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 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 $650.

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.

But after checking out couple of compatible strollers, like InStep Safari Swivel Double Jogging Stroller and Schwinn Free Wheeler 2 Double Swivel Wheel Jogging Stroller,  I decided to keep Baby Jogger City Elite Double Stroller. The more reviews I read about other strollers, the more I was realizing that other strollers have quiet a few issues as well. For example, InStep Safari Swivel Double Jogging Stroller has an issue with the front wheel shaking if you go faster than a very slow walking speed. Apparently it needs to be locked in order for it not to shake.  It also has an issue with older kids (2.5 years and older) not fitting well into the seat, as their heads are hitting the metal support bar on the back of the seat. Some folks were reporting that there is not much support in between the seats, so the kids end up leaning and sliding to the center.

Schwinn Free Wheeler 2 Double Swivel Wheel Jogging Stroller appears to have trouble with its tires coming loose and twisting. Apparently it has a similar issue with the seats being too short and on top of it there were few complaints with seats being too deep and to reclined.

I’ve been using Baby Jogger City Elite Double Stroller for seven months and I absolutely love it. As soon as I put my 2 year-old and my 1 month old in it, I realized that having a separate canopy for each kid is a lifesaver. My two-year old did not want anything to do with a canopy over her head, yet I needed to keep my one-month old protected from the hot Florida sun. I also like the fact that the canopies are dip and they are adjustable to more or less coverage. My soon-to-be three daughter still has lots of room above her head to grow. Pushing the stroller is a breeze. I can jog with it without having to lock the wheels, it drives extremely smooth. Just today we took the stroller to the beach and it did great going over the sand. It folds extremely easy and if you don’t have much room in the trunk, the wheels come off with a snap!

Couple of things that could be improved. Though it feels very light while walking, it is on a heavy side when it’s being picked up to be put in the trunk. I am also not a fan of the basket design. Though the basket is fairly large, there is a bar in the middle, therefore it’s hard to maneuver a large bag in and out of it. I have to unsnap the basket on one side in order to place my bag in it.

Otherwise, I love, love, love my Baby Jogger City Elite Double Stroller!