running moms, should I buy a new jogging stroller? rec's please!

Julia-Henry · February 2012

So I have a jogging stroller already. It was second-hand, a basic (cheap) model, and I've been using it to run a couple of times a week. It also gets used to drag dd up the hill to the school bus stop to collect ds every day.

A couple of weeks ago, our nanny ran it into the curb and the front wheel is not working right. Now it pulls to the right whenever it gets used. It's a total PITA for running and annoying for the 3 minute walk to the bus stop.

A couple of details: dd turns 2 on Friday, ds is 6 yo. DD doesn't mind running but I'm not sure how much longer I'll be able to get her into a stroller at all - ds started to refuse when he was 2.5. Now, I run when ds is in school. June-August I will either have both kids (so stroller doesn't work) or none (so stroller isn't needed). I can also run at the gym on the TM (with childcare) or around dh's schedule.

Oh, and I'm in North Carolina. It gets pretty hot here in summer so running outdoors is not always a good plan.

What to do? buy a new jogging stroller? or just wait it out?

How much did you use your jogging stroller with 2+ yo dcs?

And if you do think I should buy a new one, any brand/model rec's? I'm thinking that our regular stroller is also close to death so I might just replace them both with a jogging stroller. I have the trunk space, and if there's a stroller that will work for both then I'm interested. I'm pretty sure I'm going to have to buy yet another stroller in the next month or so anyway...

Is there a good jogging stroller that works for everyday use?

Thanks for any suggestions!

runblondie26 · February 2012

Of course I'm a big BOB supporter, but like you said, your days are limited. How about something like a Schwinn w/ swivel wheel? It's about half the price of a BOB, and they handle decently. You could probably find one used on Craig's list for even less.

GRKaters · February 2012

I recommend the Baby Trend Phantom Jogger as an inexpensive alternative to the investment of a BOB. We've used ours since DS was 15 months old--I even brought it with us to Chicago this week; we're using it as our "about town" stroller. He doesn't have much patience for running in it anymore (less than 5mi with me, or 4mi with DH) but the basket is big and easy to access, it has plenty of cup/snack holders, and I love the securely lidded compartment on the handle for storing keys and cash. The canopy adjusts nearly 180* so it's super easy to keep sun off little ones. It was less than $125 at Target.

Just_Lisa · February 2012

I have a baby trend double stroller and I love it. It really has taking a beating and it still works well. I've also had a couple of issues with it, like once a wheel came loose but it was a quick fix for FI. for the price you can't beat it and I bought mine from BRU and used the 20% off coupon.

ArcticFox · February 2012

We got a bike trailer on Craigs that was $40 and had literally been used 2x. I love it! My DD turns 5 next month and she's 48 lbs (she's tall!). She loves sitting in there with her 2.5 year old sister. And b/c it is a trailer, I can completely enclose it (so they aren't sitting in the sun, or if it is cold/windy, etc). I think it handles that much weight pretty well (48 lbs + 28 lbs). We also rented bikes when we visited family 3 hrs away and the bike trailer folded completely flat and attached to the bike in a cinch, so we had fun doing that (and it was a great alternative workout!).

Pixiestx · February 2012

In your position and from the POV that my daughter was done with the stroller at 2.5 also, I would first try to borrow and then try craigslist. I love my bob, but I wouldn't spend that for just a year or less of use.

PrincessPeach05 · February 2012

I have the schwinn. It works fine for occasional running. I prefer to run alone (it's my "me" time) but in a pinch I've taken DD along. Would you be open to running in the morning early or in the evening? That's how I work out running (and swimming and biking) in the summer....