My Favorite Budget Stroller: The Baby Trend Jogging Stroller

Despite there being an almost 12-year gap from when I first used my Baby Trend stroller to the second time I bought one, everything that I knew and loved about the Baby Trend was still there. All of my favorite features stood out, providing familiarity and comfort to me as I navigated this whole baby thing one more time. Here are the features I most love about the Baby Trend Jogger:

• Budget-friendly. First off, I’m convinced that Baby Trend gives you the most bang for your buck of any stroller around, especially if you buy the travel system. I mean, we’re talking a newborn car seat, a car seat base for the car, and a stroller that can be used with the infant car seat, as a regular stroller, and as a jogging stroller? That’s a lot of uses for one price, you feel me?
• Versatile. As I mentioned, the Baby Trend jogger can be used in a ton of different ways and that versatility translates to both on and off-the-road. For instance, I loved that I could use the Baby Trend stroller easily in places like a crowded mall but then take it without fear all through my yard and down our rural dirt roads.
• Stands up to the test for jogging. The Baby Trend is a jogging stroller, so you’re probably wondering if it actually holds up when you’re on the run and the answer is, yes. I am definitely more of a casual runner, but I have used my Baby Trend jogger to log plenty of miles with my baby-in-tow. It may not be a BOB (more on that later), but it gets the job done.
• Portable. The Baby Trend jogger is a jogging stroller, which means it has 3 wheels instead of four—one larger wheel in the front and two smaller in the back. This means that typically, joggers are a little more difficult to transport, because that front wheel can be bulky and not allow the stroller to fold down as compact as some other strollers. However, I found that with my Baby Trend, transporting it was very simple—it fit in my minivan trunk without any issues and when I had a smaller trunk with my Chevy Traverse, I would just pop one of the wheels off with the push of a button to fit it in.
• Has a built-in snack tray and cupholder. It wasn’t until I researched strollers with baby #5 that I realized something shocking: not all strollers come with built-in snack trays and cupholders. I had used my Baby Trend, with its built-in cupholders and snack tray for so long, that I merely assumed that’s how all strollers came. But I was so very wrong. There are a surprising amount of strollers that don’t come with the snack tray feature and it’s shocking to me. As a mom of five, snacks are essential in my mind and it’s one of the main reasons I love this stroller so much. Snacks for everybody!
• Includes a parent tray. While we’re on the subject of snacks, a parent tray isn’t always included in all strollers either, but the Baby Trend has a closable parent tray (so your phone or keys won’t fall out) and two sturdy cupholders.

Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System Specs

Now that I’ve won you over with my glowing review of the Baby Trend jogger, you probably need some details on it. Here’s what you can expect from the Baby Trend Expedition Travel System:

• Includes a 3-wheel Jogger and EZ Flex-Loc infant car seat and base
• Stroller will accept any Baby Trend car seat
• Parent tray has 2 cup holders and a covered storage compartment
• Under-stroller storage basket
• Adjustable canopy with peek-a-boo window that ratchets
• Multi-position reclining padded seat
• 5-point safety harness
• Tether strap
• Child’s tray with cup holders
• Stroller dimensions: 47″ L x 21″ W x 41″ H
• Stroller Dimensions (collapsed):5 Inches (H) x 22.25 Inches (W) x 33.25 Inches (D)
• Entire travel system weight: 41 lbs.
• Infant car seat dimensions: 26″ D x 16.5″ W x 25″ H
• Infant car seat weight: 10 lbs. (17 lbs. with base)
• Car seat accommodates weights 4-35 lbs. and heights up to 30 inches tall.
• Stroller weight capacity: 50 lbs.
• Rubber tires; lockable front swivel wheel and 16″ rear bicycle wheels
• Front Wheel Diameter: 12 inches
• Rear Wheel Diameter: 16 inches

What to Consider Before You Buy

I will say this, for as much as I have loved my Baby Trend jogger throughout the years, a few months ago, I actually got to try out a friend’s BOB jogging stroller and I have to admit: the BOB jogging stroller is truly a superior stroller for serious runners. The BOB offers way more suspension, a super-smooth ride for your baby, and has tons of perks like a padded harness, more comfortable seating, and excellent wind and sun coverage.

If you’re a serious runner or jogger, you definitely will want to consider investing in the BOB, especially if you plan on having more than one child. But if you’re more like me and the occasional jog is more of your jam, the Baby Trend will definitely meet your needs.

Final Verdict

If you’re a heavy-duty runner, a BOB will probably be better and more comfortable for you. However, for the rest of us, my final verdict for the Baby Trend jogger is that it’s the perfect pick if you’re an occasional jogger (like me), or just want the convenience and rugged durability of a jogger as your everyday stroller.

The Baby Trend jogger has a lot of perks to use as an everyday stroller, like the oversized wheels, easy-fold, portability, and built-in snack and drink holders (for both parent and baby!), as well as a generous sun canopy and under-storage basket. Plus, it can be used as a travel system too. I love this stroller and have used it for 12+ years of parenting now.