Running with your little one is a fantastic way to stay active as a parent and enjoy the outdoors. Jogging strollers make this easier than ever! You won’t have to leave your little one at home, and your child will be introduced to an active outdoor lifestyle early.

But before you lace up your shoes and buckle your little one in, remember to prioritize safety. Every stroller has integrated safety features, but a stroller for jogging comes with advanced safety features and needs extra precaution.

Let’s delve into some key jogging stroller safety features that you should look for in a quality model. Then, we’ll go over safety checks that every parent should perform before, during, and after each jog!

Key Safety Features of Jogging Strollers

Every stroller comes with safety features like a harness, foot brake, and sunshades. When you’re going fast, though, you need extra precautions to keep your little ones safe and secure. Here are some key features you should look for in a quality jogger stroller:

1. Superb suspension system: You don’t want your little one jostled and uncomfortable at every bump in the road. The best jogger strollers come with all-wheel suspension to keep your little one’s ride smooth. The most innovative have adjustable suspension so you can tackle any terrain.
2. Large, tough wheels: Similar to the suspension system, the wheels are important for a safe run. The best ones will never pop or go flat but will feel as smooth as a bike tire.
3. Five-point no-rethread harness: You’ll need to keep your little ones in the seat, so finding a stroller with a secure harness is essential. The no-rethread feature makes it easier for you to adjust at any time.
4. Strong Brake System: Controlling your speed is crucial to your little one’s safety on a run. Strollers designed for jogging should have a hand break to help you control speed on hills or in an emergency. Models should also come with a foot brake for when you’re stationary.
5. Front Wheel Lock: Quality jogging strollers include a front wheel lock. The most innovative include tracking adjustment knobs to keep your stroller on a straight path when your front wheel is locked.
6. Wrist Straps: Most models include a wrist strap on the handlebar so your stroller won’t get away from you when running downhill.
7. Reflective Material: If you jog during the early morning or evening, reflective accents are crucial to ensure you’re visible to vehicles and pedestrians.

Safety Checks

After you’ve picked a stroller with all the best safety features, it’s time to go down your pre-run checklist. Make sure to check your stroller and any adjustments before each outing to make sure your child is as safe as can be.

Before Your Jog:

1. Get a Pediatrician's Okay: Babies are usually ready for the jogging stroller between 6-8 months old, but you should always get a pediatrician's okay first! Generally, this is when your baby develops good head and neck control, but development looks different for every baby.
2. Get Your Doctor's Okay and Start Small: Make sure you've recovered enough from birth to start working out again. If you haven't exercised in a while, it will be helpful to spend some time working out while you wait for your little one to reach the age requirement. 
3. Test your stroller: Before taking the first run with your little one, take your jogging stroller out for a test run. Get used to the steering and brakes. It’s also a good idea to test your stroller out on your typical running terrain, like paved park paths or bumpier hiking trails, so you know what it can handle.
4. Adjust the Harness: Secure your child with the 5-point harness, ensuring all straps are snug. Fit it to the manufacturer’s standards. Also, check for any signs of wear or tear on the straps and buckles.
5. Brake Check: The brakes are the most important safety feature of your running stroller. Test both the hand and foot brake to ensure they lock firmly and release easily.
6. Tire Test: If you’ve chosen a stroller with solid, no-flat wheels, then you don’t need to worry about this part. If you’ve chosen one with inflated tires, always check the pressure. On any tire, look for cracks, bulges, or worn treads.
7. Adjust the Handlebar: Adjust the handlebar to a comfortable and safe height for you so you don’t lose control or become uncomfortable.
8. Safety Extras: Most jogger strollers come with additional features like wrist straps, parking brakes, locking wheels, and reflective materials. Make sure all these elements are functioning properly.
9. Weather: For your little one’s safety, don’t jog during extreme weather, especially if you’re running with a baby. Make sure your little one is dressed appropriately. Use the proper accessories, like a sunshade, rain shield, or bug shield to keep your child safe and comfortable.
10. Water: Make sure both you and your child are hydrated! Many strollers have extra pockets for easy access to water and other essentials.

During Your Jog:

1. Terrain Awareness: Stick to terrain you know your stroller can handle. For any model, avoid extreme terrains like potholes, tree roots, or areas with little or too much crowding.
2. Control Steering: Maintain control by gripping the handlebar firmly and turning gradually. Avoid sharp turns and sudden movements that could cause tipping. Also, know how to use the hand brake in case of a hill or emergency stop.
3. Communication: Keep an eye on your child during your run and maintain open communication. Talk to them, listen to their needs, and encourage them to engage with the world around them. Be prepared to stop and make adjustments if your child is uncomfortable.
4. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Remember water! Take breaks for yourself and your little one to prevent dehydration.
5. Listen to your bodies: It’s important to know your limits and recognize your baby’s cues. Don’t push either of you too far, and be prepared to shorten your run if your child becomes uncomfortable or overstimulated.

After Your Jog:

1. Hydrate!: Just like during your regular workouts, make sure you and your little one hydrate when you get home. 
2. Stretch: Stretch after your workout to help with muscle soreness.
3. Stroller Maintenance: After you get home, cool down, and hydrate, then check the stroller for any issues. Clean the seat, check for debris in the tires or brakes, and make sure it’s folded and stored properly.

Start Jogging with Your Little One Today!

Now that you know about all the safety features and checks for your jogging stroller, you can feel confident during your runs! Our children’s safety and comfort are our top priorities as parents, and we’re here to help.

Check out more of our posts if you want to learn more about the benefits of a jogging stroller for the whole family or find the best jogging strollers of 2024!

By incorporating essential jogging stroller safety checks into your routine, you can ensure a fun and safe exercise experience for both you and your little one. Remember, exercise with your baby should be enjoyable and enriching, so prioritize safety and create lasting memories filled with fresh air, sunshine, and happy moments together.