Think running with baby has to stop when the mercury dips or rain falls? Think again, with these top buggy jogging tips
Words: Sarah Sellens | Images: Shutterstock
Running during the cooler months can be liberating – soaking up the fresh air and getting a rush of endorphins while others are lounging around indoors. But if you’re used to running with bubba, she might not be so thrilled by chilly temperatures or wet weather. Does that mean your mummy and baby outdoor time has to end when the weather turns? Certainly not! Simply smarten up your buggy running strategy and you’ll be able to run all year long. Here we reveal the top things stroller-running mamas need to know.
Be safe, be seen
As well as checking the weather for the best running conditions before you head out, gearing the buggy for low-light conditions is also a must-do on darker days. ‘Staying visible during walks in low-light conditions is a super important factor for parents,’ agrees Emma Peak, UK sales and marketing manager at Thule (thule.com). ‘For additional visibility, add a bike light to anywhere on a running stroller.’ While bike lights may not be made for running strollers, they are affordable bits of kit that can be easily attached, and will increase safety by letting road, trail and pavement users know you’re there. You could also try adding reflective tape (try Amazon) to make your stroller more visible. Plus, consider dressing yourself and bubba in reflective gear or vests.
Don’t have a plan
Leave the smartwatch at home and don’t have your heart set on a certain distance. ‘Having run with all three of my children during the bleaker months, I’ve discovered that sometimes you simply need to accept they’re fed up and take the short route home,’ says Women’s Fitness editor-in-chief Sarah Sellens. ‘It’s worth stepping outside before you go, as some weather conditions suit the longer runs, while cooler temperatures or rainfall might be better suited to shorter sessions. But bear in mind that there are things you can do to keep bubba entertained, such as singing together (a great way of assessing your effort level, too) or making a mid-way stop at a playground.’
When it comes to keeping bubba warm, accessorising is the name of the game. Think, rain covers, footmuffs and weatherproof pram suits. Dress your little one in gloves, a hat and multiple layers that can be shed if it gets warm, as well as bringing along an extra blanket or foot muff (depending on the buggy) to keep tootsies toasty. ‘The Thule Footmuff Sport is a great accessory for chilly runs,’ adds Peak. ‘This insulated footmuff has been designed to keep your child warm and cosy on colder days. It is insulated for warmth with a fleece liner and adjustable hood, and is compatible with all five-point harness systems. It’s also easy to clean, making it handy for those winter runs.’ Think about wind chill, too. Trailer-style joggers that have a zip-up top layer are great for keeping the wind out, but you could also use a rain cover.
Be prepared
Get the stroller weather-ready by packing the basket with blankets, snacks and drinks; warm booties or a raincoat if you’re making a playground stop and a warm layer for you so you don’t get cold if you do make an entertainment stop. You might also want to consider giving your buggy a good hose-down to keep it in tip-top condition, but Peak says post-run buggy maintenance should be minimal: ‘The aerodynamic design of the Thule Glide 2, with all adventurous features, is specifically so that parents can enjoy running without the hassle. The stroller may need a wash down after a muddy run, but this is for cosmetic reasons.’
Know when to go
Check the weather forecast before you run, and know when it’s not suitable for buggy running. ‘Deciding which conditions are not suitable for bugging running, such as extremely icy conditions, is a judgement call by the parent, but if there are any conditions which you would not walk on, then the same would go for running,’ advises Peak. ‘During any buggy runs, ensure you have the hand strap around your wrist to guarantee that the stroller does not escape your grasp, especially during those wetter runs. And pair with a rain cover for ultimate protection against the elements.’
Consider your route, too. Off-road routes might be more bumpy and less comfy for baby, for instance. ‘We recommend embarking on an exhilarating snowy jog during the colder months,’ adds Peak. ‘Not only will this be a magical winter wonderland adventure for the child in the cosy stroller, but also for the parent to free their mind and feed their soul.’