With the number of stroller choices on the market today, parents sometimes need a guide to help them make a good choice when it comes to the purchase of a jogging stroller. A Baby Jogging Stroller Buying Guide will help answer some of the common questions on what to look for before making your purchase.

Safety Features to look for before you purchase your Jogging Stroller

Safety is one of the most important features to consider:

1. Always look for strollers with a five-point safety harness system and one that cannot be unbuckled by your child.
2. Check the stability of the stroller, you don’t want a stroller that will tip over if your child leans over in it.
3. Look for any reports of sharp corners or pinch points.
4. Make sure the stroller is sturdy and has a locking mechanism for the wheels. You don’t want it to roll away from you when you stop for a rest. Some strollers also include a wrist strap that attaches to the stroller for added safety.
5. Hand brakes are another great safety feature to look for.

Features to consider before you buy a jogging stroller

Lifestyle, comfort and stability are important factors for joggers pushing a stroller. Here are some important things to consider.

1. Is the stroller sturdy
2. Is it comfortable to push and does it glide with ease
3. Will it fit in your trunk or the back of your SUV easily
4. Does it fold easily – some jogging strollers do not fold easily at all and are difficult to maneuver.
5. Is it heavy and will you be able to lift it in and out of your car with ease
6. Does it have an all terrain suspension system – you don’t want your kids to feel every bump when you take walks or runs, especially going over rough terrain.
7. Does it have a good canopy – Will the canopy cover your child enough to keep the sun out, is the canopy adjustable.
8. Is there a wind and weather shield – also known as a rain shield with a large clear plastic center that lets you see your baby easily to keep an eye on them.
9. Does the stroller have storage areas for a diaper bag, a wallet, car keys, your cell phone and a water bottle.
10. Will the handle adjust in height? Is it padded for extra comfort.

Which Stroller type is right for you?

Your lifestyle choices should help you to narrow down the stroller that is right for you. Some parents buy a jogging stroller because of its looks, name brand, features or color and that’s okay, but make sure the jogging stroller you end up with also fits your lifestyle and needs. Take the time to think about how you will enjoy and use your new stroller.

1. Will you use it for jogging and running
2. Do you run on rough terrain
3. Will you use it while shopping at the mall or grocery store
4. Do you plan to use it for casual walks in the park
5. Will you need to load and unload it into a vehicle often
6. Will you need to take along a number of items which will need storage areas

Swivel wheel jogging strollers work better for indoor areas like malls, in houses, restaurants and maneuvering around tighter places, because the wheels swivel in any direction.

Fixed wheel jogging strollers are better if you plan on using your stroller for jogging or running. The larger tires, usually 16 to 20 inches handle better for these activities. If you plan to take your stroller on dirt trails, a thicker knobby tire, designed for off-road is needed plus a good suspension system, which is common with jogging strollers.

Will you need to load and unload your stroller into a car or SUV every time you use it? Then a Lightweight Stroller will be an smart decision along with the ability to fold the stroller with ease. Schwinn Strollers are very good for an easy to fold stroller. Finding a stroller which folds easily with even one hand will be a relief. Remember, you want your stroller to be functional and easy to use, if lifting and folding becomes a difficult task, you may soon be looking for a new stroller.

Many people actually purchase two strollers, a lightweight or standard stroller for everyday use and shopping plus a jogging stroller for daily exercise. But some prefer to have just one stroller for all their daily activities. Knowing how you will use your stroller and finding the features to fit your needs will make all the difference in you and your baby's enjoyment with your new stroller.