With the 2-yr old and the second one on the way, I decided to look for a double stroller. I wanted a side-by-side type, with jogging/running capability, good size canopy for sun protection and compact enough to fit through a door. By looking through a ton of strollers online at the Babies-R-Us store, I decided to go with the Baby Jogger City Elite double stroller. It seemed to have everything, nice soft reclining seats, good size basket underneath, large size canopy for each seat and an easy fold-up technology. What else could a mom dream of? I found the stroller on the Babies-r-Us site under Jogging/Running strollers. Though the price tag wasn’t small, it retails for $420.
When my mother-in-law brought over the heavy box, she pointed out that there was a warning right on the box:
I was surprised to see this sign since it was made by “Baby Jogger” and listed under Jogging/Running strollers on Babies-r-Us website. I decided to call Baby Jogger to make sure that it wasn’t a mistake. Unfortunately, the rep confirmed that this model is not intended for running or jogging. I was shocked, to me, when I pay over $400 for a stroller, I would expect it do flips in the air!! LOL! She suggested that I call Babies-R-Us directly and deal with the issue.
My goal was to return the stroller without having to pay for shipping from my own pocket. Trust me, the box is very heavy! When I called Babies-R-Us and explained my issue, the rep was very nice. He emailed us the UPS shipping label and all we have to do now is print it, attach it to the box and call UPS store for a pick up.
I guess my disappointment with Baby Jogger is that they omitted to mention a pretty important piece of information on their website “not intended for running or jogging!” The description mentions all of its great features, which I can’t deny. They are definitely great selling points, but please let me know what its limitations are as well. This would solve all the confusions and disappointments.
I was very pleased with Babies-R-Us. They are a great customer relations company, every time I get them on the phone they are very friendly and polite. I will definitely deal with them again!
Lesson learned: call manufacturer directly before making a purchase to ensure that the product has the features of interest.
As of now, I’m continuing to look for a nice double stroller for my babies.
on Jan 18th, 2010 at 9:22 pm
I actually have a Baby Jogger City Mini and LOVE it for a regular stroller. But, I knew it wasn’t a jogging stroller when I bought it (I research everything to death before making a purchase).
If you’re looking for a side-by-side jogging stroller, I’d recommend a BOB Revolution. Everyone I know that has a BOB loves it.
I’m not sure if we’ll get a double stroller, but I like the Phil & Ted’s inline strollers and the Uppababy Vista + Rumble Seat (neither are jogging strollers though).
on Jan 18th, 2010 at 9:37 pm
Thanks for the advice Chrystal. I checked out the BOB stroller, it looks very similar to Baby Jogger, except it’s even pricier! It’s a little out of my price range right now.
Glad you love your Baby Jogger stroller though. The reviews for it are really good, I just feel like I was mis-communicated to.
on Jan 19th, 2010 at 11:26 pm
How often have you been running with Ely over the last 2 years? The wheels on her stroller are probably not designed for running either.
You can likely save a lot of money by purchasing a 1 baby stroller for running if you want to run and just choose your baby to take. That is what dads are for….to watch the the non riding kid while you run, if you choose to.
on Jan 20th, 2010 at 10:06 am
My husband won’t sit with the kids during the work day. And plus, might as well take them out together for a walk. I did use the running stroller with Ely quite a bit until the tire blew out on the beach. Besides I bought it used, it’s kind of old.
Also, the stroller that I’m looking for is not just for exercising, because of the swivel wheel, it should be good for going to the mall or an amusement park, or wherever.
on Feb 2nd, 2010 at 11:36 pm
I was going to purchase this stroller… I’m still debating. The Bumbleride Indie Twin is supposedly better for jogging. However, I hear of a lot of people light jogging with all terrain strollers such as this baby jogger elite without any problems!
on Feb 3rd, 2010 at 7:10 am
That’s good to know Stacy,
I am reconsidering sending this stroller back now after looking at other strollers’ reviews. Plus, looks like we got it at a good deal, for $425 at Babies-R-Us. Now I see that the discount is no longer there anymore and it’s selling for $600+!
on Feb 4th, 2010 at 7:21 am
[...] place. I actually purchased one from Baby Jogger, but was disappointed and returned it. I wrote a blog post about it if you’re interested. My next choice is either Schwinn Free Wheeler 2 Double [...]
on Feb 4th, 2010 at 9:21 pm
The Baby Jogger Website has the Elite listed under “URBAN USE & ALL-TERRAIN STROLLERS.” They have a separate section for their joggers that reads “HIGH PERFORMANCE JOGGERS”
I don’t think you can really blame the manufacturer for the store misadvertising.
on Feb 27th, 2010 at 8:12 am
hi!! oh, this is really disappointing but it’s great knowing that the Baby jogger has a good approach when it comes to customer related problems. Aside from the quality of the products, good relation to customers is one thing that any company should work on.
on Mar 31st, 2010 at 10:13 pm
I agree with you when you said “call manufacturer directly before making a purchase.” It pays to also do your research. I’m doing one, actually. Thanks for your post.
on Jun 9th, 2010 at 12:33 am
Baby Jogger definitely says on it’s website that the City Elite’s aren’t Jogging Strollers. A little reseach goes a long way…