There’s a variety of stroller options available for babies, but how do you know which is the right one for you? Whether you enjoy a family walk through the neighborhood or are training for a marathon — this article highlights the best jogging strollers for a smooth ride.
Jogging strollers are known for their ability to handle some rough terrain, weather and simply outperform a standard stroller. However, they’re not for everyone.
Benefits of a Jogging Stroller
You might be wondering, are jogging strollers worth it? They are. Here are a few benefits of using a jogging stroller that many parents enjoy:
- You can run, jog, or walk with a jogging stroller
- They’re generally very easy to maneuver
- They have great storage options
- Provide a smoother ride
- Some can accommodate a baby’s car seat
Though jogging strollers are generally large and bulkier than regular strollers, the benefit of having a stroller you can be physically active with and not struggle to push around is a big win.
At What Age Can You Use a Jogging Stroller?
Because of how jogging strollers are designed, many experts do not suggest using a jogging stroller for your baby until they are at least six months old or have full head/neck control. This is because many jogging strollers didn’t recline back far enough to provide a flat space for babies. They also couldn’t hold the baby’s car seat (similar to the way traditional strollers do).
The good news, however, is that jogging strollers have come a long way. Many have now been designed with young babies in mind. Meaning they can accommodate the baby’s car seat or even provide a near-flat recline.
Are Jogging Strollers Good for Everyday Use?
Jogging strollers are great for everyday use. However, you’ll want to list out all of the reasons for wanting one to prevent paying for all the extra specs, bells, and whistles if you don’t need them. With a jogging stroller, you’ll be able to rest assured that your baby will be safe and comfortable across all types of terrain.
What to Look for When Shopping for a Jogging Stroller?
When it comes to shopping for a jogging stroller, these are non-negotiable areas you will want to pay attention to.
Safety Harness
Your jogging stroller should have a 5-point harness secured into the seat. The 5-point harness is essential to prevent children (especially small babies) from slipping out of their seats, which could lead to some severe injuries. Even if it’s tempting to get a stroller without this feature, we always advise choosing an option that put’s your baby’s safety first. If you’re checking the stroller out in person, play around with the buckle. See how easy or hard it is to fasten/unfasten. You’ll want a harness that has a secure buckle but that you can unfasten quickly if needed for an emergency.
Handle & Leash
If you plan to take your jogging stroller out for a run, you’ll want to ensure your stroller is equipped with a handle leash or wrist wrap to prevent your stroller from getting away from you while running.
Stroller Weight
Jogging strollers are not known for being lightweight, which is why you’ll want to get a model that isn’t too heavy for you to handle. Jogging up a hill with a big stroller plus your baby in the seat can be dangerous and, honestly, exhausting. Give the models you’re interested in a push around the store, or text some friends to see if you can use their stroller for a bit of a trial run. Most jogging strollers weigh somewhere between 22lbs to 45lbs, which is a pretty wide range to choose from.
Brake
You should always make sure your stroller brake is working efficiently before taking it for a spin with your baby inside. If you’re planning to run, a handlebar brake is easier to control. If you plan to use it for more everyday use, a foot brake will still get the job done safely.
Stroller Canopy
Many jogging strollers have incredible weatherproof features, like the canopy to protect your baby from rain or the bright sunshine. Some canopies are larger than others, so make sure you get one that can protect your baby from the weather conditions that your living area is most prone to having.
Reclining Seat/ Car Seat Compatability
If you are planning to use your jogging stroller with a baby less than six months of age (or who doesn’t have full head/neck control), you will need to make sure your stroller explicitly states it can hold your baby’s car seat or provide a full recline to keep baby safe. Always check the specifications provided by the brand first.
Best Jogging Strollers for Baby
After comparing parent reviews and doing our own thorough research on each of these strollers, we’ve compiled our favorite jogging strollers that made our Chick Picks below.
Best Overall Jogging Stroller: BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0
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There’s a good reason the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 has made it to the top of multiple lists boasting their “best jogging stroller” time and time again. This stroller is safe, durable and features a mountain bike-like suspension system to minimize any sort of bumpy or rough terrain.
Another favorite feature is their adjustable handlebar. It allows for nine different adjustments — making it perfect for tall or short parents. For parents with young babies, this stroller is compatible with a variety of car seats which you can find listed out here on their website.
Why We Love It:
- Easy to adjust 5 point harness
- Travels smooth on rough terrain
- Contains a large underneath storage basket
- Nine-position adjustable handlebar
- Accommodates specific infant car seats
- 360-swiveling front wheel making turns effortless
Parent’s Thoughts: This jogger has some cool features like zip pockets for small storage and extra seat padding to ensure the baby’s safety. It’s on the bulkier side, but the safety features and smooth ride make it worthwhile.
Best Lightweight Jogging Stroller: Baby Trend Expedition Lightweight Stroller
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The Baby Trend Expedition Lightweight Stroller truly lives up to its name. It’s not only lightweight and easily maneuverable, but it’s also one of the more budget-friendly options. This jogger boasts a weatherproof canopy to protect your child from stormy weather, a parent tray for cups or small objects, and an extra soft handlebar for the most comfort when pushing your child around in the stroller all day.
Why We Love It:
- 5 point harness
- Lightweight (despite having a lower weight capacity)
- Easy to fold
- A lockable front wheel that swivels for ease of maneuverability
- A great budget-friendly option for everyday use
Parent’s Thoughts: Having a compact stroller that’s easy to fold and set up is a dream. Though it has a reduced weight capacity of only 50 pounds, its ease of use makes it great for everyday use.
Best Double Jogging Stroller: BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 Duallie
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Similar to the BOB Gear Revolution FLEX 3.0, this double seat jogger steals the show with its innovative design for everyday use or rough rocky terrain. Your little ones can sit side by as they enjoy a pleasant scenic stroll as you prepare for your next 10k. And don’t worry, the BOB Revolution FLEX 3.0 Duallie won’t just keep your kids comfortable, it’ll bring you in for the smoothest stroller pushin’ you’ve ever experienced.
Why We Love It:
- Easy to adjust 5 point harness
- Travels smooth on rough terrain despite being a double seat stroller
- Nine-position adjustable handlebar
- Peek-a-boo windows to easily see children seated in the stroller
- One-handed recline seat adjustment
- 360-swiveling front wheel making turns effortless
- Accommodates specific infant car seats
Parent’s Thoughts: We love using a stroller that puts our children’s safety of such high priority. It glides like a dream, making a double stroller push feel as if you were only pushing one child!
Best Compact Jogging Stroller: BOB Gear Rambler Jogging Stroller
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The BOB Gear Rambler stroller is one of Bob’s most compact strollers. Considering BOB is a reliable brand chosen by many runners and active living parents, it’s no surprise this compact stroller is one of our favorite Chick Picks! With its compact size, you can easily navigate a crowded shopping center and take it straight for a nice long jog afterward.
Why We Love It:
- Easy to adjust 5 point harness
- Mountain bike-style suspension for a smooth ride on all terrain
- Compact enough to fold and fit in most common small sedans
- Has an extra-large UPF 50+ canopy for sun protection
- Uses small 12” high impact wheels without compromising performance
Parent’s Thoughts: This small, compact, and reliable jogging stroller is what families are missing! Enjoy going on adventures with your little ones, knowing they’ll have a comfortable place to ride, and you won’t break your back folding it up for next time.
Best All-Terrain Jogging Stroller: Thule Urban Glide 2
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If you’re looking for an All-Terrain jogger that doesn’t sacrifice its performance, Thule Urban Glide 2 is for you. This jogger is quickly becoming a fan favorite amongst many active living parents, and they’re not wrong for loving it. From its easy to maneuver lightweight design to its one-of-a-kind twist hand brake to make hilly navigation a breeze — this stroller is nothing shy of innovative.
Why We Love It:
- Padded 5-point harness and integrated ventilation in the seating area
- Precisional glide over all types of terrain
- Simple one-handed fold and compact storing
- Option to add on Thule Bassinet for infants
- Large cargo basket with zip-top cover to keep items secure and safe
Parent’s Thoughts: This is a great quality stroller that the kids will just fall asleep in because it rides so smoothly. It is a bit wider than other jogging strollers, making using it in stores or tight spaces tricky. However, it folds up rather compact and easy.
Most Affordable Jogging Stroller: Graco Modes 2.0 Jogging Stroller
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Graco does it again. Being one of the most dominating brands in the baby product industry, it’s no surprise they were able to create an affordable jogging stroller that performs well. Is it the best jogging stroller out there? No. Is it a great option for those on a tighter budget? It sure is! The Graco Modes 2.0 Jogger features their convenient FastAction fold, a large UV 50 sun protective canopy, and smooth air-filled tires for a comfortable ride. Some things to keep in mind, despite this being an excellent budget-friendly pick, it does run on the bulkier side and doesn’t seem to have quite as robust of a suspension system as the other strollers mentioned on this list.
Why We Love It:
- Great budget-friendly option
- Convertible 3 and 5 point harness to grow with your child
- Is compatible with their Graco SnugLock Infant Carseats
Parent’s Thoughts: It’s nice to know there are budget-friendly options out there when it comes to jogging strollers. However, when compared to some of the top-performing brands, this stroller sets itself apart in that it just doesn’t come near the same performance. It does have some cool features like the infant car seat compatibility and the easy fold, but if you’re looking for a true jogging stroller — this might not be the stroller for you.
Best Hybrid Jogging Stroller: Baby Jogger Summit X3
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Ready, set, go — with the Baby Jogger Summit X3 that outperforms other strollers on any terrain. Avid runners LOVE this stroller. With its smooth maneuverability, near-flat seat recline, and for all our Disney lovers out there, it also meets Disney stroller size requirements.
Why We Love It:
- The best combination stroller/jogger
- A simple flip lever to lock/unlock the front wheel
- One-handed easy fold
- Limited lifetime frame warranty
- Handlebar brake control
- Supports children up to 75lbs
Parent’s Thoughts: The handbrake on this stroller is out of this world — parents have never felt more safe and comfortable going for a jog with their children than they have with the Baby Jogger Summit X3.
Best Eco-Friendly Jogging Stroller: Bumbleride Speed Jogging Stroller
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Bumblerides’ Speed Jogging Stroller took a unique approach to its build. Though it doesn’t have nearly the impressive shock system as some of the other strollers on this list, its eco-friendly frame (with 25% of the frame components coming from ocean plastics) was built to absorb some of that rough terrain to still be able to produce a smooth ride.
Why We Love It:
- Ecofriendly: using fabric made from 100% recycled PET* & OEKO-TEX certified + 25% ocean plastic frame components + durable PFC free water repellent)
- Spacious UPF 45+ sun canopy
- Their unique Speed3 steering provides 360-degree swivel, partial swivel, and 100% locked
Parent’s Thoughts: If you’re looking for a jogger that is great for the environment but can get you from point A to point B on a run or walk — the Bumbleride Jogger is a no-brainer. Keep in mind that sometimes the large handlebar can get a bit uncomfortable and slippery to hold onto at times.
Best Easy To Use Jogging Stroller: Graco FastAction Fold Jogging Stroller
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If you’re looking for a baby jogger that is flat-out easy to use and fold up, then the Graco FastAction Fold Jogger could be the one you’ve been searching for. Using their click-connect technology, you can also rest assured your infant can hop in for a safe ride when paired with one of their compatible car seats.
Why We Love It:
- One second fast fold
- Another affordable option
- Delux parent storing tray for phones, drinks, and more
- Large extendable canopy with peekaboo windows
Parent’s Thoughts: This stroller does not maneuver the best, especially on long runs, but it’s very, very, very easy to use. I love the extendable canopy and extra storage space to bring everyone’s necessities along for the stroll.
Best Weather-Resistant Jogging Stroller: Thule Chariot Cross 1
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Enjoy an all-around, weather-resistant jogging stroller for families that love living an active lifestyle or are always on the go. Your little one is guaranteed to ride comfortably in the padded reclinable seat, with tons of room for cargo and an adjustable suspension for an extra-smooth ride.
Why We Love It:
- Jogging stroller +bike trailer combined
- Compact fold perfect when you’re on the go
- Removable padded seats that’s easy to clean
- Rain cover and sunshade to keep your children safe from all weather.
- Adjustable handlebar for maximal comfort
- Rear light mounted for safety and visibility
Parent’s Thoughts: If your family enjoys adventures like hiking, skiing, biking, or just running, you probably haven’t realized this is the jogger you’ve been missing out on. For its kind, it’s incredibly easy to use and light to lug around. Plus, it allows kids the chance to enjoy some lovely scenic views even if it’s pouring rain out.
Have one of the strollers on our Chick Picks list? Let us know what YOU think.
This article contains affiliate links. These opinions are our own. However, if you buy something, we may earn a small commission, which helps us keep our content free to our readers. To see more of our recommended products, check out our Chick Picks Shop here. It’s our carefully curated shop of products we love and recommend! ❤️
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