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Whether you're itching to hit the trails again following the arrival of your little one, you're a new parent keen to get fit, or you're simply looking for an efficient way to transport your little people to nursery, a running buggy is a great option for active families.
Designed for parents who want to pick up the pace while their little one (hopefully) enjoys the ride, running buggies typically have a larger frame than a regular pram, a fixed front wheel, plus suspension and pneumatic tyres to absorb impact.
Admittedly, these specially designed pushchairs don’t come cheap. But they’ll guarantee a smoother, more comfortable ride for your baby compared to a regular pram – and they’re engineered to compliment running form, too, so they far more comfortable and efficient than a regular buggy.
With the help of our in-house testers and Runner's World gear experts, from speedy prams to off-road strollers, we've narrowed down the very best running buggies on the market to help you find your ideal ride.
The best running buggies at a glance
What to look for in a running buggy
There are several features worth considering when shopping for a running buggy. 'Look for suspension, large air filled tyres, a front wheel that can be fixed straight and adjustable handlebar height,' says running coach and x 69 x 38 cm Seats recline and fold flat for cargo hauling.
How we select the best running buggies
The best running buggies were selected by our team of editors and wear-testers. Led by Rhalou Allerhand, a senior editor who has spent hundreds of hours testing parenting and running gear, we researched the market, surveyed user reviews, spoke with product managers and engineers, and used our own experience running while pushing these buggies to determine the best options.
We’ve done easy runs with infants, long runs with bigger kids, and even ran errands to test cargo capacity. We evaluated the buggies on performance, price, comfort, handling, value, reliability, and fun to come up with this list of ones that will best serve the needs of parents looking to run with their children.
In subsequent updates, RW editors assessed the existing picks for availability and flagged any strollers that were out of stock or no longer available. From there, updating writer Ali Ball researched the market and assessed user reviews, along with the support of parent wear testers.
The Expert (Rhalou Allerhand): Rhalou has over 15 years experience working in the health and wellness space, covering everything from fitness to parenting and marathon running. A passionate runner, she has ran 15 marathons and even a few ultra-marathons, and has tested a number of the running buggies in this guide since having her son, as well as speaking to experts in the field.
Why trust us?
Runner’s World has been vetting and reviewing running gear and tech for over 30 years. Our recommendations range across categories like running shoes, head torches, layering systems, running buggies and more, all of which are based on data, testing notes, insight, and input from our test team and editors.
Is it safe to run when you are breastfeeding
Ready to hit the road? These are our top picks to buy now.
Pros
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- Smooth ride (for passenger and driver)
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Cons
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| Age range | Suitable from 9 months up to 22kg |
|---|---|
| Weight | 14.6kg |
| Folded dimensions | 116 x 97 x 105 cm |
| Foldability | One-handed fast-fold mechanism |
| Steering | All-wheel suspension provides a smooth ride on mixed terrain |
| Extras | Comes with plenty of storage, plus a UV 50+ sun canopy and a peekaboo flap to keep tabs on your little one |
This clever hybrid stroller from US brand Baby Jogger comes with a remote wheel lock on the handlebar, so you can switch easily between walking and running. The seat can also be near-flat reclined for nap times on the move, and thanks to big 16-inch rubber tyres and all-wheel suspension, it rolled easily over roots and crushed-stone paths.
Our parent tester praised it for being easy to assemble and store when not in use, and it performed well on uneven trails and paths.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Adjustable handlebar
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- Handy mobile and bottle storage
Cons
- Some kids felt the seat was too reclined
| Age range | Newborn to toddler (22kg) |
|---|---|
| Weight | 11.9kg |
| Folded dimensions (L x W x H) | 88 x 58 x 31 cm |
| Foldability | Easy, one-hand, compact fold mechanism |
| Steering | Includes a swivel front wheel, which locks into place for higher speeds, combined with large rear wheels |
| Extras | Folds easily with one hand |
An update to the Thule Urban Glide 2, which we’d previously recommended, the Thule Urban Glide 3 is lightweight and offers a smooth, comfortable ride. It’s light enough to push easily, and has both 16-inch air-filled rear wheels and a rear suspension to smooth out bumps for a stable ride. The twist-grip hand brake on the height-adjustable handlebar gives you good control over your speed on downhill sections — no jerky braking here.
'The Thule makes running with a stroller feel almost as easy as running without,' said one tester. 'The suspension glides over most surfaces without causing a lot of wobbling in the seat or on the handlebar.'
It also has a suite of features that make it comfortable and convenient. Our testers specifically called out the Glide 3’s 'luxe' seat and buckles, which were easy to clean and fasten. The padded seat has a five-point harness, a leg rest, and adjustable recline. That said, it doesn’t adjust fully upright, which some kids may not like.
A large canopy provides sun protection and includes a 'peek-a-boo' flap for keeping an eye on your child while running. There’s plenty of storage, too, including a cavernous zip-top compartment at the bottom and several mesh pockets for snacks and accessories.
Pros
- Smooth ride across all terrain
- Easy to adjust and use for all heights
- Women gain more benefit from super shoes than men
Cons
- Is running with a buggy harder
- Mud-prone tyres make indoor storage messy
| Age range | Suitable from six months up to four years |
|---|---|
| Weight | 9.8kg |
| Folded dimensions | Compact Size Folded (wheels on): 61.5cm (W) x 61cm (H) x 104cm (L) / 24.2" (W) x 24" (H) x 40.9"(L) Compact Size Folded (wheels off): 48cm (W) x 29cm (H) x 90cm (L) / 18.9" (W) x 11.4" (H) x 35.4" (L) |
| Steering | Includes a fixed front wheel so you can lean into corners, providing more stability over rough terrain |
| Extras | Comes with plenty of storage, plus a rain cover and bumper bar. Available in five colours. |
The Nipper Sport v5 from UK brand Out 'n' About is a thoughtfully designed option that combines off-road capability with everyday practicality, making it a great choice for active families.
The wheels are excellent quality — large and sturdy with a thick tread that, combined with the suspension, provides a wonderfully smooth ride. Our tester used it on all sorts of terrain: farm track walks on tarmac, grass, and even over speed bumps during their local parkrun. It performed consistently well across all of them. It’s worth noting that the tyres do require quite a bit of inflation when you first set the buggy up, but that’s quick and simple to do with a regular pump.
The handlebar is very easy to adjust, ‘a real bonus’, reported our tester. ‘I’m 5'10" and my partner is over 6', so being able to raise the handlebar has made it much more comfortable for both of us to run with,’ they said. There’s also a left-hand brake that's smooth to operate and very responsive — great for maintaining control while moving at speed. The suspension cushions the ride really well, too, keeping your little one secure and content even on bumpier surfaces.
There are a handful of thoughtful extras included in the price. These start with a bumper bar — especially handy for the busy start of a parkrun — and a rain cover which offers excellent coverage and stays put even on windy days.
The seat can be upright or reclined, making it easy to switch between active and napping modes. Plus, there’s a roomy under-seat pocket that’s ideal for carrying essentials like water bottles, jackets, or the rain cover itself.
The five-point harness is really clever — each strap clips in individually to the buckle, which makes it so much easier to secure when your little one is already in the seat (no fiddling with connecting straps beforehand!). The hood is generously sized, offering great shade, and it features a mesh section so your child stays cool and breezy on warm days. There’s even a soft seat liner included, which adds a lovely extra layer of comfort.
Overall, the Nipper Sport v5 feels lightweight when you’re using it – whether you’re running or walking – though it is on the heavier side when it comes to lifting it in and out of a car. That said, the front wheel detaches easily, which helps a lot when you're loading it into a boot. It also fits neatly into the boot of a SUV without any need to remove the wheels or make adjustments, but its compact design would suit a smaller car too.
Finally, folding the buggy is very straightforward and it’s easy to store, though the tyres have a deep tread that tends to collect more mud than a standard pram, so you may prefer to store it in a shed or porch to avoid mess indoors.
UPPAbaby Ridge Reggie All Terrain Stroller
Pros
- Running through menopause
- Can be used for everyday trips
- Handy mobile and bottle storage
Cons
- nbsp;can fix this
- One-handed fast-fold mechanism
| Age range | ways to style your hair for race day |
|---|---|
| Weight | 13.2kg |
| Folded dimensions | 47 x 66 x 92.7 cm |
| Foldability | Folds easily with one hand |
| Steering | Coil spring suspension will keep your mini-me comfortable across multiple terrains |
| Extras | Comes with a rain cover, basket cover and bottle holder |
ways to style your hair for race day UPPAbaby is a great option for active parents looking for one buggy to use for running and family life. It comes with a lightweight frame and puncture-proof tyres for long days out, while the padded harness and extra cosy back support will keep your co-pilot cosy on the move. It also features hand-operated disc brakes, so you can easily control your speed on steep downhills. But it's stylish and streamlined enough to work well popping into town, too.
Pros
- Adjustable suspension creates a smooth ride for different loads
- Adjustable handlebar
- Seats recline and fold flat for cargo hauling
- Removable floor mat for easy cleaning
Cons
- Women gain more benefit from super shoes than men
- No hand brake
| Age range | Suitable from 12 months up to about six years old |
|---|---|
| Weight | 12.5kg |
| Folded dimensions | 91 x 69 x 38 cm |
| Foldability | One-handed fast-fold mechanism |
| Steering | Features 5-position coil-spring plus adjustable suspension depending on the weight of your little riders |
| Extras | Comes with plenty of storage, a rain and wind cover and a UV sunshade. The seats can also be removed to extend its use as a trailer. For babies aged 3-12 months, purchase a Baby Snuggler separately |
It isn't cheap, but the Burley D’Lite X bike trailer has earned solid reviews for its sturdy build and thoughtful layout.
Available as a single or a double, the fully enclosed trailer features seats with five-point harnesses and padded headrests to support snoozing children. Each seat is individually adjustable through multiple recline positions. They also fold flat, so you can use the trailer to haul bulky cargo. Even with a kid inside the trailer, there’s a large storage area behind the seat to carry a diaper bag or other items, plus several pockets for small accessories.
While the canopy isn’t quite as weather-resistant as the one found on our top pick, it has large roll-up windows for ventilation and a moveable sun shade to block UV rays. The trailer has an adjustable suspension (just turn a knob), so you can fine-tune the ride based on how much weight you’re pushing.
Additionally, the D’Lite X has a huge range of add-ons available, including off-road tires and even skis, Some kids felt the seat was too reclined.
Is running with a buggy harder?
Running with your baby in tow can be glorious, self-empowering, and gruelling all at the same time. Physically, it’s a lot of work (you’re pushing not just your child’s weight but the weight of the stroller and everything in it); you’re forced to change the mechanics of your running; and you’re juggling keeping an eye on your child while putting one foot in front of another.
The paces that you’re used to running are going to be very different running with a buggy, especially in the beginning. Rather than feeling discouraged, set new normal buggy times and benchmarks. Knowing your buggy times can help you work toward improvements can be rewarding, and it helps you compile a whole new set of data.
Is running with a buggy harder
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- Persevere: 'Running with a buggy is harder than without, but it gets easier the more you do it so don’t be put off!' says Wendy.
- Travel light: Resist the urge to bring all of your baby essentials. 'Don’t pack the entire change bag or a massive bottle of water, that extra weight is just more to push.'
- Running form: It's important to maintain the right posture while you push. 'Try to stay upright, driving forwards with your glutes and not to lean on the handlebars with a big bend forwards,' says Wendy.
- Hands on: Experiment with how you push to see what works best for you. 'There have been various studies done on one handed or two handed pushing,' says Wendy. 'I prefer one handed as it feels more natural, but it’s not necessarily faster.'
x 69 x 38 cm?
Most experts recommend waiting until your child is at least 6 months old before you run with them in a buggy. This is generally because your little one needs to have good head and neck control to handle the motions of the pushchair.
Is it safe to run when you are breastfeeding
Alongside a great pushchair, these handy accessories will make life comfier for the both of you as you clock up the miles.
