All posts by Mike

Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller Review: Bassinet Included!

indie4-11-300x199Bumbleride makes what I consider to be the best double stroller and best single stroller on the market right now, the Indie Twin and Indie strollers. If you’re in the market for a double or single stroller, those are my absolute favorites. However, they’re clearly not interested in sitting still as a company, and recently released the Indie 4. The stroller caters to parents who are interested in having 4 wheels instead of 3 due to the additional stability they can obtain from the 4th wheel. The “4” in the name refers to the wheels, of course.

In my experience, these parents are right in that 4-wheel strollers do offer more stability than 3-wheel strollers, and they also offer the advantage of working more easily in tight spaces. However, they frequently have the drawback of higher weight and more space requirements when being stored in trunks. As  a result, parents often have to decide whether they value the lighter weight, smaller space, and greater off-roading capabilities of 3-wheel strollers or are more interested in the stability and maneuverability of 4-wheel strollers. This review is designed to answer every question you might possibly have about the Indie 4 single stroller.

Quick Review of the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller

indie4-1-283x300The Bumbleride Indie 4 stroller is a single all-terrain stroller, much like the Indie, with the ability to help you run errands, shop at the mall, walk through trails, or enjoy a day at the beach or at the park. Like the Indie stroller, it comes with all-terrain wheels that are air-filled and sturdy. However, unlike the Indie, it has a matching bassinet included that allows it to be used with a newborn straight from the hospital. The Indie 4 is clearly designed to compete with the UPPABaby Vista, which UPPABaby markets as an all-terrain stroller with air-filled tires and its own matching bassinet. Keep in mind that you can turn it into a travel system through the universal car seat adapter that comes with the Indie 4. If you’re interested in car seat reviews for seats compatible with the Indie 4 or any of the strollers I review, you’ll want to check out the recommended car seats page.

It made me happy when I realized that a number of the features already present in the Indie were also in the Indie 4, including the giant oversized canopy, the large and deep recline, the adjustable handle bar and leg rest, the padded 5-point harness, the easy fold system, and the storage pockets and under carriage basket. The Indie 4 comes with a generous recline and is designed to hold children from birth to 55 pounds in weight. The stroller itself weighs 22 pounds, or to put it another way, is 2 pounds heavier than the Indie stroller. The primary reason for this additional weight is the additional wheel.

I’d rate the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller at 5 out of 5 stars due to the range of functional and stylish features that parents will appreciate. Personally, I’m a big fan of the air-filled all-terrain tires, the great canopy, generous recline, and all-wheel suspension. I’d personally like it if Bumbleride included and automatic braking system, but besides that, I can’t complain. The cheapest price I’ve found so far for the Bumbleride Indie 4 is at Amazon, where you can get it without sales tax, without shipping costs, and with free returns. From Amazon, you’ll also get it with a bumper bar, bassinet, cup holder, and car seat adapter that’s designed to work with just about any car seat on the market today.

Buy the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Pros of the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller

indie4-2-e1418252336846-300x220Generous large canopy. The canopy on the Indie 4 is among my absolute favorites in a single stroller. It’s very large and can extend all the way down until it reaches the bumper bar, which allows you to completely shield your child from the sun, wind, or rain. Something else I like about the canopy is that it can be unzipped from the back of the seat, which means you can get more circulation when the weather is warm. You get a generously-sized peekaboo window at the top of the canopy that’s made from mesh and includes a magnetic closure, which allows you to open and close it silently without waking a sleeping baby, unlike with traditional Velcro closures. I love it!

indie4-4-e1418252369130-300x289Adjustable handle bar. I’m also a fan of the handle bar, which you can adjust from 25″ to 43″ above the ground, depending on your height. As my husband and I have significantly different heights, having a handle bar that can fit both of us is a pro. It’s covered in a soft foam and you get a center grip for added maneuverability.

Safety runaway strap. I’m always a fan of safety features, and definitely like the handle bar attached runaway strap. It makes it a lot easier to keep the stroller with you when going down a steep hill, and it’s a good backup in case something momentarily takes your attention away from the stroller.

indie4-2-e1418261232389-300x277Good-sized seat. The Bumbleride Indie 4 seat is 12″ wide and 24″ high as measured from the bottom of the seat to the peak of the canopy. The recline in the seat is deep, which means that it’s going to be suitable for a newborn, which is handy if you’re not in the mood for transporting the bassinet with you wherever you’re going. I’m a fan of the recline, as you can recline it with only one hand. However, you’ll need both of your hands to return it to the upright position. The recline is strap-operated. Hopefully a one-handed lever recline can make this simpler in the future.

When you move the seat to its most vertical position, it’s quite upright. Comfort-wise, the seat is also good. The fabric is designed to be ecologically-friendly with sustainability in mind; it’s made out of 50% bamboo and 50% from recycled PET. You can remove the seat and wash it in a washing machine. The lower age limit is birth; there isn’t an upper age limit, but there is a weight limit of 55 pounds. For some reason, this is 10 pounds higher than the 45 pound weight limit of the Indie–perhaps due to the additional wheel reducing the weight per wheel compared to the Indie, which only has 3 wheels.

indie4-8-e1418261281296-300x143Bassinet-like space. You can attach a pair of fabric swatches beneath the leg rests to the seat sides once you’ve lifted up the leg rest, allowing you to make a bassinet-like space to keep your baby nice and cozy. It’s a unique feature that I’ve only seen on the Bumbleride strollers so far, and I’m a fan of it. If nothing else, it helps keep younger babies warmer when the weather turns cold.

Storage space. There is a storage pocket behind the canopy that you can use for small items such as a wallet, a pair of sun glasses, or your keys. I use mine to keep an emergency credit card.

Padded 5-point harness. The Bumbleride Indie 4 comes with a 5-point harness that’s adjustable and padded. It also has breakaway shoulder straps, which are an additional safety feature. Although some folks don’t bother with the harness, I find it a good idea for safety, especially when using the stroller on uneven surfaces such as when at the park or on trails.

Included adjustable bumper bar. I’m definitely a fan of the included bumper bar. You can quickly remove it as needed to clean it easily. The bumper bar is made from the same ecologically friendly fabric as that used in the seat, and you can remove it simply by unzipping the fabric.

Adjustable leg rest. You can move the leg rest from a low position to a nearly vertical position. As with the bumper bar, the fabric used to make the foot rest is designed to be cleaned easily.

Removable cup holder. Most strollers these days make you pay extra for the cup holder, but it comes with the Indie 4, which is a small but nice touch. You can put it on the left or right sides of the frame, and it fits normal-sized cups and water bottles.

Large lower basket. There is a generously-sized basket beneath the stroller that makes it a fun one to shop with. I’d say it’s actually a bit larger than the basket in the regular Indie, which is an advantage if you’re interested in hauling a lot of cargo, such as diaper bags, groceries, or clothes from a long mall shopping trip. You can easily reach it from behind the stroller but will have a tougher time reaching it from the sides.

indie4-5-287x300Great wheels. There are 4 air-filled tires with the Indie 4 (hence the 4 in the name). The two front tires are 8.5″ in diameter while the two rear tires are 12″ in diameter. The front wheels naturally swivel but may be locked for additional stability, such as when you’re off-roading it. Getting a tire pump is a good idea since you do have the potential to get flats now and then. The good news is that you can use the stroller on pretty much any terrain without fear–snow, gravel, rocks, grass, sand, mud, dirt–it’s very stable on four wheels and highly maneuverable.

Buy the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller on Sale at Amazon.

All wheel suspension. I’m pretty sure the all wheel suspension is part of why the ride on the Indie 4 is such a smooth one. I like that they didn’t just limit it to the rear wheels, as is often the case with all terrain or jogging strollers.

Foot-activated parking brake. The foot brake is a standard feature in most high end strollers these days, and it works well in the Indie 4.

indie4-7-300x212Easy fold system. You can easily fold the Indie 4 as long as you’ve got a minute and a pair of hands. You have an automatic lock for the stroller but it requires you to get the wheels and cup holder positioned just right, so it’s more of a semi-automatic. You can fold it standing, which is great, since that’s next to impossible with most single strollers on the market. When folded, it’s 29″ long, 24.5″ wide, and 15″ tall.

Included universal car seat adapter. I’m a fan of the included car seat adapter; it helps you turn the Indie 4 into a highly capable travel system; you can then use the included adapter with seats like the Primo Viaggio 4-35 and Chicco KeyFit 30. You can also use other adapters to gain compatibility with a number of other infant seats.


indie4-5Included bassinet. 
The inclusion of the bassinet sets the Indie 4 stroller apart from nearly every single other stroller on the market. It’s an amazing decision and an amazing bit of baby gear. You sit it on the seat and it looks good there, although it’s not quite as neat as that in the Vista, since you can remove the Vista’s seat to place the bassinet there instead. The bassinet is also collapsible, which increases travel space. The bassinet itself is 31.75″ long, 10.5″ high, and 15″ wide, while the dimensions when folded are 31.75″ long, 6″ high, and 15″ wide. The bassinet is rather light at 4 pounds and can hold children up to 19 pounds in weight.

Cons of the Bumbleride Indie Stroller

No automatic braking system. This is a con that comes up with nearly every stroller on the market today besides the Navigator and Classic strollers. An automatic braking system would help the stroller automatically come to a stop if you were no longer in contact with it, which is a lifesaving feature if you ever slip while your stroller begins to roll away from you toward traffic. Hopefully this feature is added to all Bumbleride strollers in the near future.

Comparing the Bumbleride Indie with the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller

Weight:                                  20 pounds for the Indie vs 22 pounds for the Indie 4.
Weight limit:                      45 pounds vs 55 pounds.
Seat to canopy height:  23″ vs 24.”
Wheel design:                    3 12″ vs 2 8.5″ and 2 12.”
Peekaboo closure:          
Velcro vs. Magnetic.
Bassinet:                               
None vs. Included.
Suspension type:             
Rear-wheel vs. All-wheel.
Standing fold:                    
No vs. Yes.
Automatic lock:               
No vs. Yes.

Specifications of the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller

The Indie 4 stroller weighs 22 pounds and has a 55 pound weight limit. Its folded dimensions are 29″ in length, 24.5″ in width, and 15″ in height. The handle bar can span 25″ to 43″ above the ground, while the seat height is 14.” The front tires are 12″ in diameter while the rear tires span 8.5.” The overall length is 31″ while the overall width is 24.4.”

Warranty on the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller

There is a 3-year-warranty from Bumbleride when you buy your Indie 4. The clock starts ticking on the date of purchase. You can read more information about the warranty here.

Where to buy the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller

I prefer buying my strollers and similar baby items from Amazon, since they often have the lowest prices, free returns and shipping, and don’t charge sales tax. I completely recommend the Bumbleride Indie 4 Stroller. You can buy it here in Aquamarine, Jet Black, Cayenne Red, Fog Grey, Green Papyrus, and Lotus Pink.

If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

BOB Revolution SE Duallie Double Stroller Review

bobseduallieThe BOB Revolution SE Duallie is one of the strollers I find myself recommending most frequently to parents of multiple children, simply due to the fact that it just makes parenting easier when you aren’t fighting a stroller. The BOB was designed to give parents one less thing to worry about, and I appreciate that as a parent of a lot of kids.

2017 update: The SE Duallie was redesigned and is essentially the same stroller as the Flex. Besides cosmetic changes (e.g., colors and fabric styles), the mechanics of the stroller remain the same. Without further ado, here is what I believe to be the most comprehensive review of the BOB Revolution SE Duallie double stroller on the Internet.

Buy the BOB Revolution SE Duallie on Sale at Amazon.

Weight and Dimensions of the BOB Revolution SE Duallie

How much does the BOB Revolution SE Duallie weigh?

The SE Duallie weighs 32 pounds according to my digital scale. It’s not the lightest double stroller, but it’s definitely not one of the heaviest, either. And unless you’re pushing around an umbrella stroller, you’re going to naturally deal with a little more weight in a double stroller.

What’s the widest door you can fit a BOB Revolution SE Duallie through?

The SE Duallie is 30.5 inches wide and standard doors are 36.5″ wide, which means you can easily fit one through a regular door. I find it easiest to not think about doors at all, since it passes through them without trouble.

Using the BOB Revolution SE Duallie with Children

Can you use two infant seat adapters with the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

Unfortunately, you can’t do this, at least per BOB. The issue is that you aren’t going to be able to use a pair of adapters on the stroller while managing to fit it through a door that’s built to standard widths (36.5″ or fewer). As a result, you can only use one car seat in an adapter at a time.

What’s the tallest child you can fit in the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

The precise dimensions will vary from one child to the next, especially since some children carry their height in their torsos while others do in their legs, but I’d estimate at least 48 inches for most children, which is long enough to allow most children to ride in the SE Duallie at least until age 5.

What’s the recommended age range for the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

BOB recommends using the SE Duallie with children aged between 6 months and up to 4 or beyond. We’ve used it with older children easily; the main limits are in the height beneath the canopy.

How much can children weigh while using the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

The maximum carrying weight, which can be divided between the two seats, is 100 pounds.

Seating in the BOB Revolution SE Duallie

bobseduallie
What are the seats made of in the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

The seats in the SE Duallie are made out of cloth and feel much like a car seat. The fabric is high quality and stands up to extended use; ours is now close to 4 years old and the fabric still looks amazing, especially considering the fact that there aren’t any tears, stains, or rips in the fabric yet, no matter how wild our kids have been with them.

I would rate the fabric in the updated SE Duallie as slightly softer than that in the previous edition, even though I was a fan of the old fabric as well.

What is seat support like in the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

Seat support has definitely improved in this version, and there are cushions throughout the seat, which make them much more comfortable to sit in for extended periods of time. BOB additionally built in additional padding to create a headrest, and also took the time to build in lumbar support, which is something you aren’t going to find in the majority of double strollers.

Can you recline the seats in the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

No, you can’t fully recline the seats in the SE Duallie, but you can definitely recline the seats enough to make it safe for an infant to use. The seats don’t recline fully flat, but get very close. I’d describe it as a 3/4 recline. I also like the fact that the recline feature was completely redesigned and makes much more sense for the average parent; you don’t have to buckle and unbuckle to adjust the recline.

What is leg room like in the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

The leg room in the newest generation of the SE Duallie is rather generous, primarily because the footrest area was redesigned. Children have lots of room to stretch their feet and a good amount of room for resting them when sleeping or tired.

se2What are the sun canopies like in the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

The canopies are one of the best parts of the SE Duallie; they were redesigned in 2011 and for the better, if you ask me. They are very large and provide an excellent amount of coverage. There is a ratcheting feature built into them for more precise adjustments, and the forward range has been extended as a result. There is a ‘peek-a-boo’ window at the top of the canopy that was brought over from previous versions, but it has since been expanded to cover the full canopy top, which means it’s easier for you to see all of your child now.

You can roll up and stow away the window cover to the peek-a-boo right into a pocket that’s built in on top of the canopy. I’m also a fan of the velcro straps on top of the canopy. There are two of them, and when you use them, you can pull up any extra canopy material when the canopy is fully retracted. This doesn’t affect comfort for younger children, but if you’ve got an older child, it gives him or her much more room.

The canopies themselves are made out of a waterproof material that’s also easy to clean, thankfully. They are also independently functional, which means that you can have one open and another closed, or both open, or both closed, and so on.

Buy the BOB Revolution SE Duallie on Sale at Amazon.

Pushing and Moving the BOB Revolution SE Duallie

seduallie04What is it like to push the BOB Revolution SE Duallie? 

In a word: smooth. It’s like pushing a cloud in front of you; that’s about how much effort it takes. The shock absorption system is also top notch; it makes the ride an incredibly smooth one for your child passengers, as well as a smooth one for the parents doing the pushing. You’ll find yourself wanting to go for walks with the stroller for no particular reason at all, which is about as high of a compliment as I can pay a stroller.

se1What are the wheels and tires like on the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

The wheels are as solid as the rest of the stroller. I like how large the wheels are and I’m also a fan of the rim construction. They used to be made of metal, but it was a bendy metal that dented easily under heavy use. The rims now come in a strong plastic that’s designed to stand up to a range of conditions. And frankly, the star design in the spokes of the rims just looks better. The tires are inflatable, of course, and BOB took the time to install the air valves at an angle, which makes it much easier to connect an air pump when you need to give them a top off.

You can lock the front wheel for jogging, or you can allow it to swivel when walking. It’s also handy to lock the front wheel when you’re dealing with rougher terrain, as it provides greater stability at the cost of the greater maneuverability inherent when the wheel is swiveling.

Are the wheels on the BOB Revolution SE Duallie removable?

You can remove the back wheels easily so you can store the entire stroller in a more compact package. The foot brake has not been changed in its design; it’s a basic bar design that you push down to activate or lift up to release.

How do I fix a flat tire on the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

The tires are essentially small bicycle tires; they have inner tubes that you can replace as needed. To pump the tires, you can use a standard bike pump, or any other pump that has a schraeder valve; you can’t use a presta valve on these. You might want to invest in a small portable pump that you can take with you and even just leave in the storage basket so you have access to it while on the go. Alternatively, a portable air compressor that can be powered by the 12V connector (the cigarette lighter) in your car is also a good investment.

seduallie06Storing and Transporting the BOB Revolution SE Duallie

How do you pack up the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

You simply fold the SE Duallie to take it with you. There’s a tether (frequently known as a “leash”) attached to the handle bar that you use to lock the stroller in place when you fold it up so it won’t start opening up unexpectedly when you’re trying to load it into the back of your minivan.

How do you open up the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

This hasn’t changed since the previous version; you essentially shake the stroller open, which sounds scary, but makes a lot of sense once you literally do it.

Cargo and Storage of the BOB Revolution SE Duallie

se2What’s storage like for the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

BOB redesigned the storage compartment with the revision of the stroller, changing things from a basic square design to a storage basket with raised sides, which, practically speaking, means that you can now stuff more things into the basket. Similarly, since the storage harness is now no longer tethered to the brake of the SE Duallie, it’s easy to toss things into the storage bin, such as diaper bags.

There are also two baskets behind each seat that allow you to store additional materials. You can also additionally purchase a handle bar console, which is useful for storing things like water bottles, keys, wallets, and phones.

What are the dimensions of the BOB Revolution SE Duallie lower storage compartment?

The lower storage area is around 12″ deep, 17″ wide, and 11″ high.

Maintenance and Cleaning of the BOB Revolution SE Duallie

How do you clean the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

To clean the fabric throughout the SE Duallie, you can simply get soapy water and dip a scrub brush in it before going to town. You can rinse everything down with a hose or a bucket, let it air dry, and get back to using it. 

What is the warranty coverage like on the BOB Revolution SE Duallie?

A 5 year warranty is standard for the stroller’s frame, while the other parts of the stroller, such as the wheels, canopy, and fabric, come with a one year warranty.

Concluding thoughts on the BOB Revolution SE Duallie

Is the BOB Revolution SE Duallie worth it?

In conclusion, three years after the redesign, the SE Duallie is still one of the best double strollers I’ve come across, and I’d heartily recommend it to most parents and caregivers who work with multiple children. You can buy the BOB Revolution SE Duallie in a range of colors here.

If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double Stroller Review

City Mini GT Double Review on the Car Crash Detective.
The City Mini GT Double is one of the best double strollers on the market, year after year.

2018 Update: The City Mini GT double remains largely the same compared to previous years; the only changes have been cosmetic, such as in color and fabric options. It’s still one of the absolute best double strollers on the market if you can afford its ever-climbing price tag.

The Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double Stroller is one of our favorite strollers to use when we aren’t planning on using any heavy trails or doing anything exercise related. It’s not a jogging stroller, but it does just about everything else with as much or more style than any other double stroller on the market right now. We’ve had ours for a couple of years now, and it’s about time I settled down to write a review on it. Without further ado, here is what I believe to be the most comprehensive review of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double stroller on the Internet.

How much does the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double weigh?

The City Mini GT Double weighs 32.5 pounds according to my digital scale, which matches up exactly with the specifications published by Baby Jogger. However, it doesn’t feel like it weighs 32 pounds when you’re pushing it; it feels significantly lighter. Of course, once you’ve got two preschoolers pushing around in it with a full day’s worth of food packed for a trip to the zoo, it’s going to feel significantly heavier.

What’s the narrowest door you can fit a Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double through?

The City Mini GT Double is one of the narrowest high-end side by side strollers on the market; at 29.75″ inches wide, it is capable of fitting through doors just under 30″ wide, which is smaller than the standard door size. I’ve yet to run into a door while shopping that I couldn’t fit it through. It’s important to note that you’re not going to be able to fit it through certain interior doors, depending on their dimensions. It’ll fit through all normal doors in retail environments, however.

What are the length, width, and height of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

The City Mini GT Double is 44″ long, 29.75″ wide, and between 30 and 43.5″ tall, depending on how you have the seats reclined, when it is unfolded. When you fold it up, it contracts to 12.5″ long, 29.75″ wide, and 31″ tall.

How Wide is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double at the shoulders?

The City Mini GT Double is 12″ wide at the shoulders for an individual child. This might not sound wide, but pretty much all of our children who have used it have felt comfortable with the shoulder width until they were clearly too big for the seat. For example, our 6 year old daughter couldn’t sit comfortably at the shoulders, but her head also stuck out above the canopy area since she was clearly too tall for the seat by that point.

Where can I find the user manual for the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

You can download the full manual for the City Mini GT Double here. The stroller manual is a PDF and is available in English, French, and Spanish.

Can you use two infant seat adapters with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

Yes! You can either go with regular infant car seats or with bassinets, which we think are even cooler, if you use the Compact Pram or Deluxe Pram system offered by Baby Jogger. We’ve got a pair of the Deluxe, and they really came in handy when we had a pair of infants who we wanted to be able to transport with a completely flat recline and still keep nice and snug. However, you can also use the seats in the City Mini GT Double in a fully reclined position without an adapter or bassinet, which is great if you don’t want to fuss with accessories.

Alternatively, you can also purchase a mounting bracket that will allow you to install infant seats from a wide range of manufacturers. We’ve got one for the occasional infant seat installation.

What’s the tallest child you can fit in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

The maximum height limit in each seat of the City Mini GT Double is 44.” That said, we’ve fit our daughters in without a struggle at 45″ and even a bit past that, but what you’re able to do will also depend on the torso and leg proportions of your child. Leggy kids will have more room than long-torsoed children.

What’s the recommended age range for the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

Baby Jogger recommends a range between birth and 5 years. Of course, if you’re planning on using the City Mini GT Double with a newborn, you’ll either want the Compact Pram or lots of head and neck support along with as much recline as you can get out of the seat. The higher end of the age range isn’t as crucial; at some point, however, your kids will either get too tall or too heavy for the seat, which brings us to the next question…

How much can children weigh while using the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

The maximum weight limit in each seat is 50 pounds, while the maximum combined weight is 100 pounds. The total weight load for the stroller is 14 pounds past that, including cargo.

Is a child tray included with the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

A child tray is not included; you’ll need to buy one separately from Baby Jogger.

What are the seats made of in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

The fabric of the City Mini GT Double is a soft cloth that is machine-washable (more on that later).

What is seat support like in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

Seat support is good and is quite similar to that of the Summit X3 double, which makes sense, since they’re both made by Baby Jogger.

Can you recline the seats in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

Yes! This is one of my favorite parts of this seat, and is why we will automatically reach for the City Mini GT Double when we don’t need the jogging capabilities of any of the other double strollers we have. There are very few high-end side by side strollers that allow you to fully recline, so when you find one with that feature, you hold onto it!

What is leg room like in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

The leg room is good; the seat to knee distance is 10″ and the knee to footplate distance is 10″ more, which gives your child 20″ of total leg room before he or she would need to start sticking his or her feet over the footplate.

What are the sun canopies like in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

The sun canopies are another excellent part of what is already an excellent seat. They are independently adjustable and offer a good amount of coverage when we’re out and about, such as when walking through the zoo on a 90 degree day with the sun perched high in the sky (not our best idea, by the way).

What is the rain canopy for the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double like?

The rain canopy (Baby Jogger sometimes calls it a weather shield) is great. It looks a bit like a transparent umbrella or cellophane wrap, but it does the job of protecting your little ones from rain admirably, and I’d definitely recommend picking it up. You wouldn’t think you’d get caught in the rain often enough to use it until your kids decide they want to go to the park every single day, all spring long. Believe me–it comes in handy.

What is it like to push the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

gt04It’s fun! This is not a jogging stroller, but it’s definitely a smooth one as long as you stick to paved surfaces. A good stroller almost makes you forget you’re pushing anything, and a really good stroller makes you want to walk even more quickly because of how easily it moves in front of you. I’d classify this as a really good stroller.

Can the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double be used for jogging?

Unfortunately, you can’t use the City Mini GT Double for jogging. The wheels do lock, and you’re supposed to lock the wheels when loading, but they’re simply too small to work functionally for jogging. The suspension also isn’t built to handle jogging; if you’re interested in doing this, the closest equivalent to the City Mini GT Double will be Baby Jogger’s Summit X3 double, which is designed for jogging.

Is the handlebar on the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double adjustable?

Ygt05es! This is another advantage the City Mini GT Double has over its jogging sibling, the Summit X3 double; you can swing it up and down to make just about any height work. I’m several inches taller than my wife (5’11” vs 5’3″), yet neither of us has any trouble finding an angle and height that works for us. We know a couple where the wife is 5’5″ and the husband is 6’4″, and both are happy. The handlebar is also made out of rubber, which is nicer than the handle on the Britax B Agile double stroller, which is made of foam.

How is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double‘s suspension?

It works and stays out of your way, which is good enough in my books. To be technical, the front wheels have individual suspension systems, while the rear wheels do not have anything. You can definitely tell a difference between the suspension system in the City Mini GT Double and that in the Summit X3 double, but it’s not enough of a difference to make getting the latter over the former unless you’re going to spend time running, jogging, or off-roading with the City Mini GT Double.

What are the brakes like on the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

The City Mini GT Double features a parking brake that’s accessible by hand on the side of the handlebar, which is a very nice touch. It’s not quite as awesome as the hand-operated brake on the Summit X3 double, but since you shouldn’t be approaching the speeds you’d achieve with that stroller, it shouldn’t make to much of a difference. And it’s definitely much more convenient than having to reach down to set the brake.

What are the wheels and tires like on the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

The tires are made out of rubber and are filled with foam. Baby Jogger describes them as all-terrain wheels, which I suppose is technically true, but this is a double stroller that definitely feels more at home on a sidewalk than in a grassy trail. That said, it’s nice to not need to worry about fixing a flat tire or carrying an air pump in case tire pressure gets low.

How do I fix a flat tire on the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

 You don’t! The tires don’t get flat, since they aren’t filled with air. This actually makes the tires more durable than the air-filled ones in jogging strollers, which is one of the reasons we like taking this stroller in rougher areas as long as we accept that we’re going to need to move more slowly.

How do you pack up the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

 gt06Folding the City Mini GT Double is super easy; you simply grab onto the straps and lift them, and the City Mini GT Double takes care of itself. There is an auto lock that keeps it locked when you’re storing or moving it. You can remove the wheels to have more space when storing it in the back of a small vehicle.

How do you open up the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

Opening it is just as easy: pull, and it’s open!

How do you assemble the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

You basically attach the wheels and it’s ready to go. OK, there are a few more parts to put together if you’re doing it for the first time, such as the frame, which you need to open up, and the canopy, which you need to attach, but it really only takes a few minutes, and pictures are included in the manual.

What’s storage like for the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

 There’s a storage compartment underneath the City Mini GT Double that’s shaped like a basket and is large enough to fit a large backpack. You can also fit in a number of groceries in there, such as milk, bags of fruits and vegetables, and boxes of additional small things in there. To be honest, our 2 year old has also spent some time hiding in there–when we weren’t moving, of course. At least, that’s what I tell my wife…

What are the weight limits of the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double storage compartments? 

You can store up to 10 pounds of material in the basket and up to 2 pounds in each of the rear compartments behind each seat.

Is a parent console available for the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

Yes, but you’ll need to buy it on your own. We think it’s well worth the cost, as it’s nice to not have to worry about where you’re going to put a drink or a bit of food while walking around the mall.

How do you clean the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

To clean the seat fabric, it’s recommended to machine wash cold using a gentle detergent. Of course, you should pull away the metal frame and PE boards before you wash the seat, and you shouldn’t use any kinds of harsh chemicals. For drying, your best bet is to let it air dry directly on the frame; if you iron or do anything else, you can get fabric shrinkage.To clean the plastic and metal parts, a rag along with mild soap and warm water will work well. You’re not supposed to do anything to the folding mechanism or the brakes.The wheels are easily cleaned with a damp cloth, and Baby Jogger tells you to dry them thoroughly with a cloth or soft towel.

What is the warranty coverage like on the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double?

There is a limited lifetime warranty for the frame itself, and a one year warranty that accompanies fabrics. Wear and tear, rust, poor assembly, accidental damage, and improper storage or care aren’t covered, and you’ll need to be the original owner with proof of purchase to make a claim.

Is the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double worth it?

In a word? Absolutely. It’s our default go to stroller when we don’t need jogging capabilities, and that’s saying something. It’s an incredibly comfortable, roomy, and frankly, easy stroller to get along with. We use it when traveling to the zoo, the park, the mall, and pretty much anywhere when we know we’re going to have smooth paved surfaces. In my opinion, it’s quite possibly the best non-jogging double stroller currently on the market.You can buy the Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double in a range of colors and prints here.

If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

3 Across Installations: Which Car Seats Will Fit In a Mazda 3?

The Mazda 3 (known in Japan as the Mazda Axela) is one of the fastest-growing small cars in the United States today, providing a stylish counterpart to more established models like the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla, Ford Focus, and Toyota Prius, while competing directly with newer models like the Chevy Cruze, Hyundai Elantra, and Kia Forte. Its distinctive looks and marketing toward young professionals have made it a popular choice among small families interested in safe transportation without sacrificing style. I borrowed a few models this past weekend to see which car seats fit well in a Mazda 3, and in particular, to look at which car seats fit well in 3 across combinations in the Mazda 3.

However, before looking at the seat combinations, let’s review best practice principles when it comes to car seat safety. For me, that means rear-facing children as long as possible (ideally until 4!), and then forward-facing our kiddos as long as feasible (ideally until 8!), and then placing them in booster seats until they’re capable of using a regular seat belt (which typically happens between 10 and 12). These guidelines are meant to keep our little ones as safe as possible by restraining them appropriately as long as feasible.

That said, if you’re going to use best practices, it helps to know which seats will and won’t work in the Mazda 3, which is why I put this guide together. I got out a lot of car seats and after several hours and bruised knuckles, have what I believe is the most complete list of 3 across combinations possible in the Mazda 3.  If you find the list helpful when shopping for car seats, you can shop through my Amazon link below. I’ll add more seats as I test them over time.

You can access the complete 3 across guide for every vehicle here and the complete list of recommended seats here. The Canadian car seat guide is here. 3 across car seat images are courtesy of Wikipedia.

mazda 3 - axela - publicdomain2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 Mazda 3 (BM)

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

Clek Fllo (x3).

Clek Foonf (x3).

Diono Radian RXT (x3).

Diono Radian R120 (x3).

Diono Radian R100 (x3).

Chicco KeyFit 30 (x3).

Clek Oobr (x3).

Combi Coccoro (x3).

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Tips and Tricks:

This generation of the Mazda 3 is 180 inches long and 71 inches wide, which means you’ll gain an inch in width over the previous generation, although you also lose an inch in length. You’ll still definitely need seat belt installations to have a chance of getting the Britax seats to puzzle well together, but it’s possible to do so with enough time and effort.

As with most small cars, you’ll also face a challenge in front-to-back space due to the short length of the 3. You’ll want to check out the front-to-back convertible leg room guide if you’ve got taller drivers or front-seat passengers.

10mazda32010, 2011, 2012, 2013 Mazda 3 (BL)

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

Clek Fllo (x3).

Clek Foonf (x3).

Combi Cocorro (x3).

Diono Radian / RXT (x3).

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Tips and Tricks:

This generation of the Mazda 3 is 181 inches long and 69 inches wide, which means that any seats that work in the prior generation can be expected to work in this generation as well, and that you’ll have a bit more front-to-back room too, which is always enjoyable if you’re sitting in the front seats. You’ll want to check out the front-to-back convertible leg room guide if you’ve got taller drivers or front-seat passengers.

08mazda32004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 Mazda 3 (BK)

Guaranteed 3 across installations:

Clek Fllo (x3).

Clek Foonf (x3).

Combi Cocorro (x3).

Diono Radian / RXT (x3).

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Advocate G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Boulevard G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon ClickTight, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon G4.1, Britax Frontier 90.

Britax Frontier 90, Britax Marathon G4, Britax Frontier 90.

Tips and Tricks:

This initial generation of the Mazda 3 is 178 inches long and 69 inches wide, which makes it more challenging than the average car when it comes to puzzling a successful 3 across installation. However, with a bit of creativity, luck, and seat belt installations, you can still make several seats work.

In the Frontier-Advocate / Boulevard-Frontier installations, the outboard seats will likely tilt slightly inward once the installations are complete, due to how the outboard seats in the 3 are organized. However, it’s still a safe installation since the seats are independently tight and do not overlap each other.

If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.

BOB Revolution Flex Stroller Review: It’s Great!

flex01BOB Strollers are among my favorite on the market right now when it comes to jogging options; they look good, they handle well, and they’re built to last. We’ve been a fan of our SE Duallie for a number of years and wrote a BOB SE Duallie review, and figured it was about time to review the Revolution Flex we’ve had around the house for a while. The Revolution Flex is an update of the Revolution SE, which has been around for a while. The primary difference between the two strollers is that the Revolution Flex has an adjustable handlebar, while the Revolution SE does not. That’s really the only difference between the two! However, let’s look at the details of the Revolution Flex together; it’s my goal to make this the most detailed BOB Revolution Flex review on the Internet.

Quick Review of the BOB Revolution Flex Single Stroller

flex02The  handlebar in the Revolution Flex, which is the primary difference between it and the Revolution SE, can be adjusted in 9 positions and ranges in height from 34″ to 45.”

To be honest, I’m rather surprised that BOB changed the name simply because they changed the handlebar. They’ve already got a number of similar strollers such as the Strides Fitness, the CE, and the SE, and a number of parents have emailed or spoken to me for advice in the past about how to choose between them. At any rate, there are also color changes present: Black, Lagoon, Orange, and Wilderness, and the frame comes in silver and in black.

The Revolution Flex also comes with a large canopy, a roomy seat, an easy fold capability, a large basket, and a 5 point harness. All of these features are nice, but as a jogging parent, what I mot like are the excellent suspension system to deliver a smooth ride and the large, rubber, air-filled tires. You can get through any type of terrain with these tires, which is why BOB makes the best jogging strollers on the market. It comes in at 25 pounds on my scale, which is rather typical for a single jogging stroller.

On my 1 to 5 stroller rating scale, I award the Bob Revolution Flex 5 out of 5 stars, simply because it does everything the Revolution SE does, but adds a bit more functionality due to the adjustable handlebar. The only feature I can think of that I’d really like to have in addition would be some kind of automatic braking system. However, I’m definitely a fan of the bright, sporty colors, and the ability to choose my frame color. You can buy it for free shipping, without sales tax, and with free returns from Amazon here.

Buy the BOB Revolution Flex Stroller on Sale at Amazon.

Pros of the BOB Revolution Flex

flex03Expanded canopy. The Revolution Flex has a wide, expanded, oversized canopy, which makes it just like its SE model twin. There are a pair of panels that can be folded downward to provide an excellent amount of shade and coverage from the sun, wind, and other elements. There is a peekaboo window present above the canopy that provides a great view of little ones through the clear plastic material. To close the canopy, however, you still need to deal with the rather noisy Velcro, which BOB would do well to replace with some kind of magnetic or button snap closure system when next they update it. However, this still remains one of the top jogging stroller canopies currently available.

flex04Adjustable handlebar. This is another huge pro of the Revolution Flex, and it’s good to see BOB took parent feedback and the feedback I sent them regarding the SE.

There are 9 adjustable positions to the handlebar and the handlebar clicks smoothly through each of them. You can use them to adjust the height between 34″ and 45,” which is short and tall enough to make both shorter and taller parents and couples happy. I’m also pleased to find the nice foam padding on the handlebar.

Wrist strap. The wrist strap, which is known as a runaway strap, is a safety feature. You attach it to the handlebar on one end and to your wrist on the other to keep the stroller from rolling away from you while you’re on the go. I’ll readily admit that this feature has kept my BOB from getting away from me once or twice in the past.

flex05Comfortable and roomy seat. Your kids get a lot of room in the Revolution Flex. I measure the seat as 23″ high from the canopy top to the seat bottom and 14.5″ wide end to end. There’s a good amount of padding in the seat that’s also stain-resistant, and I like how you can recline the seat to an almost completely flat position. I’m not a fan of the strap recline system, as there are a pair of straps, with one on the left side and the other on the right, which you’re going to need to adjust at the same time in order to recline the seat. With a number of other strollers, you can operate the recline with one hand since there’s only one strap, but that’s not the case here. Hopefully BOB brings either a one hand strap or a one hand lever soon. You can use it with children who are 6 months and older, and there’s a 70 pound weight limit, which will last most kids until at least the elementary school years. The materials used to make the seat are high-visibility, high-durability, and machine-washable.

Storage pockets in the seats. There are a pair of mesh pockets within the seat that you can use for just about anything. We use ours to keep snacks, a sippy cup, toys, or small articles of clothing like hats and mittens.

Five point harness. Nearly every stroller on the market today comes with an adjustable 5-point harness, and the Revolution Flex is no exception. It’s a no-rethread harness, which means that you don’t need to remove the harness and re-hook it through the seat in order to adjust it for height, which is quite convenient. However, I’d like it more if the center release buckle were more difficult to unlock.

flex06Behind the seat storage. I’m not the most organized parent out there, and if you’re anything like me, you appreciate every inch of storage you can find for everything your babies need. I sometimes feel like we’re going camping whenever we’re heading out with our stroller to the mall or to the zoo, and it’s really nice to have a good amount of storage behind the seat. There’s a zipper pocket that lets you put small things there.

Buy the BOB Revolution Flex Stroller on Sale at Amazon.

flex07Generous basket beneath the seat. The basket is where you’ll want to go to store the big things. The funny thing is that so many jogger strollers have small baskets for some reason; perhaps the manufacturers think people who are jogging are minimal parents, but in my case, I need a diaper bag and a few other things in there on each trip, and it’s great to have a good-sized basket for storage. You can also get to it easily from behind the seat and from the sides, which I like.

flex08Large, air-filled wheels. When you’re buying a jogging stroller, you’re buying it for the wheels, and the Revolution Flex delivers them in spades. These are amazing wheels! They’re filled with air, as wheels should be with jogging strollers, and the wheels are 12″ in diameter in the front and 16″ in diameter in the back. The tires are made of rubber and the wheels are high-impact polymer, or fancy plastic. We took ours off-road onto the local trails and didn’t have any issues; they’d also work quite well in snowy streets, in the beach, or in the grass. You can either set the front wheel to swivel or to lock for difficult terrain.

Adjustable suspension system. You also benefit from an adjustable suspension system when you buy the Revolution Flex, and it’s the kind of system that makes you glad you bought a BOB instead of just any jogger. It’s adjustable and hydraulic-based to increase ride smoothness.

Foot-activated parking brake. You also get a foot-based parking brake between the rear wheels. It’s capable of locking and holding both of your rear wheels for safety. However, it’s not designed to adjust easily, so you’ll need to put some force into it with your shoe.

Folds easily. As I noted earlier, you need to fold the Revolution Flex with two hands, but it’s an easy process. However, there isn’t an automatic lock in place, which means you’ll need to apply a clip so the stroller stays in place once it’s been folded. You also can’t stand the stroller by itself once you’ve folded. The folded dimensions are 16″ in height, 25.5″ in width, and 39″ in length, so it’s a decent-sized stroller. If you can’t easily fit it in the trunk of your car, at least you can remove the rear wheels without much trouble.

Cons of the BOB Revolution Flex

No automatic braking system or lock. The main cons of the Flex involve the lack of an automatic braking system, which I believe every stroller should have for safety, and the lack of an automatic lock. Hopefully both are present the next time the Revolution is refreshed.

Specifications of the BOB Revolution Flex

The Flex weights 25 pounds and has a 70 pound weight limit. Its folded dimensions are 16″ in height, 25.5″ in width, and 39″ in length. It’s 48″ long in swivel mode and 53″ long in jogging mode, while it has a 25.5″ overall width. The handlebar ranges from 34″ to 45″ and has a seat height of 23.”

Warranty on the BOB Revolution Flex

There is a 5 year limited warranty included with the BOB Revolution Flex when it comes to the frame and a 1 year warranty involving the fabric and small parts in the stroller. Given the reliability of BOB strollers, you’re unlikely to need it, but it’s nice to know it’s there.

Where to buy the BOB Revolution Flex

I prefer buying my strollers and similar baby items from Amazon, since they often have the lowest prices, free returns and shipping, and don’t charge sales tax. I completely recommend the BOB Revolution Flex. You can buy it here in Lagoon, Wilderness, Orange, or Black.

If you find the information on car safety, recommended car seats, and car seat reviews on this car seat blog helpful, you can shop through this Amazon link for any purchases, car seat-related or not. Canadians can shop through this link for Canadian purchases.