Practical Advice for when you start running or cycling with your little one

The standard recommendation is 6 months to run with your baby, but it's all about neck control. Having good head control also means they can move their head should the raincover become dislodged and cover their mouth. An older child will prefer a more upright position to look out.

This does happen to us all. Like any parenting diagnostic, it begins with asking if they are hungry, tired, have a dirty nappy, cold/hot, unwell? After that, you can deal with crying while running by:

• Time it around a sleep & when tummies are full.

• Allow them time to get used to it with some short trips to start with.

• Having dry snacks for them to munch on. (If they are of a suitable age)

• Providing toys but attaching them securely! Sophie the giraffe will have long escaped back to the safari otherwise.

• Dress them in a few more layers than you, factoring in a wind chill.

• Using the raincover! Many a windy run has been saved by getting bubba out the elements.

• Nursery rhymes or a Disney soundtrack blasting out the phone.

• Rebasing your expectations: a short run may be more likely, something is always better than nothing.

• Split the outing with a park stop for older kids.

Finally, find other parents you can exercise with and/or join a Facebook community group like The Original Buggy Runners to share your experiences and be part of this special band of brothers (& sisters)!