a jogger stroller or if I can use the regular stroller? Anyone have any good recommendations for a jogger stroller?

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So What Happened?

Thank you everyone for all your advice and suggestions to check out the minimum age for when to use the jogger. After doing some more research, it looks like the joggers are not recommended until baby is 6 months old. So, in the meantime, I will enjoy my walks with baby and try to sneak in some runs when daddy's home:) Thanks again!

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J.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

I have two kids and love to run as well. I bought a jogging stroller when I had my first, but had a lot of trouble with it because it can be difficult to steer.
I love the jogging stroller for rough terrain and stroller strides-a program held over at Washington Lake Park.
The brand Bob is very good.

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S.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi J.,
My daughters are now 6 and 8 so I no longer need a stroller but....
When they were little, I preferred a jogging stroller. You can use a regular one but they just don't seem to ride as smoothly as a jogging stroller. In fact, I have one sitting in my storage area if you are interested. It may be a little dusty but it is in perfect condition otherwise.
Let me know if you are interested and make an offer.
____@____.com

Congrats on the little bundle of joy!
S.

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J.I.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Since you said that you just had a baby, beware -- most of the baby joggers, as I recall, indicated that babies under one year should not be in them. Check carefully before you purchase.

1 mom found this helpful
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T.Y.

answers from Philadelphia on

Hi, first thing you need to do is talk to someone before you buy a jogger from just any store. I teach mommy and baby and stroller fitness classes and one of the other instructors bought what she thought was a jogging stroller (the Jeep stroller with the music player) and had problems running with it in class. She was told by someone at the store that it is a "jogging type" stroller not a jogger and that it's not meant for jogging (much to her surprise). So, if you are going to jog you will need a real jogging stroller.

Second, it's best to get a stroller strictly for jogging or running. The strollers that have the wheel that lock are not safe if you are jogging/running. The wheel may come unlocked and cause your stroller wheel to swivel while you are jogging...more than likely causing a fall for both you and your baby.

For an article on choosing a jogging stroller read http://www.babybootcamp.com/pages/fitness_detail.aspx?fci...

I hope this helps!

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C.M.

answers from York on

You definately need a jogger. The regualar ones get a little rough riding even with a brisk walk. I would also check to make sure you little guy is ready for that. I think most jogging strollers reccomend you wait till they are one year old due to the bumpiness of the ride. kudos to you for trying to stay on track! Good luck

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B.L.

answers from Philadelphia on

Our Jeep Liberty stroller with the movable front wheel is the best! I've loved it since we got it. Ours even has a play steering wheel with buttons and sounds. It has a CD hook-up with great speakers that continue to work!

Good luck jogging!

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S.S.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi J.,

We have the Jeep jogging stroller and we love it. My husband and I run a lot and take our 17-month little boy with us every time we run. We got ours at Babies 'R Us. We didn't use it until our son was 6 or 7 months old, but I recommend it when your little boy is older. I hope this helps!

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A.T.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I have found, in my experience that a jogger stroller is best for "fast" walking or jogging. I live in area with really bumpy and uneven sidewalks and a regular stroller can't maneuver over them safely. The larger wheels and "rugged" make of my stroller make it perfect for jogging and for hiking on rugged trails. I have the Jeep jogging stroller. Anything with 3 larger, rubber wheels would work though.

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D.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

buy a jogging stroller. they are very sturdy and go over different terrains such as gravel,grass and dirt with ease. I do not jog but i like to go on long walks. I bought a very nice one in Target for $100 and i am very pleased with it. it is made by baby trend. it is the only jogging stroller there,they do not make any other.

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A.B.

answers from Philadelphia on

i am not a jogger but do do a lot of walking with my children. i found that a regular stroller was not made the same and i continuously would step on the back wheels or brakes while walking. a walking stroller is made a little different and the back wheels are farther apart so it is easier to walk or jog without kicking or stepping on the back wheels.

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L.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

J.,
I would go with the Baby Jogger brand. I loved mine. I went to a bike shop that carried them. Both of my kids loved it. My daughter was older before I bought it and until then I used my regular stroller to jog. What a difference it made. My sone used it but I think he was more like 6 months. The Baby Jogger is definitely worth the money especially if you plan on more kids in the future. They really hold up well with a lot of use.
L.

A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

You need a jogger stroller. The regular ones aren't built to run and glide smoothly for long distances. I had a Jeep one-luckily a gift-they're expensive-but it was a bit too heavy. Although I pushed it up hills for added resistance! They all work well enough. Try bizrate.com for jogging strollers and you can see an array of styles and compare prices easily.

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M.A.

answers from Philadelphia on

I also started back jogging after my child was born. We researched TONS of jogging strollers and liked the one Jeep puts out best. It has a large cargo area, 5 point harness - since your son is still pretty young - and it is the only one (at least 2 years ago) that had a pivital front wheel (great for in stores as well. It has a steering wheel playset thing on the front for your son that plays music and it also has an MP3 player hook-up on the tray for you. You can either use headphones or use the speakers that are mounted right on the tray.
I now have 2 kids and dont really get to jog much anymore, but we still use our Jeep stroller for my little one when we go to the store or on walks. It goes over any terraine and is really easy to push!
It is a bit bigger whn folded up though....you might want to consider how much trunch space you have.
Hope this helps and good luck!
M.

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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Hi J.,
I think you will definitely want a jogging stroller becasue the regular stroller will be too difficult. I didn't jog, but I preferred a jogger just to walk at the park with. Be aware that some of the jogging strollers don't have a normal "brake" for when you stop--a bit of a surprise for me! LOL Also, the front tire doesn't really turn so while they're great for their purpose, not good for other things (mall, etc.)
I bought a used Jerryzoomer (sp?) from a cousin and it was great for fitness walking.

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C.F.

answers from Philadelphia on

I am the mother of 10 children ages 10 months - 21 years. I needed a new stroller and recently bought a Schwinn jogging stroller. Mine is a twin, but it is absolutely the best stroller I have ever owned. I regret not having bought one with my first child. It is great for jogging and rough terrain, but bulky for travelling and indoor activities (i.e. - shopping, library, etc.) Hope this helps!!

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H.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I am not a jogger and have always just used a double, umbrella, or carseat combo style stroller. I have tried to pick up my pace before to cross a street or some such thing and the wheels get extremely wobbly. Plus if you try to take too big of a step, you might actually step on the stroller. The joggers have more space for your stride. I think if you really plan to jog, you'll want a jogger - sorry, can't suggest beyond that.

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M.S.

answers from Philadelphia on

hi..
i don't know if anyone's mentioned this, but please be careful putting a new baby in a jogging stroller... in fact, it's not recommended for babies under a certain age as the bouncing can be harmful to them.
also, it's a good idea to wait a little longer before you start jogging and doing anything that "jostling" to your post-baby body as your organs are still settling back into place. something lower impact is a good idea...walking briskly is even better at this point. don't worry, it won't be long before you're able to do everything you used to.
check craigslist for jogging/jogger/running strollers... there are often a number of barely-used ones listed for a reasonable price.
all the best!

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T.W.

answers from Philadelphia on

A jogging stroller will be more comfortable and offer a smoother ride for your son. A regular stroller is more appropriate for the mall, or just walking. I also suggest one where you can either leave the front wheel straight, or let it swivel. Then you can use it all of the time, and forgo the regular stroller. One will air filled wheels instead of all plastic wheels will also be more comfortable for you and your son.

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B.K.

answers from Philadelphia on

I would definately go with the baby jogger. I had the Kool Stride and LOVED it. When my boys were really really little, I put in one of those pillows that go in the car seat to give extra support to the head and kneck. Its light weight, adjustable, foldable. I bought mine 10 years ago and it was expensive then, so they maybe a lot now. But it lasted through all my three boys and then I passed it on to someone else. Have fun!

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G.I.

answers from Philadelphia on

J.,

I am an avid runner and would just about die without my jog stroller! I started with the Addidas jog stroller when I had just one child. I didn't like it because the front wheel did not swivel so when I was running I constantly had to adjust the stroller - which was a big pain! Then when I had my second daughter I switched to a double jog stroller that is truly the best jog stroller. It's a Schwinn and it has a swivel wheel in the front. So, in short, I would highly recommend getting a jog stroller! Enjoy your runs!

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J.M.

answers from Philadelphia on

I am an avid runner and the mom of three wonderful kids--5 yrs, 3 yrs and 20 mmths. I ran after all of them and now have the single, double AND triple joggers, all of which I could not live without. They are all Baby Jogger brand, which I love. They are great for running and for walking on any uneven terrain, including sand. I have done many grocery trips in them as well. My kids know it's part of our routine and they love relaxing in the jogger. I have an inexpensive umbrella stroller for the rare occasion I don't want the joggers, but I have rarely used it. eBay is a great source for the Baby Joggers. Hope this helps.

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N.R.

answers from Pittsburgh on

I would strongly suggest getting a jogging stroller. They have 3 wheels so they are more stable when you're running or power walking. If you plan to jog/run, you'll need something with a fixed front wheel. If you plan to power walk (or just stroll :) ) you might consider getting one where you can make the front wheel fixed or rotating for easier driving while walking. I would suggest going somewhere with many different styles (Babyland, REI, USA Baby) and "test-driving" several before you make your decision. Since most joggers are fairly expensive, you might want to see if anyone in your neighborhood is getting rid of one or check craigslist or freestyle. Good luck and enjoy running with your son!

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