At what age can I put my child in the babyjogger? 
The American Academy of Pediatrics does not have an official position statement on jogging strollers.  If you run with an infant, you should use a car seat adapter, or an insert which provides neck support.  Many companies recommend that infants not be placed directly in the seat of the jogger until they reach 6 months, when they can hold their head upright without assistance.  Pediatricians also differ in their opinions.  Here are some helpful guidelines, but be sure to discuss this with your child’s own physician:
• Make sure your baby’s head is adequately supported.
• Make sure your baby is dressed appropriately for the weather.  This means wearing sunglasses or a billed cap (with sunscreen) in the heat.  It also means dressing warmly with a hat, foot coverings, and blankets in the cold.  Even though you’re going to warm up considerably while exercising on a cold day, your baby won’t, and he/she has the added factor of wind on his/her face unless you use a rain canopy.
• Try to stay off the streets, if possible, and run on bike paths or well-populated trails.  If you must run on streets, choose those with minimal traffic.  You can also hop onto the sidewalks if traffic becomes a problem, but this is not ideal for a smooth run.
• I’m a stickler for helmets for any activity involving wheels.  I used to put my daughter in what I affectionately dubbed “the bubble-head space helmet.”  You can check out bike shops and sporting goods stores to find helmets that fit properly.  Until they can wear a helmet, I strongly encourage you to run on bike paths/running trails and stay off crowded streets.

Additional Safety Tips:
Look for an ASTM certification: The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) organization consists of 30,000 members dedicated to creating the maximum product safety capacity available in the carriages and strollers category.  Undergoing ASTM testing and meeting the set standards is voluntary, done so at the expense of the company, and not required by any government or commercial body. Because ASTM standards are the highest anywhere, any product that meets or exceeds them is certifiable as an item of the highest possible quality.

Finally, check that the jogging stroller of your choice is not on a recall list.  Go to http://www.cpsc.gov/cgi-bin/prod.aspx, scroll to Strollers, then click Find. 

How do you run with a jogging stroller?
Ideally, you want to preserve as much of your natural running biomechanics as possible when you’re pushing the stroller.  This means keeping your posture erect and not using the stroller “to lean on,” which often results in a tired back and neck.  Try to push with one hand on the handlebars and the other swinging normally with your elbow at its normal 90-degree angle.  Pushing with two hands on the handlebars leads to poor posture. Adding a little upper body weight training to your routine will help you build added strength. 

Try to keep the tires adequately filled.  This makes pushing much easier and will keep the stroller in proper alignment, not pulling to one side or the other.  When you want to turn a corner, simply push down on the handlebars to lift the front wheel and then turn the stroller.

When you’re just getting used to running with a jogging stroller, slow down your pace.  This lowers the intensity level and will allow you to run the full duration of your normal workout.  If you try to go all out at first, you might find that you run out of energy sooner.

How can I get my child used to the jogging stroller?
First of all, the younger your child when he/she begins to run with you, the easier it will be.  Babies will soon perceive your shared runs as a normal part of their daily routine.  As they get older, they’ll look forward to their special time with mom or dad.  Remember to pack a diaper and an extra bottle (if you’re not nursing).  Be prepared and your runs will be a lot smoother!

If your child is a toddler when you begin to run with a jogging stroller, try to make the jogger a positive place for him/her.  You can do this by bringing along a favorite toy, picture book, music (headphones or a little tape player), or even a healthy snack.  Make children feel “special” – that they “get” to go with mommy on her runs.  Remember, you’re not “dragging” them along; you’re acting as a great role model for your children, teaching them the importance of daily exercise.

Another thing you can do is to run with another mom and her stroller.  Having another child to look at and/or talk to can increase your child’s enjoyment of their ride.
Keep in mind that there may be “bad stroller days!”  We’ve all had them.  Don’t get discouraged if your child doesn’t automatically take to the jogging stroller.  Sometimes your child may be fussy or not feeling well and you’ll be forced to cut a run short.  This is all part of the game. Just make sure your child is weather-proofed and use the hints offered in this lesson.  Be persistent – you can make it work.  The joy and freedom you’ll gain is worth navigating any initial bad patches. 

Have fun as you run with your little one!

Dr. Karey Zufelt obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of California, Davis, graduating with Highest Honors. She received her medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine and entered a Family Practice Residency at San Jose Medical Center, San Jose, California. Karey practiced medicine in the area of Women’s Health, her patient population spanning all age levels from teens to seniors. Connect to her by visiting her inspirational site, Running for Women.