I hate stroller shopping! Are the baby joggers worth it?

KingShawsBride

So, my DH and I have spent a lot of time researching strollers online and in person and I am just so overwhelmed.   We went to buy buy baby today and looked at the doubles of the Maclaren Triumph, Baby Jogger City Mini, and Baby Jogger City Select.  Of course he thinks the Baby Jogger's are fantastic, but I am so concerned that they cost so much and will not be worth it.  The sales associate said I couldn't use any of those strollers until the babies are 6 months old unless I get the attachments for the BJ city select.  According to Maclaren's website, that stroller is good from birth, so now I'm just so confused.   I also looked at the Maclaren Techno online and really like the extra features of that one. My DH was concerned because I wouldn't be able to push it with one hand, but am I going to be able to push any stroller with two kids with one hand? 

I am not really sure what are strolling needs will be, but I have a feeling it will involve zoos, parks, and going to the boardwalk, so I think I need something that covers more than just mall or road surfaces.  My DH also has a very bad back, so i'm concerned with the weight of the stroller and all 4 of the ones I have researched appear to be under 30lbs.   Sorry that this turned more into a vent, and I know there has been a lot of posts on strollers on here, I guess I'm just really overwhelmed.   Any input would be greatly appreciated?   I guess with trying to start the baby registry the stress of looking at EVERYTHING we need to buy is getting to me.

macchiatto

We're on a tight budget, but we feel like the City Mini has been totally worth it! (Helps that I had a $150 BRU GC to put toward it plus a 15% off strollers coupon.) You could also consider the City Micro (far cheaper), as long as you had a different stroller (I'd recommend a Double Snap n Go) for the first 4 months or so since the Micro doesn't fully recline like the Mini does. (Though really, I'd recommend that anyway; the DSNG is VERY convenient in the early months!)

Temp159135562506975

i'm a fan of having strollers for every situation - so for me that means one every day stroller and one all-terrain stroller at least.

i have the BJ City Select and LOVE LOVE LOVE it.  I had many other strollers and this one is by far the best for me.  It's my every day stroller.  I don't use it if I know we'll be going over a lot of bumpy terrain - b/c the front wheels are small so it's not the best on bumpy stuff... but otherwise it's great for everything - a really nice compact tandem - you won't find one more compact that does so much.

the city mini is a great SBS stroller- but has small wheels- so not going to do great on rough terrain either.  It's very hard to shop with a SBS stroller- most asiles do not fit a double SBS - it's a huge PITA.

i don't know Mac's well - never had one- don't see the excitement over them... but i know a lot of people love theirs.

The Kolcraft Contours is a great stroller for a cheaper price. I had one and loved it - but it is very long... my only complaint.  I sold it (and sold a few other strollers) so i could buy the select - which is almost the same as the Contours - but shorter (and more expensive)... It does pretty much everything the Select does - minus bassinets.

As for the sales person saying not for an infant - don't listen to them... if the seat has a full recline - and infant can be in it.  It's just that it wasn't TESTED for infants so they can't legally say it's OK for infants or they could get in trouble.  Someone posted their babies in the Select the other day - with both seats reclined in full - looked great.  You can buy the car seat attachments, too, which i would have done if i had the stroller when they were infants - simply b/c being able to snap in car seats is golden (and then you don't need a DSNG, too).

i wouldn't waste money on the bassinets, though.

Mrs.Brink

We registered for the Chicco Cortina Together from BRU with the matching carseats. It's cheaper and has an adjustable handle....we're both pretty tall so that was a deal breaker for us...no bending over to push.

TinyTeacher

I have the BJ City Select with no extra attachments (other than the second seat) and I have been using it since the twins were 2 weeks old. 

The seats can recline all the way. If you use Snuzzlers, they are fine for newborns. I have no idea why they tell you it isn't safe. The seats recline pretty much all the way flat. You just need Snuzzlers for a little extra support. I really don't see how it's much different than the bassinets.

Here's pics of my twins at 2 weeks old cruisin' in their Select:

 

 

 

 

mummyl

We brought the iCandy Pear, a fantastic tandem style travel system which has over 20 different seat combinations.  I love that I can have my girls facing me at the moment and then when they are a bit older I can have them facing outwards so they can see what's going on.  It's a comfortable and sturdy ride and can go anywhere that a single can.  Perfect!