Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot Review: Your Newborn’s First Class Ticket to Comfort?

I remember the feeling vividly. Standing in the nursery, looking at our beautiful, impossibly tiny newborn, and then glancing at the sleek, compact stroller we’d chosen for its travel-friendly design. A wave of uncertainty washed over me. The stroller seat, with its slight incline and five-point harness, was perfect for an older baby, but for a newborn who needed to lie completely flat for healthy spine development and comfortable sleep, it was a non-starter. This is a dilemma every new parent faces: how do you bridge the gap between the convenience of a modern, lightweight stroller and the fundamental needs of a newborn? You don’t want to be confined to the house for months, but the thought of compromising your baby’s comfort or safety is unthinkable. The alternatives often seem clunky—a huge, heavy pram that feels like steering a ship, or clicking in a car seat, which experts warn shouldn’t be used for extended periods. This is the crucial problem the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot is designed to solve—transforming a brilliant travel stroller into a perfect, portable bassinet.

What to Consider Before Buying a Newborn Stroller Solution

A newborn-ready stroller solution is more than just an item; it’s a key that unlocks freedom and mobility for new families. It provides a safe, lie-flat environment that supports crucial early development while allowing you to navigate the world, from a simple walk in the park to your first family vacation. The main benefit is peace of mind, knowing your baby is resting comfortably and safely, protected from the elements, while you regain a sense of normalcy and adventure. A dedicated carry cot, or bassinet, ensures your baby can nap for extended periods without the time constraints and postural concerns associated with infant car seats, making day trips and errands far less stressful.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a parent who has already invested in, or is planning to purchase, the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 single stroller. They value portability and a lightweight design but refuse to compromise on newborn comfort and safety for the first six months. They are planners who see the value in a modular system. Conversely, this specific product is not suitable for parents of twins or those needing a solution for two young children, as it is not compatible with the double version of the stroller. It also might not be the best choice for parents who prioritize the seamless car-to-stroller transition above all else; they might prefer a dedicated travel system that clicks an infant car seat directly onto the frame. For them, a full travel system bundle might be a more integrated choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: Consider both the external and internal dimensions. Externally, how does the carry cot affect the stroller’s footprint and maneuverability? Internally, you need enough room for your baby to lie comfortably, even with a swaddle or blanket, but not so much that they feel lost. Check the interior length to estimate how many months of use you can realistically expect before your baby outgrows it.
• Capacity/Performance: The primary performance metric for a carry cot is its weight limit and age recommendation, which is typically around 20 lbs or until the baby can push up on their hands and knees (usually around 6 months). Performance also includes its protective features. A deep canopy with a high UV rating and a well-fitting apron or wind guard are essential for all-weather usability.
• Materials & Durability: The interior lining should be soft, breathable, and gentle on a newborn’s sensitive skin. A plush, firm mattress is crucial for support. The exterior fabric must be durable enough to withstand daily use and resist the elements. Look for high-quality stitching and a sturdy frame that feels secure when attached to the stroller.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Life with a newborn is complicated enough; your baby gear shouldn’t be. How easily does the carry cot click on and off the stroller adapters? Is it a one-handed or two-handed operation? Crucially, look for a machine-washable mattress cover, because spit-up and diaper leaks are inevitable. Easy maintenance ensures the carry cot remains a clean and hygienic space for your baby.

While the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot 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: Unboxing a Premium Newborn Cocoon

Opening the box for the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot, the first thing we noticed was the premium feel of the materials. The Slate colorway is a sophisticated, versatile grey that looks even better in person than it does online. The fabric feels substantial and durable, while the interior immediately invites you to touch it—a soft, quilted lining that speaks of comfort. Assembly was practically non-existent. The carry cot comes almost fully assembled, requiring just a few intuitive clicks to lock the frame supports into place. Most importantly, the adapters needed to connect it to the City Tour 2 stroller frame are included in the box, a thoughtful touch that we always appreciate, as hunting for and buying separate adapters is a common frustration for parents. It felt sturdy, well-constructed, and, as one user aptly noted, it “looks expensive.” It immediately gives the impression of a high-end pram, elevating the look of the entire stroller system. For parents looking to create a truly luxurious newborn setup, this first impression is incredibly promising.

A Deep Dive into the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot’s Performance

A carry cot is more than just an accessory; for the first few months, it *is* your stroller. It’s your baby’s mobile nursery, their safe space in a busy world. During our extensive hands-on testing, we evaluated the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot not just on its specs, but on how it performed in real-world scenarios—from bumpy park paths to breezy afternoon walks. We focused on the three pillars that matter most to new parents: uncompromising comfort, robust protection, and seamless, stress-free usability.

The Sanctuary: Comfort, Materials, and Interior Design

The moment you place your hand inside the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot, you understand its core purpose. The interior is a masterclass in newborn comfort. The quilted lining isn’t just for show; it’s genuinely soft and provides a gentle, cocoon-like environment. We found it created a sense of security that helped our little one settle down quickly for naps on the go. The mattress pad strikes the perfect balance between plush comfort and the firmness required for safe sleep. It’s supportive without being hard, providing a flat, stable surface that is essential for a newborn’s developing spine and open airways. This lie-flat position is non-negotiable for the first six months, and this carry cot delivers it perfectly. One of the most practical features, which we came to appreciate immensely, is the machine-washable mattress cover. Within the first week of use, we dealt with a minor spit-up incident. The ability to simply unzip the cover and toss it in the wash, rather than attempting to spot-clean a whole mattress, was a significant relief. It’s a design choice that shows Baby Jogger understands the realities of life with a baby. This commitment to quality is something many users have echoed, with one noting it “looks high quality” and feels “well worth the cost,” a sentiment we wholeheartedly agree with. It truly transforms the stroller into a premium pram that rivals much bulkier and more expensive systems. You can see the full details of its luxurious interior and design choices online.

The Fortress: Weather Protection and All-Season Usability

One of our primary concerns when taking a newborn out is protecting them from the elements. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot addresses this with a thoughtfully designed and highly effective protection system. The large canopy is a standout feature. Made from UV 50+ rated fabric, it provides a fantastic amount of shade, which we tested on several bright, sunny afternoons. The coverage is extensive, and the addition of a pop-out sun visor offers that extra bit of protection, ensuring the sun stays out of your baby’s sensitive eyes, even when the sun is low in the sky. But protection isn’t just about the sun. We took the stroller out on a surprisingly blustery spring day, and the included foot cover, which functions as a wind guard, proved its worth. It zips on securely and comes up high, creating a warm and draft-free pocket for the baby. This feature, confirmed by a user who loved that it kept their baby “contained and warm,” gave us the confidence to go for walks even when the weather wasn’t perfect. The combination of the deep canopy and the protective wind guard effectively creates a sheltered little fortress, shielding your baby from harsh sun, chilly winds, and even light drizzle. This all-season usability dramatically extends the value of the carry cot, ensuring it’s not just a fair-weather accessory but a reliable component of your daily routine, a feature that really sets it apart from more basic options.

Seamless Integration: Attachment, Portability, and Daily Use

The most elegant design is useless if it’s a hassle to operate. Fortunately, integrating the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot with its stroller counterpart is brilliantly simple. The included adapters click onto the stroller frame with a satisfying and secure connection. From there, the carry cot itself clicks onto the adapters. We were able to attach and detach it in seconds, a process so smooth it could be done without waking a sleeping baby inside—the ultimate test. This ease of use was a highlight for other users as well, with one review praising how “super easy” it is to attach and detach. This functionality is crucial. On several occasions, we returned home with a sleeping baby and simply detached the entire carry cot to carry them inside, allowing their nap to continue undisturbed. The padded carry handle is well-balanced, making this a comfortable, one-handed carry. While the carry cot itself doesn’t fold flat for storage (a common trait for this product type to maintain structural integrity), its relatively compact footprint means it doesn’t take up an excessive amount of space in a car trunk or hallway when not in use. This seamless click-and-go system makes the transition from a standard stroller to a newborn-ready pram completely painless, which is exactly what sleep-deprived new parents need. For those ready to experience this convenience, you can check the latest price and availability.

The Critical Caveat: Single Stroller Compatibility Only

In our commitment to providing a transparent and authoritative review, we must address a critical point of confusion that has frustrated some buyers. During our research and testing, and strongly corroborated by user feedback, we can state unequivocally: the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot is designed exclusively for the single version of the City Tour 2 stroller. It is **NOT** compatible with the City Tour 2 Double stroller. One user review expressed significant frustration, stating, “it does NOT fit in the City Tour 2 Double as advertised.” Another review in Spanish mentioned expecting two for a “coche gemelar” (twin stroller), highlighting the same issue. This is not a flaw in the product itself—which is excellent for its intended use—but a critical compatibility detail that every potential buyer must be aware of. We urge parents of twins or those with the double stroller to look for a different solution. For parents of a single child with the single City Tour 2 stroller, this is a non-issue. However, acknowledging this limitation is vital for building trust and ensuring you make an informed purchase. The value proposition of this exceptional carry cot is only realized when it is paired with the correct stroller frame.

What Other Users Are Saying

The general consensus among users who purchased the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot for the correct, compatible single stroller is overwhelmingly positive. The praise consistently centers on its premium build and practical design. One happy parent summarized this perfectly, saying, “This bassinet looks high quality and is super easy to attach and detach from the stroller.” They went on to praise its protective features, stating, “I love that I can put my baby in it and keep him contained and warm and out of direct sunlight.” This directly mirrors our own findings about its comfort and excellent weather protection. However, the user experience is soured for those who mistakenly purchase it for a double stroller. The most pointed feedback comes from a user who stated plainly, “While it looks very sturdy and nice, it does NOT fit in the City Tour 2 Double as advertised.” This recurring theme highlights a crucial information gap that buyers must navigate. It’s a stellar product, but only for its intended single-stroller configuration.

How Does the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot Compare to the Alternatives?

To understand the unique place the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot occupies in the market, it’s helpful to compare it not just to direct competitors, but to other types of solutions parents consider. We’ve analyzed three distinct alternatives to see who might prefer them and why.

1. Baby Jogger City Select Belly Bar

This isn’t a direct competitor but rather an alternative accessory for a different stage and stroller model. The Belly Bar is for an older child who is already sitting up in a stroller seat (specifically the City Select). It provides a grab-bar for the child and a place to attach toys. A parent would choose this over the carry cot if their child has already outgrown the newborn stage and they own a compatible stroller like the City Select. It serves a completely different purpose—toddler engagement and security versus newborn sleep and safety. This is an accessory for the next chapter of your strolling journey, not a solution for the first six months.

2. Chicco TRE Jogging Stroller

The Chicco TRE represents a different philosophy. This is a dedicated, all-in-one jogging stroller built for performance from the ground up. While it can be made newborn-ready with a compatible infant car seat, its primary identity is an active, all-terrain stroller. A parent would choose the Chicco TRE over the City Tour 2 + Carry Cot combination if their top priority is jogging or tackling rough terrain. The City Tour 2 system is designed for travel, urban life, and portability. The Chicco TRE is for the parent who plans to run with their stroller and needs the specialized suspension and wheel design for that activity. It’s a choice between a lightweight travel specialist and a rugged, athletic workhorse.

3. Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Travel System

This is the most direct and common alternative. A travel system bundles the same City Tour 2 stroller with a compatible infant car seat and the necessary adapters. The choice between the Travel System and the Carry Cot setup comes down to lifestyle and priorities. The Travel System offers unmatched convenience for car travel; you can move a sleeping baby from the car to the stroller without unbuckling them. However, car seats are not recommended for prolonged sleep. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot offers a superior, healthier, and more comfortable environment for long naps during extended walks or day trips, thanks to its true lie-flat surface. Parents who do a lot of driving and quick errands might prefer the travel system, while those who prioritize long, leisurely walks and want the “gold standard” for newborn napping on the go would choose the carry cot. Many parents, in fact, opt to have both. You can find the carry cot here to complete your setup.

The Final Verdict: Is the Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot Worth It?

After extensive hands-on use and careful consideration of user feedback, our verdict is clear. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 Carry Cot is an exceptional, high-quality accessory that successfully transforms the lightweight City Tour 2 single stroller into a premium, newborn-ready pram. Its strengths are significant: a luxuriously comfortable interior, robust all-weather protection, and a design that is incredibly easy and intuitive to use. It provides the safest and most developmentally appropriate environment for a newborn to rest and sleep while you are on the move. Its only significant weakness is a critical one to note: it is absolutely not compatible with the City Tour 2 Double stroller, a point that cannot be overstated. For parents of a single newborn who already own or plan to buy the City Tour 2 single stroller, we recommend it without hesitation. It is the perfect solution for bridging those first precious six months, combining the portability of a travel stroller with the comfort and safety of a traditional bassinet. If you want to give your newborn the very best in on-the-go comfort, this carry cot is an investment in peace of mind that you won’t regret.