My sister had her first baby six months ago, and the two of them are finally settling into a comfortable daily routine. Since the baby sleeps through most nights now, my sister's energy levels are returning to normal, and she's becoming increasingly anxious to get back into a fitness routine to lose some of the weight she gained during pregnancy. When she told me about this, I recommended buying a jogging stroller so she can exercise even with the baby in tow.

Jogging Strollers Are Versatile

I used a jogging stroller back when our son was still in diapers, and I thought it was fantastic! It's a great way to walk, jog, or run your way into shape after having a baby, and eliminates that built-in excuse about not being able to find a sitter. Plus, babies love taking in all the new sights and sounds while riding in jogging strollers, so these exercise outings will become something to look forward to.

My sister liked the idea, and agreed that a jogging stroller would be perfect for her situation. Unfortunately, I got rid of my old jogger during a garage sale a couple years ago, otherwise I would have gladly given it to her to use. At any rate, I can at least help her shop for one, since I still remember all of the important qualities and features to look for.

What To Look For When Purchasing

The first thing I would look for in jogging strollers is comfort. Does it offer a smooth and comfortable ride for the baby? Is it easy to push and maneuver? Comfort is usually a function of design, so I would check out the wheel size and alignment, as well as the handlebar placement (and whether or not the handlebars are adjustable).

A second thing I would look for is durability. Jogging strollers are so popular these days that a lot of manufacturers are putting out cheaper products to take advantage of the demand. But since my sister intends to use the jogging stroller for a few years, I told her to spend some extra money on a good piece of equipment.

And finally, I would take the amenities and accessories into consideration. Is the canopy a sufficient size? Does the unit have holders for a water bottle and/or baby's sippy cup? Is there a storage compartment for the diaper bag? Is the harness easy to buckle and unbuckle?

I know this isn't a comprehensive shopping guide, but I think it's a pretty good place to start. If my sister keeps all of these points in mind while she's looking at jogging strollers, she'll end up with a quality product that will last for years.

Technorati Tags: Fitness, jogging stroller, jogging stroller guidelines, post pregnancy fitness, weight reduction