As a parent, a stroller is one of the must-have items on your baby gear list. If you’re going for a walk in the park, to the mall, or on vacation, you’re going to want a stroller to bring your baby around.
As you shop around you’ve probably found that there are so many to chose from. Isn’t a stroller just a stroller? Not quite.
Strollers can differ greatly from brand to brand. Features, size, and price can really be deciding factors on whether you choose one stroller over another.
We’re going to tell you what you should look for when buying a stroller as well as give you our Baby Jogger City Select Stroller review so you can decide whether it’s the right stroller for you.
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Things to Look for When Buying a Stroller
When you’re shopping for a stroller, there are things you want to keep in mind so that you choose the right one for you.
Weight
If you’re going to be lifting the stroller in and out of your trunk alone most of the time you want to get a stroller that you can handle by yourself. Decide what you can lift without breaking your back and look for a stroller that meets that criteria.
Maneuverability
You also want to check out the steering and how easy it is to maneuver. You don’t want to make it too hard for yourself. Don’t forget, you’re going to have your baby in the stroller too.
Brakes
Look to see how you set the brakes. Some have a handbrake, others have ones that you need to set with your feet. This is a matter of personal preference.
Accessories & Storage
While you’re not going to bring everything to your nursery, you do want to have room to bring the necessities. Look for strollers that have ample storage for what you want to bring with you.
Also, look for little bonuses like cup holders and places to put your keys, wallet, and phone. This way you don’t have to take up space in your diaper bag or worry about carrying them.
Also, sun canopies are a bonus because they make the stroller ride more enjoyable for your baby. Plus, they help to block out the sun’s harmful rays.
Harness
Safety first when it comes to any baby gear item. Look to see what type of harness the stroller has and if you feel comfortable with it for your baby.
Seat Options
Many of the more expensive strollers have seat options that allow you to adjust the seat to your baby’s preference. This is key because as your baby grows, you’re likely going to have to adjust the seat so that they’re comfortable.
Baby Jogger City Select
The Baby Jogger City Select stroller is a popular choice because it is so versatile. For starters, it has different reclining positions which helps to make it comfortable for your baby as he grows.
You can customize this stroller by adding second seats, bassinets, and car seat adapters (sold separately) to create 16 unique seat combinations.
It’s important to note that this stroller is not compatible with any standard car seat as it comes. All require an adapter that needs to be bought separately.
But, this stroller can last for quite a while as each seat can hold up to 45 pounds and is recommended for babies from birth to 24 months old. This could be the only stroller that you end up ever needing for your baby.
Another bonus of the Baby Jogger City Select Stroller is that it has an adjustable leg rest, as well as an adjustable seat back, recline that you can control with one hand and one button.
When it comes to safety, there’s a 5-point harness with adjustable shoulder height options and an adjustable crotch strap. Some parents who have bought this stroller say that while the buckle snaps together easily, it can be hard to release.
The brakes on the Baby Jogger City Select Stroller are easy to set and release. There is a handbrake on the right side of the frame that is lower than the handlebar.
Many parents like this because they don’t have to use their feet to set the brake. Another plus is that it is easy to fold. All you have to do is lift up on the latches on either side of the frame and pull up to fold the stroller in half.
If you’re going to be lifting this stroller by yourself most of the time you should know that it is on the heavier side, weighing about 34 pounds alone. This may be hard for some parents to lift.
Also, the size of the stroller can make it difficult for some to turn and push on the pavement especially when you add your baby and any other gear you may be toting along.
But, the larger rubber wheels make the ride better than plastic wheels. So, keep that in mind as you shop.
Another thing to consider is that this Baby Jogger stroller has a large storage bin that allows up to 15 pounds of gear. It’s also accessible for all sides which is a plus.
There’s an added storage compartment on the back of the seat to put snacks, keys or anything else you want to bring along.
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When it comes to accessories, many parents also like the sun canopy that has a UB 50+ and can be adjusted for different head heights. It also has extra ventilation and a mesh peek-a-boo window.
Although the price is a bit steep, you can use this stroller for a long time, so you should get plenty of use for the money.
Pros
- Seating versatility
- Large storage bin
- Extra storage compartment
- Adjustable leg rest
- Sturdy
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy to lift
- Need to buy attachments for car seat compatibility
- No cup holder or snack tray
The Bottom Line
When it comes to strollers, the Baby Jogger City Select is a solid choice if you’re looking for a stroller with plenty of versatility and storage space. Although it is on the heavier side, this is a sturdy stroller that is also safe with its 5-point harness.
The sun canopy is also a bonus, especially since it has a mesh window. Many parents like to be able to see their babies while they’re in the stroller.
Although the price tag is a bit high, you should be able to get a lot of use out of the stroller to make it worth the money.
