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Jogging Stoller Ratings and Safety

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In this review:
  1. Cheap Jogging Strollers
  2. Jogging Stroller Reviews
  3. Fixed Wheel vs. Swivel Jogging Strollers
  4. Jogging Stoller Ratings and Safety
  5. Discount Jogging Strollers Features Comparison Table
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Jogging Strollers Brakes

Most budget jogging strollers come with parking brakes on the rear wheels only, just like a traditional stroller. Rear brakes are applied when the stroller comes to a full stop, an arrangement suited to walkers and shoppers.

Runners, on the other hand, need a hand brake to maintain control by slowing a stroller while going downhill or moving along at a clip. Slightly pulling on the brake lets you better regulate your pace without breaking stride or worrying that the stroller will outrun you. The Jeep Overland Limited and Schwinn Arrow, the two fixed wheel jogging strollers we researched, feature both hand brake and foot brake. The presence of a hand brake is often cited as a "pro" in jogging stroller ratings for its safety and convenience.

Jogging Strollers Suspension.

Depending on the type of ground you typically cover, a buggy's ability to absorb shock may be an important consideration. Models in the Cheapism niche typically feature a spring-loaded suspension that can accommodate the unevenness of gravel and mulch, sidewalks and easy trails. Anything rougher is likely to mean a bumpy ride for the child, and scattered reports in jogging strollers ratings grouse about excessive jostling. The alternative is a jogging stroller with shock absorbers, but we couldn't find any that qualify as cheap. Another option is independent suspension for each wheel, featured on the upscale Baby Jogger Summit XC (starting at $399, Amazon).

Jogging Strollers Carrying Capacity.

Most inexpensive jogging strollers are designed to carry children weighing up to 50 pounds (the upper bound for the Jeep Overland Limited is 45 pounds). For a two-seater, the norm is a maximum 100 pounds, or 50 pounds per child. Whether you're pushing a single or double jogging stroller, jogging stroller ratings indicate that many 4-year-olds still fit. A few models also come with height specifications; the Baby Trend Expedition Double, for example, puts the maximum height at 42 inches and specs for the Schwinn Arrow put the maximum height at 38 inches.

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When it comes to transporting baby gear, all the models we researched come with an under-seat storage basket that isn't always as practical as some would like. One minor complaint lodged against the Schwinn Arrow Fixed Wheel and InStep Safari Double Expedition in jogging stroller ratings concerns limited access to the basket.

Jogging Strollers Safety and Extra Features.

When it comes to safety, all the models we researched feature a 5-point harness for the rider. Additionally, the Jeep Overland Limited and Schwinn Arrow (fixed wheel jogging strollers) and the InStep Safari Double and Baby Trend Expedition Double (swivel jogging strollers) come with a wrist strap to keep runner and buggy tethered together. All meet safety standards set by the CPSC and/or a certification program sponsored by the JPMA, the industry's trade association.

Today's cheap jogging strollers also offer a variety of bells and whistles. Some frills, like sun canopies and multi-position reclining seats, are standard across the category. Others, like the iBaby music player system included with Jeep's Overland Limited and the built-in MP3 player speakers on the Schwinn Turismo and Arrow models, are still rare. (Assessments posted in jogging stroller ratings of the quality of these sound systems are decidedly mixed.) Height-adjustable safety straps grace the Jeep Overland Limited, InStep Safari, and Schwinn Turismo and Arrow jogging strollers and an adjustable handle bar appears on the Jeep Overland and Schwinn Turismo and Arrow. The Schwinn Turismo is also car-seat compatible -- but heed experts' advice and walk, don't jog, with a baby-loaded car seat in the stroller. The Jeep Overland Limited comes with an odometer and pedometer, the latter of which rarely works, according to jogging stroller ratings.

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Many jogging strollers also include a parent organizer/cup holders and a child's activity tray, and some have headrests and additional seat padding. While such options are touted in jogging stroller ratings, many exercise-focused parents see these extras as just that -- extra. And yet, the lack of an activity tray on the Baby Trend Expedition Double irks some users.

by Raechel Conover (Google+ Profile)

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Best Cheap Jogging Strollers

Jeep Overland Limited Jogging Stroller

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Schwinn Turismo Swivel Wheel Jogger

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Good Cheap Jogging Strollers

InStep Safari Swivel Double Jogging Stroller

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