There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all
jogging stroller, simply because every child and every family situation is different. Some people like to run on a rugged mountain tracks; others are more inclined toward the zoo or a city park. Some people like to pack up the kids for a cross-country vacation -- whether by car or airline; others stay closer to home or have a specific vacation stroller. And some, frankly, have a tighter stroller budget than others.
No matter what your plans are for the stroller, here are some of the crucial features you'll want to think carefully about before you buy.
Wheels
In general, the rougher the track, the large you want your wheels to be. It's the same principle that applies to the bigger wheels on backroads trucks. If the tires are too small, it's likely to bank its chassis on a rock. If you substitute your baby's bottom for the chassis of the pickup, you get the idea.
Also, larger wheels are better for long distances. If you think about the physics of it, a 4-inch-diameter wheel is going to be rubbing its surface on the ground many more times than a 16-inch-diameter wheel. So if you're planning excursions even across the neighborhood soccer field, you will probably want larger wheels than you need for strolling through an indoor mall.
A lot of the jogging strollers have a front wheel that turns freely. That will get you through tight paces without having to lift the front wheel to turn every 30 seconds. Keep in mind, though, that once you're out on the open road, that free-wheeling front wheel is going to shimmy like crazy, which is why top of the line strollers allow you to lock it in place. More often the cost savings comes in not having the free wheel at all. How much is the convenience worth to you?
Finally, keep in mind that pneumatic tires provide a softer ride than hard rubber.
Brakes
A handbrake on the handlebars can help you slow a stroller's downhill run more easily than just your pulling against gravity. Some strollers also come with straps to attach the stroller to you in case you lose control of it. Just make sure that it's attached to the bottom not the top of the stroller. If you do a face plant (and here's hoping you don't), you want the baby to stop, not to have the stroller and baby pitched on top of you.
Frame
There's a trade-off between weight and durability. If you've got pretty low-key plans for the stroller, you may not need the toddler equivalent of a Humvee. If you're planning to run Diamond Head, the extra money for a really good stroller -- not to mention the extra weight -- may well be a good investment. That's question only you can answer.
Before you buy, measure your child from bumper to crown and check the measurements to see how the stroller is going to fit. People are just built differently, and some 2-year-old bump their heads on strollers made for 4-year-olds.
Suspension
This is another feature of the rough-rider jogging strollers. The BOB Revolution, for example, has adjustable suspension to take into account larger children or rougher rides Not all the stroller companies do that, but if you're going to be putting it through its paces to that extent, take into account the quality of the ride for your little one.
Sunshade
Some strollers have generous sun shades; others don't. If you're going to take your child out in the sun, how do you want to keep the sun off his or her face? Or if it's going to be more of an indoor stroller, maybe it really doesn't matter that much. But give it some thought.
The new strollers come in a variety of styles and colors with a dizzying array of features. These are just a few of the little-know, less glamorous factors that go into making the right stroller decision for your child and your family.
