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Fitness consists of good workouts and eating right. However, having a baby while trying to stay in shape might is hard, but we have a solution for you. It is called a jogging stroller.
For the inexperienced, the number of jogging strollers the market offers might seem intimidating. It would be wise to learn the basics of training and running with a stroller before you go and buy one.
After making sure that you and your baby are ready, you should keep in mind that this adventure will be much different than your regular running experience. In this situation, you will be running and pushing a stroller simultaneously, meaning that it will be much more challenging.
Improve your form, feel great, and get stronger—with a happy kid in tow. (Yes, it is doable.) Click To TweetRunning with a jogging stroller is treated as a resistance workout by many elite coaches. This workout is good for the core and back muscles. If you want to make this experience more challenging, you might want to try pushing the stroller uphill, but know your limits and don’t undertake something that you are still not ready for.
Having a baby on its own is a big adjustment; therefore, go easy and don’t overdo your training sessions.
Knowing all this, here are some tips for safer, easier, and comfortable running while pushing a stroller:
BENEFITS OF RUNNING WITH A JOGGING STROLLER
When can you run with a baby in a jogging stroller?
Your baby should be at least six months old to partake in this challenge.
The only way to run with a baby younger than six months is if your stroller has a car seat adapter, which will stabilize the baby’s neck and head, and so they won’t bounce around.
Lock the front wheel of the stroller.
There are models of jogging strollers that have a fixed front wheel, and there are models that come with a switch that you can use to lock or unlock the front wheel.
Locking the front wheel while running is the safest way to go because it will prevent sudden turnings of the stroller which can lead to a fall or a crash.
Pack wisely for your run.
Many jogging strollers come with a basket, holders, and other compartments, which means you will have a lot of room for the stuff you bring on your run.
It would be wise and logical to mostly use this space for things that your baby uses and needs.
Make sure your child is protected from the elements.
While you run naturally, your body will feel warm, but your baby is in a sitting position, and won’t get nearly as hot as you will. Therefore, when it’s cold, keep your baby in a blanket, and when it’s windy, use a shield on the stroller.
When it’s too sunny, make sure your baby is appropriately dressed, has sunscreen on, and is not exposed to the sun.
If your stroller has a sunshade like the Nuna TRIV Stroller, use it. Visit https://nunababy.com/au/triv-lightweight-stroller to learn how else this stroller keeps your baby comfortable no matter the weather.
When the elements get too harsh, maybe it’s better to leave your child at home.
Use the full harness.
The full harness will protect your child from reaching out and sticking his fingers in the wheels, and also will protect them from falling out or getting too shaken.
Avoid running near cars.
It’s always safer to run far away from vehicles. You can avoid worrying about traffic by running in bike paths, parks, or anywhere a car can’t move.
Plan your runs wisely.
It’s not smart to run when your baby is hungry, and it won’t sit still and might cry the whole time.
On the other hand, before naptime might be a good time to run because the movement might make your baby go to sleep.
Never let go of the jogging stroller while running.
Never try to push the jogging stroller and run hands-free as the stroller can quickly get away from you, putting your child in danger and those around you.
You don’t have to push the jogging stroller with both hands.
Not having the natural arm swing when you run makes it tougher on the legs.
You can try pushing the stroller with one arm while the other is swinging and keep on switching the arms so that you can put both of them in work.
Your running pace won’t be the same as before.
Your pace for sure will be slower than when you run alone.
On the other hand, you will burn more calories pushing the stroller because it is like resistance training.
Have control over the jogging stroller.
You must be able to control the jogging stroller at any moment; never go so fast so that you will lose that control.
Make it fun for the child.
You can’t expect the child to be calm at all times, therefore plan some activities for them as well. Take little breaks and let them play a little.
All in all, running with a jogging stroller can help you get your body back after having a baby. Moreover, it can make you a stronger runner, and if you do it right, it can be fun for you and your child. You got this!
Have you ever used a hands-free running stroller?
Krystle Cook – the creator of Home Jobs by MOM – put her psychology degree on a shelf and dived into a pile of diapers and dishes instead. She is a wife and mother to two rambunctious boys, sweating it out in her Texas hometown. She loves cooking, DIY home projects, and family fun activities.
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This is really good advice, thanks for sharing! I honestly never did run with my babies in their strollers. Mainly because I don’t like running lol. It is a great way to get fresh air and exercise with your baby though!
I didn’t run either but we did do walks