I've spent way too much time scrolling through city select jogger stroller reviews trying to figure out if this thing is actually worth the hype and the hefty price tag. If you're a parent, or about to become one, you know the stroller rabbit hole is deep. You start off looking for something "simple" and end up looking at gear that costs more than your first car.
The Baby Jogger City Select is one of those names that keeps popping up. It's been a staple in suburban neighborhoods and city sidewalks for years. But here's the thing: despite the brand name "Baby Jogger," this isn't actually a jogging stroller. I know, it's confusing. I'll get into that in a bit, but let's break down what this stroller is really like to live with on a daily basis.
Is It Actually a Jogging Stroller?
Let's clear the air right away because this is the most common question I see. The brand is called "Baby Jogger," but the City Select is a modular, everyday stroller. If you try to go for a five-mile run with this thing, you're going to have a bad time. It doesn't have the specialized suspension or the fixed front wheel you need for running.
If you're looking for a true jogger, you'd want the Summit X3. The City Select is designed for "the city"—hence the name. It's meant for cracked sidewalks, trips to the zoo, and navigating the aisles of a cramped Target. It handles bumps better than a cheap umbrella stroller, but it's definitely a walker, not a runner.
The "Transformer" of the Stroller World
The biggest reason people hunt for city select jogger stroller reviews is the versatility. This is a "single-to-double" stroller. You can buy it as a single, and then when kid number two comes along, you just buy a second seat and some adapters.
It has something like 16 different configurations. You can have the kids facing you, facing the world, facing each other, or back-to-back. There's even a glider board you can attach to the back for a third, older child to stand on.
I've seen families using this with a car seat and a toddler seat, or two bassinets for twins. It's honestly impressive how much it can adapt. However, there's a catch. The more stuff you add, the heavier it gets. And let's be real, this stroller is already a bit of a tank.
How It Handles on the Street
When you're pushing a single kid, the City Select feels like a dream. It's smooth, the wheels are solid (no air-filled tires to go flat, which is a huge plus), and it turns on a dime. The telescoping handlebar is a lifesaver if you're tall, or if you and your partner have a big height difference.
But once you click that second seat in and add a second human being? Things change. It becomes a bit of a workout to curb-hop. Because the second seat sits pretty far forward over the front wheels, the center of gravity shifts. You'll definitely feel the weight in your wrists when you're trying to navigate a steep driveway or a tight corner.
That said, it's still one of the most stable doubles out there. It doesn't feel "tippy" like some side-by-side strollers do. It's narrow enough to fit through standard doorways, which is a massive win when you're trying to get into a coffee shop without causing a scene.
The Fold (The Good and the Bad)
Most city select jogger stroller reviews will mention the fold, and for good reason. It's a two-handed fold. You pull the tabs on the sides, and it collapses in the middle. It's relatively flat, but it's not small.
Here is the annoying part: you usually have to take the seats off to get it to fold compactly. If you leave the seats on, it turns into this giant, awkward sandwich that takes up your entire trunk. If you have a small SUV or a sedan, you'll likely find yourself playing Tetris every time you go to the grocery store.
On the bright side, the wheels pop off really easily with the click of a button. If you're really tight on space, taking the wheels off makes a big difference. But honestly, who has time for that when a toddler is screaming and it's starting to rain?
Features That Actually Matter
Let's talk about the small stuff that makes a big difference.
- The Handbrake: Most strollers have a foot brake. The City Select has a hand-operated parking brake on the side of the frame. I didn't think I'd care about this, but it's actually great. It's "flip-flop friendly," meaning you won't break a toe trying to unlock it in the summer.
- The Canopy: The sun shades on these seats are massive. They have a little peek-a-boo window with a magnetic closure (no loud Velcro to wake a sleeping baby!). They provide excellent coverage, so you don't have to worry about draping extra blankets over the front.
- The Under-Seat Basket: It's huge. You can fit a massive diaper bag, some groceries, and a random collection of rocks your kid found at the park. Accessing it can be a little tricky when both seats are on, but it's still better than most.
- The Seats: They're pretty deep and comfortable. The multi-position recline is easy to use with one hand. However, the footrest is also adjustable, which is nice for when they're napping and need their legs leveled out.
The "Heavy" Truth
I have to be honest: this stroller is heavy. The frame alone is around 25 pounds, and with two seats, you're looking at over 30 pounds before you even put a child in it.
If you have to lift this into the back of a high SUV frequently, you're going to feel it. It's built like a tank, which is great for durability, but not so great for your lower back. If you live in a walk-up apartment with three flights of stairs, this is probably not the stroller for you. You'd be much better off with something lightweight like a Baby Zen YoYo or a Valco Baby.
Durability and Resale Value
One thing you'll notice if you look at used marketplaces is that these strollers hold their value incredibly well. People beat these things up for three or four years and still sell them for a decent chunk of change.
The fabric is tough and wipes down easily. The frame might get some scratches over time, but it doesn't feel "rattly" or cheap even after a lot of use. If you're looking at this as a long-term investment for multiple kids, the price tag starts to make a lot more sense. It's built to last through more than one childhood.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
After looking at dozens of city select jogger stroller reviews and seeing these in the wild, the consensus is pretty clear.
The City Select is for the family that wants one piece of gear that does everything (except jogging). It's for the parent who wants the option to expand later without having to buy a whole new stroller. It's for people who walk a lot on varied terrain but don't need a dedicated off-road beast.
It isn't perfect. It's heavy, the fold requires two hands, and buying all the extra attachments (second seat, car seat adapters, snack trays) can really add up. You could easily spend over a thousand dollars once you're fully kitted out.
But at the end of the day, it's a workhorse. It's reliable, it looks sleek, and it gives you a ton of options. If you can handle the weight and the "take-it-apart" fold, it's easily one of the best double strollers on the market. Just remember: don't try to run a 10k with it, no matter what the brand name says!