3 City-Friendly Baby Gear Features to Look For

Whether it’s contending with less-than-ideal storage space, navigating public transportation or not owning a car, city dwellers have extra considerations to keep in mind when it comes to choosing baby gear—namely, how you’ll get around town with baby in tow, and where you’ll have room to store gear when you’re not using it. But just because you may have less space doesn’t mean you need to make sacrifices when it comes to useful features or performance. Here are three things to consider when it comes to registering for small-space baby gear (and bonus: all of these picks are under $450!).

A Sturdy Stroller with a One-Handed Fold

Portability is key when it comes to city living, so a stroller that breaks down easily and compactly is extra helpful for those moments when you can’t put baby down to collapse your stroller (like when you need to head down to a subway, up to the door of your walk-up or brownstone or when an elevator is out of service). While many strollers boast a one-step fold, the key is to look for one that features a one-handed fold like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2.

With forever-air rubber tires that will never go flat and an all-wheel suspension, the City Mini GT2 can also navigate tree roots erupting from sidewalks, curb cutouts and cobblestone streets Have two kiddos in tow? The double stroller version has the same city-friendly features as the single stroller and still fits through standard doorways.

But what if you can’t afford to have your living room or bedroom doubling as your stroller parking space? Understandable. You can still get a one-handed fold with an ultra-lightweight stroller. The Baby Jogger City Tour 2 weighs just 14 pounds—compared to the City Mini GT2 at 22 pounds—and it folds to a much smaller footprint than a traditional stroller so you can stash it in a corner (or a closet, if you’re lucky enough to have the empty space).

It also comes with a carry bag to protect it from bumps and scratches. And like the City Mini GT2, comes in a double that fits through standard doorways (it’s one of the more lightweight side-by-side options out there). Not sure which stroller is best for you? This flowchart can help you decide.

A Car Seat That Doesn’t Need a Base

Walkability is a major perk of city living, but you’ll probably still need to take your baby in taxis and rideshares from time to time, especially if you don’t have your own car. To avoid schlepping and installing a car seat base every time you need to hail a cab, look for an infant car seat that can be quickly and safely installed with just a seat belt (no base needed). Bonus points if it snaps onto your stroller to create a travel system like the Baby Jogger City Go 2 does with the City Mini GT2 or City Tour 2.

You shouldn’t stop your car seat search at base-free installation though; getting baby in and out of their seat quickly and easily is important too—especially when you’re feeling pressured from beeping horns at a traffic light, are double parked on a busy road or if it’s just been a while since you’ve actually used your car seat. The City GO 2 has a no-rethread headrest and harness that adjusts quickly with one hand to ensure baby is properly secured.

A High Chair to Stow Away Between Meals

Chances are you don’t have a big kitchen or dining area (if you have one at all). But since baby can’t eat on the couch and you may not even have room at a table for a clip-on high chair, look for a foldable one that allows you to take back your kitchen space when baby isn’t eating. The Baby Jogger City Bistro is a handy option for small-space living, with a no-assembly-required setup and self-standing flat-fold that’s 80% smaller than when it’s unfolded..

In addition to extra space-saving features like back-of-the-chair storage to hold the dishwasher-safe tray, it also features a cushioned seat pad that’s stain-resistant and machine-washable for easy clean-ups.

Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to compromise on your gear or lifestyle once baby arrives. Choosing gear designed with thoughtful and space-saving features like these top picks from Baby Jogger can help you keep up with your adventures and create a baby-friendly home—no matter how big or small it may be.

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