Baby Jogger City Select 2 Review

Ease of Use

The Select earned a below-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.

Fold and Unfold

This stroller requires two hands to fold and unfold 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 stand on its own when folded, which means you have to bend to the ground to pick it up, and this could be hard for new moms who have had a C-section or have back issues.

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.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

Our large diaper bag fits in the Select bin, but the crossbar will limit what can fit.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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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. However, 15 lbs isn't as much as you'd think, and gathering groceries or supplies for two for a full day of errands might be impossible.

Access isn't a problem, and there is a zipper you can use to improve things. The seat back pocket can hold up to 2 pounds, but it isn't large enough for thicker items.

Harness

Like the other Baby Jogger harnesses we tested, this one is also more challenging to make big adjustments to the shoulder portions. It isn't impossible; it's just harder than competitors. Smaller adjustments on the waist and shoulders also present their own difficulties, but they are slightly easier to accomplish.

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.

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 nicer shoes.

Car Seat Compatibility

The Select is 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.

Ease of Setup

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

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.

It took more effort moving on grass and gravel. While not as much of a standout as three-wheeled jogging strollers on rough terrain, it did okay given the smaller wheels, but more expensive options did better, and its performance is not brag-worthy

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.

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.

Transporting and Storing

The Select is just above average in size and folded weight. This is not surprising, given its ability to expand to seat two as a family grows.

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

Quality

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

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 on the seat, with the same material on the shoulders and crotch pad sleeves. The canopy is more like a rain jacket-type material on the inside, with softer material on the outside. The seating area is a sling-style seat with some padding for comfort.

The overall fit and finish are pretty good, with a 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 most angles of the sun till late-day sunsets.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Select's mesh window is good for peeking, chatting, or ventilation. It also continues to provide some sunshade.   Credit: Matt Lighthart

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Kid's Comfort

The Select performed well for kids' 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.

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

Continuous Sleeping Comfort

If you are in the market for a stroller that will allow for continual napping without waking your passenger, this stroller may not be up to that challenge. Compared to other strollers on different terrains, it seems to offer a rough enough ride that it could wake a child, with 14 potential total wake-up events. Due to its heavier weight and lack of rear wheel shocks, it's going to be rough sailing over asphalt and bumps.

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 that it struggles to keep up with the competition in critical areas. It doesn't move on uneven surfaces as well as many competitors, 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 for those who plan to push only 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 a similar overall score and test results, the Mockingbird is a great competitor that also grows with your family. The best part is that 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 happier with the UPPAbaby Cruz v3, which scored much higher but is more expensive. If your budget is tight and you only need to push one child, the Joie Ginger is a compelling choice that is easy to use and maneuver. We were absolutely wowed with what it offers for the price and think most families will find it meets all their needs and looks good doing it.

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