Baby Jogger City Micro: A Dream Stroller

We’d been having pushchair troubles lately after our Mamas & Papas Pulse buggy got infested with creepy crawlies (don’t ask!) and the second-hand Hauck I was borrowing went kaput (it was already on its last legs).

So I was on the hunt for some new wheels, and after some quick research I was thrilled to be able to pick up a Baby Jogger City Micro stroller as a gift (thanks Uncle O!).

The City Micro is the slightly lighter, sleeker and cheaper version of the Baby Jogger City Mini, the award-winning pushchair that’s fast becoming the ‘It vehicle’ of lightweight buggies. After reading all the rave reviews online, I couldn’t wait to test out the Mini, but it was the Micro in stand-out ‘Ocean’ that caught my eye.

Most buyers have several considerations when looking for a new stroller including durability, comfort, portability, handling/ease of use, storage capacity, ease of care, style and of course, value for money. So far, the City Micro rates highly in all categories.

Durability
I’ve only had it a week but there’s one factor that gives it an advantage over previous strollers I’ve owned and that’s weight capacity. I had a great run with my very first pushchair – a Maclaren Quest – but it started to buckle under Ezra’s weight as he got older. The Mamas & Papas Pulse feels sturdier than the Quest, but again its capacity is 15 kgs and it was feeling the strain of my chunky 20 month old. The Baby Jogger City Micro is built to take up to 20 kgs and Jed feels almost weightless inside it. The larger back wheels of a three-wheeler also create less of a rickety experience on the bus than my previous lightweight strollers.

Comfort
You only need to look at Jed perched in his stroller to know that he’s loving the ride. Ten minutes after we left the shop, Jed fell asleep. The seat is nice and roomy and the built-in step means he can climb in and out by himself. I do miss the softer foam handles of my Pulse buggy, but at least the City Micro’s handle bar has good grip – although watch out as it does get slippery in the rain.

Portability
This is the Baby Jogger wow factor. Simply tug the strap in the seat and the buggy folds in a snap. It makes public transport and even getting into our flat about ten times easier. At 7 kgs, the City Micro is heavier than my previous strollers but thanks to this unique collapsing system it’s much more portable. 10 out of 10!

Handling/Ease of Use
The City Micro handles like a dream compared to previous strollers. I barely have to put any pressure on the handle bar and one-handed steering is a breeze. The handle bar’s a good height so I’m not getting back strain. And unlike typical lightweight strollers, the brake is simple and secure. But as it’s more bulky than my last ones, I’m still a bit clunky going up and down the kerb, stairs and on and off the bus.

Storage Capacity
I’m used to carrying multiple shopping bags on twin handles, so having only one handlebar presents a challenge. Luckily I’ve got a Mommy Hook to carry any excess bags, and actually the under seat basket is roomier than it looks. Also there’s an extra pouch behind the seat. I’ve not yet done any major shopping with the City Micro so that might be its biggest setback when the time comes.

Ease of Care
I was very happy with my Mamas & Papas Pulse until I discovered that the ‘breathable’ mesh fabric could become a nesting place for mini critters (again, don’t ask!). Also when I wanted to give the seat a thorough cleaning, I had to wait several days for customer care to return my call only to be told I should give it a gentle sponge down. You can remove the seat but this involves unscrewing bolts. I opted for the very bright ‘Ocean’ blue of the City Micro because a) I’d spot anything strange on it instantly b) the seat is easily removable and washable.

Value for Money
At £159, the Baby Jogger City Micro is just under the same price as a Maclaren Techno XLR. The Techno XLR is extremely popular but for me, the City Micro had the edge. My only issue is that the optional extras – e.g. raincover (£25) and car seat adaptor – are on the pricey side.

Style
The City Micro’s definitely eye candy. I’ve always liked the look of three-wheelers and the colour I chose is hot to trot. Ezra was like ‘woah, cool stroller!’ and it’s received compliments from several mums on the school run.

Overall
It’s early days and it will be interesting to see how this pushchair stands the test of time including upcoming long-haul flights. But so far, mama and her little man are both satisfied customers.

Visit the Baby Jogger City Micro web site