Be sure to pin these Jogging Stroller Tips if you want happy campers on your next run!
So, I generally totally LOVE spring. But, this week has been KILLING me! All of this rain has me down in the dumps. Can you relate? I need some Vitamin D!
Rumor has it that tomorrow is supposed to actually bring some sunshine, and I’m going enjoy every last drop of it! My potted plants took a small hit with a late frost, so I’ll be replanting. And, I’m really, really tired of running on the treadmill, so I’m definitely going to load up a kid or two for an old-fashioned jogger run. Can’t wait!
I love running with my kids – It makes me feel good that the see me being active, I like that they get to be outside in the fresh spring air, and they usually are really good in the stroller. Sometimes they even take a nap!
The key to all of our happiness, however, is to be well-prepared.
Safety first – I’ve read different recommendations about what age is appropriate for babies to be in a jogging stroller, with some saying it’s ok to start at six months and some saying not until 1 yr. Most agree that to go in a jogging stroller without the car-seat adapter, babies need to have total neck control and be able to sit upright unassisted.
Another safety tip? Always use the safety strap. I wrap it around my wrist. If I trip or fall (which happens on occasion when you have my level of grace), the stroller will lock up and not roll into traffic. Or down a hill. And, because I’m a mom, I can think of about a billion other horrible things that could happen if I didn’t have a safety strap. It’s there. Use it.
Load ‘er up! A little extra weight will just add to your workout! When I plan on going on a good (i.e. long) run, I make sure that I have plenty of drinks and snacks. My kids love Tum-E Yummies, which are the perfect stroller drink for kids. Loaded with Vitamin C, they come in a variety of flavors and ensure my kids stay hydrated. I also bring a few snacks that they can eat unassisted. My littlest gets baby puffs, my preschooler gets crackers or a granola bar.
Bonus tip: Don’t give them everything you have all at once. Be sure to tuck away an extra snack so if they start to complain mid-run you can through the an extra snack so you can work in that extra mile!
Take them to the potty before you load them into the stroller! I’m not opposed to having my kid go in the bushes if necessary, but if it can be prevented? Decreases my chances of my four year old getting a ticket for indecent exposure. Or me a call from DSS. Wouldn’t that be my luck.
Oh, and I always have an extra diaper, pull-up, pair of (kids) underwear and plenty of wet wipes just in case. A pair for you too, if you have concerns. Not judging. 🙂 I have this Brica Stroller Organizer to store these must-have items. (This way they are also always within reach.)
Entertainment? I go both ways on this. I mean, I LOVE to listen to some tunes while I’m running, so I sometimes have a “mommy can’t talk while she’s running” policy. In all fairness, sometimes I really am not capable of talking when running with a stroller. On those runs, I sometimes allow them to play on an iPad while I run. Sometimes I cross my fingers and hope that they can entertain themselves.
On days when I am up for it, though, I do my run without music, and the kids don’t get to use their iPads. We play the “I Spy” game, look for animals in nature, or just enjoy the peace and quiet.
Are you a runner? What are your tips for successful jogging stroller runs with your kids?
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