Baby Jogger City Select 2 Modular Travel System with Car Seat Review: The Ultimate Future-Proof Stroller for Growing Families

I remember the feeling vividly. Standing in a sea of strollers, overwhelmed by choice, with our first baby on the way. We chose a simple, lightweight travel system, and for a while, it was perfect. Then, the news came: baby number two was on the way. Suddenly, our “perfect” stroller felt obsolete. The thought of navigating life with a newborn and an energetic toddler, juggling a single stroller and a baby carrier, or worse, buying a whole new bulky double stroller, was daunting. This is the exact predicament countless growing families face. You invest in a high-quality piece of gear, only to have your needs completely change in a year or two. The search isn’t just for a good stroller; it’s for a smart, adaptable solution that grows *with* you, saving you money, space, and sanity in the long run.

What to Consider Before Buying a Modular Stroller Travel System

A modular stroller travel system is more than just a way to get from point A to point B; it’s a key solution for seamless transitions and future-proofing your family’s mobility. From the moment you leave the hospital, a travel system allows you to move your sleeping newborn from the car to the stroller without waking them—a small miracle every new parent appreciates. As your family expands, its modular design allows it to convert from a single to a double, or even triple, stroller. This adaptability eliminates the need to purchase multiple strollers, making it a potentially cost-effective and space-saving investment for the long haul.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a first-time parent who is planning to have more children in the near future, or a parent who is already expecting their second child. It’s for the family that values versatility, quality, and a streamlined system that can handle everything from a quick trip to the store to a day-long adventure at the park. However, it might not be the best fit for those who are certain they will only have one child, or for families who prioritize an ultra-compact, lightweight frame for frequent travel or tight urban living. For those users, a simpler, non-convertible travel system or a dedicated compact stroller might be a more practical choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Modularity & Configurations: How many ways can the stroller be configured? Look for systems that allow seats to be parent-facing, forward-facing, or facing each other. Consider the ease of adding a second seat or a car seat and whether it provides enough space for both children to be comfortable, a key factor many tandem strollers fail to address.
• Car Seat Safety & Integration: The “system” part of a travel system is the car seat. Scrutinize its safety features. Look for things like an anti-rebound bar, easy installation mechanisms like a belt-tensioning system, and a high-quality harness. Ensure the car seat clicks securely into both the base and the stroller frame with minimal effort.
• Maneuverability & Terrain Handling: A stroller that can grow to carry two or three children needs a robust chassis to handle the weight. Look for all-terrain, never-flat tires that can navigate cracked sidewalks, grassy parks, and gravel paths without a problem. Front-wheel suspension is critical for absorbing bumps and providing a smooth ride for your passengers.
• Fold & Storage: A double stroller is inherently larger than a single. Evaluate the folding mechanism—is it a simple one-step process? How compact is it when folded? Will it fit in your car trunk? Also, consider on-board storage; a large, easily accessible under-seat basket is non-negotiable for carrying diaper bags, groceries, and everything else that comes with kids.

These factors will help you decide if a high-performance, adaptable system is the right choice for your family’s journey.

While the Baby Jogger City Select 2 Modular Travel System with Car Seat is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

First Impressions: Thoughtful Design Right Out of the Box

Unboxing the Baby Jogger City Select 2 Modular Travel System with Car Seat, the first thing we noticed was the premium feel of the components. The Radiant Slate polyester fabric is soft yet durable, and the telescoping handlebar with its leatherette grip feels comfortable and substantial in your hands. Compared to the original City Select, which we also have experience with, this second-generation model is noticeably lighter, a welcome improvement when you’re constantly lifting it in and out of a car. Assembly was refreshingly intuitive; the wheels snap on, and both the toddler seat and the included City GO 2 Infant Car Seat adapters click into the frame with a satisfying, secure sound. There was no fumbling or wrestling with parts. From the outset, it presents itself not just as a piece of baby gear, but as a well-engineered transportation solution designed with the user in mind. It immediately feels sturdy and ready to tackle the challenges of family life.

A Deep Dive into the City Select 2’s Real-World Performance

A stroller’s true worth is only revealed through daily use—navigating crowded aisles, bumpy park paths, and the constant in-and-out of the car. We put the Baby Jogger City Select 2 Modular Travel System with Car Seat through its paces for several weeks, and it proved to be far more than just a list of features. It’s a thoughtfully designed system that genuinely simplifies the logistics of parenting.

Unmatched Modularity: The “One Stroller to Rule Them All”

The single greatest strength of this system is its chameleon-like ability to adapt. With over 24 possible configurations (using separately sold accessories), it’s built to handle nearly any family scenario. We started by using it as a single stroller with the included City GO 2 Infant Car Seat. The adapters click into the frame, and the car seat snaps on securely, facing you so you can keep a close eye on your newborn. The connection is rock-solid, with no wiggle or flex.

When our toddler wanted a ride, we tested the double configuration. The magic of the City Select 2 is that it grows up, not just out, maintaining a similar footprint to a single stroller. This makes maneuvering through doorways and store aisles remarkably easy. Unlike many competitors, Baby Jogger designed this stroller with ample room between the seats. When we had the toddler seat in the lower front position and the infant car seat up high, there was no kicking, no fighting for space, and both children had a clear view. This stadium-style seating is a game-changer for sibling harmony. As one user aptly put it, “It’s easy to rearrange all the different configurations and there are many! We love how versatile it is!” This sentiment perfectly captures the core appeal. Switching between modes is quick and intuitive, allowing you to tailor the stroller to the mood and needs of your children on any given trip, a feature that truly sets it apart for dynamic family life.

The City GO 2 & RAPIDLOCK Base: A Safety System That Inspires Confidence

A travel system is only as good as its car seat, and the included City GO 2 is a standout. The focus here is clearly on safety and ease of use. The RAPIDLOCK belt-tensioning base is brilliant. Instead of wrestling with seatbelts and doubting your installation, you simply thread the belt through, push down on the tensioner, and it locks into place with a tight, secure fit. The anti-rebound bar is another crucial feature, designed to reduce rotation in the event of a frontal collision, adding a significant layer of protection. This isn’t just marketing jargon; it’s tangible peace of mind every time you click the seat into the car.

The transition from car to stroller is where the “system” shines. The car seat detaches from the base with a simple one-hand lever and clicks directly onto the stroller frame using the included adapters. For a sleeping infant, this is invaluable. You can go from driving to strolling without ever unbuckling or disturbing your baby. This seamless integration is the promise of a travel system, and the Baby Jogger City Select 2 Modular Travel System with Car Seat delivers on it flawlessly. It transforms a multi-step, potentially disruptive process into a single, smooth action.

Everyday Usability: The Push, The Fold, and The Haul

Beyond its configurations, a stroller has to excel at the basics, and this is where we were deeply impressed. The push is buttery smooth. The combination of large, never-flat, all-terrain tires and front-wheel suspension means it glides over uneven pavement, grass, and gravel with minimal effort. We could easily steer it one-handed, even with a toddler and a full basket. The telescoping handlebar is a fantastic touch, accommodating both my 5’4″ frame and my husband’s 6’2″ height comfortably. As one user noted, “It rides smooth and hubby loves the extended bar.”

Storage is another massive win. The under-seat basket is cavernous. We’re not exaggerating when we say we fit a full diaper bag, a small cooler, and a few jackets in there with room to spare. One user’s claim that it can hold “a whole basket full of groceries” is absolutely believable. The easy access from both the front and back is a thoughtful design element.

The fold is good, but not perfect. It is a simple two-handed, one-step process: you pull up on levers on both sides, and it collapses. It’s 20% smaller than its leading competitor, the UPPAbaby Vista V2, which is significant for trunk space. However, it doesn’t self-stand when folded, a point echoed in user feedback: “it can not stand on it’s own folded and just falls down.” This means you have to lean it against a wall or lay it flat, which can be an annoyance. It’s a trade-off, but for us, the superior ride and modularity made it one we were willing to accept.

Design and Durability: A Few Caveats

The overall build quality of the Baby Jogger City Select 2 Modular Travel System with Car Seat feels robust and premium. The frame is sturdy, the fabrics are high-quality, and the mechanisms click into place with reassuring authority. However, it’s not without its weak points. We read one concerning review where a teething child “ripped through the ‘leather’ on the cross bar.” While any material can be damaged by a determined toddler, it does raise questions about the long-term durability of cosmetic elements like the leatherette. The fact that the company’s response was to offer a replacement for purchase, rather than a warranty solution, is worth noting.

Another common critique is the size of the toddler seat. One parent mentioned their 22-month-old, who is not particularly large, was already nearing the top of the seat, making the canopy difficult to use. “Her head almost blocks the canopy,” she wrote, “This stroller will not last her for long.” This is a critical consideration. If you have taller-than-average children, the toddler seat’s longevity could be a significant issue, potentially undermining the stroller’s “grows with you” promise. It seems best suited for children in the average height percentiles.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the feedback from other parents largely mirrors our own experience. The overwhelming positives center on the stroller’s incredible versatility, smooth maneuverability, and massive storage basket. One user raved, “Absolutely LOVE this stroller! It is so easy to set up/take down… The bottom storage basket is huge and can hold a LOT of stuff.” Another praised its performance, stating, “The large tires make going to the park, going over curbs, though wet terrain and over bumps fairly easy.”

However, the criticisms are just as consistent and important to consider. The most common complaint is the size of the toddler seat, with several parents worrying their toddlers will outgrow it long before they’re ready to give up a stroller ride. The lack of a self-standing fold is another frequent frustration. A few users also expressed disappointment that for a premium-priced system, essential accessories like a child’s snack tray or a parent console are sold separately. As one reviewer put it, “For the price it SHOULD HAVE INCLUDED 2 snack trays (it’s only plastic, why not?).” This feedback paints a clear picture of a high-performing but imperfect product with some key design trade-offs.

How Does It Compare to the Alternatives?

The Baby Jogger City Select 2 Modular Travel System with Car Seat exists in a competitive market. Here’s how it stacks up against other popular choices.

1. Chicco Bravo Trio Travel System

The Chicco Bravo Trio is a fantastic, highly-rated travel system, but it serves a different purpose. It’s an excellent choice for parents of a single child who want a reliable, easy-to-use system without the complexity or cost of a convertible model. Its key feature is the one-hand smart fold, where the seat folds up and the stroller can stand on its own, making it incredibly convenient for storage and transport. While it offers a smooth ride and great features like a parent tray and a large basket, it lacks the ability to convert to a double stroller. If you are certain you’re having only one child, or need a secondary, simpler stroller, the Chicco Bravo is a more budget-friendly and straightforward option.

2. Joovy Qool Customizable Stroller

The Joovy Qool is a direct competitor to the City Select 2, offering a similar single-to-double-to-triple modular design. It boasts an impressive 56+ configurations, giving it a slight edge in pure versatility. The Qool’s seats are also known to be a bit larger and more accommodating for taller toddlers, directly addressing a key weakness of the City Select 2. However, the Joovy Qool is often perceived as being heavier and bulkier, both in use and when folded. The decision between the two often comes down to priorities: if accommodating taller children and maximum configuration options are paramount, the Qool is a strong contender. If a lighter frame and a more compact fold are more important, the City Select 2 holds the advantage.

3. Baby Trend Skyview Travel System

The Baby Trend Skyview Travel System falls into the entry-level, budget-friendly category. It provides parents with a complete travel system—stroller and infant car seat—at a very accessible price point. It functions perfectly well as a standard single stroller, offering a comfortable ride and basic conveniences. However, it cannot be compared to the City Select 2 in terms of build quality, materials, all-terrain performance, or, most importantly, modularity. It does not convert to a double stroller. The Skyview is an excellent choice for families on a tight budget who need a reliable solution for one child, but it does not offer the future-proofing or premium experience of the Baby Jogger system.

The Final Verdict: An Investment in a Less Complicated Future

After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Baby Jogger City Select 2 Modular Travel System with Car Seat is a top-tier solution for growing families. Its genius lies in its adaptability. It seamlessly transitions from a single infant travel system to a full-featured double stroller without compromising its maneuverability or footprint. The incredibly smooth ride, cavernous storage basket, and high-quality City GO 2 car seat create a cohesive and user-friendly experience that genuinely makes life easier.

Yes, it has its flaws. The toddler seat could be more generous in size for taller children, and the lack of a self-standing fold is an unfortunate oversight. However, for parents planning on having two children close in age, the benefits of its brilliant modular design and outstanding everyday performance far outweigh these drawbacks. It’s an investment, but it’s an investment in a single piece of gear that can last you through multiple children, saving you the cost and hassle of upgrading down the line. If you’re looking for a stylish, high-performing, and truly future-proof stroller system, we wholeheartedly recommend it. You can check the latest price and color options right here.