In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Jogger City Select 2 Review

This heavy stroller might be good for families with multiples, but it isn't a good single stroller thanks to the weight
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Baby Jogger City Select 2 Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $670 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Jogger
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Mar 31, 2024
75
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#6 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 7.0
  • Maneuverability - 25% 8.4
  • Transport/Storing - 15% 6.7
  • Quality - 10% 8.0
  • Kid's Comfort - 10% 7.7

Our Verdict

The Baby Jogger City Select 2 is a top-ranked full-size stroller suitable for multiple babies with accessories. It is a nicer quality option with a reasonable price compared to other options that grow with your family, and the storage is adequate. While it did well in our tests, we weren't big fans of the smaller wheels or the heavier weight. It folds small, which is a plus, but you will need to remove seats to get it to the smallest size, which could be a hassle with two seats. Overall, we get the appeal, and if you have a growing family or love a Baby Jogger car seat, it could be a good fit. However, we like other strollers better and think the value is there for some of the other contenders.
REASONS TO BUY
Versatile grows w/ family
Easy to fold
Good on flat surfaces
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Not good off-road
Editor's Note: We tested an all-new lineup of full-size strollers in 2024.

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Full-Size Stroller
Editors' Choice Award
Best Double Duty Jogger
Best Value Award
Lower Price Impressive Full-Size Stroller
Best Value Award
Budget Full-Size For Growing Families
Price $670 List
$599.00 at Amazon
$700 List
$699.99 at Amazon
$650 List
$599.95 at Amazon
$650 List
$649.95 at Amazon
$350 List
$281.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
75
83
78
75
66
Star Rating
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Bottom Line This city-friendly stroller is better for two, given the weight, which makes it harder to push if you only have one childA quality choice that uses thoughtful design to create an easy-to-use option, but it has a higher price and a larger foldThis jogger is a dual-purpose choice with better storage and easy maneuverability over most surfacesWhile it performs well on flat surfaces, this high-quality option struggles off-road if those are your goalsA budget-friendly expandable stroller with good storage but limited other features and a heavier weight
Rating Categories Baby Jogger City Se... UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Thule Urban Glide 2 Cybex Balios S Lux Evenflo Pivot Xpand
Ease of Use (40%)
7.0
8.5
8.4
7.8
8.0
Maneuverability (25%)
8.4
8.3
8.5
7.1
5.4
Transport/Storing (15%)
6.7
6.7
5.7
6.8
4.2
Quality (10%)
8.0
9.3
8.0
8.0
6.7
Kid's Comfort (10%)
7.7
8.5
6.7
7.6
7.3
Specs Baby Jogger City Se... UPPAbaby Cruz v2 Thule Urban Glide 2 Cybex Balios S Lux Evenflo Pivot Xpand
Capacity Limits Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 45 lb/40 in
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 50 lbs
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 49 lbs/ 44 in
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/43"
Measured Weight 27 lbs 25 lbs 26 lbs 25 lbs 30 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 24.25"W x 12"H x 33"L 22.9"W x 16.5"H x 33"L 27.2"W x 15.5"H x 36.5"L 24"W x 16"H x 31"L 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L
Folded Volume 9,603 cu in 12,469 cu in 15,388 cu in 11,904 cu in 16,790 cu in
Handlebar Height Min/Max 41"/43" 40"/43" 30"/46" 39.5"/43" 33"/44.7"
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight 17 lbs 30 lbs 14 lbs 24 lbs 11 lbs
Car Seat Compatibility Baby Jogger City GO 2, City G) 3, City GO Air
Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe Ultra, Endeavours
Chicco Fit2, Fit2 LE, KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect 35 LX, SnugRide SnugLock 35 Elite, SnugRide SnugLock 35 Platinum, All other Click Connect
Nuna PIPA, PIPA Lite LX, PIPA RX, PIPA Lite, PIPA Lite R
UPPAbaby
Chicco KeyFit 35, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Fit2, Fit2 LE, Fit2 Air
Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Aton M
Clek Liing
Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico AP, Mico Max Plus
Nuna PIPA, PIPA lite, PIPA lite lx, PIPA lite r, PIPA rx, PIPA lite rx, PIPA urbn
UPPAbaby Mesa
BOB Unity
Britax Affinity Unity, B-Safe, B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Chaperone, Unity, Unity ISOFIX Compatible
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit Plus
Combi Shuttle 33
Evenflo Discovery 5
Graco SafeSeat, SnugRide, SnugRide Click Connect, SnugRide Click Connect 30, SnugRide Click Connect 35, SnugRide Click Connect LX 35, SnugRide Click Connect 40
Maxi-Cosi CabrioFix, Citi, Pebble
Nuna Pipa
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio SIP 30/30, Primo Viaggio 4-35
Safety 1st Comfy Carry Elite, onBoard, onBoard Air
Safe-n-Sound Unity, Unity Neos
UPPAbaby Mesa
Cybex (All)
Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Maxi Cosi Mico Max, Maxi Cosi Coral XP
Nuna Pipa lite
Chicco KeyFit/KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco all with SnugRide, SnugLock 30/35
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35
Wheel Type Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Plastic Pneumatic Foam Filled Plastic Foam Filled Plastic
Brake Type Single Single Single Single Single

Our Analysis and Test Results

Baby Jogger launched in 1984 with a desire to go jogging with babies. With a lack of potential jogging options, a couple of parents designed one of the first best jogging strollers. The Baby Jogger company has offered various strolling options for versatile activities, even those outside of jogging. In 2015, the company was bought by the Newell Rubbermaid company, and they continue to create popular strollers, though very few you can still use for jogging.

Performance Comparison



baby jogger city select 2 - the city select 2 offers average ease of use for everyday...
The City Select 2 offers average ease of use for everyday functionality.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The Select earned an average performance result for ease of use. It is not an inspired stroller, but it isn't likely to make you cry in a parking lot, either.

The Select folds fairly quickly but it requires two hands and then is sort of cumbersome because it doesn't self-stand and gets top-heavy.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold and Unfold


This stroller requires two hands to fold because of the double-sided fold handles. It is also cumbersome and harder to manage (even more challenging if you have a baby). It doesn't self-stand when folded, which means you have to bend to the ground to pick it up, and this could be hard for new moms if they undergo a C-section.

The storage bin is a light mesh with some elastic to pull it down...
The storage bin is a light mesh with some elastic to pull it down for access. If you need more space, the zipper on the side can help increase the size of the opening.
Our large diaper bag fits in the Select bin, but the crossbar will...
Our large diaper bag fits in the Select bin, but the crossbar will limit what can fit.

Storage


The storage on the Select is better than most. We could fit a large diaper bag inside, and the maximum allowable limit is 15 lbs.

baby jogger city select 2 - we were able to slide a messenger bag into the select storage bin...
We were able to slide a messenger bag into the Select storage bin after our diaper bag, but this can become a tight squeeze depending on the position and recline of the seat.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Access isn't a problem, and there is a zipper you can use to make things better. The seatback has a pocket that can hold two pounds but isn't large enough for thicker items.

The Select has nesting harness components, which can be handy because you don't have to bend little arms through a loop, but it can be a hassle if your child is squirmy or doesn't want the harness on.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


Like the other Baby Jogger harness we tested, this one also is more challenging to make big adjustments to the shoulder portions. It isn't impossible; it's just harder than competitors. Smaller adjustments are similar to others and easier to accomplish.

baby jogger city select 2 - the select's nesting buckle is not our favorite, but we like the...
The Select's nesting buckle is not our favorite, but we like the added comfort sleeves.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

It has padded sleeves on the shoulder straps and the back of the crotch strap. The shoulder straps and hip straps come together before snapping into the crotch strap, which could be harder if your baby doesn't want to be buckled.

The City Select brake pedal is single-action, easy to press, and easy to lift, but be aware that you use the top of your shoe to release the brake.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The Select has single-action brakes that are easy on the foot, even when lifting with the top of the foot to release the brake. Because it requires lifting from underneath with the top of the foot, open-toed sandals might be more challenging, or they could mar the top of the shoes.

Car Seat Compatibility


The Select comes compatible with some Baby Jogger car seats. It can also be paired with some seats from other brands, including Britax, Chicco, Graco, Nuna, and UPPAbaby.

The Select doesn't require tools and basically snaps together with the wheels, seat, and canopy to put on.
Credit: Graham Faulknor

Ease of Setup


If you're comfortable assembling things, the Select takes 5-10 minutes to assemble. It requires no tools, and the documentation is straightforward and unconfusing.

The Select 2 performed relatively well in our maneuverability tests but larger, more grippy wheels would make it even better.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


The Select is a bigger stroller suitable for multiple seats, and this makes the frame larger, so it has a little frame flex but not as much as some others. It moved well on hard surfaces, cords, and thresholds without a hiccup.

baby jogger city select 2 - the front wheels on the select 2 are smaller, and all of the wheels...
The front wheels on the Select 2 are smaller, and all of the wheels are foam-filled plastic, which is not our favorite.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

It continued to perform well when moving on grass and gravel as well. While not as much of a standout as strollers with pneumatic rubber tires, it did surprisingly better than we thought it would, given the smaller wheels.

baby jogger city select 2 - the telescoping handlebar on the select 2 helps put taller pushers...
The telescoping handlebar on the Select 2 helps put taller pushers further from the back wheels, which is better for longer strides.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The adjustable handlebar makes pushing somewhat easier since you can adjust it for height. It is a telescoping bar that puts taller pushers away from the stroller, which is what we prefer.

baby jogger city select 2 - get ready to tilt the select for pop-ups to get over more...
Get ready to tilt the Select for pop-ups to get over more significant transitions like those of sidewalk to grass or gravel.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Because the wheels are on the small side, especially when you consider how much weight you might be pushing, we had to do a lot of pop-ups to get it over some transitions and curbs. It is going to struggle with more weight in the seat.

baby jogger city select 2 - the select 2 is a compact fold for a full-size option, but it is...
The Select 2 is a compact fold for a full-size option, but it is heavier.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transporting and Storing


The Select is just above average in size and folded weight. This is not surprising given its ability to expand for a growing family.


It weighs 27.19 lb with one seat in place. This makes it one of the heavier options in the group. Again, it is somewhat lighter than other strollers that can be double strollers; it isn't light and could be a deal-breaker if you only plan to push one. Why bother with the added size? It is smaller when folded than most at 9,603 cubic inches. It folds fairly flat and could fit where other options don't.

baby jogger city select 2 - the select 2 is good quality for the price, and we thought the...
The Select 2 is good quality for the price, and we thought the overall fit and finish were good.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


The Select is not a high-ticket item for this kind of stroller, but the quality is somewhat better than its cost implies, comparatively.

baby jogger city select 2 - the select 2 wheels are foam-filled plastic and we wish it was...
The Select 2 wheels are foam-filled plastic and we wish it was rubber for more grip on various surfaces.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The wheels are foam-filled plastic, which can dent. They seem small for a stroller of this size and are not grippy. The front wheels are a bit wider than others, which should help it navigate grass and other uneven terrain, but they still aren't impressive overall.

The Select has soft microfiber material on the seat with the same on the shoulders and crotch pad sleeves. The canopy is more like a rainjacket-type material on the inside with softer material outside. The seating area is a sling-style seat with some padding for comfort.

The overall fit and finish are pretty good, with few exposed fasteners and an extruded aluminum frame. There is not much flex (surprising given the size, and the metal frame is integrated into plastic joints that include folding hinges.

The canopy on the Select 2 covers little ones and protects them from...
The canopy on the Select 2 covers little ones and protects them from most angles of the sun till late-day sunsets.
The Select's mesh window is good for peeking, chatting, or...
The Select's mesh window is good for peeking, chatting, or ventilation. It also continues to provide some sunshade.

Kid's Comfort


The Select performed well for kid comfort in our tests. The canopy is large with a mesh peek-a-boo window suitable for ventilation, chatting, or peeking. It has a magnetic closing cover.

baby jogger city select 2 - the select has side seat hubs for attaching standard stroller seats...
The Select has side seat hubs for attaching standard stroller seats and car seats or adapters.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The seat reclines enough for comfortable sleeping and adjusts using a button on the back with one hand up and down. It has four preset positions, and the entire seat recline, including the leg rest, which might be more comfortable for some children. The seat is one piece with a hingeing leg rest that is also adjustable. It has five positions, is lightly padded, and has a frame that can help keep legs on the rest.

Should You Buy the Baby Jogger City Select 2?


The City Select 2 is an attractive option for parents considering family growth or the need to push multiples. Compared to higher-ranking competitors, it has a significantly lower price and rolls well on flat surfaces. The problem with this stroller is it struggles to keep up with the competition in key areas. It doesn't move on uneven surfaces as well as some of the competition, and it's heavy and large when folded with the seats in place. It is not a good choice for those with a single child or those who plan only to push one. If you have a growing family or multiples, it still isn't the best choice as others are cheaper or move better.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


If you think the City Select is a potential option, the Mockingbird Stroller is also one for your shortlist. With the same overall score and similar metric test results, the Mockingbird is a great competitor that also grows with your family. The best part is it costs less. While it is heavier and larger, it could still be a better fit if your budget is smaller. If you only need a stroller for one, we suspect you'd be more pleased with the UPPAbaby Cruz v2, which scored much higher and has a similar price.

Manufactuer's Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz