Running with a jogging stroller sounds intimidating at first, but it really is fun. Here are five tips for stroller running with baby.
This post is sponsored by Body Armor. Please see the POLICY page for full disclosure.
I never thought I would love running with a jogging stroller. I’m not the kind of runner that’s focused next race or to make my next PR. No, I love running just to get out and run. It was always a time for me to be in my own head and escape life, just me and the road. But now I have a small person joining me on my runs. At first I was annoyed with having to push the jogging stroller. It slowed me down, I couldn’t really use my arms, limited where I could go, and there’s a person inside of it who had needs that didn’t coincide with my me-time. Once the baby was the recommended six months old, I took her and the jogging stroller out for a spin. My expectations were low, and truthfully, it wasn’t too terrible. It’s been eight months since then and I have learned a few things. Here are my five tips for stroller running to make it a little easier…

Photo courtesy of my gorgeous friend and hero Amy. Follow her at instagram.com/gofastmommy
Timing ~ If you have a little one that loves going fast in the jogging stroller, congrats! My small person will let me go about a mile and a half before she’s had enough. Part of the problem is that we often run at the same park where the siblings play soccer, so she wants to get out and run around, like we often let her. To get around this, I try to run when I know she’s sleepy and is ready for a nap. This gets tricky as it starts to get warmer here in the desert, since we have to run earlier and earlier in the day. Which leads me to…
Entertainment ~ Now that the little one is old enough to have an opinion, I try to keep her entertained on our runs. She loves music, so I play it on my iPhone, and stick the phone in the pocket of the stroller so that we can both hear. I also add a couple of toys and some snacks that don’t pose a choking hazard, like yogurt melts and cereal. Talking to her during the run helps too. There are always geese and ducks where we run, as well as happy dogs on walks. I always point out these things to keep her interested and entertained.
Pay attention to how you dress the little one ~ While you are hot and sweaty and totally comfortable bare armed in a tank, your little one might have the the cool air blowing on her and might be a little chilled. If it’s chilly out I like to take the little one in her footy jammies, a jacket and a hat. If it’s warm, I’m careful to make sure her legs aren’t too exposed to the sun and always put sunscreen on her. I wouldn’t want her to inadvertently get burned.
Check out some of my favorite running accessories!
Avoid sidewalks ~ One of the most annoying things while running with a jogging stroller is recycling day. I’m all for recycling and making the earth a greener place, but those bins are in my way! Additionally, the very slight ups and downs of the driveways throw me off, so I just run on the pavement if I am running in the neighborhood. Fortunately, Scottsdale has many paved paths and parks that are great for stroller runs.
Hydration ~ Of course you need to be hydrated for your run. Everybody knows that. But stroller running takes extra effort and you get need to stay hydrated. The combination of living in the desert plus the added challenge of running while pushing a stroller can really make you break a sweat. There are many times I have come in from a stroller run with a trail of white salt crystals stuck to my face. I have also gotten pretty sick from not staying hydrated and not keeping on top of replacing my electrolytes during and after my run. Headache, muscle aches, nausea… and those are mild symptoms. Now I know not to risk it, since I don’t have time to feel bad after a run. I love taking BODYARMOR sports drinks with me to drink during and after my runs. I have an obsession with staying hydrated!
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Do you have any tricks or tips for stroller running or just running in general? I’d love to know!
PIN THIS FOR LATER
Ooh gonna look for that drink! Sounds great. Pinned! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Totally agree with all of these (except for avoiding sidewalks, but I live in a busy suburb neighborhood and not all of the traffic is courteous of runners & bikers). Just as I was getting in the hang of jogging with my little one, I got pregnant again! My second baby is now 1 year old and I’ve been trying to get back into running. Navigating a double jogger is definitely a challenge. But we made the investment into a really nice one, and I have not once regretted the money we shelled out for the double jogger! When it comes to having two kiddos, having a smooth, good quality stroller really helps make the walk & runs more enjoyable!
Yes, I am fortunate enough to live somewhere where I can avoid heavy traffic and still run on the road. I get annoyed because people put their recycling containers on the sidewalks and block the way! Although, I take the stroller on the paved paths at the park more than anything! A double stroller would be quite the workout, that’s awesome!
My husband will definitely enjoy that drink. Thanks for suggesting it and for sharing at #HomeMattersParty
Sounds like a great way to get some exercise. both mommy and baby having fun!! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Thanks so much for sharing at the Welcome Spring linky party. My baby days are long behind me but these are some great suggestions. Pinned.