If you're planning on running with a buggy, you can't just use any baby prams, you need to choose one that's specifically suited as a running buggy.
When you're a parent of small children it can be difficult to find the time and inclination for exercise, beyond chasing around after the kids. So rather than just going for a stroll, running with a buggy is a great alternative, as it means that you're able to go for a run with your baby safely.
Best running buggies at a glance:
• Best overall running buggies: Thule Urban Glide 2, £649.99
• Best double running buggies: Nipper Sport Double, £625
• Best compact fold running buggies: Hauck Runner Stroller, £149.99
• Best versatile running buggies: Ickle Bubba Venus Max Jogger Stroller, £239.99
Running buggies are designed in a similar way to all-terrain pushchairs and prams, and are designed to go smoothly over any surface while going at a faster pace than a walk.
Once your baby is out of their newborn part of the pram and are able to sit more upright, (often between six and nine months), you'll be able to enjoy a faster paced stroll or even a jog while pushing them in a pushchair.
Can I run with a normal pram?
If you specifically want to run with your baby or toddler, you do need to buy a specialist running stroller suitable for the terrain that you want to run on with a wheel size of 16 inches or larger.
Some are designed as all-terrain prams for off-road running or rough terrain, while others cater for smooth pavement running, so it's important to think about where you live and research the best buggy for where you want to run.
Stability and comfort for you and your child are important, so make sure the buggy has suitable suspension and shock absorption too.
Best running buggy 2024
Best overall running buggies
www.thule.com
Description
This sleek all-terrain jogging pushchair has a lightweight design with large 16” wheels, suspension for comfort and control and a swivel front wheel for strolling and manoeuvring around town, which easily locks in place for jogging or rougher terrain. The integrated twist-hand brake ensures security and braking control on any hilly terrain and while running. We love the one-handed, compact fold which makes storing and transporting a doddle.
Read our Thule Urban Glide 2 review here.
Pros
- Brilliant for running / parkruns
- Easy to assemble
- Lightweight yet very sturdy
- Superb build quality
- Handlebar brakes - very useful safety feature when running
- Baby loves it - comfy suspension seems to help
- Rain cover easy to put on & remove
- Front wheel can swivel or be locked in place
Cons
- Don't press/ lean downward on handlebars too hard: feels like it could tip backwards when baby is reclined
- Maybe more storage area (accessories are available)
Best sport running buggies
Description
The wide spacing between the front and back air-filled tyres gives the Out ‘n’ About Nipper Sport extra stability on all terrains. And it might be just us, but the aerodynamic design seems to give us extra speed on those sprints. It also comes with a rain cover and quilted seat liner.
Read our Out n About Nipper Sport review here.
Pros
- Sturdy
- Excellent suspension
- Comfortable for baby/toddler
- Smooth across rough terrains
- Easy to fold and compact when folded
Cons
- Not so easy to manoeuvre round corners
- Less suitable for use indoors
Best double running buggies
outnabout.com
Description
The Nipper Double is an excellent pushchair solution for parents who require a multipurpose pushchair for two. With an extensive range of features it is the ideal choice for use with twins or children of different weights and ages. A smooth ride is assured for both parent and children thanks to the independent rear wheel suspension, 12" pneumatic wheels and swivel front wheel. At a slimline width of 72cm the Nipper Double will glide through all standard doorways. Weighing just 12.8kg the Nipper Double makes for easy handling, it is the ultimate solution for family life.
Read our Out n About Nipper Double review here
Pros
- Lightweight
- Fits through standard doorways
- Large wheels
Cons
- Too large for some boots
Best compact fold running buggies
Description
If you're looking for a low cost, basic buggy that you can rely on during your morning run, this one from Hauck Runner Stroller is for you. With all the amenities you'd expect from a pushchair including air-filled front and rear tyres, sun visor and waterproof awning, this is perfect for new mums experimenting with combining exercise and parenting. It helps that it's a compact design too!
One parent said: "Honestly better than expected. The wheels are huge and air filled so you can go over rough ground alright (within reason). Comes with a little warning label that says "Do not run with this pram". Despite that, it works well for jogging, speed walking and marathon training."
Pros
- Suitable for all terrain
- Compact design
Cons
- More suited to jogging
Best all-terrain running buggies
Description
The Baby Jogger Summit leaves you in total control, with its unique hand-operated deceleration brake and even a tether strap on the handlebar. You can switch between lock and swivel modes and it also has a great amount of storage for you and your baby's belongings. The Baby Jogger also has a one handed compact fold.
One mum said: "This stroller is simply the best I have ever owned! It has been designed and built beautifully! Perfect for long strolls over bumpy roads and gravel. Manoeuvres easily and the brake is oh-so-useful when going down steep hills. The ride is so smooth (for both the 'driver' and the 'passenger'), my boy almost instantly falls asleep when he's in there."
Pros
- Unique hand operated deceleration brake
- Easy to manoeuvre
Cons
- Additional costs for the rain cover
Best running buggies with additional wheels
Description
Specifically designed for the active parent, this Mountain Buggy has a compact stand fold, making it great for storing away in car boots. Other key features of the Mountain Buggy include retractable leg extension, a longer seat back and a multi-adjustable handlebar. It also comes with both 16" and 12" rear air-filled tyres, that works with the hand operated control brake for maximum control.
One review said: "We are absolutely thrilled with the mountain buggy. Yes, it is quite bulky, but offers good comfort and is so easy to use. The tires can be easily removed from time to time. For me, the handbrake is pure luxury. With the foot brake, another solution would have been more convenient, because it is difficult to release the brake with your foot underneath."
Pros
- One handed fold
- Adjustable handlebar
Cons
- Some mentioned it feels a little bulky
Best versatile running buggies
www.boots.com
Description
With plenty of handy features, including the large shopping basket underneath and a wrist strap for securing, the Ickle Bubba Venus Max Jogger Stroller can be used from birth, and for jogging from nine months. It comes with a tyre pump, UPF 50+ sun protection and protective rain cover, so you can make sure the pram is ready whatever the weather.
A parent said: "I love this pushchair! I have been so much more active since getting it. So far I can’t fault anything about it, I’ve even been using it on my everyday jobs like shop run and school run. My son (20months old) is very comfortable and enjoys a nap on our longer walks, the hood is big and keeps him out of the sun. A pleasure to push around."
Pros
- Secure wrist strap
- Large shopping basket
- Lots of convenient features
Cons
- Some mentioned it is big when folded
Best two stage suspension running buggies
www.kiddies-kingdom.com
Description
The UPPAbaby Ridge Stroller is a jogger pushchair that's super comfortable for your child. It has state of the art suspension, large tyres with deep tread and a padded harness with lumbar support. It also has an adjustable handle bar, so you can choose a height that suits yourself. It also comes with a water bottle holder and spacious basket.
Pros
- State of the art suspension
- Comfortable for little ones
- Water bottle holder and spacious storage
Cons
- No onsite reviews
Is it safe to run with a baby in a pram
Advice varies but it is generally recommended that babies should be able to sit up and hold their head properly before you start running with them, so around six to nine months of age.
How should I run with a buggy?
Posture when running with a buggy is very important. Have a light grip on the handlebars and use a wrist strap so that the buggy is attached to you. If the front wheel of your buggy swivels you should lock it into a fixed position for stability. Make sure you run with your chest out, shoulder blades back and down and you are in an upright/tall position.
Your buggy’s handlebars should sit at the right height for you so you are not stooping over, which could lead to injuries and lower back pain. This is where adjustable handlebar height comes in handy. Keep your elbows soft, not locked out, and when running, keep your core drawn in to support your lower back.
How long should I run for, before my baby gets bored?
This is down to individual babies and may be subject to their age and how long a nap time they have. Younger babies are more likely to be content in the buggy on a run for longer than an active toddler who wants to get out and play.
Sophie Knight is a journalist and mum of two, and previously edited motherandbaby.com before moving on to write about family cars for Parkers.co.uk. Sophie went on to become Commercial Content Editor for M&B, Closer, Heat, Empire, Yours, Garden News, and WhatsTheBest.co.uk before deciding to dedicate more of her time to her family and write freelance.