This is an archived review. See our latest updates on Baby Jogger here.
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Stroller brand review: Baby Jogger. Baby Jogger literally invented the jogging stroller category 30 years ago when they outfitted a stroller with bicycle tires, designed for runners. The company’s 2003 bankruptcy was probably the best thing that ever happened to the brand—new ownership refocused the brand on lightweight, easy-to-fold strollers with great success. Yes, the company has drifted away from its “jogger” roots, but its multi-function strollers have legions of fans. In 2015, Baby Jogger was acquired by Graco and is now part of their family of baby gear.
The models.
Baby Jogger has two main stroller lines: small compact tri-wheel models designed for the city (example: the City Mini2) and multi-function models that can expand from single to double under the City Select brand. And yes, the Baby Jogger still has a all-terrain model, the Summit X3, that you could actually jog with (but we wouldn’t recommend it—more on this in a minute).
The secret sauce to the City Mini is Baby Jogger’s Quick-Fold technology: pull up on one strap and zip! The stroller collapses and folds. No complicated buttons or latches. No multi-step process. The Quick-Fold has super-sized Baby Jogger’s sales of the City series in recent years and other stroller makers have rushed to copy it. Here’s what City Mini looks like folded:
The tri-wheel City Mini2 (single , 17.1 lbs.; double available in early 2020) is Baby Jogger’s best-selling stroller, featuring a full recline and large canopy. In a recent refresh, the City Mini got a few tweaks: a slightly larger seat, an easier to access storage basket, new frame, adjustable footrest and an auto lock feature when the stroller is folded.
New on the City Mini 2: an adjustable footrest (when raised, it provides front access to the storage basket), standing fold (yeah!) and included car seat adapters for Baby Jogger and Graco car seats. Those adapters used to be an extra $20. Also new: adapters for the Clek Liing and UPPAbaby Mesa car seats (coming soon, says the brand).
As you’d image, Baby Jogger also updated the City Mini 2’s fashion and styling. The canopy is more sleek and adds a bit more coverage.
The City Mini 2’s fashion is toned down to reflect current trends: light grey, dark grey and a really dark grey. They recently added a jewel tone teal blue to the line for a little pizzazz.
Unfortunately, the price has also gone up to $279.99. Compare that to the price of the older version: $182.
Overall, this is much-needed fresh for a stroller that, while a best-seller, had not been updated since 2008.
Parent feedback on the City Mini has been quite positive. They praise the overall ease of use and features like the large canopy, which puts the canopies on other lightweight strollers to shame.
Baby Jogger makes a raft of accessories for the City Mini: everything from weather shields to glider boards (for older toddlers to stand on), as well as a foot muff, cup holders and parent consoles. That’s the advantage of going with a brand like Baby Jogger. Less expensive lightweight stroller brands typically have few (or no) accessories.
Next, Baby Jogger has released an updated Tour, called the Tour2 ( ). Improvements will include a new lay flat seat, improved fold and adjustable footrests that improve basket access. We don’t have a release date or pricing as of this writing. Here’s a look at the improved fold:
Also new: there is a double version of the City Tour, wait for it—the Tour 2 Double ($469.97
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Baby Jogger also has the City Tour Deluxe ($300). It accepts an infant car seat or a foldable pram and comes with an adjustable foot rest and auto lock. The fold is the same as the City Tour2 but with the extra features, the weight goes up to 20.7 lbs. Like the Tour2, it will come with a carry bag.
To appeal more to off-road users, the City Mini GT2 ($429.76 , 21.5 lbs.) adds bigger, no-flat tires, as well as an adjustable handle bar with brake, a redesigned seat/canopy that provides more headroom, and an easier to access storage basket. New features include a new frame, adjustable foot rest, car seat adapter in the box and new fabrics.
Multi-function strollers that morph from a single to double stroller are a big part of the Baby Jogger line-up: the City Select is sort of like the Swiss Army Knife of strollers. It can be configured 16 ways (see right), with an optional second seat. With a telescoping handle and foam tires, the City Select (28.1 lbs.) costs $299.99 (plus for the second seat). A bassinet accessory is .
Baby Jogger has released a “lux” version of City Select, cleverly named the Baby Jogger City Select LUX. The LUX adds five more configurations, including a jump seat that can be used up to 45 lbs. The seat on the LUX version folds in a more compact manner—making the stroller 30% smaller when folded. At 28.4 lbs., the LUX is roughly the same weight as the original model. We like the new added rear wheel suspension. It’s out now for $629.
In the past year, the Baby Jogger City Select refreshed its strollers with new, muted fashions. Out are the bright jewel tones (red, purple) and in are muted pastels and earthtones. The fabrics are upgraded to a more “premium material,” says the brand.
In the coming year, Baby Jogger is adding a fifth member to the City Family: The City Elite. There was a City Elite a few years ago, but Baby Jogger sent it to the stroller graveyard in 2016 . . . only to bring it back to life again. The new version will feature upgraded large wheels that aren’t air-filled (the previous Elite had that). Those wheels ride on a beefed-up suspension for a smoother glide. And there are little tweaks: easier access to the basket and an adjustable footrest. No pricing yet, but we expect this one to be quite pricey.oller brand review: Baby Jogger
All the above strollers are designed for urban parents or city use—for hiking or all-terrain adventures, the Summit X3 comes in single ($549.99 $384.90 , 27.1 lbs.) and double ( , 38.8 lbs.) versions. The Summit has 16” rear and 12” front air-filled tires, swivel front wheel that locks, suspension, and the same quick-fold technology you see on the City Series. The X3’s handlebar has a front wheel lock feature, which is nice.
What’ missing from Baby Jogger’s line? If you said, “a stroller for jogging?” you get 500 points. Yes, ironically, the brand that invented the running stroller lacks any strollers that are designed for running. Yes, you can power walk or go for hikes with the Summit X3—but for actual running, we’d prefer a stroller with a fixed front wheel.
One final note: Baby Jogger sells a car seat adapter that works with most infant car seats, including Graco and Chicco and Peg Perego. Baby Jogger also has its own infant car seat the City Go. Stroller brand review: Baby Jogger
Our view.
This is one of our favorite stroller brands for its overall quality and value. Reader feedback on these models has been consistently favorable—the quick fold of these models wins big kudos.
We like the Baby Jogger City Mini2 as the pick of the litter here—from the canopy to the quick fold, this is an excellent lightweight stroller for the mall and smooth sidewalks. If you prefer a four-wheel stroller with a compact fold, the City Tour2 is another excellent choice. For more off-road adventures or if you have rough sidewalks, the City Mini GT2 is pricey but worth it for the tire upgrade.
We also would recommend the City Select if you are in the market for a single-to-double stroller. Baby Bargains Resale Rank: Excellent. Rating: A . Stroller brand review: Baby Jogger
I recently read about the Colugo stroller and am wondering how it compares to the City Mini and other lightweight strollers, particularly for urban parents. Have you reviewed this yet? Thanks!
Hi Katie!
Thanks for your message. The Colugo is a stroller we have not yet reviewed. It certainly looks promising! If you decide to purchase one, please let us know what you think. We hope to review it in the near future.
Alan and Denise