Kiddie Rides

It’s been nearly 15 years since the first three-wheeled models showed up on recreation trails and at 5K runs. But baby strollers for joggers, once controversial and poorly designed, have gone mainstream and have become safe equipment for parents wishing to incorporate their children into their workouts.

Buying a stroller, however, does require knowledge and, as with most products, designs and quality vary. Which is why the American College of Sports Medicine in Indianapolis offers advice for baby-stroller consumers.

“The ACSM emphasizes the importance of using a jogging stroller safely,” the national organization writes in a recent issue of its newsletter, Current Comment. “All jogging strollers should have standard safety features, such as a deep seat with seat belt, a locking brake and a safety wrist strap. These standard safety features are essential.”

But the ACSM also suggests a variety of other safety features and usage guidelines that were complied for the organization by Drs. Daniel S. Fick and Darin Rutherford. When shopping for a baby stroller, the ACSM recommends the following guidelines in four basic areas: safety, speed and maneuverability, ease of assembly and collapsibility, and user-friendly design. Consider the following:

* Most models are all-terrain, but some brands handle uneven surfaces better than others. Models with wheels larger than 20 inches and pneumatic, air-filled tires provide the best shock absorption.

* Make sure the model folds easily for transport and for storage at home. Some strollers have detachable wheels for easier storage.

* The lighter the stroller, the more you enjoy pushing it.

* The seat varies between models--from plastic to machine-washable fabric. Some models have deeper, wider seats for larger children and padded frames in the seating area.

* Look for features such as an adjustable handle to suit the height of the runner, a sun or rain canopy and a carrying pouch. Check to see if the stroller can be expanded to include another seat.

* Check for models that include wheel covers or other protective devices to prevent children from poking their fingers in the spokes.

* A quality retailer should encourage you and your child to test models. Prices for new, quality strollers usually range from $150 to $525, depending on manufacturer and warranty.

* For more information, contact the American College of Sports Medicine, P.O. Box 1440, Indianapolis, IN 46202-1440; (317) 637-9200; fax: (317) 634-7817.