Jogging stroller - worth the splurge?

leighann1 · May 2015

As first-time parents, we are trying our best to acquire baby stuff wisely and inexpensively when possible. We have a great network of friends and family who have been super generous with used items, so the list of things we need to buy keeps dwindling (yay!).

I'm having trouble deciding if a nice jogging stroller is worth splurging on. A couple of people have offered us their old ones for free, but I have also heard that BOB strollers are the best and are totally worth it. And since we're saving so much thanks to the generosity of loved ones, we do have the funds for it.

We are both regular runners (well, I was before this darn pregnancy exhaustion hit). DH does 15-20+ miles per week and I do around 10-15 normally. We would also use the stroller at our local dog park that has some rough terrain on a 1.5 mile loop (wood chips, rocks, etc.) at least once, probably 2-3 times per week.

I have seen a couple of BOB strollers on Craigslist in the $225-300 range. We wouldn't be spending the $500 on a new one for sure. What do you think? Worth it, or start out with a free lower quality jogger and see how it goes? Any moms have experience with jogging strollers they'd be willing to share?

am&n · May 2015

If you jog/run then yes! A lot of strollers say they are jogging strollers but then you read the fine print and it is not for actual jogging. The BOB and The Baby Jogger( I think that is the brand) are true joggers. I have used them both and they are both great. The Baby Jogger is a little less expensive. They turn better when running(you can lock the wheels in place, have better tires and are more shock resistance providing for less bounce for the baby. Although I believe they have to be 6 months before they can go in one.

twogirlsandagreen · May 2015

I could not make it without our Bob. Worth every penny! Try looking on Craigslist for a used one if you need to save on it. I have not once EVER regretted buying the Bob. Rides and steers like a dream and it also goes to the beach and Disney with us. Have had ours for almost 5 years without one issue

Msdpgp · May 2015

Another emphatic YES! if you guys are regular runners. I adore my BOB sport utility stroller. We have put a ton of miles on it and some of my favorite times as a parent are family runs with my hubby and dog and DD in the BOB. I tried to be and stay a minimalist on baby "stuff", and the good jogging stroller is definitely, definitely worth the splurge!

Carmofrap · May 2015

if you jog definitely get one! But just understand baby may hate it!!! and take a look at how the seat is, the one we ended up buying. not the brand you mentioned, It was a jeep brand one. haha. What can I say my husband saw it and wanted it. It was so far reclined that when he was teeny it was great because he was kind of laying down but as he started getting bigger he just wanted to sit up and look over the front peice that had a lil cup holder and tray for him and so he would be struggling agianst his straps to sit upright and I could never find a way to adjust it to sit upright. And the other thing is go for a jog in a store with it. Mine rolled awesome. I didn't feel like I was pushing anything and I did a lot of jogging on dirt/gravel roads but it turned like a bitch. Soooooo hard to turn. Definitely more for long stretches with gradual turns.

seanaub04 · May 2015

Definitely! I have the double Bob and work out about 3/4 days a week. I got mine off of Craigslisf for like $150

Boonhilde · May 2015

I got a jogger and I absolutely hate it. (I don't think it's a BOB. It's large and clunky and who doesn't swing their arms when they run? I'd use it for taking my son to the pier or wharf, oh except I can't fit it in my car! Basically I hate it.

Boonhilde · May 2015

Oh, and you're not supposed to use them till your baby is a year old and their necks are stronger.... So... what good are they during the first year? (Sorry. I'm bitter.

)

MSturtebury · May 2015

The BOBs we saw at REI have the ability to attach the car seat so it can be used for infants as well. And is more in the $300 range than $500.

anorthro · May 2015

Keep an eye on Craigslist. I got a BOB stroller for $95 and it's in perfect shape. Even if we hate it, we can probably re-sell it for what we paid.

StephN310 · May 2015

Yes. Especially if it is your first and are planning more. Cheap strollers are worthless!! They make even the most mundane task frustrating! I'm a fan of the Phil & Ted line because of how they switch to a double.

comland · May 2015

I think it depends on which BOB stroller you get for your type of running. I got the Revolution Pro which has the fixed or swivel front wheel option. Many of my friends who are Mamas love it for running on roads as well as trails. We live in a mountain town with hills and dirt trails. All of my friends with the fixed wheel only version wish they had the swivel wheel option. I plan to use the car seat adapter with mine when baby is little - for walks and to just get outside a little until they are old enough to sit in it while jogging.

aubreyalt · May 2015

I have 2 different Jeep jogging strollers and I Love them! I got the nicer of the 2 at babies r us and I loved the fact that I literally put it together in the parking lot of the Seattle Zoo and didn't need 1 tool. It also allow me to plug my MP3 player into it and me/baby can listen to whatever I choose

Knottie16832459 · May 2015

I've got my eye on the City Mini Gt, I don't run but I'm loving the concept of 1 handed steering. I love my fiancé but I know our routine isn't going to change. Right now I run all the errands and it's always with his 3 year old. It's better that way, I think. I think he purposely buys the wrong things just so I do it, but anyway...it's always me. One its me and the 2 tikes I feel like I'm going to need an easy push, easy handle stroller for the baby. We never used a stroller for his son but it was easier with just a baby. Consider all the other more practical things, do you need lightweight? Do you need storage? Do you need easy close? Do you need easy push?

dchiapella · May 2015

Yes. Yes. Yes, Honestly that's going to be one of the main purchases for us (other than an acceptable vehicle) since we live an active life style and want to do 5k's 10k's half marathons with baby all growing up.

LiveNLove44 · May 2015

I would say yes, and if you need to, the resale is usually really good. Our BOB was our favorite purchase with DD and the most expensive. We saved everywhere else so we could have it. I know there is research out there now about runners, specifically women, developing hip issues if they run high mileage with a stroller. A PP mentioned the arm swinging thing which is definitely an adjustment, too. I found that I ran with it a couple times a week, but I also made sure to do runs without it. If you and your husband run, perhaps you could also take turns being the one who runs with the stroller and it wouldn't be an issue. DH and I enjoy having it for the mobility and it isn't so heavy or bulky that we can't bring it places when we travel.

As for running with it with an adapter, read the warnings. It is my understanding that you should not run/jog with it with the carseat because it becomes very top heavy, among other things. With that said, the carseat adapter is a must so you can get out and go for walks in the early months! When LO is big enough to hold his/her head up and can sit in the jogger normally, that's when the fun starts

komorebi · May 2015

I never jog but have a double jogger and love it. It's so sturdy on and off road, it's great for amusement parks and events. They are bulky so make sure you get one that fits in your vehicle. That was an issue for us at first.

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