In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Trend Navigator Review

Good maneuverability for the price but harder to use and very heavy
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Baby Trend Navigator Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $250 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Trend
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  May 8, 2023
55
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#11 of 17
  • Ease of Use - 40% 5.8
  • Maneuverability - 25% 7.2
  • Transporting/ Storing - 15% 2.8
  • Quality - 10% 5.0
  • Kid Ride - 10% 4.6

Our Verdict

The Baby Trend Navigator is a side-by-side top-ranked double stroller and one of the options in our best jogging stroller review. This unique four-wheeled jogger has a budget-friendly price and is easy to maneuver, but that is about all it has going for it, and another Baby Trend stroller is better. The Navigator is a cheap-feeling double option with small canopies, a hard-to-use recline, and a storage bin with a surprisingly small allowance of only 5 lbs. Unfortunately for the Navigator, other than accepting two infant car seats, it didn't score as high as other Baby Trend joggers in this review. Overall, no matter your strolling goals, there are better options across all stroller categories.
REASONS TO BUY
Easier to push and turn
Lower price
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Poor car seat attachment
Editor's Note: The Navigator Double review was updated on April 20, 2023, as part of a recent up[date with five new strollers in the mix.

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line Heavy and hard to use stroller, but it does offer nice maneuverability for the priceBudget-minded option with versatile seating and features on par with higher-end optionsGreat budget-friendly stroller that works well in small spacesBest sit and stand we tested but it has limited functionalityA below-average price isn't enough to make this poorly performing stroller worth the frustration of being harder to use and push
Rating Categories Baby Trend Navigator Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Baby Trend Expediti... Joovy Caboose Ultra... Graco Ready2Grow LX...
Ease of Use (40%)
5.8
8.3
5.7
5.0
5.8
Maneuverability (25%)
7.2
6.0
8.2
3.6
4.6
Transporting/ Storing (15%)
2.8
3.4
3.8
6.8
3.2
Quality (10%)
5.0
6.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
Kid Ride (10%)
4.6
7.8
4.4
4.5
2.1
Specs Baby Trend Navigator Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Baby Trend Expediti... Joovy Caboose Ultra... Graco Ready2Grow LX...
Measured Weight 39.7 lbs 34.6 lbs 30.6 lbs 23.4 lbs 32.7 lbs
Capacity Limits Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/38 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 45 lbs/44 in
Minimum: 3 months/12 lbs
Maximum: 50 lbs/45 in
Measured Folded Dimensions 32.9"W x 19"H x 34.8"L 26.7"W x 25"H x 32.7"L 32.8"W x 16.5"H x 34"L 21.2"W x 11.8"H x 46.5"L 26"W x 43.5"H x 18"L
Folded Volume 21,753 cu in 21,827 cu in 18,401 cu in 11,632 cu in 20,358 cu in
Number of Car Seats Accepted 2 2 0 1 2
Included Car Seat Compatibility Any Baby Trend Infant Car Seat Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax None Baby Trend
Flex-Loc, Latch-Loc
Britax
B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone
BOB
B-Safe
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Combi
Shuttle 33, Shuttle, Connection
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q
Evenflo
Embrace
Graco
Junior Baby, SafeSeat, Snugride Click Connect 30, 35, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 32, 35
JJ Cole
Newport
Lamaze
Via
Maxi Cosi
Mico, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Cabriofix, Pebble, Prezi
Mothercare
Travel Tot
Nuna
Pipa
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30
Recaro
Performance Coupe
Safety 1st
onBoard 35, onBoard 35 Air, Designer 22
UPPAbaby
Mesa
Graco
All SnugRide Click Connect Models
Click-in Car Seat Adapters None Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
None None Graco
All SnugRide Click Connect Models
Strap-In Car Seat Adapters None None None Baby Trend
Flex-Loc, Latch-Loc
Britax
B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone
BOB
B-Safe
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Combi
Shuttle 33, Shuttle, Connection
Cybex
Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q
Evenflo
Embrace
Graco
Junior Baby, SafeSeat, Snugride Click Connect 30, 35, 40, SnugRide Classic Connect 22, 32, 35
JJ Cole
Newport
Lamaze
Via
Maxi Cosi
Mico, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Cabriofix, Pebble, Prezi
Mothercare
Travel Tot
Nuna
Pipa
Peg Perego
Primo Viaggio 4-35, Primo Viaggio SIP, Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30
Recaro
Performance Coupe
Safety 1st
onBoard 35, onBoard 35 Air, Designer 22
UPPAbaby
Mesa
None
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 41" 33"/44.7" 40.6" 41.8" 43"
Recline Front/Left Seat Deep Deep Deep Mid-Level Mid-Level
Recline Rear/Right Seat Deep Deep Deep N/A Shallow
Storage Basket Size Large Extra Large Large Medium Very large
Sun Shade Size Small Medium Small Large Small
One-handed Fold No No No No No
Locking Fold Manual Auto Manual Manual Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes Yes No Yes
Sandal-friendly Brake No Yes No Yes Yes
Included Accessories MP3 Speakers None MP3 Speakers None Cup Holder
Average Setup Time 20-25 min 10-15 min 10-15 min 20-25 min 20-25 min

Our Analysis and Test Results

Baby Trend has been around for about 26 years designing and creating various baby gear items from walkers to car seats. The Baby Trend company's goals include making safe and affordable products for parents and children. Baby Trend was the first manufacturer to create a Sit and Stand style stroller, and their Diaper Champ diaper pail was the first diaper pail that didn't require brand refills.

Performance Comparison



baby trend navigator - thanks to frame bars on each side and down the middle of the back...
Thanks to frame bars on each side and down the middle of the back, the storage bin on the Navigator has rather poor access and a low maximum weight capacity of only 5 pounds.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Navigator performance for ease of use is below the average for the top-ranking double strollers.

The Navigator has a dual "trigger release" fold process that...
The Navigator has a dual "trigger release" fold process that requires two hands to initiate.
The Navigator has a manual lock, and the stroller does self-stand.
The Navigator has a manual lock, and the stroller does self-stand.

Fold and Unfold


The Navigator is a two-handed fold with what Baby Trend calls “trigger action, ” which requires simultaneously pulling up on dual-side release points. The fold is three steps, has a manual lock, and self-stands. Folding the Navigator is easy, and unfolding is average compared to the competition. The overall size of the stroller could make unfolding harder for smaller users.

The parent console on the Navigator has a covered storage...
The parent console on the Navigator has a covered storage compartment designed for an MP3 player hook up with raised speakers. The speakers are sub-par and we think most parents would be happier with a weatherproof Bluetooth speaker purchased separately.
The child trays swing to the side for easy access to the seat. They...
The child trays swing to the side for easy access to the seat. They also work as attachment points for Baby Trend brand infant car seat attachment.

Storage


The Navigator has an under-seat storage bin that spans the width of the stroller. The basket is large and fits our large diaper bag inside, but the maximum allowance is only 5 lbs, so it may not hold supplies for two children. The bin has access from the back and sides, but both have frame bars that prevent unobstructed access.

This stroller has pockets on the back of each seat, a parent console (above left), and child trays for both passengers (above right). The parent console has two cup holders and a covered center compartment. During testing, taller items fell from the holders while strolling, so parents should use caution when using the cup holders. The child trays both have two cup holders and a snack depression. The cup holders held most test items, but taller items are likely to topple out. Both trays swing out to the side for seat access.

baby trend navigator - the navigator has two 5-point harnesses that are difficult to adjust...
The Navigator has two 5-point harnesses that are difficult to adjust with a buckle that is hard to depress.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


Both seats have a 5-point harness with a rethread height adjustment that threads through two external loop straps sewn to the seat back for three possible height options. The harness is easy to get on, a little harder to get off, and better than average to adjust for size and height. The crotch strap has a single position, but the length is adjustable. The buckle buttons are stiff and take extra pressure to press, but the straps spring out independently.

baby trend navigator - the navigator has dual action brakes that require depressing both...
The Navigator has dual action brakes that require depressing both pedals for full engagement. The pedals are stiff and hard to set and release.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The brakes are double-action and require pressing two pedals for full brake engagement. Setting the brakes is average, and releasing them is difficult. The pedals are very stiff, and pulling them up is not foot-friendly.

baby trend navigator - the navigator has two locking swivel wheels on the front, with...
The Navigator has two locking swivel wheels on the front, with suspension, and air-filled rubber tires.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The Navigator has air-filled rubber tires, but the four-wheel design and larger size hurt its turning capabilities, unlike the three-wheel strollers that can take tighter turns.

baby trend navigator - locking the swivel wheels on the navigator is a simple process that...
Locking the swivel wheels on the Navigator is a simple process that happens with the flip of a switch on each wheel. Parents should wiggle the wheel to ensure they are locked in place.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This stroller is really wide, and we had trouble fitting it through a 32-inch doorway. It handles okay, but it isn't as nice as the three-wheeled Baby Trend Expedition Double, and the wider width causes trouble in tighter turns and crowded spaces. Pushing over the grass and gravel is relatively easy, but turning on these surfaces is harder than all the other jogging style options in this review. The front wheels will lock in place with the flip of a switch, which helps over uneven terrain and jogging, but it doesn't improve turning, which is the real problem here.

The Navigator has a stationary handlebar and two-wheel front shocks. The sling-style seat and padded seat bottom will provide some comfort for passengers, but the all-wheel suspension is ideal for comfort, and we think all joggers should have it. This stroller probably isn't the most comfortable ride for passengers or pushers.

Transporting and Storing


Finding a stroller that is easy to store and transport depends on the size and weight, which impacts how easy they are to lift or fit in your car.

baby trend navigator - as you can see, the navigator is bulky when folded, but the weight...
As you can see, the Navigator is bulky when folded, but the weight is the real problem. With a heft over 39 pounds, it is the heaviest in the review.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


This stroller is the heaviest double stroller we tested at 39.7 lbs. Given that the Baby Trend Expedition Double is 10 lbs lighter, it is hard to justify the added weight that makes pushing and carrying more challenging.


The Navigator measures 21,753 cubic inches when folded. These measurements make it one of the larger folded options in the review. While neither the largest nor smallest stroller we tested, it does have a thick fold that may be difficult to fit in a standard trunk.

baby trend navigator - the baby trend navigator double is a four-wheeled jogging stroller...
The Baby Trend Navigator Double is a four-wheeled jogging stroller for two that disappointed in most metrics outside of maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Kid Ride


Finding a comfortable stroller that offers conveniences for little ones is the key to more enjoyable strolling.

baby trend navigator - the navigator seat backs recline by loosening a buckle strap. the...
The Navigator seat backs recline by loosening a buckle strap. The process requires two hands and is not as simple as the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


Each seat moves independently of the other for individualized comfort, and unlike tandem strollers, each passenger has the same experience. The Navigator has a padded leg rest, but it isn't adjustable, and there is a gap before the footrest. The footrest is wider than the Expedition and is hard plastic, so it is easy to clean. The seatbacks recline using a plastic buckle with a one-side adjustable strap length. Operating the buckle requires two hands and is stiff. The strap can be a struggle to move; one hand has to hold the plastic end while the other moves the strap through the plastic threading. Both seats slope back, but not far enough to be perfect for napping. Other jogging style options offer cozier napping.

baby trend navigator - the canopies each have a medium size peek-a-boo window made of mesh...
The canopies each have a medium size peek-a-boo window made of mesh with a hook and loop closure on the cover. The windows are nice, but the canopies themselves are too small to provide adequate coverage for baby's entire body in full sun.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Sunshade


The Navigator has smaller individual canopies for each seat that lock open and can ratchet forward to block the lower sun or the wind. Both shades have a medium size mesh peek-a-boo window with a hook and loop closure cover. The two canopies are better than those on other Baby Trend joggers, but the smaller size is disappointing. When fully open and upright, the canopies only provide partial protection from the sun and do not cover the knee, unlike the giant canopies on some of the competition.

baby trend navigator - the navigator earned a below average score for quality with a 5 of...
The Navigator earned a below average score for quality with a 5 of 10. It uses materials and a design that are better than the Baby Trend Expedition, but not as nice as some of the competition.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The Navigator quality score is better than the other Baby Trend strollers we tested in this review, which we would expect, given the higher price tag. However, it isn't as high as other strollers with similar prices.

The materials used on the Navigator have a slight edge over those on the other Baby Trend strollers; the fabric has a tighter weave, the piping is better, the stitching is nicer, and the padding is thicker. The overall appearance is better with solid connections and less flex than the cheaper Baby Trend options. However, it is evident that it is only average compared to the competition.

baby trend navigator - the strap for adding a baby trend car seat to the navigator is an...
The strap for adding a Baby Trend car seat to the Navigator is an attachment style we don't like. The second step of adding the strap is one we worry parents will forget or choose to intentionally not to do.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Car Seat Compatibility


The Navigator only works with Baby Trend brand car seats, but it will accept two infant seats, including some in our best infant car seat review. The car seats rely on child trays for installation, and no other adapters are available for seats from other brands. The Baby Trend compatible seats include the Flex-Loc, EZ Flex-Loc, EZ Flex-Loc 32, EZ Loc, Inertia, Secure Snap Tech 32, and 35. The seats lock into the tray cup holders with a click sound and face the back of the stroller seats. The stroller canopies can be used in conjunction with the car seats when you move the car seat handle back over the head of the car seat. Installation of the seats also requires an elastic strap on the sides as a secondary attachment, and we worry parents may forget or skip this step.

Thanks to the second step, the seats are below average for ease of attachment and removal. Once connected, they don't feel very secure, which is a disappointment for a native brand seat that, in our opinion, should feel like part of the stroller and not an afterthought.

Ease of Setup


The Navigator is hard to assemble and took us over 15 minutes. The user manual is poor and requires two different tools to complete.



The front wheels are particularly complicated, and we wonder why more of it doesn't come pre-assembled. The manual directions are too simplified, and the illustrations are useless.

baby trend navigator - while the identical seating arrangements and two infant car seat...
While the identical seating arrangements and two infant car seat attachments make the Navigator attractive for twins, its poor performance in most tests make it a stroller we don't recommend in general.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Twins


The Navigator would work well for twins because it has equal seating for both children and accepts two infant car seats simultaneously. However, this stroller did not score well in our tests, and we think better options are available for most parents. While it is the only jogger that accepts two car seats, it is not advised to jog with children under eight months of age anyway, so it isn't as if you can jog with two infants on board. We think parents are better off choosing a higher-scoring stroller even if it doesn't work with two car seats. Alternatives to two infant car seats include babywearing and one car seat or combining a different double stroller with a car seat frame stroller that accepts a variety of brand car seats and has a low cost. Plus, you can buy them in stages, which could help with tighter budgets.

Should You Buy the Navigator?


We don't think this is an ideal jogger or full-size double stroller for most families. It is harder to use than most competition and heavier than comparable joggers. While the price is attractive, we also think there are less expensive double options that most parents will find easier to use and push.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?


If you love Baby Trend or want an inexpensive double, you can take off-road or occasionally jog with; we think the Baby Trend Expedition Double is the better choice. This alternative Baby Trend option is lighter and smaller and earned better test results for maneuverability. Given that it has similar features and seating to the Navigator, we think the better scores and lower price make the Expedition a no-brainer.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD & Wendy Schmitz