We love our jogging strollers and being able to get a good workout with our kids who enjoy the ride at the same time. However, it’s very important that you follow some important jogging stroller safety tips to make sure that you don’t fall or worse the stroller would tip over. Our tips below will help make sure that everything you do will be not only a really fun and enjoyable experience for both you and your children, but also a safe one as well.
1. Read the Owner’s Manual: The owner’s manual that comes with your jogging stroller should supercede any tips we have listed below. Each manufacturer is responsible for providing a safe and competent product and so their manuals and instructions will be the most reliable source for how to properly use and care for the product you own. While many of these tips below will work for just about any make and model, and many models are simliar in design and structure, each is a different item and you’ll want to make sure that the information you use is relevant to exactly the type of strollers you are using.
2. Make Sure it it the Right Size: Putting a child in a stroller that cannot support its weight safely can cause a lot of problems. Even if the frame is strong enough to support him or her, it can be an issue that can cause the product to tip over or possibly even have problems with the braking system if it has one. Always make sure that you do not go over the manufacturer’s recommended weight. If you’re carrying a lot of additional items in the storage pockets you’ll want to consider that as well.
3. Make Sure Your Child Is Old Enough: While right after we have a baby we want to get right into our old regular routines again, most manufacturers and pediatricians advise against jogging with a stroller before the child has reached the age of 6 months. If you have a type that is designed to fit in with the baby’s infant car seat carrier, you may be able to use it for walking as long as the baby is safely secured inside the car seat.
4. Never Run Down Steep Hills: Running down a steep hill when you are alone is usually no problem, but when you are pushing something that is weighted and on wheels it can be a recipe for a disaster. You could easily lose control of the stroller or fall if you are not careful. Even walking down one can be a source of trouble for some parents, as the stroller will begin building momentum as you go down it. Be sure you have the tether strap carefully attached to you as recommended per the manufacturer.
5. Stay On Sidewalks, Paths & Trails: It makes us cringe anytime we see a mom out jogging with her kids on major busy roads. We also worry even about back roads with a lot of bends, curves, and dips since they can make it difficult for drivers to see you. Always jog where there are sidewalks or a path especially for runners so you do not have to worry about oncoming traffic.
6. Practice Without the Child First: You’ll want to make sure you know exactly how to use your stroller without the baby before you go for that first jog. We recommend buckling in something similiar to the child’s weight to give you an idea of how much it will weight with the child in it. When you practice, make sure you know how to stop it safely and smoothly and feel comfortable in steering and pushing it before you strap your little one in. This way you’ll also be able to adjust the handle bars to make sure it’s at a comfortable height for you as well.
7. Remember the Weather: Prolonged exposure to the sun can cause sunburn and other weather elements might make it harder for your kids to enjoy the ride as well. Always put sunscreen on you and your kids, even if it is an overcast day and they do have a protective visor on the stroller. If you are jogging when it is cold, be sure they are properly bundled up. If it is below freezing, you may want to consider leaving them at home or finding an indoor track near you that you can use instead.
We hope you love exercising with your kids as much as we do and that it’s a safe experience for all of you. Do you have any other jogging stroller safety tips to share? We’d love to hear them in the comments below!
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[...] Also, bear in mind that weather is another factor to consider when jogging outdoors. Do not jog in high heat temperatures or extreme cold temperatures, as you greatly risk heat stroke in the summer months and frost bite in the winter months. Make sure you wear the appropriate clothing and follow the usual safety precautions for jogging. [...]