Choosing a 3 Wheel Running Stroller
Strollers with larger wheels are designed to be used for running and provide a smoother ride than standard strollers. Some models are locked in front to keep you moving straight. Some models have an swivel feature to allow for better maneuverability.
The handlebar can be adjusted to three different heights for a comfortable hand placement when running. It also includes a brake in the center of the handlebar that our test participants found easy to use on difficult terrain.
Stroller Seat
As your baby grows from being a baby to toddler their needs change. Many toddlers at this age want to sit and watch the world. Since stroller rides are now longer than the quick out-and-back trips, you will need more storage for your diaper bags, toys, water bottles and snacks, as well as clothes.
You'll begin looking for strollers that offer more comfort. This means a comfortable seat that can handle the jogs and turns of jogging without causing harm to the rear of your child. It's best to find a model that can recline to a flat position, such as our top pick the Chicco Activ3 (which Jenni's 3-year-old loved). It's also simple to fold and features an excellent parking brake that stays put when it's activated.
With the purchase of an adapter the jogger stroller can even be transformed into an entire travel system. It also works with the Uppababy Mesa V2 Bassinet.
It is the most storage-friendly out of all our strollers. The basket is wide enough to hold a large shopping bag. And it has the easiest folding mechanism of any of our strollers, featuring the ability to fold with one hand on the seat.
It's also lightweight thanks to frames made of high-quality aluminum and flame-resistant fabrics that don't contain PFAS. And 3 wheel pushchair has an adjustable front- and rear-wheel suspension that can be locked straight to withstand the strain of jogging or adjusted to swivel to maneuver in tight spaces.
Another fantastic aspect is that the canopy has an open window on the top, which makes it easy to keep an eye on your little runner. It's also the cheapest of our top-rated strollers, priced at less than $300, which makes it a fantastic option for parents of all ages. Be aware of any height or weight restrictions for the car seat and stroller combination you pick as they will differ depending on each brand. Car stroller and car seat compatibility can also be affected by weather conditions, like extreme cold or extreme heat. So if you're planning to use the combo, test it before you go to ensure that everything functions as expected.
Stroller Frame
Stroller frames are a great option for parents who want the flexibility of a stroller, but have no need for a car seat. 3 wheeled pushchair are light and can be folded easily, making them perfect to store in the trunk of your car or in the garage. Many stroller frames come with a basket to store items or accessories such as an infant tray. They can also be used with stroller seat from other brands, or as a travel set when combined with a car seat for infants.
The best stroller frame is one that is durable that fits comfortably and securely, is easy to maneuver and comes with a spacious basket. It should fit into your lifestyle. Consider the amount of time you spend walking or running with your child. If you're a frequent runner, you'll need a sturdy stroller that can keep up with your speed and navigate difficult terrains. If you're a walker who is leisurely or a stroller with an adjustable handlebar will give you the comfort and ease of use you need.
We test each stroller on a variety of surfaces such as dirt, pavement and grass, gravel and bumpy concrete. We run with our kids (ages 9 months to 4 years old) and assess how comfortable they feel in the seat, how the harnesses and buckles keep them in the right position during runs, and how the suspension and wheels perform on rough surfaces. We also consider how quick and easy it is to set up, tear down and fold each stroller.
The Baby Jogger Urban Glide 3 stroller frame is a great choice for runners, as it is lightweight and has a large basket, and it rides smoothly. It is easy to maneuver but has a smaller turning radius than Alterrain or Thule Urban Glide. The front wheel can rotate, but we would prefer it to lock so it does not shift during runs.
The BOB Gear Wayfinder stroller is also an excellent jogging stroller. It has the most upright position of any jogging walker we've tried and can be completely flat for napping. The only drawback is that it takes a bit longer to unfold and fold than other strollers, taking 5 and 8 seconds respectively.
Stroller Handlebar
The handlebar is one of the most important parts of a stroller, especially for a stroller that runs. It should be comfortable to hold and positioned in the frame. It should also be easy to use, and have a variety options to allow parents to customize it to meet their specific needs.
For example some strollers come with a hand brake that can be turned off and on with a single click of a wrist. This is useful to slow down the stroller while jogging, running or walking. It can also help prevent accidents. Some models come with adjustable handlebar heights that can be adjusted for parents of different heights. They can be a tremendous aid for runners who struggle with bending over to take small steps.
The swivel wheels are an additional fantastic feature that allows you to move your stroller with ease in tight spaces such as parking lots or sidewalks or while you run around. This is a great feature if you live in a city in which there isn't much space for strollers.
Other features on the handlebars of strollers include a tether strap that will keep your child safely in the stroller, a lock to the front wheel to make it stable while running, and a padded five-point harness that snaps into place in the middle so parents don't have to wrestle with the shoulder straps or waist buckle. Also, seek out an ample storage basket and pockets on the canopy seat to keep your phone, keys and other items.
We search for strollers that are easy to take down and set up so that parents can get out of the door quickly and be on their way. Some strollers include a carry bag for easy storage and portability.
The best running strollers are designed to be practical and stylish. They are built with a sleek and contemporary aesthetic and are made from sturdy materials. They are light, easy to move and come in a variety of colors and patterns to ensure you find the perfect fit for your family's taste. There's also a range of accessories, such as car seat adapters as well as glider boards.
Stroller Canopy
The stroller canopy is a critical part of any stroller that runs that provides vital protection from UV rays to the infant passenger. The best models come with an expansive, sturdy cover with plenty of ventilation as well as a clear plastic peekaboo window that allows caregivers to observe the baby. The canopy can also be flipped backwards to provide easy access to the seat and it folds up by using one hand to store it.
Many of the best strollers for jogging have fixed front wheels, which permit better maneuverability when running and are more able to bounce off bumps than the swivel wheels on other strollers. If you run a lot in a hilly terrain, it may be worthwhile to consider one with hand brakes. The hand brake will help you stop the stroller when you are on an uphill slope or in traffic.
Another aspect to consider is the type of tires on your stroller. While the majority of the strollers we looked at feature pneumatic (air-filled) tires, there are some that utilize solid rubber tires. The rougher the tires, the better and offer less support to the user. Rubber can absorb heat from the sun and cause your child to burn or develop hot spots. Solid tires last longer than pneumatic tires, however you'll have to monitor their pressure on a regular basis and keep a pump handy.
Another feature you should look for in a stroller for running is the adjustable tracking on the front wheel. This feature lets you manually correct the directional veering while running on flat surfaces. This can make your run more enjoyable, and reduce fatigue. This feature is often found on the top strollers for jogging but it's not always.