5 Best Jogging Strollers for Runners, Tested by Active Moms

In a nutshell:
Based on first-hand product testing and advice from five experts, we chose the Thule Urban Glide 3 as the overall best jogging stroller for flat terrain and the BOB Gear Wayfinder Jogging Stroller as the overall best jogging stroller for rough terrain. The Thule Urban Glide 3 stood out for its nearly effortless glide and easy maneuverability. Meanwhile, the BOB Gear Wayfinder impressed us with its rugged build, exceptional suspension system and smooth ride on uneven paths.

As a mom of four, I’ve spent the past several years running with my little ones in a jogging stroller as a way to stay active and improve my overall health. From 5Ks and 10Ks to my current half-marathon training, I’ve logged countless miles behind a jogging stroller. After all, the best jogging strollers are designed to not only keep kids secure and comfortable while parents work up a sweat, but crucially, they also make it easy to navigate roads, trails and more at both leisurely and quick paces.

“Based on my personal experience, the right jogging stroller has to be a good fit for you and your child so that you both look forward to using it,” says The Bump contributor Korin Miller, a mom of four and experienced distance runner. Anne B., a fellow runner and mom of one, adds, “Once we found the right stroller for running, it truly made all the difference in maintaining an active lifestyle as a parent. No matter how our day has gone, we always look forward to our afternoon stroll or jog as a way to enjoy the fresh air and get some exercise before the day’s end.”

To help you find the right jogging stroller for your needs, six families and I put the most highly rated jogging strollers to the test to determine the best for a variety of terrains, lifestyles and budgets.

How We Tested and Chose the Best Jogging Strollers

The Bump editors conducted extensive research to identify 14 of the top-rated jogging strollers on the market. Carefully reviewing product features, specs and parent feedback to identify which strollers were particularly good for specific uses, we then created a shortlist of nine standout products to test. From there, we did the following:

• Over three and a half weeks, I tested three jogging strollers with my 14-month-old and 4-year-old while going on daily runs, jogs and walks over various terrains. I also incorporated them into everyday errands to evaluate their performance as regular strollers. Then, I evaluated each based on its quality as a jogger on rough terrain, on smooth terrain or as a general all-terrain stroller, as well as its folding/unfolding functionality, ease of use, features, design and style, and value for money.
• We enlisted the help of six other families who used top-rated jogging strollers with their children on runs, jogs and walks across a range of terrains to ensure we had the best sense of how these strollers perform in a variety of situations. They then evaluated their strollers on the same criteria listed above.
• We interviewed a postnatal fitness expert, a child product safety expert, two pediatricians and an engineer with expertise on how jogging strollers impact running form. This way, we could better understand exactly what casual and serious runners should look for in jogging strollers, and how and when to safely run with baby.
• When choosing which running strollers to feature in this roundup, we considered several factors, such as dimensions (folded and unfolded), product weight, weight capacity, wheel size and adjustable tracking, to name a few.
• To see how these strollers worked for a range of families, we conducted intensive market research, analyzing feedback from forums and message boards to see what parents thought of each stroller. We also took a deep dive into user reviews, taking note of any challenges other parents experienced, as well as where they thought these strollers stood out.

Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read more about how The Bump develops our product reviews.

Best Jogging Strollers

What to Look for in a Jogging Stroller

“There are a lot of jogging stroller options,” says Lentini. “It’s important to consider how you intend to use your stroller. Are you buying a jogging stroller because you’re a serious distance runner? Are you an occasional jogger? Are you just looking for something that is more maneuverable when you are off-road or in the park? These usage scenarios inform how robust your stroller needs to be to work well for you.”

When it comes to finding the right stroller to run with, there are some essential features that every jogging stroller should have, whether you’re a casual jogger or a dedicated runner, including:

• Five-point safety harness. Your child must be safely strapped in before you go out for a walk or run. A five-point harness, which restrains your child at the shoulders and hips, “will keep your baby securely in the seat,” says Daniel Ganjian, MD, a board-certified pediatrician at Providence Saint John’s Health Center in Santa Monica, California. This is an essential feature, particularly if you plan on running downhill or over rough terrain. “Harnessing your child in a jogging stroller is so important,” Lentini agrees.
• Wrist strap. “Parent wrist straps are a feature that can help to prevent accidental stroller runaway,” says Lentini. A wrist strap tethers you to the stroller, so baby won’t separate from you as you fly like the wind!
• An easy-to-access brake. As well as a well-positioned foot brake, many jogging strollers have a hand brake on the handlebar. This allows for controlled deceleration when you’re really in your stride.
• A front wheel that locks. Unlike a regular stroller, which needs to swivel for sharp turns, say, in the grocery store, a jogging stroller requires its front wheel to lock in a forward position when on a jog, so it doesn’t vibrate or accidentally slip to the right or left. A few jogging strollers, purely designed for running, have a fixed front wheel.
• A comfortable seat. A deep, reclining seat is a must. After all, if baby’s not happy and relaxed, you’ll have to cut your run short.
• Sun canopy. The warmer months are ideal for outdoor exercise, but it’s important to protect your little ones from UV rays year-round. “A large adjustable canopy for your child is nice for protecting your child from the sun or rain,” Sara Haley, a mom of four and an ACE-certified postnatal exercise specialist, says. Moreover, you shouldn’t use an alternative like a blanket. “The blanket can trap heat and put baby at risk for overheating and heat-related illnesses,” warns Maneesha Agarwal, MD, a pediatrician and member of the American Academy of Pediatrics Council on Injury, Violence and Poison Prevention.

Extra features to consider if you’re an avid runner

In addition to the basic features every runner values in a jogging stroller, there are some extra elements designed specifically for avid runners. “If you’re running a lot of miles each week, it’s worth paying closer attention to your posture and making sure your stroller setup supports healthy movement,” says Joseph Mahoney, a department chair of engineering and professor of mechanical engineering at Alvernia University. Alongside his research partner, Allison Altman-Singles, MD, an associate professor of kinesiology and mechanical engineering at Penn State Berks, he has been studying the effects of jogging strollers on running form and impact forces for the past four years. With that in mind, regular runners should look for the following:

• An adjustable handlebar. Building on Mahoney’s advice, you shouldn’t have to bend or stretch awkwardly as you go; pushing should be effortless, so you can focus on your run. An adjustable handlebar, or one that happens to be the perfect height for you, helps with this.
• All-terrain tires and suspension. A jogging stroller needs to have robust wheels built for gliding over tricky terrain, especially if you plan to run off-path. This, combined with shock-absorbing suspension, “will help to smooth out the ride for your baby,” Ganjian says. Most models have three large air-filled or solid rubber tires with built-in suspension that absorb shocks and operate much like those on a bicycle. Haley agrees: “You want a comfortable ride for baby, but [the suspension] will also affect you as the runner/walker while you’re running, especially over rougher terrain.” If you’re using air-filled tires, Agarwal reminds parents to check that they’re properly inflated before a run, just as you would a bicycle or car.
• Adjustable wheel tracking. Some jogging strollers enable you to manually adjust the wheel tracking, so you can easily fix a front wheel that’s pulling or straying to one side. This is particularly important when running on flat surfaces.

After the birth of my second child, I purchased a very basic jogging stroller to use on the occasional run, not knowing if I would enjoy it or stay consistent enough to justify the additional cost of a higher-quality stroller. While it met all my family’s basic needs and served us well for that first year, I ultimately decided to upgrade once runs had become longer and a regular part of my routine. If you’re just starting out, don’t feel like you need to invest in a top-of-the-line jogging stroller right away. Start with a stroller that meets your basic needs and budget, then upgrade as needed.

When Can You Run With Baby?

Before you chart out a daily route, know that you can’t just head out for a jog on day one with a newborn. Agarwal told us, “We typically recommend that parents wait until the baby is 6 months old before using a jogging stroller for running. Babies have relatively large heads and poor neck musculature, meaning they could suffer injury with all the jostling around involved with riding in a jogging stroller. If the baby was born prematurely, parents should use 6 months from the expected due date.”

To run with a jogging stroller, baby needs to be able to sit up, which usually happens between 6 and 8 months old, although it can be later for some children. Lentini cautions that you should always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for minimum age, weight, height and developmental stages when using a product, but agrees that “most babies develop enough control for jogging between 6 to 8 months.” Prior to this, infants haven’t developed adequate head and neck strength to withstand the bumps in the road.

You can still walk with baby in a jogging stroller before the six-month mark, especially since many models are compatible with an infant car seat. Speaking from personal experience, I’ve logged some serious miles walking with my little ones while they slumbered in their car seats, thanks to jogging stroller adapters. Then, when baby is old enough, remove the car seat, and you’re both ready to kick up the speed. Before your first run, Agarwal suggests that parents practice using the stroller without baby “to make sure they are comfortable with the stroller, its mechanics and how it impacts running mechanics.” Lastly, once you get moving, always remember to periodically check on baby to ensure they’re comfortable.

What’s the Correct Way to Run with a Jogging Stroller?

Running with a jogging stroller can take some getting used to, but with the right approach, it can be an enjoyable experience for both parent and baby. “Your form does change when you run with a stroller,” explains Mahoney. “In our research, we saw that runners naturally leaned farther forward and bent more at the knees and ankles than they would without a stroller,” Mahoney told us. “That forward lean might feel natural, [but] it can subtly throw off your balance and increase the risk of injury if you’re not careful.” To minimize strain, he advises that runners pay attention to their posture and use a stroller with adjustable handlebars to help keep the chest and spine more upright as they run. “The right handlebar height can make a big difference; it keeps you from hunching and helps you run more naturally,” he explains.

Mahoney reveals that their upcoming research will explore the impact of running one-handed versus two-handed. Although the study is still in its early stages, he believes there could be advantages to alternating between the two styles. “When you push with both hands, your arm swing and torso rotation are limited, and we found this could increase twisting in the foot, possibly raising the risk of stress fractures.” To counter this, Mahoney advises running one-handed from time to time to allow your body to move more naturally and reduce that twisting motion. “We recommend pushing with one hand and switching hands frequently to maintain as much symmetry as possible,” he says.

Interestingly, running with a jogging stroller may also come with some unexpected benefits. According to Mahoney, it may reduce impact on the feet, since the stroller supports some of the body weight. This reduction may be linked to a decrease in the risk of some overuse injuries. That said, Mahoney explains that the effects, whether positive or negative, are probably small for casual runners, but it’s essential to pay attention to your form if you’re clocking serious miles.

About the writer:
Jennifer Wirth is a freelance writer and editor based in Indiana. As a mom of four (between the ages of one and 15) and an experienced distance runner, she enjoys exploring all things baby, postpartum, parenting and fitness. When she’s not writing or testing the newest baby gear, you can most likely find Jennifer hitting the pavement for a run with her youngest in tow or cheering for her kids at one of their many sporting events.

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Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.