With an increase of active Moms and Dads a jogging stroller can be a great way to introduce exercise into your daily routine.  With so many jogging strollers on the market it can be a daunting task to find the right stroller that meets your needs.  One important thing to remember is that it is a piece of exercise equipment, so you definitely get what you pay for.

Here are some important things to consider when purchasing a jogging stroller:

Wheel Size:

Jogging strollers come in a variety of wheel sizes, here is a breakdown of the different wheels sizes and their functions:

Wheel Size Features & Benefits

20” & Larger Wheels

 Great for off road use, they offer less resistance, smooth glide, and makes it easier for the user to go up and down curbs and large obstacles.  Think the Jeep wrangler of strollers.

16” Wheels

 The best choice for most users, multipurpose, can handle all terrains, from going around town to handling off road tracks.

12” Wheels

 Generally used for very light or walking use, often these strollers are equipped with a front swivel wheel, which makes them more suitable for urban environments than a traditional jogging stroller.

Fixed Versus Swivel Wheel

Depending on your usage you will want to consider whether you want your stroller to have a swivel wheel or a fixed wheel. Also, if this is going to be your main stroller, you will definitely want it to have a swivel wheel.

Wheel Type Features & Benefits

Fixed Wheel

 Great for use on all terrains, including sand, rocky paths, fixed wheel is not that hard to maneuver once you get used to it.

Swivel Wheel

 Great for strolling in the mall, festivals, city streets. Easy maneuverability can turn on a dime.

Wheel Type & Rims

Pneumatic Tires: These are air filled tires that will give you a much smoother ride over a multitude of terrain than traditional solid tires.

Rim Type Features and Benefits
Aluminum Alloy Lighter and rust proof. Great for people who are using this stroller for running.
Polymer Not as light as alloy but will not rust more cost effective.

Chrome Steel

 Heavier,  prone to rust if not taken care of in salty environments, usually more cost effective, but if not taken care of will have to replace.

Shocks and Suspension

Shocks and absorbers will give your child a smoother more even ride when using the stroller.  This is important to consider if you want your child to nap while strolling in the stroller, also, if you plan on using it with small infants. (some manufactures do not recommend using these strollers for infants under 6 months of age).

Other Things to Consider:

Cup Holders and Trays: Very important to some people, some strollers do not come with this, some you must purchase as an additional accessory, which adds to the cost of the stroller.  Also, some strollers do not come with the tray for a child, not a big deal to me (none of the strollers I have owned had one), but if your child is dependent on one, this is something to consider.

Washable Seats: If you plan on using your stroller in a variety of conditions, for example, the beach, the woods, muddy terrain, snow, you will want a stroller that you can take the seat off and wash in a washing machine.

Brakes: More advanced jogging strollers will have a hand brake that is very similar to a bicycle brake in addition to a traditional stroller break.  This is a great safety feature to keep in mind when looking for a stroller if you plan on using it for heavy duty running.

Extra Accessories: Manufactures make a variety of accessories to maximize the use of your stroller such as bug shields, wind guards,  sun shields, stroller liners, and cup holders which you can add to increase the usefulness of your stroller.