Cold-weather walkers / joggers / runners -- help me out!

[goosey77]

I'm thinking about getting a jogging stroller. I haven't done a whole lot of running since my almost 2 yr old was born, but I'd like to get back into it. Hence, the need for a jogger stroller. Here's the thing -- I just moved to Indiana from Florida. I'm originally from Indiana and that's where I've done the majority of my running, but the only time DS has been exposed to cold weather, ever, has been a few days here and there since we moved, and a week spent up here last Christmas. Do people really take their kids out for an hour to go running/walking when it's freezing out? Do you just make sure they're bundled up well? How do they get through that long of a trek with nothing to do? On our walks, I always have munchies and a drink for Ryan, but I use the snack bar on the stroller.

I can just see me spending $300 on a stroller, only to have my son refuse to get in it. Or worse, be halfway through a run and have him throw a fit and try to get out.

[hipmaman]

It sounds like it might depend on your son's temperament. But most people living in colder climate would have baby/babies wearing layered clothing and topped with light-weight fleece and something like a bunting bag in the stroller for warmth and a raincover to shield from snow, rain, wind, etc.

[bubbaray]

I don't get out running as much as I'd like with DD, but when I do get out, if it is even a little cold, I always use the rain cover. Plus, I have a Kiddopotamus Go Cozy that works really well. http://www.kiddopotamus.com/p_go.php

I dress her in layers and she always seems to do fine. However, I live north of Seattle in Vancouver BC, so we definitely don't get cold winters.

FWIW, DD seems to quite like our Chariot Cavalier and always seems to fall asleep on runs, especially when I use the rain cover.

HTH
Melissa

Maya Papaya!
http://lilypie.com/baby2/040411/3/4/1/-8/.png[/img][/url]

[newmomto1]

Oh my gosh..
I just read your post & it could've been written by me!
My DS is 21 mos old.
Pre baby (& pre-marriage) I used be a jogger.
I have been wanting to get back into it.
I live in the midwest too & it's starting to get really cold!
I *just* rec'd my new jogger today & of course it was WAY too cold & windy to go out with it :-(
I don't even have any warm running clothes for me yet!!
I wanted to tell you though that I just purchased the Baby Jogger II (awesome stroller!) brand new from Ebay (babysurplus is selling them for 139.99).
They are the 2004 model.
It's a great deal.
I didn't want to invest a lot because my DS can be a real stinker about riding in the stroller (although when we go for walks I usually just go anyway & after a block or so he calms down). ALso..I didn't want to invest $300 & then I didn't stick with it (like the top-of-the-line, DUSTY treadmill in our basement that I insisted I HAD to have)
Here's a link to a stroller like the one I just purchased:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Baby-Jogger-II-S...QQcmdZViewItem
Like I said, I got it today & put it together.
It seems like it's going to be great!
I put DS in & he has tons of room to grow!
Re: thing to keep you DS occupied while you run...
If it's around a snack time I use links to attach a snacktrap
http://www.snacktrap.com/StoreFront.bok
to the harness & give him a sippy cup for the ride.
I also have a few toys he likes that can be linked on.
Another thing I did was get a set of small external speakers for my portable CD player. I tuck the CD player & the speakers into a pocket on my stroller (I was taking 2 mile walks w/ my BOB Rev) & that way he can listen to some fun music.
So, I just need to get some warm clothes for me & start jogging!!
Good luck!!
:-)

[Sangiovese]

I have a Stroller Cozy from Company Store that I really like. They have 3 variations - Nylon, Fleece, and Sherpa (from lightest to heaviest). I have the Nylon (I'm in Texas so I don't need anything heavier), and it is pretty cozy. I have a 1 year old, and we walk my 5 year old to school if it isn't in the 30s. (I don't like the cold.) Total walk is about an hour (walk to school and then I walk for fitness.) I can put my 1 year old in the cozy with a jacket and a hat to keep her warm. The stroller cozy is nice because it stays on them, unlike blankets.

http://www.thecompanystore.com/paren...dept%5Fid=5803

I have found that both my kids were pretty entertained in the stroller (I walk, not run). Just bring a snack and a drink, and they seem pretty happy. (I didn't find that they need a snack tray - just a baggie seems to work.) When they get older, you might find some break during your outing. We have a duck pond, so we bring bread and feed the ducks.

I hope that helps!

[rrmitch2000]

Hi,

I live in Cleveland and just went out today for a run with my kids in the Baby Jogger City Series Double -- they were toasty warm in 35 degree temperatures with the rain/wind canopy, layered clothing and hats and a fleece blanket. Their little hands didn't even get cold and they both fell asleep for an hour.

Rebecca

[gatorsmom]

This might seem harsh, but if you start jogging on a regular basis with your son in the stroller, make sure you strap him in tightly. Then, if he does try to squirm out, he won't be able to. It will only take a few times of this before he realizes he's in to stay and might as well sit back and enjoy the ride.

We live in Minnesota and I walk throughout most of the year- right up until it's freezing. Although I've been walking with DS since he was a few months old so he might be more used to our outdoor walks, he usually just enjoys the time outside with mommy. As long as I'm moving,he doesn't complain (good motivation to keep moving!).

Once you get started, you'll both really enjoy it, I'm sure. I look forward to that time, in fact I consider our outdoor walks "me" time. My two boys (I have a double jogger, an MBUD) are quiet, getting fresh air and I'm getting exercise, fresh air, out-of-the-house and a chance to think. Enjoy!