Features To Covet

• Anodized aluminum frames for lightweight, rustproof durability (consider alloy if you are going seriously off-road).
• Caliper hand brake for quick-stopping safety.
• Parking brake on the rear wheel (either a strap or clip).
• 12- to 20-inch wheels depending on your chosen terrain (see comparison of uses, below).
• Easily removable wheels (pins or clips) for quick-folding ease for packing into car trunk, backseat, or storage closet.
• Heavy-duty nylon canvas seats for durability.
• Snap-in seats if you fear food mishaps that might demand washing and not merely wiping, or if the material hasn't been treated to be water/stain-repellent.
• Safety harness, either a lap belt or a five-point combination that snaps across lap and over shoulders.
• Safety wrist leash to hang onto stroller in case you lose your handgrip.
• Tip-proof weighting (balanced with child in seat).
• Finger-repelling spokes on rear wheels for curious kids.
• Removable sun/weather canopy.
• Plastic see-through window in sun canopy so you can keep on eye on the little one (make sure the window has a canvas cover to keep sun out between peeks).
• If you venture out in rain/snow: removable rain canopy.
• If you carry lots of gear: under-seat basket or bag.
• Warranty: 1-2 years on frames, wheels or other parts.

Features to Avoid

• Seats that don't allow an older child to sit more upright.
• Large baskets or bags on the handles or behind the seat since, once full, the weight will tip the stroller backwards.
• Thin cotton seats or canopies.
• Wheels that need tools or a lot of 'oomph' to take on or off.
• Pivoting front wheels (only good if you're looking for a shopping stroller and not a workout tool).
• Size capacity that a child will grow out of too quickly.
• Wheels smaller than 12 inches for the real workout take-along.
• Non-foldable.

Variables to consider

• Wheel size
  • 12 inches -- Best for paved, mostly flat surfaces. Primarily used by walkers.
  • 16 inches -- A really adaptable size that can also maneuver well on rougher surfaces. Will serve both walkers and runners.
  • 20 inches -- A truly off-road vehicle for unpaved terrain and trails. For serious runners.
• Retractable sun canopy -- good for changing weather conditions, but they can hit a child"s head when retracted.
• Lap belt vs. chest-shoulder harness -- A '5-point' chest-shoulder harnass might not fit all children well.
• Double- and triple-seaters if you have more than one child.
• Price - Inexpensive three-wheeled strollers can cost as little as $90, but aren't for real workouts. The grand-daddies of all-terrain one-seater strollers will cost about $200-300, but will take you over hill and dale for years to come.

A Total Fitness Network Truth from Therese Iknoian:
"Be willing to make an investment in your health and sanity. The inexpensive three-wheelers look mighty tempting when they are a third the price of others. Heed the ol' saying, 'You get what you pay for.' A running or walking purist dying to hit the road or trail for a great workout or hike will be quickly disappointed."