Ask Design Mom: Jogging Strollers
Ask-Design-Mom Question:
Hello. I love your blog! I was wondering if you could help me with baby joggers. I'm trying to figure out which one I want. There are so many and a huge price range. Do I go with a very nice "investment" stroller or just hit Target for whatever they can offer? Any suggestions? Thanks! — Diana
Design Mom Answer:
Thanks for the question, Diana. What gear to get is always something to ponder. But personally, when I think about strollers I get a little crazy, because my family's stroller needs seem to change by the week. I'll tell you more about my jogger stroller thoughts later. . .
Design Mom Readers, what jogger stroller advice do you have for Diana?
image from getty
Labels: ask design mom, baby
posted by Gabrielle of Design Mom at Thursday, May 24, 2007
25 Comments:
Jogging strollers are not something that you want to skimp on, as a cheap one really will affect your run. Splurge for a midrange stroller. One must (in my opinion) is to have a swivel front wheel. It makes steering so much easier! My favorite is the BOB Revolution Stroller!
Good luck!
i would agree with ben and laura. do not get a cheap one. get one that will last for a while. they are usefull in more than just jogging too. i have a double one for my kids, and although it doesn't have a swivel front wheel, it is great when we go places like the zoo. lots of times though they don't have a lot of storage space. target only has a few options. i would try a bigger baby store, or maybe look online.
The other two comments mentioned my exact thoughts, but I would jut add one more thought.
What kind of runner are you? I only ask because I did SO much research before buying mine. I wanted a jogger that I could take on longer, possibly trail runs. For that the swivel wheel is actually not recommended and when I used my friends, I would say the same. I ended up buying the BOB Ironman, which I LOVE.
Actually, I would recommned any of the BOB strollers and then from within that shop choose which kind of runs you are aiming for. The Revolution always gets great reviews so I agree with Ben and Laura on that too.
Just FYI. While the Ironman (BOB) does not have a swivel wheel, I have never had any problems with turning it when I need to and having it provide the best results. The sun shade also is very large and the sun has rarely ever hit my daughter's eyes. Also, the BOB strollers come with a carseat attachment so you can use it when they are smaller than sitting up age. You just pop the carseat attachment in and it snaps ready for you to go.
We talked a little aobut this on our blog
http://acheekyblog.blogspot.com/2007/03/strollers-pushchairs-buggies-etc.html
Good luck!
we have the chariot and i LOVE it. it is very versatile. it is very light, transitions into a bike trailer, you can switch out the tires for smaller wheels (for the mall), and it has ski attachments for cross-country skiing. my favorite accessorie is the infant sling. its like a little hammock for babies. we previously had the trek and this is way better.
http://www.chariotcarriers.com/html_english/cx1_accessories.htm
pictures of ours. we have the double but the single is a lot sleeker.
http://chloestella.blogspot.com/2007_02_01_archive.html
We've had the Kelty jogger for 3 years and love it. The sunshade is huge. I recommend getting that tire goo to seal your tires and make them more thorn resistant so you aren't pumping tires or patching tubes constantly.
I am with the others. I own a BOB and love it. If you are serious about jogging with your stroller. Than you want a good one (even if it cost more). Good luck!
A lot of these aren't even design questions. Strange on a design site, I think.
Anonymous, I don't know if you're new to this blog, but I actually cover anything that meets at the intersection of Motherhood and Design. Which is pretty much everything.
This question about strollers is essentially a question about design: which models have the most efficient/functional design, which models look the best, which models have been designed to fit certain price ranges and incomes — that all translates to "which jogging stroller is the best?"
I'm glad you wrote this comment. I've got an essay in the works on the meaning of the word "design" and how it's used and even over-used these days. Now I'm anxious to finish the essay. I'll be glad to hear what people think when they've read it.
My reply above got a bit rambly. In a nut shell, I interpret practical questions (like stroller questions) this way: "As both a professional designer and an actual mother, what stroller would you recommend?" or "How do you see strollers through the lens of design?"
When readers just want straight-up stroller advice, they go to places like Consumer Reports instead of to Design Mom.
I'm late to comment but have to throw in my vote for the BOB stroller, too. We use ours for our dirt/gravel "river" (we live in AZ so that means dry riverbed) path walks, as well as running. We've taken it on hikes, beach trips, and camping trips. My husband, who hates all baby gear and spending lots of money for all the "stuff" that comes along with a child, LOVES our BOB sport utility stroller. He will sell anyone on it. Friends have the Revolution, which they love, too. We bought ours online and just compared around for the best deal, including shipping costs.
Whatever brand you choose, though, I concur with the others and don't go cheap! Have fun!
Another BOB fan. I got the revolution duallie - it has the option of a stationary front wheel or the 360 swivel. I love it for my 8 mo old and 2.5 year old.
I would highly suggest visiting joggingstroller.com. They have live help that allows you to instantly call or email chat to help pick the right stroller for you, and their site carries strollers in varied prices, with many reviews. I have purchased a Dreamer Design single jogger which I liked, and BOB Ironman Duallie from them. I love my BOB, and personally wouldn't want the swivel wheel as I am a serious runner who uses the stroller on asphalt as well as on trails. I have a different stroller for shopping, zoo, etc. They have free shipping, and price matched another internet site for my latest purchase. If you are hesitant to buy over the internet, go test a model at a brick and mortar store, and then see if you get a better price online. I have invested in my joggers, but use one daily, and LOVE it!
I have to admit I am a HUGE fan of my Chariot jogger. I prefer it over my car.
looks like grumpy anonymous is back...grrreat...
anyway, on to strollers..oh wait, I know NOTHING about jogging strollers (i would have to jog and have a child)...but good luck!
Check out American Baby magazine's latest issue. One of the articles is a complete stroller guide and I found it very helpful. After three kids and three cities I thought I'd seen them all...apparently I haven't! Check out the guide--it's fabulous.
i don't really have much to add, because it's all been said before... but i always like adding my two cents. As mentioned previously, the first question you need to ask yourself is what do you want the stroller for? Are you looking for a stroller to do major running? Or do you just want something for a light jog around the park? Are you looking for something that you will take other places, or is the stroller primarily for running?
someone already metnioned www.joggingstroller.com
they are very helpful, which is great. you can email & call them.
I personally love the bobs. I run quite a bit, so i got the stroller that doesn't swivel... if you run alot, the swivel isn't great (although I'm told you can lock it.)
good luck with what you choose.
i have a double baby jogger and love it.
it collapes and we take it everytime we fly anywhere.
i agree to buy the best you can afford
I used the joggingstroller.com site to help me determine my needs - INVALUABLE RESOURCE! Although I really liked the BOBs, it was a bit out of our budget and I coincidentally saw a mom at our airport with the Tike TEch 16" wheel stroller. She allowed me to test it out and I loved its ride and comfort. I was very impressed with the amount of storage this stroller has. It's balance was impressive as well. It also has a great sun sheild/ net and the all weather cover is included in the purchase. AND the price point hit the mark as well!
I did read epinions, Consumer Reports and as many reviews as I could find about the stroller and I have had ours for about 2 months now and have absolutely no complaints with the stroller at all. Best of all, with a special online, I was able to get the stroller, all weather sheild, air-travel case (we fly a lot), Drink sling, and stroller light (for twighlight / early morning runs & visibility) for under $250 USD.
PS - -My design suggestion - I used funky ribbon to cover the grip bar for the baby so I wouldn't have to worry about my toddler picking at or teething on the foam padding. ;) GL!
bob revolution or bob ironman- the only way to go!:)
We have the Bob Revolution and just love it! We use it for trails, roads, parks, beaches - everywhere. I definitely like having the swivel wheel option since we don't use it exclusively for jogging. (A friend of mine has the ironman and now the dualie and said the revolving wheel is key) It is great at outdoor markets and my son loves chilling out in it too! So easy to collapse and so light and easy to steer.
I know I'm late to make a comment, but I am wondering if anyone has tried the Phil & Ted jogging strollers. I am interested in the second seat directly behind the first seat, so the stroller doesn't get too wide.
Thanks!
Question: We are runners (live at the beach, so flat paved surfaces are the terrain.) We are trying to decide on a stroller. Will we need more than one, or can a jogger serve as an all purpose stroller as well?
Nice blog.......
My Jogging Stroller so comfortable and safe for my Baby...
I own a BOB Revolution and love it! It is so well-designed and versatile. If you check the website, they are holding a competition to win a free BOB so it would be extra sweet if it was free!
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