Safety is always critical during runs, but when you’re running with a jogging stroller, you have even more reason to be cautious. Follow these tips to make running with a jogging stroller safe and comfortable for both you and your little one.
1. Make sure your baby is the right age and size.
It’s not safe to run with a child under six months in a jogging stroller, unless your stroller has a car seat adapter. Using the jogging stroller with the car seat stabilizes the baby’s head and neck and prevent him from bouncing too much.
Read your stroller’s instructions very carefully to find out the weight, height, and age recommendations. The instructions should also include any information about required adapters for infant use.
2. Lock that front wheel.
Some jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel, while others have a switch that allows you to lock and unlock the wheel. When you’re running with the stroller, it’s safest to lock the front wheel in place. This will prevent the stroller from turning suddenly and causing you to crash or fall.
Check out some suggestions for the best jogging strollers from The Mother Runners here.
3. Be prepared.
Most jogging strollers have a basket underneath, as well as other compartments or holders, so you should have plenty of room for things you might need during your run. Don’t forget diapers, wipes, water (for you and your child), snacks, and a toy or book to entertain your child.
Bring along toys that can be attached to the harness or other part of a stroller, so that your little one can’t keep tossing it out of the stroller. Many infant and toddler toys have a clasp or link that can be used to hook it onto something.
4. Protect your child from the elements.
You’ll warm up because you’re running, but your child will not. So bundle her up in the cooler weather. If it’s cold and windy, you may want to use a weather shield for your stroller.
On warm days, make sure your child is not overdressed and protected with the stroller’s visor as well as sunscreen. Keep your runs short on very cold or hot days (or leave your child with your spouse or sitter).
5. Schedule runs wisely.
Before naptime is often a good time for a run because the movement may help put your child to sleep. Don’t run right before a meal, when your child will be hungry and may not want to sit in the stroller. Try to choose a route that’s car-free, such as bike path or park.
6. Strap your child in properly.
Using the full harness will protect your child from falling out or getting shaken. Even if you’re not moving too quickly, the harness keeps him from reaching out and getting his fingers caught in the wheels.
7. Don’t expect to run your usual pace.
When you first start out, expect your pace to be at least one minute per mile slower than your normal pace. But you’re burning more calories with your effort and doing some resistance training, so don’t worry about the slower pace. In addition, you’ll find that the more you run with the stroller, the easier it will be.
If you’re still able to run at a fast pace while pushing (amazing!), just be sure that you stay in control. You should never be going so fast that you couldn’t stop the stroller if needed.
8. Don’t run hands-free.
You may be tempted to push your stroller a little and let it go, so you can run hands-free, but it’s not a good idea. The stroller could easily get away from you, which isn’t safe for your child and anyone else around you.
You CAN use the stroller with one hand, which most parents find easier than pushing with both hands. Swinging your free arm takes some of the work off your legs. Just make sure to keep alternating arms so you get to work both sides.
9. Mix it up.
Toddlers and preschoolers may get restless in the stroller, so you may want to let them out and play for a bit during the run. They’ll be much happier and comfortable with a little break mid-run.
When my kids were little, I would run with them in the double stroller for a couple of miles to a local park. Then I’d let them out to play for a bit, pack them up, and run back home.
Can I Run a Race With a Jogging Stroller?
As a mom of two kids, I’m a huge fan of jogging strollers since they give parents the ability to stay active while juggling family and other responsibilities. But when it comes to running races with a jogging stroller, I think it’s important to follow the rules of the race.
Some running races have a strict ban jogging strollers, and with good reason. It’s hard enough for runners to maneuver around runners in crowded races, but running around someone pushing a jogging stroller is not only difficult (wasting valuable energy), it can also be unsafe. It’s not fair to other runners to make them have to move around you or slow down.
If you really want to do a race with your little one, look for an event that is stroller-friendly and stay in the back where you won’t get in the way of other runners.
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