Baby Jogger City Mini 4-Wheel Stroller Review

city_mini_4_wheel17

Baby Jogger City Mini 4-Wheel stroller is almost identical to the City Mini model, but it has 4 wheels instead of three. That’s pretty much is the main difference between the two.

It has all the features we love so much in City Mini like a huge canopy, roomy seat, infinite recline, and one-hand fold.

The 4-Wheel model has a larger weight limit and can accommodate a child from birth and up to 65 lbs. It also weighs almost 20 lbs, which is more than the City Mini which is only 16.8 lbs.

I got many emails asking which City Mini is better 3-wheel or 4-wheel and I think it’s a matter of preference. The 4-wheel model is more stable and easier to maneuver, while the 3-wheel has a lower weight capacity and weighs less.

I personally like the original City Mini because for me light weight is very important. I also would like to add, that this is NOT a jogging stroller despite being made by Baby Jogger. Many parents get confused by the name of the company and think that they only have jogging strollers. This is more for everyday use like going to the store, mall, or park.

OVERALL

I gave it 4.5 out of 5 stars which is lower than what I gave City Mini (5 stars) because of the weight. It’s almost 20 lbs! This is too heavy to compete with umbrella strollers and at the same time, the wheels are too small for a full-size stroller. So it puts it somewhere in between.

The difficult-to-access basket, non-adjustable handlebar, and lack of accessories like a bumper bar and the cup holder also made me take points away.

I think it’s a good-quality stroller and you not going to be disappointed if you decide to get it. The City Mini 4-Wheel model is available only in two colors and can be purchased for around $259.

Buy City Mini 4-Wheel Stroller »

city_mini_4_wheel18

Features

CANOPY

Just like other City Mimi models, the canopy on this one is absolutely HUGE! City Mini has one of the best canopies on the market that will shade your child from the sun at any angle at any time of the day.

It’s so big, they even put two large peekaboo windows. The peekaboo windows are made out of clear plastic and have a Velcro closure. Of course, I would like to see a magnetic closure like they have on the Elite model.

city_mini_4_wheel20

city_mini_4_wheel19

HANDLEBAR

The non-adjustable handlebar is located 41″ from the ground. This is one of the things I wish Baby Jogger would improve.

As taller parents, my husband and I would like to see an adjustable handlebar. It has a rubber covering without the convenient grip that is so popular these days.

city_mini_4_wheel21

SEAT

The seat is 14″ wide with a 19.25″ seat back and 22.5″ from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy. The infinite strap recline operated by a strap system, goes to almost a flat position.

Like with most strap systems, while you can recline the seat with only one hand, you will need both hands to bring the seat back up.

Once the seat is reclined, you can see a large dark mesh window in the back. It provides more air circulation on a hot day and prevents a baby from falling out of the stroller. If it gets windy or cold, you can cover it up with an attached closure.

city_mini_4_wheel31

city_mini_4_wheel30

HARNESS

There is an adjustable padded 5-point harness with a center release button. To adjust the straps, you don’t need to re-thread them since the straps are attached to the seat with the hooks.

All you need to do is just hook the straps to a different loop. Easy! You don’t even need to take your child out of the seat.

city_mini_4_wheel29

STORAGE

There is a large storage pocket in the back of the seat where you can put your little essentials like keys, wallet, and sunglasses.

city_mini_4_wheel22

BASKET

The basket is a great size but is hard to access because of the curved crossbar in the back. I find it much easier to access from the sides. You can definitely fit a large diaper back in it.

city_mini_4_wheel23

city_mini_4_wheel24

WHEELS

The main difference between the 4-wheel model and a regular one is the four wheels instead of three. City Mini 4-Wheel rolls on four 8″ rubber wheels with sealed ball bearings.

Ball bearings allow the wheels to spin more freely and effortlessly. Two single front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight when the terrain gets rough.

Just like City Mini, it has a front-wheel suspension that provides your child with a smooth ride.

city_mini_4_wheel26

BRAKE

The there is a single foot brake located between the rear wheels. In one step, it locks both of the rear wheels in place. Unfortunately, it’s NOT flip-flop friendly.

city_mini_4_wheel25

FOLD

This is what sells this stroller, ONE-HAND ONE-STEP fold! Love it! All you need to do is pull on the handle in the middle of the seat and the stroller will fold in half. Done!

You can even do it with a child on the other hand. The stroller has a very compact fold with the dimensions of 24″W x 30.5″L x 9″H. It should fit even into a small trunk.

city_mini_4_wheel27

city_mini_4_wheel28

TRAVEL SYSTEM OPTION

Works with most popular car seats like Peg Perego, Maxi Cosi, Graco, Chicco, and Evenflo.

Cons

-Hard to access basket. The basket has been updated in 2012 but is still hard to access. The crossbar is located very high and always gets in the way when you try to get things in and out of the basket. I hope they keep improving it.

-Non-adjustable handlebar. I would like to see an adjustable handlebar for taller and shorter parents. This could really put City Mini ahead of B-Agile.

Video Review

Baby Gizmo has a short video review. Take a look.

Specs

Stroller weight: 19.9 lbs
Weight limit: 65 lbs
Folded dimensions: 24″W x 30.5″L x 9″H
Handlebar height: 41″
Seat to canopy height: 22.5″
Wheels: 8″
Overall length: 40.75″
Overall width: 24″

City Mini vs City Mini 4-Wheel

 City MiniCity Mini 4-Wheel
Weight16.8 lbs19.9 lbs
Weight Limit50 lbs65 lbs
Wheels34
Colors6 colors2 colors
Price$220-$250$280

Warranty

Baby Jogger has a lifetime warranty on the frame of the stroller and 1 year on small parts and fabric.

Available colors

For 2013 this stroller is available in two color combinations: black/gray and sand/stone.

city_mini_4_wheel14

Where to buy it

You can get City Mini 4-Wheel in black or sand colors for around $259.

Buy City Mini 4-Wheel Stroller »

3 thoughts on “Baby Jogger City Mini 4-Wheel Stroller Review”

  1. Thanks for the review!
    i was wondering if there are differences between this model & the ones in the stores now, or are the city mini 4 wheel strollers at the stores still the same model?

    thanks!!

  2. I’m so curious – any idea if the wheels from a Baby Jogger City Mini GT Double could fit into this model, the 4-wheel City Mini?

    I really want the 4-wheel, but the GT tires would function for us much better living in New Orleans!!

Leave a Comment