In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Jogger City Mini Review

Smooth maneuvering option that is easy to use and good for napping, but heavy for a lightweight stroller
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Baby Jogger City Mini Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $260 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Jogger
By Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team  ⋅  Mar 24, 2019
63
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Weight/Folded Size - 35% 3.0
  • Ease Of Use - 30% 8.0
  • Maneuverability - 25% 8.0
  • Quality - 10% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Baby Jogger City Mini earned a Top Pick award for everyday use thanks to a high score in ease of use, maneuverability, and quality while offering car seat compatibility and one of the simplest folds in the group. This standard stroller made the 18 lb cut off for this review by the skin of its teeth, and the higher weight may be a deal breaker for parents who want a truly lightweight option. However, for parents who want a stroller that can do almost anything but jog, the City Mini is a nice option at a nice price, that might be the only stroller you need to buy. Alternatively, if you value a smaller size and don't need car seat compatibility, but are still looking for something easy to use, the Zoe XL1 Best v2 earned top marks for ease of use, weighs less, scored higher overall, and costs less.
REASONS TO BUY
Easy to use
Cozy napping
Car seat compatible
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavier than umbrella options
Hard to carry
Discontinued
The Baby Jogger City Mini has been discontinued, as has its replacement, the the Baby Jogger City Mini 2.

Our Analysis and Test Results

Baby Jogger was started in 1984 by parents who wanted to jog with their babies. Motivated to resolve their issue, the parents created a jogging stroller. Since the beginning, Baby Jogger has created multiple stroller types designed for a variety of activities. In 2015, Newell Rubbermaid bought Baby Jogger, and together they continue to design sought after strollers.

Performance Comparison


The Baby Jogger City Mini (in blue) earned a Top Pick award thanks to a higher overall score and the features it offers that allow it to function as an everyday stroller and a lightweight option.


The following sections will provide more information on how this stroller performed during testing.

Weight and Folded Size


Weighing 17.5 lbs and measuring 8,300 cubic inches when folded the City Mini earned a 3 of 10 for weight and folded size.


It is the second heaviest and largest stroller in the review. However, it is light for a standard stroller, and the weight is a trade-off for more features.

baby jogger city mini - the city mini earned a high score for ease of use with plenty of...
The City Mini earned a high score for ease of use with plenty of features that function well.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The City Mini earned an 8 of 10 for ease of use.


This score is the high for the metric shared by the Zoe XL1 Best v2.



Fold and Unfold


The City Mini has a one-handed fold with an automatic lock, but it doesn't self-stand. The fold is easy but more physical than the lighter strollers. To fold, pull up on the fold handle on the seat bottom, and the stroller folds in half.

Brakes


The City Mini has single action brakes with a center pedal that is easy to set and release. Releasing can be done by pressing the pedal a second time or by lifting from underneath, making it sandal foot friendly.

Storage


The storage bin has a 10 lb weight allowance, and we were able to fit our medium size diaper bag inside. Access to the bin is easy from the back and sides, but the curved bar on the back makes it difficult to fit larger bags. It also has a mesh pocket on the back of the seat.

Sunshade


The Mini has a large canopy with two peek-a-boo windows made of vinyl. The windows have covers with hook and loop closures, and the canopy is SPF 50+ and provides coverage over the knees.

Harness


The harness is 5-point and easy to adjust for size. Rethreading is challenging thanks to two layers of threading, and the back can be difficult to access for threading as you have to slide your hand into a pocket with no visibility. If you have large hands, you may not be able to fit one in at all.

Seat


The City Mini seat has a non-adjustable padded leg rest and reclining the seat back. The recline adjustment toggle is easy to use, and the seat back is almost flat for comfortable napping.

Car Seat Compatibility


With the purchase of a compatible adapter, the City Mini works with a variety of infant car seats.


If you plan to use a lightweight stroller for a baby under six months old, we prefer a car seat carrier attachment option. We do not believe that umbrella/lightweight strollers without an infant car seat carrier are good for babies under six months old. Because babies under six months lack head and neck control, they are unable to avoid potential injury and need specifically designed seats and inserts to assist them. These products lack the features and design required for safely jostling baby over uneven surfaces.

Ease of Setup





The City Mini took 4:29 minutes to assemble, which is above average. This stroller has an easy to follow manual and also requires no tools for set up.

baby jogger city mini - the lightweight and umbrella strollers, like the baby jogger city...
The lightweight and umbrella strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Mini shown here, were tested on various terrains in various locations to determine true maneuverability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


The City Mini earned an impressive 8 of 10 in our maneuverability tests. To our surprise, despite the dual front wheel design, the Mini is relatively easy to turn and push. It is responsive enough to navigate crowded locations and pushes and turns well on uneven surface, as long as the front wheels avoid catching on object in the road. We experienced a little vibration in the handlebar from a slight wobble that feels like the stroller is swaying.


The City Mini has front wheel suspension, nicer padding, and a sling style seat. With a deep recline and large canopy, this stroller is cozy for passengers. The handlebar has a rubber coating which isn't as comfortable as competing products that use foam but is more comfy than plastic.

baby jogger city mini - the baby jogger city mini is a high quality stroller that makes a...
The Baby Jogger City Mini is a high quality stroller that makes a good everyday option that is lighter weight and versatile.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


This stroller earned an 8 of 10 for quality with materials and connections that are well-constructed, and smooth. The simple and sturdy frame of the Mini operates well, and the fabric wraps around the frame evenly. The stroller doesn't flex much when pushing.

Manufacturer Video


The following video is an overview of the City Mini prepared by Baby Jogger.

Juliet Spurrier, MD & BabyGearLab Team