Wednesday, 31 May 2017 00:00

How to Safely Run with a Jogging Stroller

When you get a jogging stroller, you may think that you're set to head out there and start running again. However, there are a few things that you need to learn and understand in advance before you get going. Failing to do so could mean that you – or your child – could end up being injured. A bit of extra time preparing can make all the difference to making sure that your regular run is an enjoyable experience.

To start, whether you're a parent for the first time or your family more closely resembles the Brady Bunch, you'll absolutely love the investment you've made into your jogging stroller. After all, it means that you can take your kids with you and head out to exercise whenever you want, and you can give yourself a bit of a stress buster at the same time.

After all, you've given yourself the chance to get out of the house, while your child gets to look out at the scenery and world around you as you go.

Unfortunately, too many parents make mistakes when running with a jogging stroller. According to recent research published in the Academic Pediatrics Journal, from 1990 through 2010, there were 360,937 babies and toddlers sent to the emergency room as a result of an injury relating to a baby carrier or stroller. Among the injuries linked with strollers, most of the kids were boys under one year and were injured in the head or face. This means everything from soft tissue damage to concussions or brain injuries.

Scary sounding, yes, but it shouldn't discourage you from heading out with your jogging stroller. Instead, let it motivate you to make sure you use the stroller properly. Educate yourself about the product and the techniques with which it should be used. Here are some tips to get you started:

• Consider your child's age – Jogging strollers aren't meant for newborns. Don't start to use one until your child has reached at least 8 months of age and has solid head control. Even then, make sure to transition your child properly from his or her old stroller to the new one.
• Lock the front wheel – The majority of jogging strollers have two wheels in the back and one in the front. The front wheel can be locked in place or unlocked to allow it to swivel. The swivel setting is more appropriate for walking. When you jog, lock the front wheel in place to give you more control over the stroller's direction and stop it from turning unexpectedly.
• Put the seat up – When you're jogging, make sure the seat is completely upright, even if your little one naps during runs. The reclined position makes a stroller less stable and makes you more likely to strike it with your knees.

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