Choose the right jogging stroller Keep that run all in the family

BY KATHLEEN WILKER

SHOES? CHECK. Water bottle?

Check. Motivation? Check. Baby? Check.

You’re heading out and you’re all set to become the fittest parent in town. But, which jogging stroller best suits your technique, lifestyle and budget?

STROLLERCISE

IF YOU WANT to meet other new parents for companionship and support, Boomerang Kids, (boomerangkids.ca) offers free strollercise from both its locations. Ó Bank Street: Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 10:15-11:15 Ó Richmond Road: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:15-11:15

Rain or shine, a certified fitness instructor and personal trainer leads the way as you stroll / jog along the canal or the Ottawa River. The group meets for coffee and playtime at a local café afterwards.

I wish I had known my in-laws were ultimately going to bankroll our jogging stroller when they took us shopping. I picked out an economical $200 Ridge Runner from Kiddytown. That stroller has since travelled more than 2,000 kilometres, weathered two harsh winters and carried truckloads of groceries. The 60-day warranty has long expired and although it’s still functional, its best days are long gone.

Good quality jogging strollers with accessories range in price from $350 to $900. Yes, $900! Some features are necessities — like big wheels (16-20 inches) to tackle Ottawa snow banks — but there are lots of decisions to make.

If price is no object and you want the very best for you and baby, choose a Chariot. Made in Canada and backed by a limited lifetime warranty, Chariots are lightweight for jogging parents and very comfortable for little passengers. The prices are steep from $450 for a single-child jogging stroller to $900 for a double-child convertible bike trailer/ jogging stroller/infant sling. When considering price, expect to recover at least half the cost when the stroller is resold. With the market for used Chariots so hot, the company stocks replacement parts and owners manuals back to 1993 models.

When purchasing a jogging stroller, there are a few questions that should be asked.

WILL THE JOGGING STROLLER DOUBLE AS A BIKE TRAILER?

If you’re just interested in walking and jogging, you can buy a Chariot jogging stroller or a Running Room jogging stroller — they are actually the same stroller. Their single and double jogging strollers are $450 and $550 respectively.

If you want the option of biking with baby without having to invest in another child carrier, your most economical bet is a MEC Child Trailer (www.mec.ca) with the jogging wheel attachment. You get a spacious double stroller with a huge storage capacity for continued on page 28

$350, backed by MEC’s expectation guarantee – if it doesn’t meet your performance expectations you can return it.

The MEC Child Trailer is not as lightweight for jogging or easy to manoeuvre as the Chariots, but Chariots

HOW TO MAKE YOUR MUNCHKIN PART OF THE JOGGING STROLLER TEAM

Ó Make sure baby is a comfortable temperature. It’s common to overdress new babies. But remember that you’re working up a sweat while your little one is sitting still. Ó Plastic weather guards are a great way to protect against wind, rain, sleet and snow. Ó Take advantage of nap time — a sleeping baby is a happy baby. Ó Older babies and toddlers can entertain themselves for a little while with snacks and toys. Ó Keep it short. Since you are pushing an increasingly heavy load, 30 minutes still allows you to get a workout without trying your little one’s patience. Ó Make it an outing. Run to or from the park, where baby can get out and play. Ó Take turns running. Let your toddler run down our street, then explain it’s mommy’s turn for a short run. On the last block, follow with the stroller and let the wee one run again. Ó Play tour guide: dogs, ducks, trucks, cyclists, other babies. Point out anything interesting. Ó Sing your favourite songs together. Hey, if you can carry on a conversation while jogging, why not sing? Ó Think speed. If your little one is bored with running, attach the stroller to your bike and pick up the pace. For safety’s sake, wait until baby is about one year old for trailering and good luck getting that helmet on your child!

are considerably more expensive at $650- $800, depending on components and suspension. And compared to heavier models, like the $200 Little Tyke Cozy Cruiser Trailer, the MEC Child Trailer is a dream with which to jog. But, if your run includes tempo training, hill repeats or speed work, you’re better off with a Chariot.

IS THE STROLLER FOR RECREATION OR WILL IT BE BABY’S PRIMARY MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION?

If you’re thinking recreation, you’ll want to look for a lightweight model that’s easy to collapse for packing into the car or bus. Depending on the number of kids you have (or are planning to have) a single stroller may be the best option for you.

IS THERE AMPLE STORAGE FOR PICKING UP GROCERIES ON THE WAY HOME FROM YOUR RUN?

Hands down, the MEC Child Trailer has the most storage capacity. You can pack a picnic or do a full grocery shop and still have room for diapers without crowding your baby. Unfortunately, its width makes it more difficult to handle in stores, especially in doorways.

WILL THE WEATHER GUARD PROTECT YOUR LITTLE ONE FROM WINTER WINDS ON THE CANAL WHEN YOU GO STROLLER SKATING? DOES IT OFFER SUN PROTECTION FOR THOSE HOT JULY DAYS?

If you plan to take baby out in all kinds of conditions, you need to be vigilant about safety, warmth and comfort. In two years, I’ve been through four Jolly Jumper weather guards. At $11, they’re not expensive, but the plastic cracks in cold conditions. If your stroller comes with a designated weather guard, it’s worth the price.

WHEN CAN I START JOGGING WITH MY BABY?

Chariot sells $80 infant slings for their convertible strollers. Technically, you can take your infant jogging from about one month of age. If the infant you’re taking for a ride has a big brother or sister and you want to take both children, you may wish to wait until you can count on the toddler to behave unsupervised. By five or six months, most babies are sitting up sufficiently well to make a sling unnecessary.

HOW DO I HANDLE STROLLER STRIKES?

No matter how wonderful your stroller, there will be days (and even weeks) when your little munchkin will want nothing to do with it. The steady rocking of a stroller in motion is perfect for putting a young baby to sleep. But once they discover their own mobility, active older babies and toddlers want to do their own independent exploring and resist being confined for too long. Be patient. There are ways to get your run in. And remember, as an active parent, you’re probably trying to raise an active kid.

With baby leading the way, you’re heading into the best shape of your life. Choose your baby carrier wisely so that introducing baby to the great outdoors is a total success. Kathleen Wilker is an Ottawa freelance journalist and outdoor enthusiast.