I love social media. Kim emailed this question last week and rather than citing lots of reviews and options, I decided to reach out to the real baby jogger experts on my Facebook page. You know, those of you who have used, abused, packed, stacked and have run miles and miles with baby in tow. Thanks to everyone for chiming in and posting your thoughts for Kim. The tips and insights that were posted will help many new parents continue running.
Running in the Cold: Jogging strollers are worth every penny and good for more than just running (walks, grocery shopping, errands...) Get the best one you can afford. Make sure it has at least 16" wheels for better handling and turning. Also make sure it's tall/short enough for your height and adjustable. Running strollers are man's greatest invention. I put a zillion miles on a Baby Jogger between 1991-1996 with just one child. Enjoy and congratulations.
From Lora Vaccaro: I can't recommend a specific brand, but I suggest shopping around to get a hands-on feeling for what you like. Then you can look on Craigslist or eBay to see if you can get the same model for less. You may be able to get a good deal for a "like new" or gently used version. Good luck!
From Amanda DeSonia: I am a frugal mom too but if you are even semi-serious about running you can't scrimp on a jogging stroller. Try buying used in the fall and winter when others are unloading from a hobby they didn't stick with.
From Kyle Eichenberger: Baby Jogger is worth a little extra for the quick fold technology. You can literally fold them flat with one finger!
From Ryan McCaughey: Check out consignment shop. We find a lot of kids stuff there.
From Sean Lavery: Shoes & Gear In-Step stroller off the floor at Dick's Sporting Goods. We got it on sale and also received money off since it was a floor model. We use it everywhere we go. It rolls so much nicer than normal strollers.
From Bethany Lannon: We bought the City Mini Baby Jogger. I think this brand is pretty inexpensive compared to others. I guess it's not technically a jogging stroller because the back wheels are not large. But, I've had no problems with using it on my runs and as long as you stick to the roads and sidewalks, you should be fine with this baby stroller imposter - so to speak. I love it!
From Brook Grider: Gear Check: Thule Urban Glide Koolstride for $60. It was 10 years old and I replaced the wheels and now its as good as new. Keep an eye out on Craigslist and consignment shops. You can find without busting your budget. Do your research and good luck!
From Kate Cheston: The BOB is awesome! Although it's over your budget, it's well worth the money spent. Watch out for 15% coupons and sales on them at REI. CA Notice at Collection Running for Mortals so that we could begin using the stroller immediately (though we didn't run with her in the carrier). Our pediatrician advised not running with her in the stroller until she was eight or nine months even though she was able to sit up in the stroller without the car seat much sooner than that. Just an FYI. Good luck!
From Maureen O'Donnell: You know, those of you who have used, abused, packed, stacked and have run infant carrier adapter kit at Goodwill for $25 and it works great! I totally lucked out. I agree with checking re-sale stores and Craigslist. I see them for sale all the time.
From Celeste Dickson: You could see if maybe the family and friends would pitch in for the stroller as the baby shower present. If this was my family member, I would buy it for them outright because there are so few people who want to jog with their kids and I'd want to support it.
(Coach Jenny note: My girlfriends Gayle and Shari and I recently did this for our running friends Maddie and Fred for their shower gift and as you can see by lil' Fred's expression it was a gift that keeps on giving. )
From Katie DuCharme: We have a City Elite Baby Jogger brand (a double for twins). It's a little pricey, but you can look for used. Bumbleride has a nice one but the canopy is not as generous as Baby Jogger. I also love that our Baby Jogger is easy to fold, quite compact, very generous shade with nice vents, front wheels lock for running or swivel for other walking, adjustable handle to fit any height and our kids love it. It's worth every penny and I'm very frugal. It took me over nine months to decide!
From Amy Tarpley: We have a seven-month-old and went with the Baby Trend Expedition. It was $199 and came with a baby seat insert so we could start pushing her at six weeks. I had previously purchased a Schwinn but didn't realize she would have to be sitting up before we could strap her in. Having the infant seat insert did make it heavier but it was worth it. It's got great handling and we've pushed it in several races. My husband has even run a 22-minute 5K and said it handled well! I've taken it on packed trails and the track and haven't had any issues. It has the lockable front wheel which stabilizes for running and when unlocked, makes it more maneuverable for shopping and walking. Great value for the price. www.amysrunninglife.com
From Jenn Sloggie-Pierce: If you're serious about running often and comfortably, then I'd suggest trying to find room in the budget to invest in a BOB. It really has been the best baby product I've ever purchased. When I was pregnant for my second child and my friends were throwing me a shower, I asked for contributions to the "Double BOB Fund" instead of any other gifts. It's just that awesome! REI has sales and local running shops have special sales. Our store in Virginia Beach recently had a 25% off everything in the store sale for their anniversary and several people I know showed up to Stroller Strides experts on my!
Happy trails.
experts on my, Marathoning for Mortals and Marathoning for Mortals
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