The best running buggies for hills, trails and city life
Starting to miss your Sunday long run now that you have a baby in tow? 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.
Best running buggies to shop now
In a rush? Here are the best running buggies at a glance. Keep scrolling for the full list.
What is a running buggy?
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.
Your mini-me will also benefit from the fresh air, and the motion of riding over technical terrain can be delightfully sleep-inducing at nap time.
To help you choose your ideal ride, we’ve put nine of the most popular running buggies through their paces. Keep scrolling for our pick of the best running buggies on the market.
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 The Buggy Coach founder Wendy Rumble.
'Most have a handbrake these days which can help if you live in a hilly area,' she adds. 'But what’s key is don’t be guided by the model name. Many brands call their buggies "Sport" or "Runner" when they don’t have the key features required, which is very misleading.'
9 best running buggies to buy in 2024
Ready to hit the road? With the help of our in-house testers and Runner's World gear experts, we've narrowed down the very best running buggies on the market to help you find your ideal ride. These are our top picks to buy now.
1. Baby Jogger Summit x3
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 rubber tyres and all-wheel suspension, it provides a smooth ride over technical terrain. 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.
Key features
• 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.
2. Mountain Buggy Terrain
This sturdy piece of kit from Kiwi brand Mountain Buggy was originally designed to navigate complex terrain and mountain paths around New Zealand, so it's an ideal ride if you're a trail runner with a tot in tow. Our tester found it was really easy to set up, while the clever one-hand fast-fold action means it collapses in seconds. The Terrain also has a swivel front wheel which can be easily switched from run to walk mode and comes in handy for shopping trips and use as an everyday buggy too. But the greatest feature is its longevity: you can use this buggy from six months old up until your kid is about five, and it has a retractable leg rest for toddlers, too.
Key features
• Age range: Suitable from six months up to roughly 5 years old (25kg)
• Weight: 12.9kg
• Folded dimensions: 93 x 63 x 39 cm
• Foldability: One-handed fast-fold mechanism
• Steering: Swivel front wheel that has an optional lock for all-terrain options
• Extras: Comes with a hand-operated brake, wrist strap, peek-a-boo flap to check your child on the move and an adjustable tracking device on the front wheel to ensure you stay on course, even over rough ground.
3. Thule Glide 2
If you're a runner, chances are you'll have spotted a Thule pram whizzing around the park at some point. The Swedish adventure brand is hugely popular in active parent circles, with good reason. We've tested the Glide 2 over multiple terrain in all weathers and it's consistently been a smooth running experience, while keeping our VIP passenger cosy and secure. It's also straightforward to assemble, as the wheels click on and it folds out easily in minutes. We particularly like the twist break mechanism integrated into the handlebar, plus the maximum load is great for growing tots. We love this buggy so much, we've stopped using our standard pushchair so we can travel everywhere in speedy-style!
Key features
• Age range: Suitable from six months up to roughly 4-5 years (22kg)
• Weight: 10.8kg
• Folded dimensions: 93.5 x 58 x 33 cm
• Foldability: One-handed fast-fold mechanism
• Steering: Suspension makes the ride smooth for both runner and passenger
• Extras: Includes an adjustable handlebar for parents of all sizes, a large cargo basket with enough space for a shopping bag, and the twist handbrake provides speed control on downhills. It also has a handy foot brake to use when stationary.
4. Thule Chariot Cross
Running buggies can be an expensive business and the Chariot Cross from Thule is at the top end of the spectrum. But you get what you pay for, and when you consider cost per use plus functionality, this premium piece of kit takes kiddy transportation up a notch. As well as being a smooth and comfortable ride for runners, it's designed for cycling, walking and even skiing too. Thanks to the brand's VersaWing system, you can switch easily between activities with a few small adjustments (although you do need to buy the skis separately) and it performs equally well across all terrains.
But most importantly, padded seats and a 5-point harness make this a comfortable and safe way for your little VIPs to travel. It also comes with enough storage space to rival a small car, so we've ditched our motor in favour of the Chariot Cross and the whole family is happy. You can choose between a double or single option too. Just make sure you measure your hallway before you make a purchase, as the double buggy is a serious piece of kit.
Key features
• Age range: From 6 months up to 22kg
• Weight: 13.8kg
• Folded dimensions: 87 x 65 x 37.5 cm
• Foldability: Requires two hands to fold, but this gets easier with practice
• Steering: Smooth steering and easy to push thanks to adjustable suspension and air-filled rubber tyres
• Extras: As a long-lasting and sturdy buggy the Chariot Cross has great resale value.
5. Out ‘N’ About Nipper Sport
This super-light buggy from UK brand Out'n'About is a cost-effective option for active parents. The fixed front wheel is ideal for running or hiking over rough terrain, but it can be used as a great everyday pushchair, too. And according to our run tester, it really comes into its own on the inclines, as steep ascents are no match for the light frame, reliable suspension and oversized wheels. It also has extra pockets in the seat and canopy for your essentials and it folds down small when not in use. The seat doesn’t recline fully flat, but it is padded so it will keep your baby cosy as you count down the miles.
Key features
• Age range: Suitable from six months up to four years
• Weight: 9.8kg
• Folded dimensions: 61.5 x 61 x 104 cm
• Foldability: One-handed fast-fold mechanism
• Steering: Includes a fixed front wheel so you can lean into corners, providing more stability over rough terrain
• Extras: Comes with plenty of storage, including a shopping pouch and handy zip pockets on the hood, plus a rain cover and bumper bar. Also available in black, red or grey.
6. UPPAbaby Ridge Reggie All Terrain Stroller
This premium stroller from US brand 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.
Key features
• Age range: Suitable from 6 months up to 22kg
• 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.
How to run with a buggy
New to running with a little one in tow? Follow our tips to perfect your stride:
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.'
Running buggy extras
Alongside a great pushchair, these handy accessories will make life comfier for the both of you as you clock up the miles.
• Pramsuit
Even in warm weather babies can get chilly in a pushchair. Bear in mind that while you're getting hot and sweaty, your little one is sitting still. But a cosy pramsuit can fix this!
• Buggy clips
If you opt for a pushchair without a huge amount of storage space underneath or you simply have lots to carry, it's worth buying buggy clips to hook shopping bags onto the bars.
• Pushchair fleece hand muff
Another hazard of buggy running is chilly digits. During the winter or even early morning springtime runs, your hand resting on the buggy handlebars is likely to feel the cold, so treat yourself to a cosy fleece muff.
• Cup holder
You managed to leave the house and you remembered your baby, your parkrun barcode and your house keys! But where the hell do you pop your coffee? Trust us, you need a cup holder. And this one comes with a handy phone mount, too.
• Blackout blind
If your baby struggles to nap in daylight but you're keen to get your run in, invest in a portable Snoozeshade buggy blackout blind for an instant snoozing cocoon wherever you might be.
• Sunshade
During the summer months, keep your mini-me safe from the sun's harmful rays and help them nap too with a blackout pram canopy that clips onto any buggy.
• Head support
If your little one dozes off during your run and you're worried about their bobbing head, try a Benbat Mooni Travel Pillow for neck support.
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