Roller Skating With a Stroller

If you’re a parent who loves roller skating, you might be wondering if it’s possible to roller skate outdoors with a stroller. The short answer is yes! Roller skating with a stroller is a great way to get some exercise while spending time with your little one. Skating is a fun way to get outside in the fresh air, while being active in a way that doesn’t impact your joints like running can. Just because you’ve had a baby recently, doesn’t mean you have to wait four or five years to get back on skates!

Whenever you feel comfortable lacing up, remember these tips so you can skate safely and comfortably with your baby stroller while getting your skating fix.

• First, make sure that your stroller is compatible with higher speeds. Check the manufacturer’s website if you don’t own a jogging stroller that has the larger wheels in the back, with a smaller/wider front wheel. Jogging strollers tend to have better maneuverability and suspension systems that can handle rocks or sticks on the path.

• While safety gear is absolutely necessary in playing derby, some people prefer to skate outdoors with less gear on. This is totally a personal choice, but we do recommend wearing a helmet and wrist guards at least. If you fall unexpectedly, the helmet will protect your noggin and the wrist guards will keep you from breaking something. You can’t comfortably feed and hold your child with a badly injured hand! #safetyissexy

• If you’re using a preowned stroller or one that’s not specifically designed for roller skating, there are a few things you can do to make it more stable and easy to control. Add weight to the base of the stroller by filling it with sandbags or other heavy objects. We all know those diaper bags can weigh a ton anyway!

• While it’s fun, it’s not like walking or jogging. You move slower than you would if you were skating without a stroller. You have to be cautious about your speed and the stroller’s position in front of you.

• You have to keep at least one hand on the handle(s) at all times. It’s easy when you’re on straightaways but can be a little harder on curves. The weight of the stroller can break your pace and make it hard to maintain your speed.

• You need extra space around you so that other people can walk/run/bike by easily.

• It’s better to skate with a buddy that can keep pace with you or that doesn’t mind skating behind or in front of you. Plus having someone to talk to can keep the workout feeling easier and more fun!

Roller skating with a stroller is a great way to get some exercise and spend time with your little one. It takes practice before you get good at it, especially if you’re just getting back into skating after a long break. (aren’t we all?!) Roller skating with a stroller IS possible, but it’s not as easy as regular skating even if you’ve been skating for years. With a little practice, you’ll be skating like a pro in no time!