9 Best Running Buggies of 2023, According to GLAMOUR Mums

Keen to just getting going? Scroll down to find our pick of the best running buggies out there right now…

If you're an eager runner, you'll already be fully tuned in to the joys that getting out and pounding the pavement can bring. As well as improving physical health, endurance and stamina, running or jogging has a myriad mental health benefits too, from improving our mood to calming anxiety, Not to mention that doing all this outside also helps raise the vitamin D levels in your body and help to prevent various health concerns in the future.

I don't need to preach to you though, because if you're here, it's likely that you're already a convert in some way, whether you're a keen marathon runner or just enjoy a 20-minute circuit around your local park. Before having a baby, I was somewhere in-between the two: I wasn't rushing to sign up for any big races but I was steadily clocking up the miles each week, a habit I'd gotten into during lockdown, when gyms were closed and I was keen to maximise my one trip outside each day.

In fact, one of the first questions I asked myself after the idea that I was actually pregnant had settled in was, will I still be able to run? I know the Hollywood mums contingent can sometimes make it seem as though running with a baby, or a toddler, is no sweat (quite literally), in reality, navigating the terrain of your run route, knowing that your little one is safe and secure and still feeling strong and comfortable in your practice is no easy feat.

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By Anya Meyerowitz and Bianca London

Enter: the running buggy - a lifesaver for anyone who, like me, is determined to keep up with a running routine, while also getting some fresh air for your child and not having to organise childcare whenever the mood strikes you.

If you're itching to hit the trails/parks/streets (delete as applicable!) again following the arrival of your little one, if your usual exercise routine is out the window and you're a new parent keen to get fit or try something new, or if you just need a mode of transportation that means you can run for the bus or get to nursery on time (even if you left the house a little late because you had to wash your favourite lipstick out of your toddler's hair), a jogging stroller is a necessity.

Of course, as with anything related to bringing up children, there are more options out there than hours in the day, and so working out which running pushchair is best for you can feel like a minefield. Luckily, I've called in the experts, who have shared their hard-earned knowledge on what to look for, how fast you can actually go and which are the best running buggy models out there right now.

What is a running buggy? | What to look for in a running buggy | How fast can you run with a running buggy? | When can I start using a running buggy? | A new mum's running buggy reviews.

Because what new mum has the time to sit still for an hour plus?

By Bianca London and Lucy Smith

“Running buggies are designed usually with larger frames than regular pushchairs, a fixed front wheel, suspension and pneumatic tyres which absorb impact,” explains Kirsty. “They are designed to not only ensure your child is comfortable as you run and give your child a smoother ride, but to also give you a more comfortable run.”

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

According to Lulu, the main differences are:

“Buggies with a good suspension, large air-filled tyres (that you pump up), a front wheel that can be fixed (for safety) and a handlebar that you can adjust the height are ideal," Kirsty tells me. “Some brands call buggies 'sport' but they don't really have the key features that are best if you want to run with your child and will make running really hard work for you and not provide the comfort and stability your child needs while riding.”

Lulu adds that, as well as all of the above, you also want to look for the following:

“It’s important to remember that you are pushing a weight (weight of the buggy plus your child) so running with a buggy is noticeably different to running without (it’s like a combo of resistance training and cardio) so you shouldn’t compare your pace,” Lulu points out. “Generally you can expect to run about one minute slower per mile than you might without it - but I just see my buggy runs as ‘additional’ training to my regular runs. also be mindful not to overpack the storage compartments with too much, as this will add to the weight.”

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

Kirsty agrees: “When you are running with the buggy, it's best not to focus too much on pace - this will naturally increase the more you do it, but usually, you find your pace is about 1-2 minutes slower than running without the buggy.”

“You shouldn’t run with your little one until they are at least six months old - to ensure they have sufficient head and neck control to withstand the higher pace and potentially slightly bumpier ride," Lulu explains. “Running with both hands on the buggy has been shown to be closest (bio-mechanically) to regular running pattern - but if you choose to run with one hand, try and switch which hand is on the buggy every ten minutes or so.”

“Don’t grip the handlebar too tight (can be tempting when you first start - you’ve got precious cargo) - instead keep grip light and think about driving the buggy forward with your hips instead,” she adds.

Why we love it: It’s light despite its size, so super easy to manoeuvre - and we love the flexibility of being able to fix the wheel, and have it in swivel mode too, useful for the school run. It's also straightforward to assemble, as the wheels click on and it folds out easily in minutes, and the handle extends perfectly so you can keep yourself upright when running and not hunch over. The canopy is enormous, so great if it’s a sunny day and it provides a good amount of wind protection. The seat is super comfy so your little one is likely to easily fall asleep whether you're on a run, jog or hike, no matter the terrain. Plus, the buggy is super easy to fold down and very compact when collapsed, meaning you can head out for your run anywhere with no stress. Oh, and the reflective wheels means you can feel safe anywhere given the heightened visibility.

Age range: 6 months to 5 years.Weight: 10.8kg.Dimensions: 126cm x 104cm or 93.5cm x 33cm folded.Foldable? Yes - with one hand!

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Why we love it: Great if you're on a budget or just want something super sturdy that will keep up with you on uneven terrain, the Hauck is one of the cheaper options on our list but doesn't seem to lack versatility. Thanks to its large, steady wheels, you can head out for a run across mud, rocks, grass and even sand (though we can't say we were brave enough to test it out on the latter ourselves.. have you ever tried running in sand? Not easy), and its got real staying power, meaning you can invest during your first year with your baby and still be jogging the school run several years later.

Age range: 6 months to 4 years.Weight: 13.97kg.Dimensions: 122.94 x 58.93 x 107.95 cm.Foldable? Yes.

Save when you shop for the best running buggies with these Amazon discount codes.

Why we love it: If you're just starting out as a runner, tend to run with friends or will be using your running buggy to do errands, the Summit X3 is a brilliant option as the remote wheel lock on the handlebar means it's easy to switch 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 trickier terrain.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

Age range: 9 months - up to 22kg.Weight: 14.6kg.Dimensions: 116 x 97 x 105 cm.Foldable? Yes, via a one-handed, fast-fold mechanism.

Save when you shop for the best running buggies with these John Lewis discount codes.

Why we love it: Listen, we love a budget option (that goes for baby bits, holidays, beauty… the list goes on), but we also aren't opposed to going luxe, when its worth the price tag. The Thule Chariot Cross is priciest running buggy on our list (I mean, just the word ‘chariot’ makes it sound expensive) but, if you can afford it or take your running super seriously, it's worth forking out the extra money. As well as being a smooth and comfortable ride for runners, it's designed for cycling, walking and even skiing too - and, best of all, you can switch easily between activities with a few small adjustments (although you do need to buy the skis separately), making it ideal for the uber-active family. It also comes with enough storage space to rival a small car and you can pick between a double or single option, too.

Age range: 6 months - up to 22kg.Weight: 13.8kg.Dimensions: 87 x 65 x 37.5 cm.Foldable? Yes, though can take a little time to get used to folding more efficiently.

Save when you shop for the best running buggies with these John Lewis discount codes.

Why we love it: A great option anyway if you're a family who like to travel around - whether that's up the motorway or somewhere slightly farther-flung - due it being lightweight, the Out n About is designed for running or hiking over any terrain, thanks to its fixed front wheel. It's easy to manoeuvre on inclines, as steep ascents are child's play for the light frame, reliable suspension and oversized wheels and it also has extra pockets in the seat and canopy for your essentials and it folds down small when not in use.

Age range: 6 months - 4 years.Weight: 9.8kg.Dimensions: 61.5 x 61 x 104 cm.Foldable? Yes, one-handed!

Save when you shop for the best running buggies with these Amazon discount codes.

Why we love it: Firstly, we're fans of the air-filled wheels, which means that both you and your little one get a smooth ride, only added to by the double suspension on the rear set. Many users rely on it for its off-roading capabilities, but it's just as easy to manage if you're running in the city or a suburban park. Everything here can be adjusted, from the handlebars to the seat back, meaning you can really customise it for maximise comfort for both you and your child.

Age range: 6 months - 5 years.Weight: 12.93kg.Dimensions: ‎38.86 x 62.99 x 92.96 cm.Foldable? One hand fast fold with hidden automatic frame lock.

By Laura Hampson

By Elle Turner

By Emma Howarth

Save when you shop for the best running buggies with these Amazon discount codes.

Why we love it: If you've been looking at the other running buggies on this list and thinking, “but I've got two children!”, then this one's for you. This double buggy is remarkably light for its size, easy to adjust when it comes to handle height, backrest and bumper bar, and gives you the option of multiple-positions for each child so that everyone is kept happy. The one pedal brake system makes it easy to manage, as does the lockable 360 swivel front wheel.

Age range: 6 months - 4 years.Weight: 13kg.Dimensions: 119 x 72 x 96 cm.Foldable? Yes.

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Why we love it: This running buggy is perfect for taking on adventurous strolls and, as baby gets older, is ideal for bringing them along for exhilarating exercise. It's suitable from birth as just a standard buggy and then once your child reaches nine months, you can start to bring your new running buddy along with you. The air-filled wheels make for a smooth ride, while the large shopping basket is easy to access and provides plenty of storage. Plus, it' comes with a hood, foot muff and reflective trim.

Age range: 9 months - up to 22kg.Weight: 12.3kg.Dimensions: 60 x 118 x 107.5 cm.Foldable? Yes.

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Why we love it: Cybex are a well-known, and well-respected, name in parenting circles, and this running buggy, in collaboration with Puma, demonstrates exactly why. It features slimline wheels to give your child a smooth and comforting journey while you’re on the run and the lightweight frame is completed with full reflective detailing for full visibility in darker light. In short, you can run wherever, whenever and, always in total style.

Age range: 6 months - 4 years.Weight: 10.6kg.Dimensions: 88.9 x 58.42 x 25.4 cm.Foldable? Yes, and it's pretty compact when folded too.

Make that a double shot.

By Bianca London