Stroller Running with a Toddler

We’re here with you today to share our best tips and tricks to help you have successful runs with your toddler!

Most children love the stroller, or learn to love it. So don’t be discouraged if they cry on your first time out. Don’t feel like you have to go full steam right away either. You can start with smaller increments of time, like 10 minutes and build up by 5 or 10 minutes each day until you’re at your desired time for a run.

Make sure your toddler is dressed appropriately for the weather and has adequate blankets (if needed). If they are too hot or too cold, they will likely make sure you and everyone in a 10-mile radius is well aware!

Make sure to buckle your child in safely. You never know when a car will jump the sidewalk or when an accident is going to happen. If you and your child get into the habit of practicing safety first, it will be second nature (and won’t cause fights) later in life.

Bring snacks and a drink along for the ride. Having food and drink along will help the run go so much smoother. Some moms have found success in keeping special snacks JUST for stroller runs to help their children associate stroller runs as something positive and special.

It was a squeeze pouch AND 2 dum dums kind of run!

If your child likes to throw things, consider investing in something that makes the sippy cup or snack attached to the stroller. That way you won’t have to stop and start a million times. Still stay alert though, you never know what they’re going to throw out! One time I went on a run and when I got back I noticed my little was missing a shoe! I had zoned out on the run while they napped and could not tell you when or where the shoe was lost. Thinking it must have been recently I backtracked looking for it. I did find it, exactly at my turn around point and ended up doing DOUBLE the miles I was intending to.

Engage with them as you run! It’s fun for them to talk with you and look out for the things you’re looking at. This will also help them to learn words and will broaden their vocabulary. I always asked my toddlers to repeat back to me words to help them learn and to see how they are able to say it. Some things are just too adorable to not hear and capture. For example, my third child calls a lunch box a, "rumpus." Had I not had her repeat it back to me as we were running to the park, I never would have known what she was talking about!

Consider playing music for them during the run. They may have favorite songs that help to calm them or they might be lulled by the music and take a good nap.

If possible stop and start at a playground. This will give them some time to be active too and they’ll begin to associate stroller runs with FUN for them too!

Reward of post run play time!

Invite another Mom along for the fun! Not only will you get company, but so will your child. The monkey see, monkey do effect will start to come into play. You don’t know how many times I’ve seen first time Warriors shocked that their kids did so well in the stroller on their first day. I think part of it is that with other people around there is a lot going on to see. The other part is peer pressure. The other kids are doing it and not complaining, so they don’t complain either. Sometimes peer pressure can work in wonderful ways! Like with happy stroller runs and potty training. But I digress.

Running with friends is more fun for you AND your toddler!

Don’t forget diapers and wipes. You never know when they might have a major blow out and it’s best to be prepared, just in case!

If your toddler is into baby wearing, bring along a baby carrier. As your child gets heavier it’s even harder to hold them while steering a stroller. If you do end up needing to walk with them you can strap them into the baby carrier and push the stroller with two hands.

If they have successfully ridden in the stroller for awhile, reward them with a bit of run time of their own! They want nothing more than to be like you - so when the playground is in sight, unbuckle them and have them "race" you to the park!

Doing a bit of running herself... just like Mom! :)

My best advice for those of you getting out there with toddlers is to be persistent. Keep trying. Don’t give up. Don’t let one bad day or one bad week dictate what the rest of your life will look like. When you are patient and persistent, eventually they will learn. You can have the best of both worlds, fun for them and a workout for you! Best of luck!

Happy Running!
Kelly

What tips and tricks have you used when running with your toddler(s)?