How to Run With a Stroller: 9 Tips for Running With Kids

Running with a stroller is a great way to fit exercise into your day while spending time outdoors with your kids. But if you’ve ever tried to squeeze in a run with a baby or toddler, you know it takes a little more planning than simply lacing up your running shoes and heading out the door!

As a mom of three and a runner who has completed 10 marathons, I’ve logged thousands of miles with both a single and a double jogging stroller. From figuring out what to pack to navigating unpredictable Pacific Northwest weather, I’ve learned plenty of lessons along the way about what makes running with kids easier and more enjoyable.

Whether you’re new to stroller running or looking for ways to make your regular runs go more smoothly, these stroller running tips will help you prepare for your outings, choose the right gear, and make the most of your miles together. I’ll share practical advice I’ve learned through experience, so you can feel more confident heading out on your next run with your little one.

A mother smiling beside a black jogging stroller with her baby bundled in a cozy blanket, ready for an outdoor run on a sunny day.

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Why Stroller Running Is Worth It

Stroller running is a great way to fit exercise into your day while spending quality time outdoors with your kids. As a busy mom, I’ve loved being able to get my miles in while bringing my little ones along for the ride. It’s a chance to get some fresh air, enjoy a little movement, and share the joy of running with your children.

One of my favorite things about stroller running is that it can become so much more than a workout.

Woman running with her daughter in a BOB jogging stroller along a scenic paved trail beside a rocky creek surrounded by green trees.

You can explore your neighborhood together, stop at a playground, or turn an ordinary run into a fun seasonal adventure. Some of our most memorable runs have been the ones where we slowed down to enjoy the experience rather than focusing on pace or distance.

Running with kids does take a little extra planning, but with the right gear, a few practical tricks, and a flexible attitude, it can become a fun part of family life. Here are my tips for getting started, keeping your kids happy, and making stroller running enjoyable for everyone!

Getting Started With Stroller Running

Running with a stroller can take a little getting used to, but with the right gear and a few helpful tips, it can become an amazing workout and a fun way to bond with your kids. Here are my best tips for making stroller running more comfortable, enjoyable, and safe for everyone!

1. Choose the Right Jogging Stroller

One of the most important parts of stroller running is finding a jogging stroller that works for you and your family. My personal favorite is the BOB Revolution jogging stroller! I have both the single and double (Duallie), and I absolutely love them.

A woman standing beside a black double jogging stroller in her home next to a decorated Christmas tree, showcasing the stroller’s design and features.

These strollers are spacious for your kiddos, incredibly smooth to push, and built to last. They literally glide, making it so much easier to enjoy your run without feeling like you’re fighting the stroller the entire time. I’ve put thousands of miles on both of mine, and they’ve held up so well over the years.

Whether you’re running with one little one or pushing two, investing in a good jogging stroller can make a huge difference in your experience. It’s one piece of gear I think is well worth it if you plan to make stroller running part of your routine.

A double BOB jogging stroller carrying two children, with both kids tucked under the sun canopies and cozy blankets on a sunny day along a paved outdoor trail.

Safety Note: Before heading out for a run, always check your jogging stroller manufacturer’s guidelines for the minimum age, appropriate head and neck support, and running requirements for your child. Babies need to be developmentally ready for jogging, and the recommended age can vary by stroller model. When in doubt, check your owner’s manual and consult your pediatrician before getting started.

Shop Kelsey’s Favorite Jogging Strollers:

2. Start Slow and Adjust Your Pace

Pushing a jogging stroller is no easy task! Even as an experienced runner, you’ll probably notice your pace slows down when you’re pushing your little one, so start slow and give yourself time to adjust.

A mother running with a double jogging stroller along a sunny residential street, with her children seated inside as she gets in a workout outdoors.

Here’s the thing, though: I like to think of stroller running as speed work in disguise! While pushing a stroller can make your usual runs feel harder and slower, running without one afterward can feel so much easier. You may find yourself feeling lighter, faster, and stronger without that extra resistance.

Stroller running can be a great addition to your training routine, helping you build strength and endurance while still getting your miles in with your kids. Don’t stress about your pace or compare your stroller miles to your usual runs. Focus on enjoying the experience, and let the fitness benefits come along with it!

3. Focus on Your Running Form and Hand Position

Running with a jogging stroller takes a little getting used to, especially when you’re figuring out what to do with your hands! Do you keep both hands on the handlebar the entire time, or do you alternate? Personally, I recommend switching between hands while you run.

Try pushing the stroller with one hand while allowing your other arm to swing naturally for a few strides. Then, switch hands so the opposite arm gets a chance to swing. At first, this can feel a little awkward, but with practice, it becomes much more natural. Allowing your arms to move helps you find a more comfortable running rhythm.

I also use both hands on the handlebar when I’m pushing uphill, since I like having that extra control and stability when tackling a hill.

Be especially careful when running on hills. Always make sure you can maintain control of your stroller, both uphill and downhill. I also recommend using the stroller’s wrist safety strap whenever you’re running. I put my hand through mine so the stroller stays connected to me, even if I accidentally loosen my grip on the handlebar. That extra security is especially important on downhill sections, where a stroller can gain speed quickly.

Take your time getting comfortable with these techniques, choose routes that match your ability, and never sacrifice control of the stroller just to maintain your pace.

4. Pack the Essentials

Before heading out, make sure you pack snacks, water bottles, and anything else your little ones might need along the way. I also like bringing a small blanket for extra comfort.

Two young children sitting in a double stroller during a family stroller run, sharing a bag of snacks outdoors.

Personally, I don’t let my kids use iPads or screens during our runs. Every family is different when it comes to screen time, but I love giving my kids the opportunity to enjoy the sights, watch for animals, and take in the nature around us. Once kids get used to having a screen, they can be quick to get bored without one!

Two young children wearing sunglasses and sitting in a double jogging stroller on a sunny day, each holding snacks during an outdoor outing.

Instead, I recommend packing a variety of snacks or even a book for older kids. Sometimes the simplest things make a stroller run a fun little adventure for everyone.

5. Dress for the Weather

Make sure your little ones are dressed appropriately for the weather before heading out. Layers, a cozy blanket, and a weather shield can make all the difference on chilly days!

A baby wearing a pink jacket and a cozy penguin hat, securely strapped into a black jogging stroller with the canopy extended for a chilly outdoor outing.

One of my favorite stroller accessories is a weather shield because it helps protect my kids from wind and cold, making it easier to get outside even when the weather isn’t perfect.

A child sitting in a BOB jogging stroller covered with a clear weather shield, bundled in a blanket on a sunny day outdoors.

My kids also think it’s fun, almost like riding around in a little spaceship! Just be sure to use a compatible shield according to the manufacturer’s instructions and keep your child comfortable with adequate ventilation.

A mother standing beside a double BOB jogging stroller with a clear weather shield covering two children on a rainy day in a residential driveway.

Shop BOB Jogging Stroller Weather Shields

6. Make Your Run an Adventure

If you’re planning a longer run, keep in mind that little ones don’t always have the longest attention spans! One thing I’ve found that works really well with my kids is breaking up the run with a fun stop along the way.

A double jogging stroller parked along a paved path at a neighborhood park, surrounded by colorful autumn trees and fallen leaves on a sunny fall day.

You could run to a nearby park and let the kids get out to play before heading home, or make a stop at Starbucks for a cake pop or another special treat. My kids love having something fun to look forward to, and it gives everyone a chance to stretch their legs and take a break.

You can also use a fun destination as motivation to finish your run. We had a park near our old house, so sometimes I’d plan to stop there at the end of my run. I’d let the kids out to play, then we’d finish with a relaxing cool-down walk together.

View from a double BOB jogging stroller as a young child runs ahead along a leaf-covered park path lined with colorful autumn trees on a sunny fall day.

A little planning can turn your workout into a fun family adventure instead of just another run around the neighborhood!

7. Make Seasonal Runs a Family Tradition

This is honestly one of my favorite stroller-running tips of all! If you’re running around Halloween or Christmas, turn your run into a festive adventure by exploring your neighborhood and looking at all the decorations.

Double jogging stroller on a neighborhood sidewalk during a family fall run, passing a house decorated with Halloween inflatables and pumpkins.

My kids and I loved running past houses decked out in Halloween decorations or twinkling Christmas lights. We’d put on Halloween music, cruise through the neighborhood, and stop at some of our favorite houses to take in all the decorations. It turned an ordinary run into something we all looked forward to!

These seasonal runs became such a fun tradition for our family, and they’re a great reminder that stroller running doesn’t always have to be about mileage or pace. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and making special memories with your kids.

Double jogging stroller with children bundled in blankets during a family stroller run, passing a large Halloween skeleton decoration in a front yard.

8. Create a Fun Running Playlist

Another fun way to make stroller running enjoyable is to create a playlist for your runs! Mix your kids’ favorite songs with your own running music so everyone has something to look forward to.

My kids and I loved putting playlists together and choosing which songs we wanted to listen to. I’d include fun Disney songs and music from their favorite movies, mixed with upbeat songs that helped me find my running rhythm. The kids could sing, dance along, and get excited about what song was coming next!

Creating a playlist together became another fun part of our running routine. It’s a simple way to keep your kids entertained, make the miles feel more enjoyable, and create little traditions along the way.

9. Stay Aware of Your Surroundings

One of the most important things to remember when running with a stroller is to stay aware of your surroundings, especially when running near roads or traffic. You have precious cargo with you, so safety should always come first!

When I listen to music on my runs, I usually just play it from my phone rather than wearing headphones. I want to be able to hear what’s happening around me, whether that’s approaching cars, other people on the path, or changes in traffic. Being able to hear your surroundings can help you stay alert and respond to potential hazards.

I also recommend choosing routes with sidewalks, paved trails, or less traffic whenever possible. Always look both ways before crossing streets, obey traffic signals, and never assume drivers can see you and your stroller. A little extra awareness goes a long way toward making your runs safer and more enjoyable!

Final Thoughts

Running has always been a huge passion of mine, and I remember wondering if I’d still be able to run as much once I became a mom. One of the best things about stroller running is that you don’t have to give up something you love just because you have kids. You can still get your miles in, work toward your goals, and bring your little ones along for the ride!

Two young children sitting side by side in a double jogging stroller, bundled in cozy blankets, with the older child holding a snack and stuffed animal.

Stroller running is not only a great workout, but it’s also an opportunity to spend quality time together and show your kids the importance of staying active and moving your body. And if you’re training for a race, those stroller miles can be a great way to build strength and endurance while fitting running into family life.

Most importantly, remember to have fun with it! Some days will be easier than others, but you’re creating memories and showing your kids that fitness can be part of everyday life.

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my stroller-running tips. I hope they help you feel more confident getting out there with your little ones.

Happy running!