Jogging strollers are those that are designed to help parents maintain a healthy lifestyle. They are designed for moms and dads who would like to rollerblade, walk or run while pushing their children. They are also known as running strollers or jogger strollers because they allow parents to spend quality time with their children and exercise at the same time.
Jogging strollers come with two wheels on the sides and one large wheel in front. A handrail allows the parent to push the child while walking or jogging.
The child is buckled up in front so you are assured that the child is protected while you are running or walking behind. Many jogging stroller models also have canopies that protect your child from the heat of the sun.
Kinds of Jogging Strollers
1. Heavy-Duty - this kind of stroller model has strong shock absorbers that are ideal for rugged paths, which give the baby a smoother ride. Heavy-duty jogging strollers usually come with 20-inch wheels that have dirt deflectors.
2. Lightweight - this kind usually has 16-inch wheels, is less expensive and weighs less than heavy-duty strollers. However, they may not be able to absorb shock better than heavy-duty models do.
3. Double Strollers - provides seats for two children so you can push your children at the same time without having to use two separate strollers that can be difficult to maneuver. The added weight can add up to the exercise, which is a good thing if you are trying to lose weight.
Advantages
The wheels of a jogging stroller are usually larger than those of common strollers. They allow easy navigation in various terrains, which is not possible with the standard stroller wheels. You can also easily navigate them to different directions and around corners and curves.
Some brands offer models with fixed or swivel wheel designs. A fixed wheel design has the front wheel locked in one direction parallel with the wheels on the rear side. This allows the wheels to roll in the same direction for a smoother ride. The swivel wheel design is ideal for parents who run in irregular terrains because they are easier to maneuver. There are jogging strollers that are designed for fast-paced walkers, slow-paced walkers, joggers and serious runners.
While these strollers are fine when used in the park or when taking a stroll around the neighborhood, you will find them difficult to maneuver in restaurants, grocery stores and other similar venues that are usually overcrowded with people. It is easy to bump into other people or run over people's toes.
You also need to take caution when using jogging strollers. Parents are not advised to use them with babies under one year old because the constant movement can make the baby uncomfortable. It is also not safe even if the stroller has a shoulder harness because whenever the stroller is in motion, the baby may get jostled or bumped. Even if your child is more than one year old, you should still take extra caution. Try not to run too fast while pushing the baby. Hold the handrails tightly and avoid rough roads to minimize bumping.
