Stroller Safety Tips

Make sure your baby is old enough.

Remember it is not safe to run with a child under six months in a jogging stroller unless your stroller has a car seat adapter. Using the jogging stroller with the car seat means that the baby's head and neck will be supported.

Car Seat Adaptors

Lock the front wheel.

Some jogging strollers have a fixed front wheel, while others have a switch that allows you to lock and unlock the wheel. When you're running with the stroller, it is safest to lock the front wheel in place. This will prevent the stroller from turning suddenly.

Pack your stroller wisely.

Most jogging strollers have a basket underneath, as well as other compartments or holders, so there should have plenty of room for things you might need during your run. You may want to pack diapers, wipes, lots of water , snacks and a toy or book to entertain your child.

Handlebar Consoles

Protect your child from the elements.

Remember that you will warm up when running, but your child will not so make sure to dress them warmly in cooler weather. If it is cold and windy, you may want to use a weather shield for your stroller. On warm days, make sure your child is not overdressed and protect with sunscreen and a sun shield if desired. Limit your runs to shorter ones on very cold or very hot days.

Sun/weather shields

Strap your child in with the full harness.

The harness will protect your child from falling out or shaking around too much.Even if you are not moving very quickly, the harness will prevent your child from reaching out and getting their fingers caught in the wheels.

Avoid running near cars as much as possible.

It is a good idea to run in parks, on bike paths or in other areas where the roads are closed to traffic.

Schedule runs wisely.

Before nap-time is often a good time for a run because the movement may get your child sleepy. It is not a good idea to try to run right before a meal, when your child will be hungry and may not want to sit in the stroller.

Don't take your hands off the stroller.

It may be tempting to push your stroller a little and let it go, so you can run hands-free, but that is not a good idea. The stroller could easily get away from you, which is unsafe for your child and anyone else around you.

Don't expect to run at your usual pace.

You can expect your pace to be at least one minute per mile slower than your normal pace. Good news is that you are  burning more calories with your effort and doing some resistance training, so no need to worry about the slower pace. In addition, you'll find that the more you run with the stroller, the easier it will be.

Be in control of your stroller.

You should never be going so fast that you couldn't stop the jogging stroller if needed. Control your momentum so you are always in control of the stroller.