14-05-2025
Postpartum and Still Running—Here's Why I Chose the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller
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Value: 16/20
Functionality: 20/20
Ease of Use: 19/20
Aesthetics: 20/20
Reliability: 19/20
Total: 94
Before I was a mom, I was a runner who ran everywhere, putting miles in for marathons, half marathons, and as part of my daily commute. I ran until I was 33 weeks pregnant (until I felt like my insides might fall out of my body), and was itching to get back to hitting the pavement postpartum.
While I'd love to go for runs on my own, soaking up a little me time, is not always possible with a little one at home. For months, I borrowed neighbors' and friends' running strollers, testing out at least five different makes and models, and was left feeling like perhaps it was me—hi, I'm the problem, it's me. For a petite runner, a mere 5 '1'' tall, most strollers seemed to be too big and clunky. It felt like I was the Goldilocks, looking for her perfect bowl of porridge.
But here's why finding the right jogging stroller is important to me. Yes, adding a stroller (plus a growing child) means upping the overall difficulty to a run. All those parents pushing tots on their runs make it look easy. It's not. I had never understood that running with a stroller is a full-body workout. But, interestingly enough, running with a stroller postpartum is actually better than just plain running for those with pelvic floor troubles, as the stroller distributes the shock across your body, not just your legs (thank you, pelvic floor therapy!!). All this to say, I love running, and I love the idea of full-body workout that benefits my postpartum body.
Good thing I think I found the running stroller that was juuuuust right. Here's my honest review of the Guava Roam Jogging Stroller.
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A snapshot of how cozy it is to be a baby who get to run with me in my Guava Roam. Original photo: Micah Siva
Guava
My first impression of the Roam was that it was very compact when folded, folding 50 percent smaller than the average running stroller. Despite being compact, it was still roomy and sturdy enough for my little one, making it feel more like a hybrid between a running and travel stroller.
At 28.5 lb, this stroller is on the heavier side compared to some of the strollers I've tried, but felt much sturdier than I expected. Its aluminum frame was light enough to maneuver, but hefty enough to feel stable on bumpy sidewalks, through puddles and mud thanks to a robust shock absorption system. The weight made it a challenge when running uphill, but with the wrist strap on, and sheer determination, I was able to make it up that hill, telling myself that I can now expect a full body workout while running. Steering this stroller was a dream, smoothly navigating on my run, and enough shock absorption that I knew my one-year-old was comfortable.
I loved that I could easily lock the front wheel in place, or give it more freedom to transition between walking and running - this feature also made it a breeze to navigate uneven terrains. Many of the stroller's features are controlled via the handlebar, which made switching features mid-run simple and intuitive. On the subject of handlebars, they are adjustable from 34' to 45', meaning my tall husband (6'1) can use this stroller comfortably as well.
One thing that I hated about some of the running strollers I'd tried in the past, was that it always felt like the tires were leaking, and I'd be filling them up before every run - with the airless tires on the Roam, I didn't need to worry about popping a tire on a sharp rock or shard of glass, meaning I can head out the door without worry. The wheels also move independently which help to mitigate bumps on the road for a smooth ride.
When it comes to storage, the Roam has it all. The underseat basket is big enough for a medium sized diaper bag and a change of clothes, but the basket is only one of many storage features with a mesh pocket on the back of the seat, as well as internal pockets for snacks and toys. If you need more, you can purchase additional storage options through their website.
My son loved the wide seat and easy to fasten (and unclip) harness, as well as a substantial recline for when he inevitably falls asleep mid-stroll.
Because of its small footprint and smooth ride, it has become a running and travel stroller when I know we'll be navigating uneven terrain from cobblestones to trails. I also appreciate this stroller on winter walks, I find it easier to push through snow with an unlocked front wheel.
Although it has many features, one it doesn't have is a handlebar brake. Handlebar brakes can help control the speed of the stroller when running downhill, and it's an important safety feature you may want in your running stroller.
The sun shade has a great peek-a-boo window, but the magnetic closure often flew open on a windy day, which made it a little frustrating. I also wish the sun shade extended further down in case I ran during nap time.
The Guava Roam Stroller is a great stroller for everyday use and running, its sturdy frame and compact folding mechanism make it a great choice for parents on the go.
Buy It ($750; $650 at Guava)
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