I know there a million posts about strollers and jogging strollers but as I go through them, I'm still not getting exactly what I am looking for - so please forgive me if you feel like this has been beat to death. I'm a FTM looking for recommendations!
Ideally, we will need a stroller(s) for:
-everyday use - grocery store, light walks, etc.
-jogging (DH) and hikes on trails
-days to beach or parks with dirt paths
-something to grow with baby
Is there a jogging stroller that can be used as an everyday stroller as well? Many seem very bulky, so it wiser to buy a travel system for everyday and a jogging stroller for light runs, hikes and beachtime?
Also, is there any jogging stroller that can be used with a newborn?
A family member recommended JEEP as a good jogging stroller at an affordable price (opinions on this?). She uses peg perego stroller (opinions) for everyday.
Re: jogging vs. everyday
A good jogging stroller is bulky period. You are probably going to want a proper jogging stroller (the BOB is the best) and something lightweight for everyday use. Do not get a travel system if you want something for everyday. Most people hate them. You can get a good umbrella stroller for everyday use.
You cannot jog with a newborn EVER. The typical recommendation for jogging with a newborn is at least 8 months of age and able to support their own head very well. Jogging with a newborn is like giving your baby shaken baby syndrome.
Thanks! This helps.
I think we will lean toward one of each. Do you (or anyone else) have recommendations on a good everyday that works well for travel as well (we fly a few times a year)?
I personally like the umbrella strollers that can accept an infant car seat. It's so handy because you can use them as a sort of snap n go and then you still have the regular stroller if you want to use it without the seat. Some that take an infant car seat are
Cybex Onyx
Bumbleride Flite
Chicco Liteway Plus (only takes the Keyfit)
Aprica Presto (only takes Graco)
Valco Snap
I recently bought the Graco Fast Action Fold Jogger and it is an awesome stroller. I'm generally not a big fan of Graco strollers but I came across this stroller when I was looking for a jogger and I loved it better than any other jogger I tested, including the BOB. It's really easy to maneuver, has one hand fold (just like the BJ city mini), handles really well while jogging, has a child tray and parent tray with a smartphone/iphone doc, has a decent sized basket, and I don't find it that bulky compared to other joggers.
Also it is compatible with Graco infant car seats so you could use it as your daily stroller as well. However, as PP mentioned you shouldn't actually jog with your infant until they are older - around 8 months.
Here's the link in amazon but you can go test it out at BRU.
https://www.amazon.com/Graco-FastAction-Connect-Stroller-Tangerine/dp/B00AHVR4KG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1361305592&sr=8-2&keywords=graco+jogging+stroller
My everyday stroller was the snap n go. Easy peasy. Buy it used.
When DD outgrew the infant seat, I bought a First Years Jet umbrella stroller.
I had a 3-wheel jogging stroller, but I don't actually jog with it b/c I'm not comfortable jogging with a stroller (its awkward, I'd rather just run on my own) and the front wheel would get wobbly once I stopped using it with the infant seat and DD was not heavy enough to weigh it down. I just like the big smooth wheels for long neighborhood walks and long day trips at the park (its heavy so I very rarely lug it in & out of the car). I have the Baby Trend Expedition.
For the first six months, we used the Snap & Go frame. It was really convenient, big basket, let us put off making a real decision, etc. We registered for one and got it as a gift, but if I were buying it myself I'd definitely just buy used.
After extensive research, we now have the Baby Trend Expedition (which I use for jogging, but I'm slow... currently doing Couch to 5k so not exactly pushing it at high speeds!!), the First Years Ignite and the Baby Jogger City Micro. I wanted one umbrella stroller for each vehicle (we use each with equal frequency and don't want to be caught strollerless, which happened a few times when we were sharing the Snap & Go).... planned to get two Ignites, but found the City Micro on Target clearance for $50 and couldn't pass it up
Anyway, I love our jogger but I can't imagine using it for everyday use. A coworker uses it as her everyday stroller and loves it, but to me it's too heavy/bulky/etc to be getting in and out of the trunk with every errand. I also don't like the fact that it can't be folded/unfolded one-handed. I'd suggest getting two separate strollers. The Baby Trend Expedition is only around $100 and the Ignite is around $50, so you're still spending less than most people spend on just one stroller
Like pp's have said, it's not a good idea to jog with young infants. Yes, you can use these as your main stroller, it's very common in my area. If your in the kind of shape where you need/use a jogger stroller, the weight is a non issue. Pushing a 25lb jogging stroller is far easier than pushing an umbrella stroller with 4-6" wheels, especially on anything other than a very smooth surface. As for the footprint, honestly, they don't take up any more room than most strollers (like travel systems, etc). The only issue I've ever had with three wheeled strollers is other people not being aware and tripping over the front wheel. That's maybe happened to me a handful of times over the years.
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Chicco has a liteway (their umbrella stroller model) travel system. That might work if you're interested in a chicco seat. Most traditional travel systems strollers are pretty bulky. Or maybe something lightweight like a city mini with a car seat adapter?
I never had a snap and go bc they too take up a decent amount of room when folded, and IMO, are kind of a waste since you probably will not want to keep your LO In their carseat for all outings much longer than 4-6 months. That being said though, I see them all the time at consignment shops for cheap so might be worth it for $20.
If you run or even walk a lot a jogging stroller is necessary, but not something I'd want to use daily. Any that's appropriate for actual jogging is going to be pretty bulky.
Also, just want to add the main reason I wouldn't want to use a jogger every day: both DH and I have sedans, and to fit our jogging stroller in the trunk I need to pop off the wheel. Not a huge deal but an added step. I have baby trend expedition that was given to me as a hand me down and it's just ok. I'm definitely looking to buy a bob for once this LO arrives. I'm just not sure if I should go with the single or the double.