They offer a low-cost jogging stroller that the Expedition promises to create a smooth ride on multiple surfaces. With its rubber tires, easy maneuverability and relatively basic features, families on a budget are drawn to it. But is it really appropriate for parents who want a jogging stroller for legitimate runs? Or is it a more casual option? Let’s explore what makes this stroller great and what gives it some disadvantages.
Our Verdict
The Baby Trend Expedition is the cheapest on our list, but still a great option for joggers looking for some brisk workout combined with a superb on-road and off-road stroller for the whole family that isn’t going to require you to break the bank. It doesn’t come with any features geared toward serious runners—like adjustable tracking, suspension, or a handlebar—but, when you factor in the low price, this is a smart choice to handle light jogs and daily walks. On the other hand, if you are seeking a serious jogging stroller, it’s probably not the best pick.
Features to Love
Though the Baby Trend Expedition jogger doesn’t possess all the bells and whistles found on pricier models, it does have enough features to seem like a solid deal for budget-conscious parents. Let’s discuss each of the important features: Air-Filled Rubber Tires: The air-filled rubber tires are a significant feature of this stroller. The rubber on these tires is solid, but they offer excellent grip, good shock absorption, and provide a more comfortable ride over uneven surfaces and grass for both parent and child. This makes it a great choice for families who love the outdoors or need a stroller that will work on multiple different terrains. Large Under Seat Storage – The Baby Trend expedition features a huge underneath seat storage basket that is great for carrying diaper bags, shopping bags, or different essentials. The basket can hold 5-pounds, which isn’t much, but you can simply toss whatever you need to carry into it and easily access it — a perk when you’re a parent or an on-the-go person. Sling-Shaped Seat: The pushchair features a sling-shaped chair with simple recline capabilities. This seat is suitable for napping or sitting upright, but there is no full recline as available with many high-end strollers. Simple and easy to adjust, it lacks some of the elegance of its more premium counterparts. Sunshade: The Baby Trend Expedition comes with a relatively large canopy that is capable of rotating forward in order to keep your kid out of direct sunlight. But it does not cover the entirety of the body, head to toe, which may be a drawback for those in sunnier climates or for extended excursions. That said, the ability to adjust offers a better sun barrier for your child while you go for a walk or jog. Ideal The Dual-action foot brake system is easy to use. Its parents also must activate all brakes, as the two pedals lock the wheels for safety. This system keeps the stroller locked in position when stopped, offering an extra level of security when on the move. Baby Trend Car Seat Compatible: If you purchased a Baby Trend infant car seat, this stroller is a great travel system option to consider, as Baby Trend’s car seats are compatible with this stroller. You will require the requisite adapters, but the integration between the car seat and stroller is incredible convenient, especially if you’re putting your baby into the stroller directly from the car and don’t want to wake them.
Before You Buy
There are a few things to think about before getting the Baby Trend Expedition to ensure that, it’s the right running stroller for you, your family, and your lifestyle. So while this stroller is a phenomenal value for what it costs, you should definitely weigh the pros and cons depending on how you plan to use it.
Considerations:
Not for Serious Runners: Baby Trend Expedition is not aimed at serious running. It can manage a few occasional jogs, but key features, like adjustable tracking and suspension, are missing, which means running more than, say, a few hundred meters, can feel uncomfortable. Since the handlebar is fixed to one size, it too can pose a challenge for taller or shorter parents, as it does not allow for height adjustment. If you intend to use it for regular running or for more strenuous exercise, this may not be the best choice for you. Weight and Size: While the Baby Trend Expedition is on the more affordable side, it is also heavier and bulkier than some other strollers in this group. It can also be cumbersome to fold up and stow, particularly when you have limited space. It is bigger and heavier, which makes it less practical for quick trips, or for families who need to regularly move the stroller in and out of a car. Storage Capacity: The under-seat storage basket is quite big for its size, but the weight ability of 5 pounds may prove impossible for some parents. It’s fine for a small diaper bag or a few essentials, but can feel limiting if you need to carry bulkier items. The parent tray and child tray are also functional, but they’re not massively big or deep, which means larger items such as insulated water bottles or bulky snacks might not fit. Canopy Coverage: The canopy is adjustable, but doesn’t give full coverage which for parents wanting more sun protection for their children could be an issue. So if you’re going to spend a lot of time outside in sunny conditions, you might want to really pair this one with a sunhat or other accessories for more sun protection. Price vs. Features: Baby Trend expedition is best in price and features. For just $150, it gives you pretty good bang for your buck against other joggers in the space. Of course, you have to make sacrifices — the performance, features, and quality are much more basic than higher-end joggers. We wouldn’t recommend it as a primary jogging stroller if you can afford a dedicated one, but if you’re on a budget and want a stroller that you can occasionally use for a light jog or some adventurous outdoor use, it’s a solid option. But if you’re interested in more flexible features or a stroller with greater durability and performance, you may want to look elsewhere.
Final Verdict
The Baby Trend Expedition is a budget option stroller that isn’t bad for families who don’t want or need a high performance Jogger but still want to go the occasional outdoor adventure or jog. It’s lightweight, easily moved on level surfaces, and is capable of traversing some bumps in the road with the help of its inflatable rubber wheels. The under-seat storage is also a nice touch, though the 5-pound weight limit might be a little restrictive for some. On the other hand, a combination of its performance while running, along with a few downgrades such as an absence of adjustable tracking, suspension or even an adjustable handlebar, means that it would be less suited to serious joggers. The stroller’s construction quality, while perfectly acceptable for the price, is no match for similar products at more competitive prices, and a fixed handlebar can be uncomfortable for parents of varying heights. The smaller, fixed canopy also does little to keep the sun out, a concern for families who spend a lot of time outdoors. So, for the jogging or running mothers, or the ones who need a stroller that has greater quality and sophistication, the Baby Trend Expedition might not be the one for you. But if you’re working with a budget and need a stroller that can handle the occasional jog, walks, and off-road terrain all without breaking the bank, the Baby Trend Expedition does the trick. Good for occasional jogging and off-road terrain Compatible with Baby Trend car seats Cons: Not suitable for serious running Fixed handlebar and lack of adjustable tracking Smaller storage capacity and limited canopy coverage Basic features and build quality Bottom Line: The Baby Trend Expedition is a practical, no-frills option for parents on a budget. It’s not the ideal option for regular runners, or for anyone looking for a high-performance jogger, but it offers good value for families who want a stroller for occasional jogging, walking, and general outdoor use.
What Else Should You Consider in Jogging Strollers?
If you like the Baby Trend Expedition but aren’t sure if it is right for your running and outdoor needs, there are a number of other options that you may want to consider. These alternatives also offer better specs and durability, depending on your budget.
Guava Roam Crossover
For those with a little more budget, theGuava Roam Crossover is a great choice that provides a better riding experience. It gives an amazing amount of versatility, maneuverability, and durability. And with smooth, all-terrain capabilities and a comfortable ride, it’s a great pick for families who want a stroller that’ll handle running as well as daily errands without sacrificing comfort or functionality. While it sits at a price point higher than the Baby Trend Expedition, it’s still more affordable compared to many other premium jogging strollers currently available, and its value makes it a worthy consideration for a large majority of families.
Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec
Options & Alternatives: The Baby Trend Expedition Race Tec is a great choice for those who are looking for a more refined version of the Baby Trend Expedition. It may not have the performance and features of our top-rated jogging strollers, but it had better build quality and materials than the regular Expedition. Still, it’s not quite right for serious runners, but it could make a good option for occasional jogs or outdoor activities. A perfect midrange option, the Race Tec costs more and offers a slimmer profile and greater comfort for parent and child than the extremely basic Expedition.
Thule Urban Glide 3
The Thule Urban Glide 3 is one of the best high-performance jogging strollers for those that are looking to hit the street for a jog. It offers great maneuverability, a smooth ride and exceptional durability, which makes it a fantastic choice for serious runners or anyone who spends a lot of time off-road. Where the Baby Trend Expedition fails, the Urban Glide 3 shines with adjustable suspension and tracking. Though it runs on the pricier side, its performance and features make sense for families that need to jog or otherwise go outdoors are the priority.
Citations
- Baby Trend Official Website: www.babytrend.com
- Guava Roam Crossover: www.guavababy.com
- Thule Urban Glide 3: www.thule.com
