Here’s how to find the best running strollers for moms on the go

After months if not years of upheaval at every level of life, new moms want nothing more than to regain some semblance of their old routine. Rarely has a simple run felt so liberating.

Parents need not set their favorite healthy habit aside just because a baby’s in tow (sometimes literally). That’s where the perfect running stroller, also known as a jogging stroller or jogger, comes in. And that’s what this list is here to help you find.

You might be a serious fitness enthusiast, or you may be a dabbler looking to shed some maternity pounds. You may want a running stroller with durability, a maternal multitasker, or something that can maneuver through tight spaces. There’s a running stroller to meet every need.

Here are some things to consider as you get back up to speed and bring your little one(s) along for the fun. We’ve also factored in the best double jogging strollers for those times when the pack expands.

How will you be using this stroller?

It’s a simple but important question. Will you use this only for running, or will you use it for other functions, too? Depending on your answer, a traditional stroller or a jogging stroller equipped with a bike trailer could be the best fit.

There is no wrong answer, and there are excellent options on all fronts. Just be sure you’re getting what you really want.

Wheels that work

Wheels are the main difference between strollers and joggers. Forget about stroller models with wheels pulled straight from a broken shopping cart. Modern running strollers are far tougher and more streamlined.

One key difference is that running stroller wheels are made of rubber and inflated with air, much more closely resembling bicycle wheels than the harder, more solid construction found on traditional stroller wheels, which also tend to be substantially smaller. Running stroller wheels provide better traction and shock absorption, resulting in a smoother ride for all involved.

Running strollers also have two types of wheel setups: Fixed wheel and swivel wheel.

A rigid or fixed front wheel helps a running stroller maintain stability, particularly as runners increase their speed. Running with a stroller that doesn’t have a fixed front wheel is unsafe and could endanger you or your child.

By contrast, strollers with swivel wheels have a movable wheel setup that makes the stroller easier to maneuver. However, virtually all models contain a locking mechanism to fix the front wheel in place as needed.

What other safety features should I look for?

The modern running stroller takes a lot of precautionary measures. Not every stroller will include every feature, but these are some common components that beef up the safety profile:

• Brakes: There are two kinds of stroller brakes, both of which are equivalent to those found in the average car. Think of the hand brake as the brake you use to slow down for a red light, while the rear brakes are the parking brake, helping you stay put once the journey’s done.
• Five-point harness: This well-known harness design is the best option for a baby’s security.
• Tether strap: wrap this around your wrist to keep the running stroller from accidentally getting away from you.
• Canopy: An adjustable canopy over his or her little head protects your baby from the elements.

What’s the key to the best double jogging stroller?

The same features and considerations apply to double jogging strollers just as they do for single jogging strollers.

One issue, however, takes on extra importance when there are two babies on board: Storage. It might be a pocket, a pouch, a console, or a cup holder. The more storage you have, the easier life is going to be.

Storage is one of the reasons we chose the Baby Trend Expedition Double Jogger as our favorite double jogging stroller.

This model includes a convenient parent tray with two cup holders and a covered storage compartment, as well as a large storage basket. Never worry again about the Cheerios intermingling with the diaper bag.

It’s natural (and necessary) for your life to revolve around your little ones. A running stroller is a way of evening the scales a bit — keeping kids safe and engaged while reconnecting with those semi-mythical things you remember enjoying pre-baby. And there’s no better way to give your baby a taste of fresh air or the feel of the wind in their face.