As a runner prior to pregnancy, one of the things I looked forward to most postpregnancy was getting back into a fitness routine.
I counted down the days until my doctor gave me the green light to exercise and finally eased my way back into daily jogs. Once my baby hit 6 months (and could sit up and keep his head steady, even over bumps and curbs), I began bringing him with me on my regular workouts. The fresh air is great for him, and I love being able practice healthy habits together.
I was in need of a jogging stroller to take on my 5- to 6-mile runs, and the Baby Jogger F.I.T. proved to be just what I was looking for. The fixed front wheel is, in my book, essential for anyone remotely serious about running. It makes it infinitely easier to push the stroller forward and doesn’t require me to expend any extra energy steering it back and forth to keep it from running off the sidewalk. It’s worth noting that because the wheel is fixed, the stroller is not good for everyday errand-running or general strolling purposes. It’s a jogger, and it’s very good for exactly that.
Other nice features of the stroller include its large multi-position canopy, which extends to provide exceptional coverage from sunrays and the elements. It also has a peekaboo window. The jogger has a handbrake and wrist tether, which make me feel extra in control, as well as a rear parking brake. There’s a mesh storage pouch behind the seat (where I usually keep a couple board book, toys and my mp3 player) and a storage basket underneath the seat (which is a good spot for stuffing jackets and a diaper pouch). The padded, ventilated seat offers a significant recline, and the 5-point safety harness holds my baby tight.
One of the very best and most impressive features of the jogger is its trademark Baby Jogger fold. After releasing the safely straps, a one-hand tug on the seat’s handle folds the jogger beautifully. The folded stroller is not super-compact or super-lightweight, but is fairly small for a jogging stroller and is a reasonable weight.
The only cons I have been able to think of are the lack of cup holder and non-adjustable handlebar. Neither of these things (or lack thereof) are deal breakers, but I do think they’re worth mentioning.
I have been incredibly pleased with the F.I.T. and plan to get loads of use out of it. It can handle a 75-pound weight capacity, so my little one will be able to ride along for years to come. I also plan to purchase the car seat adapter with my next baby, so we can make use of the stroller even before the 6-month mark.
Price: $300
To buy: amazon.com
