Not only does the best jogging stroller make the world a bit more accessible. But it can also provide such a smooth ride that babies are rocked straight to sleep or at least have enough comfort to enjoy the ride.
When a baby comes into the family, life doesn’t need to come screeching to an abrupt stop. Running is such a crucial part of life for active parents, we don’t want that to end just because you’re a parent. This is where the best jogging strollers come in — to help a parent out.
To find the best jogging strollers, we sought out some promising candidates and put them to the test. We wanted to ensure they rolled well, were ergonomic, had good storage space, folded easily, and had great hand/brake control.
Most jogging strollers are big, due to their long shape and three-wheel design. Even when folded, they take up a lot of room in your trunk and garage. So, in addition to running, we stashed them in two cars: a Jeep Cherokee (easy fit, but harder lift) and a Toyota Prius (easy lift, but harder fit). They all passed the fit test when folded, so depending on how much other crap you keep in your trunk, you should be good. As for the double joggers, your trunk would need to be fairly empty for a manageable fit.
This guide will help you choose the perfect jogging stroller for a wide range of needs and uses. To wrap up our thorough analysis, you’ll find our helpful comparison chart, buyer’s guide, and price & value sections at the end of the guide.
Editor’s Note: For our November 14, 2024, update, we added a Price & Value section to show what buyers get with different price points.
The Best Jogging Strollers of 2024
- Best Overall Jogging Stroller: UPPAbaby Ridge All-Terrain Jogging Stroller
- Best Budget Jogging Stroller: Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller
- Most Comfortable Jogging Stroller: Thule Urban Glide 3
- Best All-Terrain Jogging Stroller: Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer & Stroller Double
- Best Compact Jogging Stroller: Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller
- Best Double Jogging Stroller: BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie
UPPAbaby Ridge All-Terrain Jogging Stroller
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Large 12″ + 16″ foam-filled, never-flat tires with a deep tread
- Reliable disc hand brake system to slow down smoothly
- Can be used from birth with convenient adapters for the car seat or bassinet
- Extendable canopy with mesh window and zipper pocket
- Good storage basket
- One-handed fold
Cons
- Like all jog strollers, it’s long so not great as a one-and-done stroller
If you live anywhere in or near a big city, you’ve likely been seeing these UPPAbaby strollers everywhere. The UPPAbaby Ridge All-Terrain Jogging Stroller ($600) can be used from birth all the way to 55 pounds. Many joggers have a car seat adapter for babies, but this has the option of a bassinet or car seat, which really makes it one of a kind.
The Ridge worked as well on mellow trails as it does on city sidewalks, which is a bonus if you’re a city dweller or visitor. Our tester jogged to the park, ran across lawns, and chugged up dirt trails in upstate New York, and this stroller felt smooth on every kind of terrain.
The unboxing was smooth, as well. The box was large, but that’s because the stroller was almost completely assembled inside. It took us less than one minute to add the three wheels and the cup holder.
Our tester loved the large wheels (no air needed) and oversized canopy. They also liked the big storage bag underneath that zips closed to hold everything in, even during a particularly bumpy run. It even has a flip top for easy access and a few pockets inside for storage. There’s also a nice screened peekaboo window (not vinyl) and a runner’s wrist strap.
The one-handed fold is easy as well – you just flip up the seat and twist. For a compact fold, you can (carefully) remove the three wheels and then fold. This is a great solution if you have a very small trunk. For our tester, it was an easy lift and fit into trunks of varying sizes. With all this in mind, the UPPAbaby Ridge All-Terrain Jogging Stroller isn’t the cheapest on this list, but it feels well worth the money. If you’re looking for the best, you’ll have to pay for it — but you’ll be glad you did.
Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Affordable
- Secure, click-in attachment for all Chicco infant car seats via the included arm bar – no additional adapter needed
- Hand-operated front wheel swivel
- Adjustable suspension
- Multi-position recliner seat
Cons
- Low weight limit (50 lbs)
- Not as smooth a ride for pro-runners
The best jogging strollers out there can also cost a small fortune, which is why we wanted to highlight Chicco for offering parents an affordable option. The Activ3 Jogging Stroller ($350) is the prime contender as the most affordable jogging stroller.
Combining the features of a full-size stroller and a jogger, the Activ3 offers versatile functionality at any pace. A lightweight aluminum frame and sleek three-wheel design are easy to maneuver, FlexCore rear suspension adjusts for smooth or rugged terrains, and foam-filled tires perform like air-filled tires but require no maintenance. An extendable UPF 50+ canopy with peek-a-boo windows and reflective details offer parents peace of mind whatever road they’re on.
While the Activ3 Jogging Stroller is not the ideal choice for real running parents, it’s great for walkers, hikers and city-tourers — giving the feel of a jog stroller without the intensity of a run. We wouldn’t marathon with this one, but the features are great for an under $400 choice.
There’s also a height-adjustable padded handle, a soft parent tray with two cup holders, and a large storage basket accessible from the front and back of the stroller, providing added convenience. It’s important to note that this stroller is only rated up to around 50 pounds, something to keep in mind as your littles grow bigger.
Thule Urban Glide 3
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Option to sit upright
- Easy to fold
- Lockable wheel
- Handbrake
- Built-in footrest
- Further extending canopy
- Spacious cargo basket
Cons
- Doesn’t come with a cupholder
Thule is synonymous with practical luxury goods, and this stroller is the reason why. The Thule Urban Glide 3 ($650) rides nicely and can be put together in a beat. It arrived with the front wheel attached (win!), only needing the canopy and the two large wheels to be added.
Updated with more comfort features (compared to the Thule Urban Glide 2), the Glide 3 has a built-in legrest. There’s an upright, comfortable seat with adjustable recline. And there’s a full coverage canopy with ventilation, making for a comfortable ride anywhere and everywhere.
Designed for active parents like us, the Thule Urban Glide 3 offers a combination of comfort, functionality, and performance on any surface. The swivel front wheel effortlessly maneuvered through crowded streets and amusement parks. It also easily locked in place when our tester geared up to a higher pace or charged up steep hills.
The twist hand brake provides speed control on city pavement or hilly terrain. The one-handed, compact fold (a feature we love) makes storage and transportation doable. The spacious cargo basket with zip-top cover has plenty of room for the diaper bag necessities plus lunch and drinks.
We really like the recline function, which was very easy to use whether we were moving the babe into lay-back mode or sitting them upright to enjoy the scenery. Plus, despite its size, the Thule Urban Glide 3 fit as easily into our tester’s Jeep Cherokee as it did into a Prius.
Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer & Stroller Double
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Versatile
- Great for shorter parents
- Weather-resistant and sturdy
Cons
- Doesn’t fold up as small for easy storage or transport
Our choice for the best all-terrain wasn’t hard to make. The Thule Chariot Cross ($1,300) takes the idea of a multi-use stroller to a whole new level. No matter which activity piques your interest, this is the stroller to take out and go. The trailer makes it so functional. Yes, it’s a jog stroller, but it’s a walk-around, Disney touring, hiking functional stroller for two kids (there is a single version for one child as well).
It’s easy to convert between activities, so the kids can come along on the morning bike ride, the winter ski, or a stroll around town. The adjustable handle and reclining seat make it comfortable and accessible for parents and toddlers alike.
The Chariot Cross has all the features imaginable and then some. It’s not just the best running stroller; it’s also the best skiing stroller, biking stroller, and overall travel system for kids who need safety and comfort.
The adjustable suspension system ensures a smooth ride on the most aggressive roads, while the five-point harness keeps any kid safely in place.
The Thule Chariot Cross is an outstanding stroller, but its price can make it inaccessible to many parents, which is why we didn’t give it the best overall award. The only other issue we’ve found is the overall size of this system when folded. It’s not as portable as others, but with the conversion capabilities, it might be worth finding the extra room.
Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Patented three-dimensional fold
- Removable, washable padded seat insert
- Folds 50% smaller than traditional joggers
- Convenient hand brake
- Guava Family offers a 60-day & risk-free trial
- Adjustable handle bars
Cons
- Needs car seat adapter accessory for newborn
- No snack tray included (sold separately)
New to the best jogging stroller lineup is the Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller ($650) — proving that parenting doesn’t have to hold you back from achieving your goals. The Roam is made to treat parenting like the extreme sport that it is.
Just ask Neely Grace, five-time Olympic Trials qualifier, running coach, entrepreneur, mom to two young boys, and the Head of Running at Guava Family. With the Roam, she broke the Guinness World Record for Fastest Mile with a Stroller.
With its independent rear suspension for stability, airless bike tires for smooth, safe rides, and a durable aluminum frame, the Roam allows parents to run miles or errands with just one stroller. We used it on pebble trails and across the lawn, it was just as smooth on both. The remote locking front wheel helps to seamlessly switch between speeds when your walk turns to a run.
The best thing about the Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller is that it folds up 50% smaller than other joggers while remaining full size when unfolded, making it a serious portable option for when you’re on the go. When compared to other brands, this is a great pick due to the compact fold and the light weight.
One mom friend schleps this down two flights of stairs and puts it into the trunk of her Toyota Corolla— she loves that it only takes up a third of her trunk, leaving room for groceries, diaper bags, luggage, and more.
BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie
Specifications
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Mountain bike-style suspension
- Huge amount of storage
- Adjustable handlebar and one-handed recline
- Easy to fold
Cons
- Lack of color choices
BOB Gear comes in with the Duallie that anyone who’s looking to save some money can check out. (This is relative, of course, as jog strollers are pricey). The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie ($800) has the same amazing features as BOB Gear’s single strollers, including the mountain bike-style suspension and the adjustable handlebar.
The real difference on the BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie is the second seat (obviously). That’s what we like about it, though. BOB Gear didn’t make any significant shifts to change a great stroller and make it into something else. Of course, having a second seat will add some weight, but there isn’t a discernible difference in handling and feel.
The bottom line is that it’s got all the quality you want with the option for a second kiddo and the extra storage compartments to bring their snacks along as well. Parents love the “sit-up,” which helps them see out of the stroller really well. It has a great, easy fold, too.
Jogging Strollers Comparison Chart
| Strollers | Price | Weight | Weight Limit | Dimensions | Age range |
| Thule UPPAbaby Ridge All-Terrain Jogging Stroller | $600 | 29.2 lbs. | 55 lbs. | 38.5″ x 26″ x 40.5″; Folded: 18.5″ x 26″ x 36.5″ | newborn to 55 lbs |
| Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller | $350 | 27.5 lbs. | 50 lbs. | 47.5″ x 25″ x 42″, Folded: 37.5″ x 25″ x 15″ | 6 months and up |
| Thule Urban Glide 3 | 850 | 35.5 lbs. | 100 lbs. | 45.7″ x 40.9″ x 31.5″, Folded: 34.6″ x 31.1″ x 13.4″ | 6 months to 4 years |
| Thule Chariot Cross Multisport Trailer & Stroller Double | $1,300 | 31.9 lbs. | 100 lbs. | 45″ x 37″ x 31.5″, Folded: 34.2″ x 31.5″ x 14.7″ | 6 mos to 5 years |
| Guava Family Roam Crossover Stroller | $650 | 28.5 lbs. | 60 lbs. | 39” x 25” x 43”; folded: 29” x 15” x 17″ | 6 months and up |
| BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Dualli | $800 | 33.2 lbs. | 100 lbs. | 48″ x 30.5″ x 45″, Folded: 40″ x 30.5″ x 17.5″ | 2 children from newborn (with car seat) up to 65 lbs/44” tall |
How We Tested Jogging Strollers
Our Expert Tester
Lead tester Jenny Altman is a mom, parenting gear reviewer, and parenting expert with thousands of hours spent evaluating products. In addition to her and her testers’ experience with these strollers, Jenny also consulted a pediatrician to provide insights on what to look for in a stroller in terms of safety and utility.
Our Testing Process
During testing, Jenny took strollers out for runs, hikes, and walks over dirt and pavement, from dodging traffic and crowds to driving up hills on training runs. She took these strollers out for test with her kids and her friends for a well-rounded and varied perspective.
As a mom, she recognizes how little time parents can often have to research the best jogging strollers. So, during testing, she considered what parents would want, like storage space, packability, safety, and comfort.
Ask the Expert: Jogging Stroller Tips from a Pediatrician
We spoke with Lauren Crosby, MD, FAAP, pediatrician and Bobbie Medical Expert, to get the facts when it comes to safe jogging strollers for babies.
For postpartum moms, are they safe to start running/using a jog stroller after giving birth? Should they wait a certain number of weeks?
They need to be medically cleared by their obstetrician and this is typically based on the type of delivery they had, and how they are recovering.
Is there a safe age to start running with a baby?
Jog strollers are not recommended for babies under 6-8 months old because they have not yet developed enough head and neck control to avoid head and neck injuries. If you are not sure if the baby is ready, ask your pediatrician at a well visit so they can examine the baby’s head and neck control.
When can you put a baby in a jog stroller?
You can walk with a baby in a car seat/adapter in a jog stroller, but you should not jog with an infant in a car seat. Safest to wait until they are at least 6 months old and have good head and neck control. Then they can be placed directly into the harnessed seat in the jog stroller.
What safety features does a jog stroller need for an infant?
It’s important to check with weight and height limits for each stroller.
Other safety features include:
- 5-point harness to keep the child in place and prevent injuries, and should be firmly anchored and height adjustable
- Parking brake which may be a handbrake
- Durable stroller that handles impact for a safer, smoother ride
- Padded seats
- No loose straps that could strangle a child
- Locking front wheel to avoid swiveling, wobbling and crashing while running
- Wide base so it does not easily tip over
- Wrist strap for parent to wear to keep the stroller near
- UPF canopies to keep the child shielded from the sum
- Make sure you check the brand website for recalls
Do you need to use a 5-point harness with a toddler?
Always use a 5-point harness for safety at all ages until the child outgrows the stroller. Strollers come with specific weight and height limits.
Can a baby/toddler ever sit freely (without being buckled in) in a jog stroller?
A child can never sit freely in any stroller. They risk not only neck injuries but they can easily fall out and sustain significant body injuries including a head injury.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Jogging Stroller
Weight
At the tail end of a 10-mile run, the last thing any parent wants is to juggle their kid, their exhaustion, and a stroller that weighs more than they do. A lightweight jogging stroller is going to make a huge difference at the end of the day, especially when it’s been up and down massive trail systems.
While the weight may not be the first thing to look at, it’s well worth considering. Not only will a heavier stroller be harder to lug into the car trunk, but it will also be more challenging to control.
The stroller’s weight will add to what the parent has to haul and manage on a downhill. A lighter stroller like the Chicco Activ3 Jogging Stroller means an easier go of it all.
Lightweight is great, but lightweight and durable don’t always come hand in hand. Models can be crafted from cheap plastic or expensive aircraft-grade aluminum. Both are lightweight, but one is more durable than the other.
Harness
Most running strollers will now have a five-point harness integrated into the design. A five-point harness ensures no gaps are big enough for an infant to slip through and get away.
This is one of the safety features you can’t overlook. If you want a running stroller, it needs to have the extra security that makes the difference between a 1950s stroller and a modern baby jogger. A stroller without a decent harness is like a doctor that still prescribes cigarettes.
Handle
The stroller’s handle plays a massive role in comfort for the runner. If it’s too high, the run becomes a ballet dance on tiptoes; if it’s too low, Notre Dame will hire a new hunchback.
Highly adjustable handles like the one on the Thule Chariot Cross are the most commonplace feature to help parents fit the stroller to both parents, a babysitter, or grandma and grandpa.
Buying a stroller online can be difficult without “trying it on.” The handle makes all the difference in the feel of the stroller added to a regular running routine. Our picks all can adapt to parents of different heights while still making running a comfortable sport.
The positioning of the handle is important, but it’s also necessary to pay attention to the grip. It’s easy to lose control with a slippery grip and sweaty hands. Some grips are more ergonomic than others, and it’s difficult to tell without getting hands on them.
Brakes
Handbrakes are found on a lower number of strollers than you would typically expect today. While it may be a bit surprising, brakes can often be an unnecessary feature that only add to the complexity and maintenance of the stroller.
So, why use brakes at all?
When a parent takes up running with a stroller, they’re navigating the world with an additional human (or two) that need to be controlled. Any parent who runs in a hillier neighborhood or local park may find that brakes allow them to keep the stroller under control without sacrificing their running form.
The stroller, sans brakes, will force whoever is steering the ship to lean backward and use their body weight to fight gravity. To win the fight against these forces, a handbrake can do a lot of the work and allow for good running form.
Weather Preparation
Five miles into a 10-mile run is the worst possible time for inclement weather to knock on the front door. For anyone who’s spent much time outside, it’s pretty well-known that 5 miles in is precisely when you should expect the storm to arrive.
In addition to a child tray for their snacks, it could be arguably more important to have protection from the elements that inevitably make an appearance. Some strollers feature waterproof canopies with a UPF 50 sun protection rating. Some strollers have a rain cover that blankets the entire stroller (except for the parent).
No matter how much anyone tries, it’s likely bad weather will get the best of you at some point or another. Bringing the best running stroller means bringing a travel system that is stocked and ready with weather protection built in or a storage basket big enough to haul rain gear and sunscreen.
Accessories
Cup holders, a snack tray, storage basket, reclining seat, or skis that take the place of wheels aren’t necessarily the top of the list when looking for the stroller, but they add some sprinkles to the cake.
While most of the different models of strollers have similar features, the accessories are what can make some of them stand apart from the competition. Thule and BOB both have a wide array of accessories, especially the Thule Chariot Cross.
Accessories can make a run in the park a bit more enjoyable or allow you to have a coffee in one hand while reclining the seats with the other. Today, there’s a fix for any parent complaint and an accessory to go along with the comfort that everyone is after.
Fixed Wheel vs. Swivel Wheel
One danger of running with a stroller is taking on the “speed wobbles” or losing control over a huge bump. While the rear wheels in any jogging stroller are fixed in place, the front wheel can be fixed, swivel, or adjustable.
The best choice here is to have both fixed and swivel wheels. One flip of a switch will lock the front wheel in place for a run through the park. The fixed wheel will sacrifice maneuverability for more stability.
When the run comes to a close and navigating busy sidewalks is necessary, unlocking the wheels to allow for a swivel will help cut tight corners and move easily.
Price & Value
Budget
Jogging strollers can range anywhere from $250 up to well over $1,000. At the lower end of the spectrum, you may find fewer amenities like all-terrain wheels and higher load capacities, but there are still solid options out there. Our favorite budget stroller, the Activ3 Jogging Stroller ($350), still offers a smooth rear suspension and foam-filled tires that require zero maintenance, as well as a parent tray with two cup holders. Its weight rating only goes up to 50 pounds, which is something to consider as your kids get bigger.
Mid-Tier
In the $400-800 range, you can find beefier suspension for smoother rides, larger load capacities, and multiple seats. Our top overall pick, the UPPAbaby Ridge All-Terrain Jogging Stroller ($600), has a disc hand brake system for smooth slowing, an extendable canopy with a mesh window, and can be folded one-handed for easy stowing. Plus, it has adapters for car seats or bassinets, so you can go from the car to the trail in no time.
Premium
If you’re willing to spend over $1,000, you’ll be in the market for a durable and sturdy stroller with plenty of bells and whistles. The Thule Chariot Cross ($1,300), for instance, is the most versatile on this list. In addition to an adjustable leaf-spring suspension, there’s an extra-large storage space, adjustable ventilation vents, and a reclining seat. Plus, it can be converted for use as a walking stroller, a jogging stroller, a bike trailer (with rear visibility lights), and a ski trailer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Any of the strollers on our list can be considered the best for jogging. The differences start when looking at the various terrains the stroller can handle and the details that each one offers.
Each stroller might suit each parent a little differently. We’ve tried to include a thorough list of the best that can fit the needs of every parent out there. For our money, the best jogging stroller we found was the UPPAbaby Ridge All-Terrain Jogging Stroller for its utility, easy storage, and affordability.
With the right infant car seats, almost all of the jogging strollers on our list can be used to take a newborn home from the hospital with the right car seat adapter. Some even have bassinet attachments for newborns.
It’s important to recognize the need for a slow progression. Many strollers will say you can use them from birth, when purchasing an additional car seat or adapter. Some will say a 6-month-old baby can fit in the seat, but that’s only for walking. (See Dr. Crosby’s safety notes above)
In short, pay attention to the fine print as each stroller differs with its minimum suggested ages.
As far as maximum age, there isn’t a number per se. It all depends on size and weight, which can’t be accurately blanketed over a certain age group.
The best jogging strollers also serve as fantastic everyday strollers. They convert easily and work in crowded areas as well as they do in wide-open parks.
The main difference is the suspension system and wheel sizes. A stroller with a fixed front wheel that cannot convert to a swivel will not convert over easily. The swivel on the front is necessary for everyday use and navigating tight spaces.
The fixed wheels on jogging strollers are designed to maintain stability and control over the entire travel system when moving at a faster pace. A swivel can lead to a wobble, and it’s possible to escalate to even larger problems.
The best jogging strollers can switch back and forth from a fixed front wheel to a swivel wheel. Most models have an easy lever on the handlebar or are manually done on the front wheel.
In general, there isn’t a huge weight difference between most of the models on our list. It’s important to remember that a small amount of weight can feel like a much bigger difference when your muscles are screaming and exhausted from a long day of pushing a heavy stroller. The Thule Urban Glide 3 is one of the lighter options on this list at 26.2 pounds.
