The Baby Milestone I’ve Been Counting Down To

Why I’m So Excited to Get Back to Running with My Son

As my son approaches six months old, there’s one milestone I’ve been looking forward to … the possibility of getting back into regular running.

Before becoming a mom, running was a huge part of my life. It was my exercise, my stress relief, my time to think, and allowed me to eat that extra piece of chocolate! During pregnancy and in the early months of motherhood, my relationship with running naturally changed. Between recovery, feeding schedules, naps, and the general unpredictability of life with a newborn, fitting in regular runs became much less disciplined.

Like many parents, I’ve had to learn how to adapt and as an expat living away from family, there has been an extra layer of challenge.

One of the realities of raising a child abroad is that you don’t always have the support network that many parents can rely on. We don’t have grandparents around the corner who can watch the baby for an hour while I head out for a run.

That’s why the prospect of bringing my son along on my runs feels so exciting.

As he gets older and develops the strength and stability needed to ride safely in a running stroller, it opens up a whole new opportunity for us. Rather than trying to squeeze exercise into the small windows when my husband is available to watch him, I’ll be able to incorporate him directly into something I love.

In many ways, it feels like the beginning of a new chapter, one where motherhood and running don’t have to compete with one another.

Getting Used to the Running Stroller

Over the last few days, we’ve been doing a few practice walks with our new running stroller so that both of us can get used to it before we attempt any actual running.

One of the first things I noticed is that it’s a very different experience from our everyday Bugaboo stroller. For starters, it’s forward-facing only. My son is used to riding while facing me, so being positioned facing the world has been a completely new experience. Watching him take everything in has been one of the most enjoyable parts of testing it out so far.

From a parent’s perspective, the stroller also feels significantly different. The three-wheel design immediately makes it feel more suited to running than a standard four-wheel pushchair. It’s easier to manoeuvre and feels purpose-built for covering longer distances at a faster pace.

Another thing that stood out straight away was the weight. The frame feels noticeably lighter than our Bugaboo, which makes handling it much easier. Despite being lighter, it still feels incredibly sturdy and well-built.

The wheels are also much larger and air-filled, which gives a smoother ride overall. Combined with the built-in suspension system, there’s noticeably more shock absorption when moving over uneven pavements, gravel paths, or bumps in the road. Living in a city where not every surface is perfectly smooth, that’s something I really appreciate.

Features That Stand Out

A few features have already become favourites.

The hand brake integrated into the handlebar is one of them. Having that extra level of control feels reassuring, particularly when navigating hills or varying terrain.

The adjustable handlebar is another thoughtful addition. It can be positioned higher or lower depending on comfort.

The canopy includes a peek-a-boo window that allows me to quickly check on my son without stopping, and the coverage is excellent. It extends far enough to provide additional protection from both strong sunshine and unexpected rain showers, something that’s especially valuable in England!

There’s also a supportive leg rest for baby, and the stroller accommodates children up to 22 kilograms, meaning it’s designed to grow with your child rather than being something you’ll outgrow quickly.

And then there’s the fold. The one-handed fold is genuinely useful and makes packing it away surprisingly simple.

The One Drawback

Of course, no piece of baby equipment is perfect.

The biggest challenge for us isn’t actually related to running at all, it’s our building. We live in a 1930s apartment building with a fairly compact lift, and the running stroller simply doesn’t fit inside when it’s unfolded. That said, it’s a small glitch I’m more than willing to manage.

More Than Just a Stroller

What excites me most isn’t really the stroller itself.

It’s what the stroller represents. For the past few months, so much of life has revolved around adapting to motherhood and learning how to care for this little person who depends on me completely. It’s been beautiful, rewarding, and transformative all at once.

Now, as my son grows and becomes more capable, I’m starting to see opportunities to bring parts of my old routines back into our new family life.

Running has always been important to me, and the idea that I can now begin sharing that experience with my son feels incredibly special.

I know he won’t remember these early runs. He won’t remember the parks we explore, the miles we cover, or the conversations I have with him as we jog along, but I will.