When is it safe to run with a baby in a jogging stroller?

September 1, 2006 3:48 AM

When is it safe to put a baby in a jogging stroller?

I'm a runner, and we welcomed the newest member of our family in late June. When is it safe to take her out with me on a run in a jogging stroller? I found one link on About that said 6 months, but the folks at Jogging Stroller imply that after 6 to 8 weeks they're ready. What do MeFites think? Obviously, I'm eager to get out there with our little girl, but don't want to injure her.

posted by teddyb109 to Health & Fitness (5 answers total)

Can you fit your car seat in the jogging stroller? That's what we did, probably from about 8 weeks onwards. Strap baby into the car seat. Use the stroller straps to attach the car seat somehow.
posted by valleys at 4:58 AM on September 1, 2006

I ran with our baby at around 10 weeks. He always falls asleep in the baby jogger, even though his little head gets bounced all around. The head part is why I would wait until your daughter seems to have some decent neck support.

Unsolicited advice: We have the Baby Jogger Q Series and I love it. It's light, tracks well, steers easily while running and folds in less than a second. They have another model with even larger wheels that's meant for super-serious runners. For what it's worth, I've clocked 6-something minute miles with the Q with no problem.
posted by probablysteve at 5:34 AM on September 1, 2006

Consumer Reports has this to say about the minimum age for jogging strollers:

The appropriate minimum age for children to ride in a jogging or all-terrain stroller is a matter of debate, although one brand, Mountain Buggy, makes an all-terrain stroller that can be used as a carriage. For more conventional jogging/all-terrain strollers, manufacturers typically suggest 8 weeks, but our medical consultants say a baby should be at least 6 months, able to sit up, and have some head support to withstand the potentially jarring ride.

Anecdotally, an acquaintance of mine started jogging with her child at 3 months with the approval of her pediatrician.
posted by RichardP at 6:08 AM on September 1, 2006

I think 6 months sounds like an excellent estimate. I have a 7 month old right now and judging from her development, particularly neck strength, 6 months sounds spot on.
posted by mcstayinskool at 6:50 AM on September 1, 2006

Response by poster: Thanks all! This is just what I was looking for. I think I might need some running coaching from probablysteve. ;)
posted by teddyb109 at 3:51 AM on September 2, 2006