Buggy Running Transition from Tiny Tot to Little Kid - Julia Davis

Gone are the days when a buggy run would be an exercise in stimulating sleep. Days when my little toddler would get to mid-morning and be ready for a nap with the buggy as the perfect container already feel like a distant memory. Now my son is four years old, and it's become a partner sport where we are on the run together, actively avoiding naps; he drives, and I am the engine who can seemingly never run fast enough.

When Buggy Running Becomes a Partner Sport

When buggy running becomes a partner sport, you both need to be invested in the activity; there is no more plonking baby in and heading out - I have to sell the dream. Buggy runs are now “adventures” where I let go of time pressure, chosen routes or peace and quiet, but they are now super fun bonding time. My son sees me run nearly every day of the year, so when I offer for him to come, he usually jumps at the chance.

How to Make Buggy Runs Work with a Pre-schooler

Below are my key recommendations if you need some tactics for approaching a buggy run with a pre-schooler:

1. Let Them Choose Their Snacks

There is Bombay mix for the off, an apple stowed away for the home straight and plenty of water for us both. On the Nipper, you aren’t short of storage pockets for it all, and my son has learned where each little crevice is.

2. Make It a Game

How many tractors can we find? Count the horses. Will we see the fluffy white dog at the gate?

3. Let Them Run Too

Find a safe parking spot and let them out to run with you. They feel like they are doing exactly what you are, and bonus, they haven’t fully recharged their batteries when you’re exhausted getting home.

4. Accept That Runs Will Be Slower

They are heavier, it is harder to push them up and down hills, but on the positive side, great resistance training. Don’t be hard on yourself if you need an extra few catch-a-breath moments.

5. Leave Plenty of Time

Do not try and buggy run with limited time. Allow for stops to look at animals or for them to jump out. Don’t stress if it can no longer be a continuous run.

Why It’s Still Worth It

I cannot recommend running with your child more as they get bigger. Yes, it is so much harder because they are so much heavier and, in turn, more demanding as a “fast rocket”, but sharing my passion for running with my kid in tow is absolutely priceless.