If you’re an active parent of a baby or toddler, you know that it can be hard to make time for any physical activity. Sometimes the only solution is to bring your child with you on your workout. If this is your situation, then you need a jogging stroller.
Jogging strollers are meant for parents who want to maintain a healthy lifestyle and are light and functional enough to be pushed while in quick motion. These strollers have different characteristics from other strollers, so it’s important to find the right one.
One of the top jogging strollers on the market is the Thule Urban Glide 2 All-Terrain Jogging stroller. In this article, we explore why the Urban Glide 2 is the best option for a jogging stroller today and explain how to choose the right jogging stroller, and look at other Thule strollers that are worth considering.
How to Choose the Best Jogging Stroller
It could be difficult to get yourself into shape, especially with a new baby in the house. You have to get creative in how you exercise, which a lot of the time means doing home workouts with your baby in view. To take your workout outdoors, you need gear to ensure that both you and your baby are comfortable. This is where jogging strollers come in.
If your favorite form of exercise is jogging or running, you may want to consider getting a jogging stroller. Jogging strollers are the ultimate multitasking tool for parents and eliminate the need to find a babysitter every time you feel like going on a quick jog.
Versatility
With the right jogging stroller, you can walk, jog, run, or power walk anywhere you want to go with your baby comfortably and safely tucked inside.
The best quality jogging strollers aren’t just great to use while doing your morning run. Jogging strollers also make great everyday strollers, so if you buy the right one, it could be the only stroller you need.
Jogging strollers are especially useful if your runs are robust and you enjoy taking your child with you on off-road adventures. But for those extra adventures, it’s best to make sure that your jogging stroller is also an all-terrain stroller.
All-terrain Jogging Strollers
All-terrain jogging strollers are for families who have an active outdoor lifestyle. These strollers have additional features that make it easier to tackle difficult terrain while pushing your child.
What sets all-terrain strollers apart from other strollers is the suspension. All-terrain strollers usually have an all-wheel suspension that keeps your stroller stable no matter how bumpy the ground is so that your child can remain comfortable throughout your jog.
With a good quality all-terrain jogging stroller, you’ll be able to take your jogs to a new level, with the ability to go to travel on:
- Sidewalks
- Thick snow
- Wood Chip paths
- Grass
- Beach
Watch out when choosing all-terrain strollers because not all of them are suitable for jogging. What’s more is that all-terrain strollers are relatively heavy compared to other types of strollers, so if it isn’t also a jogging stroller, it might not be the right stroller to take your child on long jogs with.
Jogging Strollers Main Characteristics
The main characteristic of jogging strollers is that they have three wheels as opposed to the four that many other types of traditional strollers have. There are two larger tires in the back and one smaller one in the front. These three, air-filled tires make it easy to push the stroller and maneuver around smoothly throughout your jog so that your child stays comfortable.
The other important element to know about jogging strollers is that the front tire is lockable to improve the maneuverability and stability of the stroller. The air-filled tires provide extra cushioning and comfort to minimize the impact on your child when you go over bumpy ground.
Jogging strollers generally boast many additional features to make your runs with your baby go even smoother. Some of these features include:
- Canopy: Babies are sensitive to the sun, so you must try your best to keep your child out of the sun as much as possible. This can prove difficult when going outside for a walk or run. A stroller with an extra-large canopy is useful for when you choose to jog on a sunny, windy, or rainy day, as it ensures that your child is protected throughout your workout. It’s a bonus if you get a jogging stroller with a peek-a-boo window so that your baby can look up and see you.
- Storage: Most jogging strollers come with a decent amount of storage pockets, but it’s important to note that jogging strollers generally don’t have as much storage capacity as regular strollers. The undercarriage is usually smaller, and you’ll find fewer storage pockets in areas such as behind the seat.
- Lightweight design: Since they’re designed to be pushed while you run, jogging strollers are generally lighter than regular strollers. This makes it easier to maneuver and run through difficult terrain and go uphill if necessary.
Important things to consider
Before we jump into our favorite Thule jogging stroller, it’s important to make sure that a jogging stroller is the right type of stroller for you.
Note that, although they are generally lighter, jogging strollers are often bulkier than regular strollers, largely due to the size of their wheels. The wheels can make it difficult to take out and put away your stroller before and after your run and to find the right place in your home or car to store it. If this is a concern for you, make sure you look for a jogging stroller that is easy to fold and doesn’t take up too much space. There are even a few options with removable wheels, so you can store them separately and fit the stroller into smaller spaces.
Another thing to consider is that the air-filled tires that are usually found on jogging strollers are prone to puncturing, which can happen at the most inconvenient moment, so you want to avoid this happening when you’re with your child. To be safe, you’ll need to keep a repair kit handy in your stroller, which can take up a lot of the minimal space jogging strollers have.
Beyond that, air-filled tires need maintenance just like car tires would. You need to check the pressure regularly to ensure that the tires are filled with enough air for your trip.
Jogging strollers can get expensive. All-terrain jogging strollers, in particular, tend to be some of the priciest options on the market, so it’s important to make sure that this type of stroller fits with your lifestyle and is the most comfortable choice for both you and your baby.
If you do think that an all-terrain jogging stroller is what you’re missing to make your life easier, you have a few options when choosing one. There’s one company in particular that makes high-quality strollers meant for parents always on the go: Thule.
Thule Jogging Strollers – Why They’re the Best for Active Parents
Those who only know of Thule because of their strollers will be surprised to know that Thule isn’t a company that specializes in baby gear at all. They started as a company producing gear for fishermen.
Today, Thule produces a variety of outdoor and transportation gear, including backpacks, bike racks, and cargo carriers. That said, some of their most trusted products are their strollers.
Thule strollers are for parents who live an active life and are meant for comfortable travel for both you and your baby. All of their strollers have ventilated canopies with fabric that provides UV protection of UPF 50+ to help your child stay cool, no matter how far you’re going.
They not only make strollers for all ages, but they also make strollers meant to grow with your child, as all of their strollers are compatible with the use of a bassinet. They’re compact when folded, making them easy to bring along with you anywhere you go.
Although many Thule strollers carry the features you need, there’s one that stands out above the rest: the Urban Glide 2 jogging stroller. This stroller is made for the most active families to bring along their little ones for long adventures.
Why Choose the Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller?
Known for its convenience and safety features, the Thule Urban Glide 2 All-Terrain Jogging Stroller is one of the best all-terrain strollers you can choose for both exercise and everyday use around town.
It has a lightweight, aerodynamic design, so it’s easy to maneuver around while you walk or run and store it whenever you don’t need it. This stroller also comes in a double-seat version if you want the extra workout of pushing two children during your jog!
Who Is the Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller For?
As mentioned, the Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller has active parents in mind who want an easy way to bring their babies along with them for their workouts. However, if you are a busy parent who doesn’t usually go jogging leisurely, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t still have eyes on this stroller.
Even though it’s a stroller made for active parents, one of the best parts of this Thule jogging stroller is that it isn’t just ideal for exercise enthusiasts. With so many good quality features, anyone looking for a stroller that is light and easy to navigate can benefit from the Thule Urban Glide 2.
The Urban Glide 2 stroller has all the features you need in a stroller, including:
- 5-point child harness
- Compact fold
- Protective canopy
- Integrated twist hand brake
Let’s check out some of the key features of this jogging stroller.
Storage space
One of the best aspects of the Urban Glide 2 is that it’s comparably in size to a regular stroller, meaning that you get the benefits of a jogging stroller with the additional space that regular everyday strollers provide.
The storage bin is large and comes with a waterproof zippered cover to keep your items safe and secure during a turbulent run. You can keep up to 10 pounds of items in the bin, and it’s accessible from both the back and the sides.
In terms of smaller pockets, you’ll find a large mesh pocket on the back of the stroller seat, as well as smaller mesh pockets on the sides of your child’s seat. This is a great place to store your child’s snacks or extra toys to keep them busy during a long walk.
Wheels and maneuverability
According to Baby Gear Lab, the Urban Glide 2 has top scores for run-ability and maneuverability.
The front-wheel has high-performing swivel options with the wheel locked and performs better than the longtime favorites, fixed-wheel strollers. The stroller also has adjustable tracking with large, easy-to-use knobs where the wheel connects to the frame.
Depending on how old your child is, pushing them in the stroller is already quite a workout, meaning you probably don’t want to have to worry about supporting the stroller’s resistance as well.
The Thule Urban Glide stroller’s ideal rolling resistance results in less fatigue for you, meaning you can enjoy longer and possibly more fun runs without getting tired too soon. The built-in suspension makes for a smooth ride for both you and your child, so you can tackle those bumpy roads worry-free.
Finally, the breaks are single action with a plastic pedal in the middle of the rear axle for easy release. One of the most unique aspects of this Thule jogging stroller is the twisting handbrake in the middle of the handlebar.
Comfort
Even though you’re the one exercising, if your child is in their stroller for too long, you risk them getting too hot, especially if it’s a sunny day. With a secure and comfortable seat that features integrated ventilation, the Urban Glide 2 stroller keeps your child cool no matter how long you stay out.
This Thule jogging stroller also has an extra-large canopy with zippered ventilation and an extended visor. It completely closes magnetically, and also has a peek-a-boo window so you can still get a glimpse of your child as you’re completing your run.
For your comfort, the stroller comes with an adjustable handlebar so that your arms can rest comfortably while you push. The handlebar cover is made out of dense foam for added comfort, and you’ll also find a twisting brake in that area to give you full control of your turns and slow down the stroller if needed.
Putting it away
Many parents worry about where to put it when not in use. Strollers can take up a lot of space while not folding down to an ideal compact size, so this is an important aspect to consider when choosing a new jogging stroller.
You really only need one hand to fold the Urban Glide 2 and tuck it away. The twist and fold mechanism is under the leg rest, which swiftly folds the stroller in half. From there, you can use the handle to roll and lift the stroller. The stroller also has an auto-lock feature, and the rear wheels pull in for an even more compact fold.
Although the Urban Glide 2 is our favorite stroller from the company, Thule makes several other great quality strollers worth checking out.
Compatible with car seats
With newborns and infants, you have to take several extra steps. But that doesn’t mean that they should miss out on a chance to join you and your run and get some fresh air.
Luckily, Thule equips you with the right tools by offering a variety of infant car seat adapters that are compatible with several popular brands so that you can safely carry your baby from the car to the stroller.
Other Thule Jogging Strollers
The Thule Urban Glide 2 Jogging Stroller is the perfect stroller for the fitness enthusiast parent, but it might not be the right stroller for every parent.
Lucking the Thule jogging stroller line isn’t restricted to one stroller. Thule doesn’t only carry jogging strollers but has a line of strollers to fit the lifestyle of every type of parent. From compact strollers to sleek and stylish ones, there are a variety of Thule jogging strollers to choose from.
Here are some other Thule jogging strollers that you may want to consider trying out for your next jog.
Thule Glide 2 Performance Jogging Stroller
If you love the features of the Urban Glide 2 but don’t like the price, the Thule Glide 2 Performance jogging stroller can prove to be a good alternative for your jogging needs.
This high-performance jogging stroller is an older model of the Urban Glide 2, and it’s missing some of the key features that make the Urban Glide 2 stand apart, such as:
- The hand brake to slow the stroller while jogging
- An automatically engaged lock
- Ventilation on both sides of the canopy and lack of UPF 50+ material
- Reflective trim for low light conditions
That said, the Thule Glide 2 jogging stroller is sure not to disappoint and is still one of the best jogging strollers on the market. The built-in suspension ensures that it’s still able to keep up with you during your jogs.
With the ability to take off the wheels for easier storage, a multi-position canopy, and a cushioned reclining seat, this stroller has more than enough features to get you and your baby through your job.
Pros:
- More affordable than the Urban Glide 2
- Simpler and sleeker design than the Urban Glide 2
- All-terrain capabilities
- Padded 5-point harness
- Built-in suspension
Cons:
- Missing many of the key features of the Thule Urban Glide 2 stroller
Thule Spring Compact Stroller
Next on our list of alternative Thule jogging strollers is the Thule Spring Compact stroller.
Although this isn’t technically a jogging stroller, it still has many of the features you need for long-lasting performance. Simpler than the heavy-duty Urban Glide 2, Thule claims that this is the best stroller choice if you want a flexible and functional stroller for everyday use that will bring you anywhere.
The Spring Compact stroller lives up to its name with its lightweight design. This stroller is about 30% lighter than other 3-wheel strollers, making it easy to transport with you anywhere you go. This is also thanks to the quick and simple one-hand fold that allows you to put away the stroller with one hand while you carry your baby with the other.
If your baby is demanding that you make them your priority, take advantage of the stroller’s self-standing capability and come back to store it away when you’re ready.
Other than its compact nature, the Thule Spring stroller boasts all the other features you want from a stroller, including an adjustable, vented canopy, swiveling front wheel with suspension, and a reclining seat with a 5-point padded harness.
Pros:
- 30% smaller than traditional strollers
- Compact one-handed fold and self-standing capability
- Adjustable, vented canopy with UPF 50+ UV protection
- Swiveling front wheel with suspension
- Adjustable handlebar
- Small enough for Disneyland
Cons:
- This is not a jogging nor all-terrain stroller, so you’re limited in how you can use it
Thule Sleek City Stroller
Our final pick for Thule strollers is the Thule Sleek City Stroller.
If you want a sleek, smart, and stylish stroller that will grow with your family, the Sleek City stroller is the best choice for you. Although this stroller is also not a jogging stroller and finds itself at a higher price point than the Urban Glide 2, you’ll see that the features it includes make this stroller worth it.
Firstly, if you choose this stroller for your newborn, you’ll be able to use it right away with a Sleek bassinet or car seat adapter. You can add a bassinet, sibling seat, or car seat adapter, you can easily convert this stroller from a single-seater to a double-seater stroller.
This stroller also features shock-absorbing 4-wheel suspension for a smoother ride for your baby, and the extendable ventilated canopy ensures that they remain cool and comfortable throughout the tide.
One of the best features of this stroller is its no-puncture foam-filled tires that feature swiveling front wheels that can be locked into place. What’s more is that the modular design of the Thule Seek stroller allows you to reconfigure it into 13 positions, depending on you and your baby’s needs at the time.
Storage is easy thanks to the simple compact fold and auto-lock, which could be folded with or without the seat-mounted. With so many features and long-lasting performance, it’s easy to see how the Thule Sleek City stroller is one of Thule’s best strollers.
Pros:
- Converts to a double stroller
- Shock-absorbing 4-wheel suspension
- No-puncture foam-filled tires
- Modular design for 13 positions
Cons:
- More expensive than other similar strollers
How to Choose the Right Thule Jogging Stroller
Although all of the Thule jogging strollers are of great quality, it can be hard to choose the right one because of their varying features. However, it’s important to choose the stroller that fits the needs of your family.
The Urban Glide 2 is a great stroller for the active parent as it has all the features you need when you take your little one with you on a jog. That being said, this stroller isn’t the right fit for everyone. Take your time and explore your options before committing to a Thule jogging stroller.