Choosing a jogging compact pushchair (click through the next page)

A jogging pushchair makes helps you remain active with your child. Get outside for some feel-good endorphins, and also set an example for your children to follow. But it's important to choose the right stroller for your family's needs.

Most experts recommend waiting until your baby has good control of their head and neck about 6-8 months -- before using a one. However, certain models can be used from day one with an infant car seat.

Safety

A jogging stroll with suspension can reduce the impact and vibrations which means a more comfortable ride and less fatigue for both the child and the parent. Look for front-wheel or all-wheel suspension, which makes use of shock absorbers or springs to minimize jolts and give a more stable ride over rough terrain. Another safety feature you should look at is adjustable tracking, which ensures the front wheel remains on the right track while running on flat surfaces. A stroller that does not have this feature can veer in one direction or another making it difficult to maintain your running pace and causing more manual correction you need to make when pushing the stroller. To ensure your safety, you should avoid listening to music through headphones while you run with a toddler or a baby in the stroller.

Comfort

Strollers designed for jogging are typically more comfortable for infants. This is due to the fact that the seat is more cushioned and hung from the frame, rather than being bolted to the frame in a manner that allows the child to feel every leap and bump. Some of the joggers we tested in our tests even feature seats which are slightly reclined which makes them more comfortable for infants when they are at jogging speeds.

Most joggers have large and deep storage compartments that can accommodate diaper bags, snacks and even clothes. A lot of joggers have a drink holder that is more practical than the shallow cup holders that are found on most strollers. In addition, joggers that have a safety tether can be slipped onto your wrists help avoid accidents by preventing the stroller from moving away from you if you trip or loosen your grip, especially close to traffic or bodies of water.

If multiple people will be using the jogger, select one with adjustable handlebars, so that each user can adjust them to their height. Otherwise the handles will remain at a 90 degree angle from your body, which can cause you to slump over while pushing and may wear out your arms over the course of time. This feature was simple to use, and made a an enormous difference in comfort both for us and for our test infants. Other features that provide comfort include adjustable wheel tracking, which allows you to keep your stroller in a straight line even on flat surfaces. This feature is useful when you're jogging.

Stability

Many strollers with jogging capabilities have front wheel tracking that is an adjustment mechanism that helps the stroller remain on track. Strollers that lack this feature are prone to veering in any direction which makes it difficult to control while running. This can also require frequent manual corrections, which add to fatigue. The best strollers for jogging have suspension systems to absorb shocks and make the journey more comfortable for infants.

You should only use a baby jogger when your child is six to eight months of age and has developed the neck control needed to raise their head independently. Always consult your pediatrician when you are unsure.

It is recommended to choose a model with a safety tether, which is a strap you wrap around your wrist if you lose your grip on the handlebars like in the case of a fall, or near an open body of water. This feature could be lifesaving and should not be missed. All of the jogging strollers we looked at have this vital safety feature.

Weight

One of the most important features to think about is the amount of weight a compact pushchair that is jogging can support. The lighter it is, the better because your body will not be as stressed. This also allows you to move more quickly and efficiently. Another feature to look out for is adjustable tracking. Strollers with no adjustable tracking often wander in one direction or the other and can be tiresome and require constant manual adjustment when running. Lastly, most joggers have an front wheel that is designed to bounce off road bumps. This reduces the impact on your baby's head. It is recommended to consult with your pediatrician before you start jogging. This will ensure that their neck is strong enough to take on the moving.