Becoming a parent is often followed by decreased activity levels and unhealthy changes in diet. In fact, studies have shown a direct link between having children and an increased risk and likelihood of gaining weight and becoming overweight or obese, particularly among dads.
Plenty of parents - both mum and dad - say they want to lose weight and get healthier after having their child, and so the ability to fit in regular exercise around raising a child becomes a factor when searching for the best baby strollers.
So whether you want to start exercising after having a baby, or already exercise regularly and want to keep your activity levels up, a jogging stroller (also known as running stroller, jogging buggy or running buggy) is probably the ideal purchase.
Table Of Contents
Our top three jogging strollers
Jogging stroller features
When you put a jogging stroller next to a traditional stroller, it’s easy to spot the differences. Jogging strollers have an elongated frame and sit on three wheels, whereas traditional strollers tend to have shorter frames, sit more upright, and have four wheels.
If you look at them side on, a jogging stroller is more of a right-angled triangle whereas a traditional one is more square.
But there are plenty of other features that set them apart from each other.
Related: The 10 best travel system strollers (2023 buying guide)
We already know that jogging strollers have three wheels, but they’re almost always air-filled rubber tyres like you’d find on a bicycle. The two rear wheels are usually 2-4” inches larger than the front with a wheel lock for a fixed front wheel to prevent it swivelling around while running.
Any decent jogging stroller will have an all wheel suspension system to ensure a smooth ride for your little one over bumpy and uneven terrain. And some models will actually have an adjustable suspension system that allows you to switch from a softer ride for everyday use and a firmer rider for jogging.
All strollers have a brake to stop it rolling away, but jogging strollers often come with a deceleration brake. Because you’re pushing the stroller, it will carry its own kinetic energy even if you suddenly stop.Usually found on the handlebar as a pump brake (just like a bicycle) or a twist mechanism, these help to slow the stroller down as you move downhill or if you need to stop immediately in an emergency situation.
Almost every stroller in the world has adjustable handlebars, and almost every decent jogging stroller on the market has a single handlebar. While most extend outwards, jogging strollers tend to allow you to adjust the angle of the handlebar itself, allowing you to find the right position for your stride.
Most jogging strollers come with a wrist strap attached to a handlebar or the stroller’s frame. This should be used to stop the stroller getting away from you if unexpectedly slow down or trip.
It’s always essential to strap your child into any stroller with a safety harness. Jogging with a stroller does increase the risk of danger somewhat so it’s even more important for them to have a strong, secure five-point harness.
You’ll find that most jogging strollers have larger canopies than a lot of traditional strollers. They’re designed to offer extra protection to your child from the elements during a run. It does compromise their visibility but no one wants to see a little one’s eyes watering from the wind as you go for a sub-20 minute 5k!
The 10 best jogging strollers
Editor's Review
“Excellent pram. Folds super quickly and easily. Light weight makes it easy to push or jog with. Large wheels and suspension give it a nice ride and makes gutters and driveways a non-event. It is an excellent stroller.”
Our ‘best overall’ jogging stroller, the Baby Jogger Summit X3 offers an unrivalled combination of running performance and everyday usability. The all-wheel suspension offers a smooth ride whether you're pounding the streets on a run or out for a countryside walk. It features a bike-style brake handle that works brilliantly for decelerating downhill.
Suitable from - 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Class leading one-handed folding mechanism
All wheel suspension
Large UV50+ sun canopy and peekaboo window
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I use this stroller daily to walk/jog 5+ miles. It rolls easily and my pace per mile has improved since getting it. I use it mostly in a neighbourhood where it effortlessly glides over curbs, grass, and gravel.”
When it comes to pure running performance, there is none better than the Thule Glide 2 Performance. And you will pay a premium for that performance. Known as the ‘Ferrari of jogging strollers’, It only misses out on the ‘best overall’ label because that fixed front wheel makes it very tricky to use as your everyday stroller. The large wheels and excellent suspension gives your little one a lovely, smooth ride, while it’s almost effortless to push along as you run.
Suitable from - 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Fixed front wheel with adjustable tracking for optimal running performance
Twist handle braking
Ergonomic adjustable handlebar
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I bought this stroller to do easy, slow pace runs every now and then. It is SOOO easy to turn and manoeuvre, like I barely have to push with one hand while running. My daughter loves riding in it and has a great foot rest and large snack tray.”
A jogging stroller for just over £80 ($100) - it’s got to be bad, right? Well, you’d be surprised! The Baby Trend Expedition actually performs better than a lot of rivals that cost two, three or even maybe even four times more. Despite the lack of suspension, it copes well with bumpy surfaces and offers a comfortable and smooth ride. And at less than 11kg (24lbs) it’s one of the lightest on the market, making it nimble to manoeuvre and easy to use on a daily basis. It’s easy to see why this is an Amazon's Choice product and bestseller.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Extra large storage space
Lightweight frame
Narrow wheelbase
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“Good stroller for the price… and okay for running. But the sunshade doesn’t go down far enough and the cup depths of the parent holder could be much deeper. Can barely fit anything in it without them falling out.”
Known for delivering decent quality at very reasonable prices, Graco’s FastAction Jogger LX is no different. At less than £160 ($200), it’s definitely at the cheaper end of the market, but it does tell in the overall quality. There’s no suspension system, it can be heavy and cumbersome to manoeuvre, and it seems to pull to the right at higher speeds. It’s a reasonable option if you’re using it as an everyday stroller with occasional running on a tight budget, but more serious runners should consider other products.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
‘One-second, one-hand FastAction’ fold
Easy to convert to car seat stroller
Parent and child storage trays included
PROS
CONS
5. Chicco TRE
Editor's Review
“This product is nice for jogging as it moves smoothly on the road where I primarily run. It’s not as good as I thought it would be on dirt and trails.”
Chicco TRE sits in the mid-range bracket for both price and performance. It certainly offers better ride quality than budget alternatives thanks to its adjustable FlexCore suspension system, but certainly doesn’t match up to the more expensive options. It has an extra large sun canopy that beats nearly every jogging stroller and good ventilation. It doesn’t offer a lot of room for longer strides, however, because of its more upright shape. For the price, it’s hard not to want to stump up the extra £80 ($100) for the Baby Jogger Summit X3, or even go for the cheaper Baby Trend Expedition.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Adjustable FlexCore suspension
One-hand fold
Fully extendable sun canopy
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“This stroller is very affordable and I love the multiple seat options. But there are a few things that remind me of its affordability. The front wheel will get stuck pointing to the side and make it hard to manoeuvre.”
The Graco Modes Joggers 2.0 is probably more of an everyday stroller that can be used for occasional jogging, rather than a jogging stroller that can be used as an everyday stroller. With seven different seating positions (including forward and rear facing), it has versatility that no other jogging stroller can offer. However, there’s only suspension on the front wheel and plenty of parents report issues with the front wheel locking unexpectedly.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the optional car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Seven seat positions
Adjustable calf support
Self-standing fold
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“I love this stroller! It's good on grass, gravel, bumpy terrain, and of course a smooth ride for everyday things like shopping.
The Cross-Country Sport Plus is Jeep’s attempt at bringing their off-road expertise to the world of infant strollers. At the budget end of the market, costing £160 ($200), it offers decent performance on all terrains despite the lack of suspension system. It comes with car seat adapters, a detachable changing bag, and fabric parent tray as standard - perhaps making it more suited to everyday use with occasional use for jogging.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 20kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the optional car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Adjustable handlebar
Compatible with several brand of car seats
Large, quilted sun canopy with peekaboo window
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“So far, so good. The manoeuvrability is excellent and very smooth. Folding is easy. I am less thrilled with the way the stroller frame partially blocks access to the basket, but it’s a drawback I can live with.”
At £240 ($300), the Joovy Zoom360 is at the upper end of the budget options. And the extra £80 ($100) is certainly reflected in the overall performance. At less than 12kg (27lbs), it’s one of the lightest jogging strollers available making it light and responsive to steer on bumpy terrains or hitting the shops.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 34kg (10-11 years), but can be used from birth with the optional car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Spring-loaded brake mechanism
High seat position
Lightweight frame
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“The stroller is great, I’ve had other BOBs in the past and haven’t been disappointed.”
The BOB Gear Alterrain Pro is one of the leading jogging strollers on the market. The unique SmoothShox Suspension System sits on the frame of the stroller rather than the wheels, and offers a brilliantly smooth ride on any surface. Coupled with the ultra padded seat, and your little one will be comfortable no matter the terrain. It is considerably heavier than its rivals, however, so it can feel tougher to push on a run.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years), but can be used from birth with the optional carrycot or car seat
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
SmoothShox Suspension System (sits on the bottom of the frame, rather than the wheels)
Deceleration handlebar brake
Ultra reflective materials (Lunar design option)
PROS
CONS
Editor's Review
“This is the best money I’ve ever spent. It’s versatile, easy to use, easy to push, well made and overall a good product. It was so easy to install on my bike and easy to switch between a trailer and a stroller. Worth every penny!”
For super active parents who do a variety of sports and activities, look no further than the Thule Chariot Cross. This multisport trailer can be used as an everyday stroller and a bike trailer as standard, while the jogging kit (£130/$160) and ski kit (£350/440) do cost extra. Starting at around £1,000 ($1,250) for the stroller itself, it’s certainly expensive. But there are few that can match its versatility.
Suitable from: 6 months* to 22kg (4-5 years)
*Although it can be used as a stroller from 6 months, it should not be used for jogging until they are 9-12 months oldKey features
Multisport conversion
Weatherproof seating
Adjustable suspension system
PROS
CONS
How to run with a jogging stroller
The first thing to note is that experts warn against using the stroller for jogging until your baby is at least nine months old, while some brands will recommend 12 months. This is to allow baby enough time for their head and neck muscles to develop enough to cope with the bumps.
When the time comes, however, you’ll probably find it’s an odd experience running with a stroller. It’s definitely harder - most of us typically use our arms to help propel us forward, and so running with a stroller can certainly feel harder and unnatural.
There’s no particular right or wrong way to run with a jogging stroller. Some people think it’s easier to run with two hands on the stroller, while others will just use one so that they have at least one arm to propel them. Some one-hand runners will swear by sticking with the same hand on the stroller, while others prefer to swap hands periodically - although this can get fiddly trying to swap the wrist strap between your hands.
The more you use a jogging stroller, the more you’ll find your preferred way of running with it and a comfortable rhythm that suits your running style.
Things to consider when buying a jogging stroller
Use
Perhaps the first thing to consider when buying a jogging stroller is how you plan to use it. If you also want to use it as your everyday stroller, there are some things to be aware of.
Nearly every jogging stroller on the market is sold as just that, a jogging stroller. While most have the capability to hold an infant car seat or a carrycot, they’re almost never included in the price and need to be purchased separately.
If you are looking for daily use, look out for an adjustable suspension system and a lockable front wheel. The adjustable suspension will ensure a smooth ride over smooth or bumpy terrain. And some strollers are designed purely for jogging, so the front wheel remains fixed at all times - which makes it useless for the day-to-day.
Budget
Most jogging strollers start at around £400/$400, while premium ones might cost you £700-800/$700-800. But you can get more budget alternatives starting from around £200/$200.
However, those prices almost never include the carrycot, car seat and car seat adapters you’ll need if you want to use it as your everyday stroller from birth.
Take the Thule Glide 2, for example. It starts at £650 in the UK for the stroller alone. The carrycot/bassinet adds an extra £250, another £70 for universal car adapters, £110 for a footmuff (to keep little one warm), £25 for a bottle cage, £45 for a rain cover, and £35 for a bumper bar.
That all comes to nearly £1,200… and that’s not even including the car seat itself.
Size and weight
Because of their elongated frames and larger wheels, jogging strollers are much bigger and heavier than their everyday counterparts.
While these are certainly factors designed to make the running experience as good as possible, it does make the day-to-day use a bit more of a struggle. They don’t fold down as small as everyday or lightweight strollers and are harder to lift into car boots.
Most jogging strollers tend to weigh 24-42lbs (10-20kg), with the wheels ranging from 12-16” at the front, and 14-18” at the rear. Some jogging strollers won’t fold fully with the wheels attached, so it may also take extra time and effort to store it away or fit into smaller car boots.
More than one child?
Yes, you can indeed buy double jogging strollers. However, they’re a lot bigger and heavier to push, carry and store away. The good thing, though, is that many can still convert for two car seats or carrycots.
Good luck trying to fit it in your small hatchback!
FAQs
How much does a good stroller cost?
Most tend to cost at least £400/$400 for just the jogging stroller, while market leaders can cost upwards of £600.
Can I use an ordinary stroller for jogging?
No, you shouldn’t use an ordinary stroller for jogging. The air-filled rubber tryes, fixed front wheel and suspension system are all designed to make the ride smoother and safer for your little one, absorbing the lumps and bumps along the way.
Plus, the shape of the chassis is designed to be more aerodynamic to make it easier for you to run with, as well as give you more room to get into your running stride.
Can I run with a double stroller?
As long as it’s a double jogging stroller, absolutely!
When can you start running with a jogging stroller?
Most experts recommend waiting until your baby is at least nine months old before taking them for a run, while some suggest it’s best to wait until 12 months. This is to allow for proper head and neck development that will enable their body to cope with the bumps they’ll experience.
