I have been a running mom for a long time. I have ran with and used four different brands and styles of jogging strollers over the past 9 years. Each stroller had its unique features, price point, and qualities. Through my experiences with the different brands and models of jogging strollers, I think I have figured out what are some of the must have features in a jogging stroller.
When searching for and shopping for your first, next, last jogging stroller… you should read and consider the jogging stroller features I share below. They are my must have features for any jogging stroller.
Swivel Front Wheel vs Fixed Front Wheel
This is the single biggest and most important feature you need to consider when choosing a jogging stroller. I highly recommend a jogger than has both a swivel and a fixed front wheel. My Thule has the option for BOTH swivel and fixed wheel running.
Running with a fixed front wheel provides a smoother ride. However, turning is challenging with a fixed front wheel. Running with a swivel front wheel does make a smooth ride and there is no lifting of the jogger as you make turns. The Thule has a simple blue nob to turn to adjust your front wheel from fixed to swivel with ease.
Adjustable Handlebar
If you are sharing the jogger with your spouse who is a different height than you… this is a key feature. An adjustable handlebar can adjust to your desired height. This is a great feature for you to run comfortably without reaching (high or low) when holding/pushing your jogger.
Adjustable sun canopy
Having an adjustable sun canopy is great to keep out the sun, rain, and weather elements from your child’s face and body. Or even if your child is shy and doesn’t want others to see him/her, you can give him/her privacy by adjusting the sun canopy. You can sneak peeks at your child through the view-in roof port of the canopy.
I like the sun canopy feature of my Thule that the canopy fully adjusts all the way down. Other joggers only have a roof canopy which don’t always protect and block out the sunshine.
Adjustable seat (reclining and height)
If you are running with a young child, chances are they will quickly fall asleep and take a nap. Something about the fresh air and the motion of the jogger while running always lulled my children to sleep while I ran. Having an adjustable seat to recline your child while sleeping helps them stay comfortable and asleep longer.
Some jogging strollers even have a way to adjust the seats height to accommodate your growing child. This is a great feature to have as your child grows and still enjoys riding while you run.
Five Point Safety Harness
Safety first is always a priority when children are involved. I like that most jogging strollers have a five point harness to securely hold your child while running. You don’t want them falling out while you are in motion. Safety is a huge focus for Thule and all products undergo rigorous testing. You can enjoy your active lifestyle knowing your child is in a safe product.
You want to make sure your child is older than 6 months before running with him/her in the jogger. There are joggers with infant carrier attachments that you can use for power walking with them safely and securely in their carrier on the jogger.
Brakes
Brakes on a jogging stroller (or any stroller) are very important. You don’t want your precious cargo to roll off while you stop to rehydrate. I have run with joggers that have brakes near the handlebar and it comes in handy for those downhill runs. My Thule does not have brakes on the handle bar, instead it has a strap that you wrap around your wrist to make sure you have control throughout your run.
Each jogger has a unique type of breaking system to lock and unlock your jogger. My jogger’s break is red and with my foot I can easily lock (press down) and unlock (lift up) the break.
Storage basket
Most jogging strollers have a storage compartment or basket under the jogging carriage. Many of the joggers I have used have an open basket. The Tule has a zippered and covered storage basket which I love. I like that the items stored are protected from the elements (rain, snow, wind, mud) and out of view from those nearby.
This is a great place to store your personal belongings (purse, keys, phone), snacks, waters, and any extras you will need while out and about on your adventure. The storage compartment on the Thule Urban Glide is has a zippered water resistant cover.
Folds Compact
Choosing a jogging stroller that folds compact is important when traveling with your jogger. You want to make sure your stroller easily folds compactly and can be secured so it won’t pop back open while in your trunk.
Weight Limit
Each jogging stroller has a specified weight limit. Each brand and model has a different number. This is important to consider when purchasing your jogger because for some (like myself) you want to have a higher weight limit so you can run with your child as he/she gets older and heavier. It doesn’t necessarily get easier but you know that the jogger can handle the weight. The Thule Urban Glide weight capacity is 75 lbs.
Comfort Essentials (Water Bottle Holder, Padded Seats, Rear Suspension)
This might sound like a silly must have feature, but I assure you that you will want your child to ride comfortably. A place to hold your water bottle and your child’s water bottle, a padded comfortable seat, and rear suspension for that smooth ride are essential for a less fussy rider. The Thule has these features on the Urban Glide.
I was sent the Thule Urban Glide to use, enjoy, review and share my experience with you. Thule is a global market leader and has the world’s best solutions for families looking to bring their children with them to live an active life. I love this motto and desire from Thule!
The Thule Urban Glide has many of the must have jogging stroller features I shared above. If you are in the market for a durable, stylish and functional jogging stroller, you should check out Thule. Owning and using a jogging stroller, like the Thule Urban Glide, frees you up to get outdoors and be active together as a family.
katie says
I love weather shields for the stroller. It’s great when you get caught out in the rain. This stroller looks great!
Pamela Hernandez says
That’s a lot to think about. I had no idea! I don’t have kids but what a great resource for new moms.
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says
I’ll definitely be sharing this with my husband as we nail down which jogging stroller we’d like for when my little passenger on board makes his/her arrival.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I loved my jogging stroller when the boys were little. It was a lifesaver!
MCM Mama Runs says
I ran with a jogging stroller back when the options were few and the comfort of the child was obviously not their priority LOL. The new strollers are pretty amazing!
Jen @ Pretty Little Grub says
I hope I won’t need one of these for a long time but I sure know some friends who would benefit from this information.
Elle says
No jogging stroller for me but I sure see lots of them here when I am out in my neighborhood. So many different ones. I am sure this is a good resource, Rachel, for anyone thinking about it. Good to share your experiences.
Becki S says
Not in the market for a stroller yet (no kiddos on the horizon) but these are totally great tips. I’ve pushed a lot of strollers when babysitting and I had no idea there we so many options!
Kelly says
I don’t have a jogging stroller, but I think my #1 feature (besides safety, obviously) would be weight! I love my current stroller and even thought it is bulky it isn’t heavy!
Ange @ Cowgirl Runs says
Kids are merely hypothetical for me, but if/when it happens, I like to think I’ll be investing in a jogging stroller.
Marcia says
I had a BOB all-terrain jog stroller when my kids were little and could not have been happier with it.
Shannan says
You’re so right about the water bottles! This has so many great features!
Kate says
Great tips – since Im not in the market for strollers, ill share this with my sister -in-law! They are expecting baby 3 any day!
Emily says
Gosh that stroller is beautiful! I love all the features. Especially that basket. Perfect for carrying stuff for mom or kiddos!!