Contrary to popular belief, your life and fitness goals don’t have to end when you have a baby. Yes, you’ll need some time to recover after labour, but once you’re ready and with the right gear, you’ll be ready to roll in no time.
We mean this quite literally because if you intend to run and want to bring your bub along, you’re going to need a good set of wheels.
What We’ll Talk About In This Article:
We’ll talk about the dos and don’ts as well as the best features to look for when finding an option suitable for mums on the move.
Scroll down and read on!
Should you go running with your baby?
This question will ultimately be according to your doctor’s advice, and if the doctor says YOU CAN, then by all means yes.
This is not only for the health benefits, as this will allow you to keep up your fitness, but also because exercising with your baby will provide you with some prime bonding time together. Another benefit is that your baby will also get to explore the outside world while being safe and sound and close to momma.
As long as you have the right running pram that has all the necessary safety and comfort features, there’s no need for a babysitter to look after them while you get in a quick run. Just bring them along – think of it as some extra strength training.
What should you look for in a good running pram?
One thing you need to understand about prams is that just because they have wheels does not mean they’re going to be good enough to take for a run. A good running pram should optimise your and your baby’s safety and comfort while you’re on the go. Here are some features you should definitely look for when buying a running pram:
Superior safety features
When you’re running with your little one, safety should be your biggest priority. When you’re on the go, you can never be too careful, so there’s no such thing as being too safe when choosing a pram. Here are some of the best safety features that any good running pram will have:
- Wrist straps as an assurance that even if the brakes fail or you lose your grip on the handlebar, your pram is still safely attached to you
- A 5-point harness will keep your little one in place, so even when you take a sharper turn, or you hit a bump, they’re not going anywhere
- A handbrake to help reduce the velocity when going downhill
- A foot brake to ensure that when you stop running, your pram will stay in one place
- Coverage to keep your baby protected from the harsh sun and whatever other elements
Excellent suspension
Even if you’re only planning on doing road running, investing in a pram with excellent suspension is one way to keep your baby as comfortable as possible.
You can have the cushiest padding inside the pram, but nothing is going to combat discomfort as much as a good set of shocks on the pram. Without the proper suspension, your baby is going to feel each and every bump, stone or slight difference in the terrain, and of course, they’re going to feel that pushing motion while you run.
When you’re shopping for a running pram, look for products that say “high suspension” or “all-terrain,” as this indicates that it should have good suspension.
Large tyres with a lockable front wheel
Coming in hot on the trails with excellent suspension, another feature that will make your pram a good option to go running with is large tyres and a lockable front wheel.
Large wheels will give your pram a smoother ride, so even if you hit a bump every now and again, your baby will barely notice.
The faster you’re moving with baby in the pram, the more assurance you’ll need that the pram’s wheels aren’t going to hit a speed wobble randomly. The way to avoid this is to have a lockable front wheel, which ensures the wheels won’t veer out of control.
Lightweight and durable design
Unless you want to pack on some serious muscle or give yourself an extra challenging run, you need a lightweight (yet durable) pram. To know if your pram is going to be lightweight yet durable enough, you’re going to check:
- Weight – how much does the pram weigh? The best running prams will typically weigh between 11kg and 13kg
- Materials – what materials is the frame made from? Good-quality running prams will have frames that are made using steel, aluminium or carbon fibre
Premium comfort
Your peaceful time to get out and enjoy fun will quickly turn into a nightmare if your baby is uncomfortable – so make sure it’s a comfy ride for them at all costs.
You’ll have already looked at suspension and wheel size for a smooth ride, but now it’s time to look at the inside of the pram. Look for running prams with sufficient and comfortable padding made from breathable fabrics. This way, your baby will stay in a super safe and cosy position while keeping warm but not too warm.
Getting out of the house and going for a run with your baby can do a good thing for your mental and physical health and even give you some extra bonding time with your baby.
To get the best out of your running session with a baby on board, you need to invest in a quality running pram to avoid it all going downhill.
