Running Strollers Review Pt. 2: The How To's of Stroller Running

This post is a continuation in series, Running Strollers Review Pt. 1: The Strollers.

So you've got your dream running stroller. You've been cleared to run by your OB or you have decided it is finally time to get back out there, so grab your shoes and go, right?

Hold on there, before you lace up your shoes there are some how to's and some don'ts to run over (pun intended) before you head out. Keeping them in mind will make your run even more enjoyable and help you and your little one continue logging those stroller miles.

First lets talk about your little one:

1. When can we start?

The general guideline is that you should avoid running with your child with a stroller alone if they are under 6 months old. BOB is even more conservative and recommends waiting until baby is 8 months for running.

The BOB website and user manuals states that "infants incapable of holding their head up must have additional head and neck support to ride safely and comfortably." From 0-8 weeks, or as recommended by your pediatrician, the use of an infant car seat and adapter is encouraged.

Once your baby has good head control you can place them in the stroller and run without the carseat. (YAY less weight in the stroller!)

I began running (very slowly and not for very long) with Teddy around 5 months. I reclined the stroller about half way and used an infant insert like this one by Summer's Infant to keep him nice and snug. I kept the insert in the stroller until he was 9 months or so. He was a tiny baby and the BOB is such a big stroller that the extra little bit to keep him snug was helpful.

Remember that every child develops differently. Your baby may have incredible head control at 4 months and sitting up 5, and your neighbor's baby may be 2 months behind. Always let your baby, and your comfort level, guide you first and foremost.

2. Positioning

Always use the 5-point harness on your stroller and make sure it is comfortable yet appropriately tight. This is extremely important as a running stroller jostles around more than a standard stroller and you need to make sure your running partner is safely in the stroller.

I have found that a semi-reclined seat seems to be more comfortable for younger babies who are no longer in a carseat. This enables better napping and at least for Teddy, he seemed to enjoy running better for the first few months this way. Once your baby is older (or indicates to you they are ready) move the seat to the fully inclined position. This allows them to see more of the world while you run.

3. Getting and staying comfortable

This all depends on you and your knowledge of your child. You know your child and are going to have to make the decisions that will allow for a good run for you and a comfortable ride for them.

Teddy is a prima donna, so in order to ensure a nice run for mamma I have to ensure Teddy's comfort. That means, among other things, making sure he has a fresh diaper, wet diaper = short run. When he was a little baby that meant using the infant insert for his body. Teddy likes to be extra warm and cozy and to take naps in the winter and loves the wind blowing in his face in the summer.

In the summer it is key to make sure that you give your mini a good coating of sunscreen. The canopies on most jogging strollers out there do not give sun protection, despite producing a good amount of shade. In the summer heat I make sure that Teddy has a water bottle/cup of ice water accessible in the stroller so that he can keep cool.

In the winter we use this footmuff by JJ. Cole to keep Teddy nice and warm. I was using just a blanket but his toes were getting chilly, but now with the Bundle Me he is snug as a bug in a rug, if you will.

The weather shield is an important accessory to add to your arsenal. Most jogging stroller companies make a compatible weather shield and if yours does not there are a number of universal shields. The BOB shield states that it should not be used in temperatures over 65 degrees, but really gets toasty in there so we have only used it when the temps are 55 and under.

I am a big proponent of using the weather shield in the winter. It really helps keep the temperature stable and warm for your kiddo. Keep in mind that you may warm up on your run but your child is not moving and has the air blowing into their face, even with the canopy down and a hat on. By using the weather shield they don't have to wear as many layers and can still be nice and toasty all over.

snug as a bug in a rug and napping like a champ in his bundleme and under his weather sheild

Bonus, because it is so warm and cozy and quiet in there under that weather shield it is perfect napping conditions. Teddy zonks out nearly every time.

14 month old Teddy and all the things. Water, snack, frog pacifier..  Not pictured, his shoes, diapers, and my stuff. — 14 month old Teddy and all the things. Water, snack, frog pacifier.. Not pictured, his shoes, diapers, and my stuff.

4. Keeping them happy

What you should take depends on how long your run is and your destination. For a longer run make sure your kiddo has water, a snack and something to keep them occupied and comfortable. If your run is going to stop at a park I make sure Teddy has shoes and a jacket or extra water. You get the picture. It is also key to lock those toys down if possible. In the summer I make sure that each toy is attached to a pacifier clip and clipped to the stroller. This way nothing goes flying out of the stroller and I don't have to stop to help Teddy find his pacifier or a truck.

For an every day run of the mill run, which averages 45 minutes, we take 1 pacifier, 2 trucks, 1 stuffed cat (which ends up being used for a pillow), a cup of water, and some snacks, you know just a few things.

Also, make sure you pack a couple diapers, a small pack of wipes, and a changing pad of sorts. You never know when the moment will strike for a diaper change.

Tips for running safely with the stroller

(1) Tall back with slight lean forwrd; (2) soft elbows; (3) run close to stroller

1. What do I do with my hands?

It may seem weird at first, running while pushing something. Don't worry it will get more natural. The best way to handle this unnatural motion is to push with one hand at a time and swing the other arm as you normally would while running, then switch arms as you feel necessary. Some suggest switching arms every few minutes, I switch every 30 seconds - 1 minute max. I find that this keeps me from fatiguing and keeps my form steady.

Turns and bumps on the road are the two times when using both hands is necessary. When turning the stroller and going over bumpy roads you need to be able to maintain complete control over the stroller and holding on with both hands (and slowing down) is very important.

2. Why does my back hurt?

If your back is beginning to hurt as you run with the stroller you are PUSHING too much and not RUNNING enough. You should have soft elbows and be running close to the stroller. You should be able to unwrap your hands from the handlebar and just push the stroller along as you run. This will also help you establish a quicker cadence (a quicker cadence is key to maintaining solid form). Do not run with your arms outstretched and your back or shoulders curled. This will cause you to fatigue quickly, have an inefficient run, and potentially injure yourself. Additionally, do not run far away from the stroller by outstretching your arms. You do not have to worry about being too close and tripping over it. By running close you you speed up your cadence and also naturally soften your elbows. BOB put out a nice piece on running biomechanics that has some great visuals (written by a 5:30 miler - with a dullie!).

3. Keep the front wheel locked (according to the safety manual).

Now in all truth, I don't always lock the front wheel, I find that it is easier to guide the stroller with the front wheel unlocked and unless I am going out for a very speedy run, or on a run on a route with a lot of bumps or turns, I don't need it locked. So, it is always recommended to lock the wheel but do as I say not as I do.

4. Don't get upset about your pace

Running with a stroller is hard work. Don't be surprised or disheartened if your pace is slowed by 30 seconds to 1 minute at least. It's essentially a resistance workout while running so take your time and get used to it before you work on your pace.

5. Plan your route

Before you first go out with your babe, get a sense of the running scene in your neighborhood. Can you get on a trail quickly, are there bike paths or bike lanes you can run on, are the sidewalks wide and even? Where are the bathrooms? (What, you don't need to know that? Ok, well I do.)

All of this is important to know for mapping out a route that is going to be the best for your stroller. The route you used to run pre-baby may have had a lot of stop lights and curbs which is not ideal with a stroller. It is worth looking around for a route you can run as uninterrupted as possible (easier on you) and with even terrain (better ride for kiddo). Also, knowing where the bathrooms are never hurt :-)

Above all remember to have fun. Running with your kiddo can become a special thing that the two of you have and can do together for quite some time. Don't stress about what other people are doing out on the trails, focus on the fact that you are out there kicking a$% with a running stroller. Be safe and have fun!