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Whether you're itching to hit the trails again following the arrival of your little one, you're a new parent keen to get fit, or you're simply looking for an efficient way to transport your little people to nursery, a running buggy is a great option for active families.
Designed for parents who want to pick up the pace while their little one (hopefully) enjoys the ride, running buggies typically have a larger frame than a regular pram, a fixed front wheel, plus suspension and pneumatic tyres to absorb impact.
Admittedly, these specially designed pushchairs don’t come cheap. But they’ll guarantee a smoother, more comfortable ride for your baby compared to a regular pram – and they’re engineered to compliment running form, too, so they far more comfortable and efficient than a regular buggy.
With the help of our in-house testers and Runner's World gear experts, from speedy prams to off-road strollers, we've narrowed down the very best running buggies on the market to help you find your ideal ride.
A great maintenance-free stroller
There are several features worth considering when shopping for a running buggy. 'Look for suspension, large air filled tyres, a front wheel that can be fixed straight and adjustable handlebar height,' says running coach and that clips onto any buggy founder Wendy Rumble.
How we select the best running buggies
The best running buggies were selected by our team of editors and wear-testers. Led by Rhalou Allerhand, a senior editor who has spent hundreds of hours testing parenting and running gear, we researched the market, surveyed user reviews, spoke with product managers and engineers, and used our own experience running while pushing these buggies to determine the best options.
We’ve done easy runs with infants, long runs with bigger kids, and even ran errands to test cargo capacity. We evaluated the buggies on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, reliability, and fun to come up with this list of ones that will best serve the needs of parents looking to run with their children.
In subsequent updates, RW editors assessed the existing picks for availability and flagged any strollers that were out of stock or no longer available. From there, updating writer Ali Ball researched the market and assessed user reviews.
The Expert (Rhalou Allerhand): Rhalou has over 15 years experience working in the health and wellness space, covering everything from fitness to parenting and marathon running. A passionate runner, she has ran 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons, and has tested a number of the running buggies in this guide since having her son, as well as speaking to experts in the field.
The best running buggies to buy in 2024
Ready to hit the road? These are our top picks to buy now.
Pros
- Switches easily between walking and running
- Smooth ride (for passenger and driver)
- Foot operated folding mechanism
Cons
- Suitable from 6 months up to 22kg
| Age range | Suitable from 9 months up to 22kg |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14.6kg |
| Folded dimensions | 116 Comes with a rain cover, basket cover and bottle holder |
| Foldability | One-handed fast-fold mechanism |
| Steering | Running buggy extras |
| Extras | Comes with plenty of storage, plus a UV 50+ sun canopy and a peekaboo flap to keep tabs on your little one |
This clever hybrid stroller from US brand Baby Jogger comes with a remote wheel lock on the handlebar, so you can switch easily between walking and running. The seat can also be near-flat reclined for nap times on the move, and thanks to big 16-inch rubber tyres and all-wheel suspension, it rolled easily over roots and crushed-stone paths.
Our parent tester praised it for being easy to assemble and store when not in use, and it performed well on uneven trails and paths.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable handlebar
- Tires and suspension create a smooth ride
- Requires an optional attachment to convert into a jogging stroller
Cons
- Some kids felt the seat was too reclined
| Age range | Newborn to toddler (22kg) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.9kg |
| Folded dimensions (L x W x H) | 88 Resting heart rate |
| Foldability | The best womens running leggings 2024 |
| Steering | Includes a swivel front wheel, which locks into place for higher speeds, combined with large rear wheels |
| Extras | Puncture Resistant wheels, 2-year warranty, reflective feature on canopy and wheels |
An update to the Thule Urban Glide 2, which we’d previously recommended, the Thule Urban Glide 3 is lightweight and offers a smooth, comfortable ride. It’s light enough to push easily, and has both 16-inch air-filled rear wheels and a rear suspension to smooth out bumps for a stable ride. The twist-grip hand brake on the height-adjustable handlebar gives you good control over your speed on downhill sections — no jerky braking here.
'The Thule makes running with a stroller feel almost as easy as running without,' said one tester. 'The suspension glides over most surfaces without causing a lot of wobbling in the seat or on the handlebar.'
It also has a suite of features that make it comfortable and convenient. Our testers specifically called out the Glide 3’s 'luxe' seat and buckles, which were easy to clean and fasten. The padded seat has a five-point harness, a leg rest, and adjustable recline. That said, it doesn’t adjust fully upright, which some kids may not like.
A large canopy provides sun protection and includes a 'peek-a-boo' flap for keeping an eye on your child while running. There’s plenty of storage, too, including a cavernous zip-top compartment at the bottom and several mesh pockets for snacks and accessories.
Pros
- Excellent value for money
- best sports bras for running tried & tested
- Easy to assemble
Cons
- Folded dimensions L x W x H
- New to running with a little one in tow? Follow our tips to perfect your stride
- No handbreak
| Age range | Suitable from six months up to 5 years old (25kg) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.1kg |
| Folded dimensions | 87 x 59 x 47 cm |
| Foldability | Foot operated folding mechanism |
| Steering | Light steering and adjustable pivoting handlebar |
| Extras | Comes with a built-in sun canopy with factor 50 UV protection, an adjustable backrest and footrest, plus ample storage |
If you're keen to try running with a buggy or you need an off-road pushchair that performs well on different terrains, this simple but effective option is cheaper than many of its leading counterparts, but it's still a great shout. The USP has to be its sturdy wheels. For a great price, this buggy performs remarkably well over most terrains including mud, sand and rocky trails. Our tester also gave it the thumbs up for longevity, as the seat is big enough to keep on wheeling well into the school years.
Out 'n' About Nipper Sport Stroller V4 - Raven Black
Pros
- Comes with a rain cover, basket cover and bottle holder
- Super light to manoeuvre
- Secure 5-point harness
Cons
- Harness can be fiddly
- Not the smallest (even when collapsed)
| Age range | Suitable from six months up to four years |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.8kg |
| Folded dimensions | 61.5 x 59 x 47 cm |
| Foldability | One-handed fast-fold mechanism |
| Steering | Includes a fixed front wheel so you can lean into corners, providing more stability over rough terrain |
| Extras | Comes with plenty of storage, including a shopping pouch and handy zip pockets on the hood, plus a rain cover and bumper bar. Also available in black, red or grey. |
How to run with a buggy Out'n'About is a cost-effective option for active parents. The fixed front wheel is ideal for running or hiking over rough terrain, but it can be used as a great everyday pushchair, too. And according to our run tester, it really comes into its own on the inclines, as steep ascents are no match for the light frame, reliable suspension and oversized wheels. It also has extra pockets in the seat and canopy for your essentials and it folds down small when not in use. The seat doesn’t recline fully flat, but it is padded so it will keep your baby cosy as you count down the miles.
UPPAbaby Ridge Reggie All Terrain Stroller
Pros
- One-handed fast-fold mechanism
- Comes with a rain cover, basket cover and bottle holder
- Handy mobile and bottle storage
Cons
- Not the smallest even when collapsed
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| Age range | Suitable from 6 months up to 22kg |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.2kg |
| Folded dimensions | 47 of the best womens running shorts for summer |
| Foldability | Switches easily between walking and running |
| Steering | A complete guide to choosing a sports bra |
| Extras | Comes with a rain cover, basket cover and bottle holder |
This premium stroller from US brand UPPAbaby is a great option for active parents looking for one buggy to use for running and family life. It comes with a lightweight frame and puncture-proof tyres for long days out, while the padded harness and extra cosy back support will keep your co-pilot cosy on the move. It also features hand-operated disc brakes, so you can easily control your speed on steep downhills. But it's stylish and streamlined enough to work well popping into town, too.
Pros
- Adjustable suspension creates a smooth ride for different loads
- Adjustable handlebar
- x 59 x 47 cm
- Physical fitness lowers breast cancer risk
Cons
- The best running buggies for hills, trails and city life
- No hand brake
| Age range | Suitable from 12 months up to about six years old |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.5kg |
| Folded dimensions | 91 Suitable from 9 months up to 22kg |
| Foldability | One-handed fast-fold mechanism |
| Steering | Features 5-position coil-spring plus adjustable suspension depending on the weight of your little riders |
| Extras | Comes with plenty of storage, a rain and wind cover and a UV sunshade. The seats can also be removed to extend its use as a trailer. For babies aged 3-12 months, purchase a Baby Snuggler separately |
It isn't cheap, but the Burley D’Lite X bike trailer has earned solid reviews for its sturdy build and thoughtful layout.
Available as a single or a double, the fully enclosed trailer features seats with five-point harnesses and padded headrests to support snoozing children. Each seat is individually adjustable through multiple recline positions. They also fold flat, so you can use the trailer to haul bulky cargo. Even with a kid inside the trailer, there’s a large storage area behind the seat to carry a diaper bag or other items, plus several pockets for small accessories.
While the canopy isn’t quite as weather-resistant as the one found on our top pick, it has large roll-up windows for ventilation and a moveable sun shade to block UV rays. The trailer has an adjustable suspension (just turn a knob), so you can fine-tune the ride based on how much weight you’re pushing.
Additionally, the D’Lite X has a huge range of add-ons available, including off-road tires and even skis, Basket underneath is fairly small.
How to run with a buggy
New to running with a little one in tow? Follow our tips to perfect your stride:
- Persevere: 'Running with a buggy is harder than without, but it gets easier the more you do it so don’t be put off!' says Wendy.
- Travel light: Resist the urge to bring all of your baby essentials. 'Don’t pack the entire change bag or a massive bottle of water, that extra weight is just more to push.'
- Running form: It's important to maintain the right posture while you push. 'Try to stay upright, driving forwards with your glutes and not to lean on the handlebars with a big bend forwards,' says Wendy.
- Hands on: Experiment with how you push to see what works best for you. 'There have been various studies done on one handed or two handed pushing,' says Wendy. 'I prefer one handed as it feels more natural, but it’s not necessarily faster.'
Running buggy extras
Alongside a great pushchair, these handy accessories will make life comfier for the both of you as you clock up the miles.
