Running with your baby

Parenthood need not mean an end to training. Whether you’re a regular runner who wants to maintain your fitness or a beginner keen to enjoy the outdoors, baby joggers are simply a godsend. They allow you to exercise without worrying about the children - because they go along too! They’re fun and a great way for you and your child to enjoy the outdoors!

Joggers are a type of buggy with a lightweight frame and three large wheels that allow you to move at a fast pace over uneven ground. Using the jogger for the first time, you’ll probably find that, although light and easy to push, you’ll cover less distance and speed. Stick with it though, because they take a little getting used to!

There are various makes and models of joggers around but the most popular is the Baby Jogger. They make models for one child or two, with a carrying weight of forty pounds for the single models and about eighty for the two-child version. Most have textured wheels to give you more traction on rough terrain such as dirt, grass, sand and gravel; but if you intend running just on pavement then you may want to opt for smooth wheels instead.

Prices range from £200 to £400 and usually include some accessories such as a hood and PVC rain cover. Other accessories are available such as fleece liners, baskets and carry bags, but if you have a friend or a neighbour with a baby jogger, it’s worth borrowing theirs to try out before you buy.

There are no safety standards in place for joggers, but paediatricians and manufacturers recommend not running with your baby until they are at least six to eight weeks old. It’s quite difficult to tip the jogger over but it’s worth getting your child to wear a bike helmet to be on the safe side - some manufacturers now supply helmets for children from age one and upwards.

Many people have found a new way of life with baby joggers – they’re great for keeping fit, for enjoying your local woods, the beach or simply your local neighbourhood , but most of all they’re a great  way for you and your children to spend and enjoy time together.