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Everyone knows that getting some fresh air and activity after you’ve had a baby is a good thing. In fact, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists notes that postpartum exercise can boost energy, promote better sleep, counter stress, and may help prevent postpartum depression, and more. And one of the most popular post-baby means of exercise is running. But before you grab your infant, your running shoes, and jogging stroller, it’s important to answer the question: When can you jog with a baby? It may not be as soon as you think! Read on to learn more about running with a baby.

When can you run after having a baby?

The average time for returning to running following childbirth was 12 weeks, notes a 2021 report in BMJ, which is what’s recommended—with some important caveats. If you’re experiencing any symptoms of pelvic floor dysfunction, like leaking urine, you should delay your return to jogging until your issues have been addressed, according to a 2020 report in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. In fact, if you’re the birthing parent, you should always get the A-okay from your physician before returning to or starting exercise after baby. The report noted that all new moms should have their pelvic health evaluated prior to returning to running and be offered guided pelvic floor rehabilitation to help prevent and manage pelvic organ prolapse, urinary incontinence, and other issues. Even if you’re experiencing zero pelvic floor problems, experts still recommend making a gradual return to your favorite exercise.

When can you run with a baby in a jogging stroller?

While you may be physically ready to return to running three months postpartum (emphasis on the may—everyone is different!), your baby isn’t! Since most jogging strollers aren’t designed to fully recline, you should not run with your baby until your little one is at least 6 months old. Even then, your bub still might not be ready to run until they’re 8 months old. That’s because your little one needs good head and neck control to withstand the speed and turns that running with a baby entails. If you’re unsure if you can run with your baby, get the thumbs-up from your pediatrician (and your healthcare provider) and check the minimum age and weight requirements of your jogging stroller before lacing up your sneakers.

Can I start running with Baby at 6 months?

It depends! Some babies aren’t quite ready at 6 months, and some jogging strollers are designed for babies 8 months and up. It’s always wise to get the go-ahead from your baby’s pediatrician first. Consider starting off with some walks before pounding the pavement at full speed. This will help get your baby used to their new fancy stroller—and you to get used to pushing a jogging stroller.

Is there a jogging stroller for infants under 6 months?

While some strollers claim to be jogging strollers for infants under 6 months, like the Joovy Zoom360 Ultralight Jogging Stroller, you should consult your pediatrician before using it for jogging! Most bestselling jogging strollers are for babies either 6 months and up or 8 months and up.

Jogging strollers for infants at least 6 months old

Jogging strollers for infants at least 8 months old

Can you use a regular stroller for running with Baby?

Sometimes. While you can’t run with any old stroller, you can run with a traditional stroller designed to double as a jogging stroller, according to Consumer Reports. These strollers, like jogging strollers, come with three large wheels. The big difference: The front wheels of a bona fide jogging stroller are locked in a straight position. Meanwhile, with a traditional/jogging stroller combo, you can lock the front tires for running, or put them in the swivel position for everyday use.

How to Choose a Jogging Stroller

Before buying a used stroller off Facebook Marketplace, borrowing a jogging stroller from a friend, or purchasing one new, here’s what you need to check:

  • Stroller’s age: Check that your jogging stroller was manufactured after September 2015, so that it complies with the newer stroller safety standards.

  • Product recalls: Always search for jogging stroller recalls on the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s website before buying. For example, in 2022, over 14,000 UPPAbaby All-Terrain Ridge Jogging Strollers were recalled, as were a number of Baby Trend Cityscape Travel Jogger Strollers. And, while BOB strollers were not formally recalled in 2018 when numerous injuries were reported due to the front wheel falling off, the faulty replacement part was.

  • Weight limits: Make sure your baby meets the jogging stroller’s weight and age limits.

  • Harness: Look for a five-point harness that has a crotch strap attached to a buckle, two waist straps, and two adjustable shoulder straps that get inserted into the buckle. Avoid three-point harnesses that don’t feature shoulder straps.

  • Wrist strap: Run with a jogging stroller that features a wrist strap that’s connected to the handlebar—and wear it when running with Baby! This’ll prevent your jogging stroller from running away from you. (PS: You can buy a wrist strap if your jogging stroller doesn’t have one.)

  • Adjustable height: The best jogging strollers for running with Baby have adjustable handles. Ideally, you want your arms to naturally hit the handle when you’re upright, so you won’t be hunched over when running.

  • Canopy: Your jogging stroller’s canopy should offer good ventilation, while also shielding your bub from sun and light rain. Check to see how adjustable the canopy is on the jogging stroller you’re considering.

  • Breaks: Some jogging strollers feature a hand-operated break, which offers better control than a foot break as you’re running with Baby.

  • Test drive: If you’re able, take the jogging stroller for a spin before buying to ensure your feet don’t hit the rear axle when running.

How to Run With a Jogging Stroller

As you can imagine, running with Baby in a jogging stroller is different from running solo! Before you take your bub for a spin around the block, follow these tips on how to run with a jogging stroller:

  • Check in with docs. Consult your baby’s pediatrician and your OB/GYN or midwife before embarking on your postpartum jogging journey. They’ll let you know if you’re baby’s head and neck control is jogging-stroller ready and if you’ve healed enough to jog, too.

  • Lock the front wheel. Does your jogging stroller have a swivel front wheel? If so, lock it while running or fast walking.

  • Squeeze the tires. Regularly check the jogging stroller tires to ensure they’ve got enough air.

  • Tighten Baby’s harness. You’ll know the safety harness is snug enough when you can only fit one finger between the strap and your child’s chest. At the same time, make sure the shoulder straps hit your bub mid-shoulder, and that it’s not digging into their neck.

  • Keep Baby happy. Attaching a portable white noise machine to your bub’s jogging stroller can help them nod off during your run—or comfort them if they’re feeling upset. (SNOObear not only plays the same SNOO sounds little ones love, it’s on-the-go strap ensures no bears will be harmed during your run.)

  • Place hands this When running with Baby, keep one hand lightly on the jogging stroller, while swinging your other arm, then switch hands every 30 to 60 seconds, recommends running experts at REI. (When you hold the stroller too tight, you can over tighten your muscles.) But when running with Baby uphill, use both hands. And no matter what, always use the stroller’s wrist strap.

  • Shorten your stride. If you’re kicking the jogging stroller while running, shorten your stride. While it may take a bit to get used to, know this: Shorter strides engage your core and keep your body in good alignment.

  • Adjust running expectations. Babies, toddlers, and big kids are unpredictable! Some may need time to get used to being in the jogging stroller. So, ease your bub—and yourself—into a running routine by going on short walks and runs to start.

 

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REFERENCES

  • The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG): Exercise After Pregnancy
  • Return-to-running following childbirth: When the principles of Sports Medicine and Pelvic Health collide. British Journal of Sports Medicine. August 2021
  • Nationwide Children’s: Choosing a Stroller: Best Tips to Keep Your Child Safe
  • Kids In Danger (KID): Safety Considerations for Jogging Strollers
  • Consumer Reports: What to Look for in a Jogging Stroller
  • Consumer Product Safety Commision (CPSC): New Stroller Standard
  • CPSC: UPPAbaby Recalls RIDGE Jogging Strollers Due to Fingertip Amputation Hazard; One Injury to Child Reported
  • CPSC: Baby Trend Recalls Cityscape Travel Jogger Strollers Due to Fall and Injury Hazards (Recall Alert)
  • KID: Kids In Danger (KID), Consumer Federation of America (CFA) Disappointed in U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission’s Misguided and Inadequate Settlement with Britax regarding Hazardous Strollers
  • CPSC: Britax Recalls Modified Thru-Bolt Axles for Use with BOB Jogging Strollers Distributed Through the BOB Information Campaign Due to Fall and Injury Hazards (Recall Alert)
  • American Academy of Pediatrics: How to Choose a Safe Baby Stroller
  • Runner’s World: 10 Tips to Make Running With a Stroller Way More Enjoyable—Anytime of Year
  • REI: How to Run With a Jogging Stroller

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Disclaimer: The information on our site is NOT medical advice for any specific person or condition. It is only meant as general information. If you have any medical questions and concerns about your child or yourself, please contact your health provider.