A traditional three wheel jogger stroller may be a bad decision for you and your family!

Parents with young children are more and more committed to staying fit. They want to be with their kids as they go inline skating, or enter a 10 kilometer running race, or join a moms and tots walking club. Many of these folks have went out and bought a jogging stroller to help them stay healthy and fit.

Traditional jogging strollers have three wheels – two in the back and one in the front. The front wheel will be fixed in that the wheel does not swivel or turn. When you want to turn the stroller you tilt the stroller back onto its rear wheels to make the turn.

The fixed front wheel is perfect for people that run or jog everyday because it is what provides the stroller with the ability to roll straight and it also keeps the stroller very stable while in motion.

But there are people who are looking for a stroller that they can use for other purposes. Sure they want to use it to exercise – but they also want to use it when they go shopping, or when they are at an amusement park, or any outing with their kids.

The problem for some folks with a traditional jogger is the front wheel that is ‘locked’ in place. Making a turn with this type of stroller can be awkward especially in tight areas such as an aisle-way at the grocery store.

There is now a new style of jogging stroller on the market – one that can be effectively used for exercising (jogging/running, inline skating, power-walking, and so on) and can also be used for other practical purposes – going to the store, walking through the neighbourhood, etc.

The big difference is that even though this new type of stroller still has two large back wheels (air-filled 16 inches in diameter which provide for a smooth ride and easy push) you gain flexibility in that the front wheel can swivel or it can be locked in place. When you want maximum maneuvarability like when you are out shopping or moving through a crowded airport you unlock the front wheel so that it swivels – making it easy to turn the stroller especially in ‘tight’ spaces. When it is time for you run or power-walk – you press a button on the stroller to lock the front wheel in place (straight-tracking mode).

* Super for running, jogging, speed-walking or even inline skating on smooth surfaces

* It’s like having two strollers in one. Use it for exercising with the front wheel locked in the straight position and use it for going to the mall (with the front wheel in the swivel position).

* Just like a regular jogging stroller these are ultra-light. That’s important when pushing it – and when you put it in and out of your vehicle.

* Super-durable and light. This new style stroller usually has an aluminum frame which means it will last a long time and shouldn’t rust.

* Ultra-smooth riding. Your child will enjoy the smoothness of the ride. The stroller gets its smooth-ride from the 16″ large rear wheels.

* Safe – Safety is the most important aspect whenever it comes to your baby. Most of the hybrid-style strollers have a five-point harness that will keep your child secure in the stroller when out for a walk or a jog.

* Protect your child from the sun. Many of these “hybrid” strollers have a very flexible sun cover that can be positioned so that your child will be blocked from the harmful rays of the sun no matter which direction the stroller is moving.

* Easy to fold – They have a one step process for folding down to a compact size for storage or placing into a car trunk.

* Handlebar flexibility – When considering a stroller it may be important that the handlebars are adjustable. If your spouse is significantly taller or shorter than you the stroller should have the flexibility to easily adjust the height of the handlebars.

* Affordability – The price for a top-of-the-line jogging stroller with a swivel front wheel can be found on-line for as little as $279.99.

If you are a mom or dad with a young child and you are an avid jogger, inline skater or power walker (or want to be) and you want to be outdoors and stay fit with your baby you can still do it. More and more families are considering a baby jogging stroller. Times have changed – baby strollers used to be for gentle walks in the park. Not anymore – baby jogging strollers are here to stay – helping moms and dads stay fit and get fit. There are lots of strollers to choose from – so it is not easy to decide. Here are 10 things that will help you to decide which one is best for you.

1. Choose an aluminum framed stroller. Your choices will be strollers made with either metal tube frames or aluminum frames. You want your stroller to weigh less than 25 pounds. Metal tube frame strollers are much heavier than those made with an aluminum frame. Choosing an aluminum frame provides you with a lighter, easier to push stroller, and they are also longer lasting, stronger and more resistant to rust and corrosion.

2. Stroller wheels. The stroller you choose should have air-filled 16 inch wheels since they provide easy pushing for mom or dad, and they provide your baby with a comfortably smooth ride. Traditional jogging strollers have two back wheels and one front wheel. The goal with a jogging stroller is to reduce rolling resistance, and any wheels that are less than 16 inches in diameter just don`t do the trick.

3. Baby should be as comfortable as possible. The more comfortable baby is during the run the more enjoyable the time will be for everyone. The fabric in the stroller seat should allow for good air flow to help keep baby cool, and it should be made from a light material that will help reduce the baby getting too warm especially on hot days. You also want the seat to lay back (at least 25%) so that the baby can be comfortable if they decide to nap during the run.

4. Protect your baby from the sun. Any jogging stroller that you consider will have a sun canopy. You want to make sure that the sun canopy is fully flexible so that it can be positioned to block out the sun`s rays so that no matter which way your baby is facing they are protected. You should not have to clip a blanket to the stroller for protection. The last thing you want is direct sun into your son or daughter`s face causing potential harm to them, and making the baby uncomfortable which will eventually lead to crying and fussing.

5. Child safety. Safety is number 1 whenever it comes to your baby. Make sure that the stroller you choose keeps your baby safely strapped into their seat. Look for a stroller with a five-point harness. The stroller should have both a hand brake, and a parking brake (engaged by flipping a bar with your feet).

6. Fits in trunk of car. The process for folding should be simple. Many strollers have a trigger on each side of the handlebar that allow the stroller to easily fold into itself. Most car trunks can hold a folded stroller if it is smaller than 25 x 45 x 18 (inches). In order to fold it into a smaller dimension find a stroller that has one-touch pop-off wheels that are easy to remove for storage.

7. If people of different heights will be jogging with the stroller make sure that the handlebar height is adjustable. If you or your partner both plan on using the stroller and if one of you is noticably taller than the other you want to be sure that the stroller handlebars adjust in height so that you will both be comfortable when using the stroller. Strollers with this feature will have a button in the handlebar making this adjustment easy – even on the fly.

8. Make sure that it works for your baby as they grow. Babies come in all sizes and shapes – isn`t that great. Your stroller is an investment – and you want to get as much use from it as possible. A child that measures under 25 in. when seated should be able to sit in the stroller, and a child eighty pounds or less should be safely be able to use the stroller. Look for a stroller that provides good height and weight capacity.

9. Buy with confidence. If you bring the stroller home and try it out and it just isn`t what you expected it to be, make sure that the retailer will provide a full refund without any arguing. And if there are problems down the road make sure that there is a good long term warranty from the manufacturer. A solid manufacturer`s warranty is 5 years on the frame and 1 year on all other parts of the stroller.

10. They cost as little as $280 and can be over $1,000. Don`t overpay, and don`t pay for the branding of the stroller. List the features and benefits that are most important to you. Keep in mind that the purchase will provide many years of benefits to you and your family. Then look for the least expensive stroller that meets those features and benefits. In all likelihood you can purchase one for $280 or slightly higher.

Use this list of ten things to do to list which stroller features are most important to your family. Then use your list to help you to purchase the stroller that best meets your needs.