Safety Tips for Jogging Strollers

Jogging strollers are one of a new mom's greatest tools to getting back in shape and spending time outdoors with her baby. They are also a great way for parents to maintain the activities that they enjoyed before having a baby, such as running and hiking. While all that fresh air is great for you and your child, there are some safety rules to follow to make sure no one gets hurt. 

Older Babies Only
Jogging strollers are generally not designed for children under the age of six months. This is due in large part to the fact that the child has not yet fully developed the ability to hold up his head. The jostling that occurs in a jogging stroller (because of the speed and often uneven ground) is more extreme than that of a regular stroller during a walk. This makes it more difficult for the child to keep his head steady. 

When purchasing a jogging stroller, be sure that it comes with good head and neck support for your little one. Some experts even recommend using a bicycle helmet on your child. Make sure that your child doesn't exceed the weight limit either.

Safety for All Babies
No matter how old your child, there are some safety rules you should follow when using a jogging stroller. 

• Always use the seatbelt, even if you think your child doesn't need it. You never know when your child is going to fall or climb out. If your child has a lot of freedom in her seat, she may be able to reach out and get her fingers stuck in the wheels. 
• Always use the brakes, even if you're on what appears to be a flat surface. Make it a habit to set the brake every time you let go of the stroller. If your jogging stroller comes with a wrist strap, use that as well. To further prevent an accident, don't park your jogging stroller near a busy street or other dangerous surroundings. If possible, use your jogging stroller on quiet trails or paths where speeding cars won't be a problem.
• Never leave your child unattended in any stroller. Although the situation may seem safe, you never know if another person will come along and attempt to take the stroller, or if a moving object, such as a car or uncontrolled rollerblader, will collide with it. Keep your stroller within arm's reach at all times.
• Check the lock on the folding mechanism. Make absolutely certain that the jogging stroller won't accidentally fold up while you're using it. This can be a serious problem in older models or strollers that have seen heavy use. If you're thinking of buying a used jogging stroller, make sure there's an anti-folding lock and make sure it works.
• Don't hang things from the handlebars. Any additional weight on the handlebars could cause the stroller to tip over, injuring your baby.
• Be aware of recalls. To be notified if your jogging stroller is recalled, it's important to fill out the warranty card that comes with it. This can help prevent you from missing out on important information about safety hazards that may come up.