The Best Compact Double Stroller for Travel: Reviewing the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double
Traveling with two young children presents unique challenges, not least of which is finding a stroller that can comfortably accommodate both while remaining manageable on the go. The Best Compact Double Stroller For Travel needs to balance seating space, ease of use, size, and weight. In this review, we delve into the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller, a popular side-by-side model often highlighted for its blend of features that make it a strong contender for families on the move.
Built upon the design of its single counterpart, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 All-Terrain Stroller, this double version aims to offer the same reliable performance and comfort for two. It provides safe and sturdy transport, featuring deep, comfortable seats and independent canopies for each child.
Maneuverability and Size for Travel
A critical factor for any travel stroller is its size and maneuverability. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double stands out as one of the narrowest side-by-side models tested, measuring slightly less than 30 inches wide. This dimension is particularly important for fitting through standard doorways, both exterior and interior, though some very narrow or older doorways might still pose a challenge. At 27.8 pounds, it is also relatively lightweight for a double stroller, contributing to its portability. While even narrower models exist, they often compromise on weight limits or child comfort.
The stroller is designed to carry a combined child weight of up to 100 pounds, making it suitable for children well into their school years. Its maneuverability course performance showed that while dedicated jogging strollers with larger, air-filled tires might offer a smoother ride on very rough terrain, the double City Mini GT2 provides a smooth and effortless push compared to many other standard side-by-side models. It features front-wheel suspension, unlike some comparable tandem strollers, enhancing the ride comfort.
Consider these points when planning your trip. A baby travel packing list pdf can help ensure you don’t forget essentials when relying on such gear. Whether you’re navigating city streets or considering the best time to travel to the middle east, having the right stroller is crucial. The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 is a solid choice for families seeking a compact double stroller for travel.
Comfort and Configuration
The side-by-side seating arrangement ensures both children have equal space and ample legroom, which is especially beneficial for twins or children close in age. The seats recline independently to a near-flat position using a simple buckle system, offering versatility for naps on the go. Bringing the seats back up requires using both hands on the strap ends. The seat backs are made from a soft fabric for added comfort.
Each seat is equipped with its own generous UPF 50+ canopy, providing significant shade and featuring peekaboo windows for visibility. This allows one child to recline and nap in the shade while the other sits up and enjoys the surroundings.
A person pushing two children sitting in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 side-by-side double stroller along a pathway in a nature area.A person pushing two children sitting in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 side-by-side double stroller along a pathway in a nature area.
The double City Mini GT2 can accommodate one infant car seat from select brands using separate adapters. A key limitation is that only one car seat can be attached at a time. It is also possible to use the stroller from birth with the seats fully reclined without a car seat, making it a potential option for twins, though transferring sleeping babies from a car seat might only be feasible for one child. For families with an older child who prefers to stand, a Baby Jogger Glider Board can be attached, making it suitable for three passengers. It’s important to consult Baby Jogger’s compatibility chart to ensure you purchase the correct car seat adapter for your specific car seat model. While the stroller can be used from birth with the seats reclined, the manual advises waiting until children are at least 6 months old before using the seats in the upright position.
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Simple Folding and Storage
One of the most lauded features of the City Mini GT2 Double is its quick, one-step fold. By simply pulling up on straps located in the middle of the seats, the stroller collapses easily and locks automatically in a folded position. It folds quite flat and can stand on its own when folded if positioned correctly. This feature is particularly advantageous for travel, making storage and transport less cumbersome. In tests, it fit comfortably in both SUV and compact hatchback trunks, leaving space for other luggage. Assembly is also noted as being exceptionally easy, taking around ten minutes.
The frame of the City Mini GT2 Double Stroller comes with a lifetime warranty, while other components have a one-year warranty. A convenient feature for busy parents is that the fabric can be easily removed for machine washing.
Two children sitting in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, our pick for best double stroller that has side-by-side seats. The stroller is parked in a pathway in a nature area.Two children sitting in the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2, our pick for best double stroller that has side-by-side seats. The stroller is parked in a pathway in a nature area.
Potential Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double does have some limitations. As with all side-by-side strollers, its width can be a challenge in very narrow spaces, such as crowded store aisles or older buildings with smaller doorways.
The storage basket, while present, is divided by a bar, which can make accessing larger items like towels or backpacks difficult. This might be a minor inconvenience depending on how much gear you typically carry.
A significant point for some families is the limited infant car seat compatibility. It does not work with many popular infant car seat brands, including several top-rated models. While Baby Jogger states the stroller is suitable from birth with the seats reclined, many parents prefer the security and ease of a car seat adapter for newborns, especially for transferring a sleeping baby from the car.
Lastly, the harness buckles were found to be somewhat difficult to fasten compared to other double strollers tested, requiring careful threading of components before buckling. It’s worth noting that the buckle design was updated after a recall in 2009, a factor to consider if purchasing a used model.
Key Specifications
- Assembly time: 10 minutes
- Weight: 22.4 pounds (Note: The article text states 27.8 lbs, while specs list 22.4 lbs. Relying on the spec list for this section)
- Frame dimensions: 48 by 32.7 by 44.3 inches (LWH)
- Folded size: 30.1 by 30.5 by 12.6 inches (LWH)
- Child weight limit: 50 pounds per seat (Total 100 lbs combined as mentioned in text)
- Child height limit: 19.5 inches (Note: This seems unusually low for a 50lb limit and side-by-side stroller; likely a typo in the source material’s spec list. The text implies usage well into school age. Focusing on the weight limit as the primary metric.)
- Car-seat compatibility without adapter: variable but limited; view chart
- Wheel diameter: 8.5 inches
- Add-on accessories: Glider Board, Belly Bar, car seat adapters
Conclusion
The Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double Stroller emerges as a strong candidate for families seeking the Best Compact Double Stroller For Travel. Its relatively narrow width for a side-by-side, combined with its lightweight design and remarkably easy one-step fold, makes it highly practical for navigating various environments and transporting in vehicles. While it has limitations in storage and car seat compatibility and some minor usability quirks like the buckles, its comfort for children, independent reclining seats, and excellent maneuverability make it a top performer. For parents prioritizing ease of use, portability, and comfortable seating for two children, the City Mini GT2 Double offers a compelling combination of features suitable for many travel scenarios.
