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Is roller blading with a jogging stroller ever a good idea?
Categories: Newborns, Just For Moms, Babies, Toddlers, Just For Dads, Places To Go, Health & Safety, Baby Essentials, Gadgets & Tech
No. It's not. I'm going to just come right out and say it: it's NOT OK to roller blade while pushing your baby in a jogging stroller. I can't believe anyone would even think to do it let alone attempt such a thing. I don't care if you're the best roller blader in the entire universe--it just doesn't seem safe or smart to put your kid at risk. So why do I keep seeing so many people do it?
Men and women, I see them all, rolling around Prospect Park--streaking by, I should say, their jogging strollers lolling in front of them, attached to them by basically only a stretchy bracelet. What if you trip? What if you roll over some gravel or a twig or a discarded baby sock (I see tons of them on the road in the park every day) and go flying out to the side?
Chances are the stroller would go with you. The baby would probably be OK. Probably, but not definitely.
And, as if it weren't bad enough, these folks I see with their roller blades and jogging strollers are always looking off into nowhere, totally zoned out listening to their iPods. I love my iPod more than any other material possession I own--don't worry, I'm NOT knocking using them for exercise (not today, anyway). But when your iPod causes you to lose focus and you stop paying attention to everyone around you--the runners, the walkers, the break-neck cyclists, the cars, the other roller bladers--it's just plain dangerous.
So go ahead--I dare you: come up with one good reason why it's OK to roller blade while pushing your jogging stroller. I'm all ears.
I know that now I'm a mother and all, and that, as a result of that, I am terribly over-concerned with safety. But why shouldn't i be? And why shouldn't these parents be as well?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
KC 5-26-2007 @ 12:28PM
I wouldn't do it in a crowded urban area, or anyplace with lots of hills, but really, it's no big deal on flat suburban neighborhood sidewalks if: (1) You're paying attention (iPods while roller-strolling are a bad idea for the same reason that iPods with headphones would be a bad idea while driving a car), (2) The baby is old enough to fit properly in the jogging stroller with all straps fastened snugly, (3) You are a reasonably proficient roller blader, meaning you can stop suddenly without wiping out, manage rocks and curbs, and control your speed, and (4) You have a hand-brake and know how to use it. Why is it OK...no, why is it GREAT? You can get a good workout without going to the gym, you and your baby get fresh air, babies love to go FAST, rollerblading is better on your joints than jogging, and it's FUN.
Pretty much anything you do with your baby can be dangerous if you're careless or stupid; that's no reason to avoid an activity altogether. You and your baby are probably a lot more likely to get injured or killed driving/riding in your car than rollerstrolling.
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kevin 5-26-2007 @ 2:29PM
I've been inline skating in some form (aggressive, speed/distance, or hockey) for close to 15 years. I hope I don't come off as cocky, but I know I can manage myself on skates and a jogging stroller. I also know that my fastest pace isn't appropriate for all environments, with or without a stroller.
I think a problem you may have is the skating proficiency of the parent pushing the stroller. I've seen lots of inliners that made me cringe as they rolled awkwardly by, stiff-legged and their arms flailing.
I do agree with #1 - kids like to go fast (it seems like nothing will scare my son), and there's risk associated with any activity. I'll keep pushing my son in his jogger while I skate - he loves it.
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Karen 5-27-2007 @ 7:48AM
Yes, you are being OVERLY concerned with safety.
My baby stroller had a lever that I had to hold to release the brake. If I let go -- it stopped the stroller. I actually learned to skate pushing a stroller. It was not a big deal.
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gwendomama 5-27-2007 @ 11:43AM
Ummm...how is this different from putting your child in a bike trailer and hoping you don't get sideswiped by a garbage truck?
everyone knows their own level of safety - i am sure some people would have been shocked to see my husband taking my 18month old son skiing in a backpack DOWN THE BUNNY SLOPE!
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Jan Bay 5-27-2007 @ 2:35PM
My jogger has a wrist tether so that if I went down, I would still be connected to the stroller. I use a Bob and I would probably feel ok skating on level ground with no traffic.
Jan from www.unique-baby-gear-ideas.com
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Crystal 5-27-2007 @ 4:06PM
I dont see what the big deal is. I skate pushing my stroller. As long as you go a reasonable speed, what the harm??
I've seen people skating with BABIES/TODDLERS on their BACKS IN A BABY BACKPACK. That I have issues with. If you go down you baby is going down, too. And one time I saw a guy doing tricks and skating recklessly with his kids on his back. Stupid.
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Heather 5-30-2007 @ 8:15PM
How is that different then tripping while jogging. That could happen as well.
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