How to Choose a Jogging Stroller

by Heather Long | More from this Blogger

12 Jun 2007 08:00 AM

We discussed the whys of a jogging stroller yesterday, now let's talk about how to choose the jogging stroller that works best for you or your family. You may want to do a little research before you plunk down the money to invest in a jogging stroller (the average jogging stroller costs anywhere from $65 to $180). Before you blanch at the price, jogging strollers can fit children age 6 months to five years, so you're talking about a long-term investment.

When you go to check out potential jogging strollers, here is a guide to help you figure out what you are looking for:

• The stroller shouldn't weigh more than about 22 pounds - you will be handling it one armed a lot of the time, so strollers that weigh more than 22 pounds can be downright unwieldy
• The stroller should have a collapsing function that you can perform one-armed, anyone with a baby will recognize the need to collapse a stroller and get it into and out of a trunk while holding the baby with their other arm
• The jogging stroller needs to be sturdy (think aluminum frame) because you are going to be putting it to heavy, regular use - the sturdier it is, the better it will serve your purposes and your baby - the last thing you want is for it to tip because the baby leans out trying to grab something, so test it in the store
• The jogging stroller should have adjustable guard bars and seat recliners. The best jogging strollers will let you lay the seat down and cover it up in case baby or toddler falls asleep and it should be adaptable to the changing size of your baby
• You want hand brakes on it and a safety brake, you also want to make sure it has a good harness and some parents even invest in a small bell or horn that they can hit one handed to warn others of their approach from behind (this can be especially useful in large parks that have people of all ages engaged in their outdoor play)
• The driving bar on the jogging stroller should also be adjustable so that you are not straining your arms or hands - remember, husbands and wives are often different sizes, so being able to adjust those handlebars will benefit both of you
• Storage space is important for any parent, so make sure that you have a place to store diaper bags, jogging bags and water bottles - you shouldn't be hauling anything on your person when you are walking or jogging with your jogging stroller
• Warranty - you want a good warranty on your jogging stroller - look for 1 to 2 years, the most problems you'll ever have with a jogging stroller will happen in those first couple of years, so look into what options they give you

What other suggestions would you make for parents looking to pick out a jogging stroller?

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Learn more about Heather Long

Heather Long is 35 years old and currently lives in Wylie, Texas. She has been a freelance writer for six years. Her husband and she met while working together at America Online over ten years ago.

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