I guess after four kids one could (and should!) say that I am a connoisseur of strollers. I am the one who researches and reviews tons of articles and other reviews before I purchase strollers. I am even the one who brings their two babies to the store to sit them in the actual stroller, practices folding and unfolding it, and then inconspicuously wheels said two babies around the store to test the maneuverability. Sounds nuts? Well to some it might, BUT it is for that reason that I can honestly say these two things…..

First, I know what I am talking about when it comes to buying a stroller.

Second, the signs of my obsessive compulsive disorder are slowly creeping out.

In any event, after months of research for a lightweight double stroller I have found the best one on the market hands down and that is the 2011 BABY JOGGER CITY MINI DOUBLE!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Why I Love It?

While searching for a lightweight side by side stroller there were many factors that I was considering. My stroller prior to this one was a 2009 Uppababy Vista. I absolutely loved this stroller, it was versatile, lightweight and had great maneuverability. When my last daughter was born exactly twelve months after my third daughter was born, we got the Rumble Seat to provide additional seating. And while this worked great for a while, I found that taking the stroller apart to fold was a bit of a pain and the fact that whoever was sitting in the Rumble Seat couldn’t recline for naps also was a major downside to this stroller. Therefore, folding and recline system were the most important features for me in choosing a side-by-side double stroller.

Coming in at a surprising 26lbs, the Baby Jogger City Mini Double encompasses both of these features with excellence. The handling is superb, you can steer this stroller with one hand with no problem at all. Its actually easier to steer than my UPPAbaby Vista was! The folding technology is top notch. And after testing several other double lightweight strollers, this by far is the easiest on the market. With a simple pull on the two straps on each seat, this stroller folds right in half and lays extremely flat. Other great features are the independent reclining seats which both lay flat and have the ability to sit in a very upright position allowing for your babies to be able to see what’s going on around them with ease. I was concerned that the recline was a draw-string type system, however after using it several times, I do enjoy the fact that I can adjust the recline to any position that I like. The City Mini Double’s canopy is fabulous, providing great full coverage from the sun and this stroller amazingly fits through all standard size doorways with ease.

 

What Could Be Better:

The City Mini Double does not come with any accessories, which can be quite a bummer. You can purchase the rain cover and a parent organizer separately. I purchased the universal parent organizer for $30.00 which I love. It provides great storage for keys, cell, phone, etc. It also has a small cup holder. The rain cover is a bit costly ($60.00) so I am doing some research to see if there is another brand that makes double jogging stroller rain covers. Also the basket underneath, although quite large, can be a bit difficult to access since there is a bar directly in front of it. It is however accessible through the sides of the stroller, and there are also pockets on the back of both seats providing for more storage.

Comparisons:

While researching the City Mini Double, I also spent a lot of time researching the Maclaren Twin Techno. I found that in comparison to the CMD (City Mini Double), the Maclaren did not fold as easy nor was I able to open it up as easy. It took me several tries in the store actually get it to fold and honestly I never was able to get it open without some assistance. I also found that the seats were not as roomy as the CMD and after putting both my babies in it, I noticed that they looked a bit stuffed in there. The Maclaren is a bit heavier and does not have the same great maneuverability as the CMD as well. It does come with a cup holder and rain cover which is nice as the CMD does not.

Here are some pics of my Baby Jogger City Mini Double in Amethyst, which is a new color for 2011……

Crazy Good Tip!!!

If you already have a stroller and are weary about spending another $400.00 on this one (or if you are like me and can’t justify to your spouse why you MUST buy another stroller), consider selling your other stroller on Ebay. I was able to sell my UPPAbaby Vista on Ebay for a great price in one day! A stroller in great condition and well maintained can be easily sold in no time!