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One of the most important items you will need to buy for your baby is a stroller. It’s a purchase you will use day after day, potentially for a long time if you plan to have more children, so it needs to fit your needs.
It is also one of the most expensive baby items, and the extras and accessories can rapidly add up. How do you know which stroller to go for? What extras do you need to buy to make it work for your family set up? It can feel like a huge decision.
We’re looking at two strollers today – the UPPAbaby Vista and the City Select, both highly-rated strollers with good reviews from moms. We’ll take a look at the features of both, as well as the pros and cons, to help you make the right decision for your family.
There are many kinds of strollers available in all shapes and sizes. Which one is right for you will depend on your environment – are you in the city, are you going to be using public transport? A smaller, easy to fold down stroller might be a better option for you.
Alternatively, you may be taking long walks in the country, or going jogging with your baby in the stroller, in which case a jogging stroller would work well. There are so many options, but at The Baby Swag, we hope to help you to stay informed.
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What Types of Strollers Can You Choose From?
Strollers come with different features. Some have extended sunshades to keep your baby cool and in the shade on a hot day. Some have large baskets to hold your shopping, and cup holders for a handy place to keep your coffee. Others can be adapted to carry more than one child. Broadly speaking, there are three main types of stroller:
Lightweight Strollers
These are lighter strollers that are easy to transport (sometimes used interchangeably with umbrella stroller). They normally fold down neatly, making them ideal to store in small spaces, and they are usually easy to collapse, which can be useful if you use public transport.
However, these aren’t always suitable for smaller babies, as some of them don’t have padded seats – but they work perfectly for a toddler. They’re also a good option for taking on vacation as they tend to take up less room than some of the heavier strollers.
Car Seat Strollers
These consist of a car seat and a stroller frame. The infant car seat clips on and off the frame easily, making them a great option for transferring baby straight from the infant car into the stroller, saving you from having to wake them if they’re happily taking a nap. The stroller frames tend to be light and easy to fold.
Jogging Strollers
If you want to be active with your baby, with a lot of walking and running outdoors, a jogger might be a great option for you. They are designed to be stable whilst traveling at higher speeds, with three wheels for balance. They are usually very light and easy to steer.
If you’re expecting twins or triplets, you will be able to find double stroller or triple models to suit your needs, but you may find there is a little less choice. You can usually find great bundles – some car seat strollers come with the infant car seat as part of a package, others you need to buy separately.
There will usually be a range of accessories to buy, from waterproof rain covers to stroller organizers– not all of them are necessary, but you will be able to choose based on your own needs.
UPPAbaby Vista vs City Select – which is the right choice for you and your baby?
The UPPABaby Vista and the City Select both come under the ‘lightweight stroller’ category because they weigh under 45kg. They are both versatile strollers, with many configurations – for example, you can purchase an attachment to add a second seat for another child, or even add a glider board for a third child. This makes them both a great investment for families wanting to have more than one child.
We’ve taken a close look at the features of both models so that you can make an informed decision that is right for you and your baby. We’ve looked at the weight and height, the ease of steering, their safety features, restraints, how they can be adjusted, and the additional features.
We have checked what is included with each stroller so you know any extras you need to purchase, and we have looked at reviews and ratings to see the opinions of real moms on how these strollers work for their families.
The Main Differences Between the UPPAbaby Vista and the City Select
- You can use the UPPAbaby Vista straight away without buying any extras – the City Select requires add-ons if you wish to use it with a newborn
- The UPPAbaby Vista has attractive leather handlebar and bumper bar accents with some of the color options
- The City Select requires adapters to use with a compatible car seat; you do not need to buy adapters to use a compatible car seat with the UPPAbaby Vista (both require car seats to be bought separately, however)
- Price – even with the extras, the City Select is the more affordable option
As you can see, the main differences between the Vista and the City Select are the price difference, and the ability to be able to use them with a newborn straight out of the box.
The City Select is less expensive than the Vista. However, Vista comes with everything you need, whereas the City Select will require extra purchases.
There are many good options, but I personally prefer the larger bassinet standard on the Vista, the higher quality construction, and the dual purpose as an overnight cot if needed. All in all, the Vista is a better value for the money.
UPPAbaby Vista
UPPAbaby strollers, particularly the Vista, are well-regarded by parents looking for a stroller with lots of options for their growing family. The Vista was updated in 2017, and you can read our review of it here. It’s made for babies of six months up to three years (or 50lb).
However, using the carrycot attachment, you can use the stroller right from birth. The carrycot attachment is ventilated with an aerated mattress, which means you can use it as a safe place for baby to sleep if you need to stay away from home for the night. You can purchase a stand for the carrycot separately. The carrycot also includes a pop-out sunshade, which will keep your baby cool and shaded on hot days.
You will then have the option of buying an extra seat if you would like to convert it to a double stroller (convertible stroller) – which is a great selling point for parents expecting their second child. If you are expecting twins, the Vista can use two carrycots or two compatible car seats. You can also use the PiggyBack Ride-Along board for an older child.
The seats are padded and can be reclined (reclining seat), and include sun shades for protection. The handle height is adjustable to make it comfortable to push, and the front wheels are pivoting, which makes it a breeze to steer. There is room for everything you need in the under-seat storage basket, too.
Add-ons for the UPPAbaby Vista
Although the Vista can be used straight away, you can purchase add-ons that you may consider:
- UPPAbaby MESA car seat and base
- UPPAbaby Vista additional stroller seat
Features:
- Weight: 22kg (single)
- Size (open): 24 x 17 x 34 inches
- Multiple seating options both rear-facing car seat and parent-facing
- Can be used from birth to three years
- Compatible with MESA infant car set, without needing attachments
- Lightweight and easy to maneuver with an adjustable handle height
- Large under-seat storage basket
- Multiple color options including black, white, indigo, and blue marl
Pros:
- Multiple seating options including configurations for more than one child
- Can be used from birth with carrycot
- Easy to put up and fold down, stands up when folded
- Attractive color options with full-grain leather accents on handlebar and bumper bar
- Easy to maneuver with shock-absorbing front and rear suspension
- UV protection canopy and ventilation to keep baby cool
Cons:
- The carrycot doesn’t work well in every seating option
- Can be awkward to get in and out of the trunk of the car or in and out of the house
- Expensive as the price includes the carrycot
- Can be a little more difficult to steer when using double or triple stroller configurations
Parent’s Opinion
The UPPAbaby Vista has an average star rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon. This is what parents have to say about it:
- Works very well as a double stroller even with larger toddlers
- Multiple options to recline baby, meaning they’ll be comfortable
- Easy to steer, even with one hand
- Great investment for a growing family, meaning it offers value for money in the long run
- Nice and compact when folded
- Feels safe and well-made
Baby Jogger City Select
The Baby Jogger City Select is another great option for a growing family. It’s designed for babies from six months old, but with the bassinet kit (sold separately) or with a compatible car seat and adapter (also sold separately), it can be used for a newborn.
The bassinet includes a machine washable mattress cover and a foot apron to protect the baby from the sun, however, it is not intended for overnight sleeping, so it’s not as multi-purpose as the carrycot included with the UPPAbaby Vista.
The City Select has at least 16 configurations, including front-facing and parent-facing options, with the option of purchasing a second seat for another child. This makes it a great flexible option for families.
Like the Vista, it includes options for multiples, including the option of using two bassinets. There are multiple recline positions, and the UV 50+ canopy also includes a peekaboo window with a magnetic clasp, meaning you can check on your baby without disturbing them.
This is a small, but nice feature for parents. It has a large basket under the seat – this is one of the features that parents raved about in reviews on Amazon – and features an adjustable handlebar as well as a hand-operated parking brake.
There is an option of purchasing a glider board for an older child, too. Still, even with the bassinet kit, this could be the choice for you if you’re on a tight budget. However, it takes a bit more thought to ensure you order the correct adapters, especially if you want to use the City Select with a car seat.
Add-ons for the City Select
- City Select Bassinet Kit
- City Select second seat Kit
Features
- Weight: 13.98kg (single)
- Size (open): 98 x 65.5 x 110cm (single)
- Multiple seating options both front and parent-facing
- Can be used from birth to three years with bassinet kit (sold separately)
- Compatible with Click Connect City Go i-Size, City Go, Cabrio Fix Pebble, Aton Evolution Pro, Pebble Plus, and Evo Lunafix car seats (sold separately – you will need adapters, latch connectors also sold separately)
- Adjustable handlebar and hand brake
- Large under-seat storage basket
- Multiple color options including red, teal, black, and garnet
Pros:
- Multiple seating options including configurations for more than one child
- Can be used from birth with carrycot
- Easy to put up and fold down
- UV protection canopy with a peekaboo flap to check on the baby
- An affordable option even with the bassinet kit sold separately
- Easy to maneuver
- Adjustable handlebar with a hand brake for ease of use
Cons:
- Not every configuration works well
- Can be difficult or heavy to push with more than one child
- Can be difficult to fit in smaller spaces due to large size
- Bassinet and car seat adapters have to be purchased separately, which takes more effort
Parent’s Opinion
The City Select has an average star rating of 4.5 stars on Amazon. This is what parents have to say about it:
- Stroller feels sturdy
- Easy to use
- Compact when folded to fit easily in the trunk of the car
- The wheels allow for a smooth ride
- The flexibility is great
- Very roomy bottom basket
- It’s convenient to have the brake on the handle
The Verdict?
Both strollers are great in terms of options and flexibility for your family, especially if you are having your second or even third child. The biggest difference is the price – even if you purchase the bassinet kit separately, the City Select is over $500 cheaper than the Vista at the time of writing, which is a huge saving and makes the City Select a much more affordable option.
The Vista has some definite pros. The carrycot being able to function as an overnight cot makes it a great option for parents who want to travel. The Vista is already car seat compatible, meaning you don’t have to find and buy an adapter separately.
It’s also well-designed, with its leather handlebar and bumper bar, and the color options are very attractive. It stands nicely when folded, too, which is helpful for storage.
The City Select, however, is also a great option. Parents say they enjoy the flexibility it offers, and that it is a sturdy, well-made stroller. Both the strollers have multiple seating options, including front-facing and parent-facing configurations. Both can seat extra children, which makes them great for a growing family. They both recline and offer UV protection. Reviewers say that both strollers feel safe for their children.
So which one would we choose? It’s a tough choice, as they’re both good strollers. However, for durability, attractive design, and ease of use, it would have to be the UPPAbaby Vista. Having everything ready to go straight out of the box is a huge advantage.
There is so much to think about when planning for the arrival of a new baby – with so many things to research, organize, buy, or put on your registry, it can be overwhelming and stressful. Not having to worry about buying compatible adapters or extras makes Vista a great choice.
There are many good options, but I personally prefer the larger bassinet standard on the Vista, the higher quality construction, and the dual purpose as an overnight cot if needed. All in all, the Vista is a better value for the money.
FAQ
Yes, the Vista comes with a carrycot. It also comes with a toddler seat rain cover, a toddler seat bug shield, and a bassinet bug shield.
No – although the Baby Jogger brand is known for producing jogging strollers, the City Select is not designed for jogging or running.
Yes, if you purchase the correct adapters.
No, these need to be purchased separately.
The VISTA Henry, Emmett, Gregory, Loic, and Taylor options all come with saddle leather accents.
No – both just turn around and click into place.
Final Thoughts: City Select vs UPPAbaby Vista?
There are many good options, but I personally prefer the larger bassinet standard on the Vista, the higher quality construction, and the dual purpose as an overnight cot if needed. All in all, the Vista is a better value for the money.
Both strollers look good and offer great options for parents of multiple children. Both will keep your baby safe and comfortable. The only real difference is in the price – which may be the deciding factor for you. Both options have great reviews and many fans who have enjoyed using the strollers for their children.
Bottom Line: However, the ease of use out of the box and the sleek design of the UPPAbaby Vista makes it our first choice. The City Select is a great option, though, especially if you are on a budget.
Recommended Reads:
- Britax B Ready vs UPPAbaby Vista – Which is the Best Lightweight Stroller?
- UPPABaby Vista Review
- UPPAbaby Vista vs Bugaboo Fox Compared
- Top 7 Best Travel Strollers – the Lightest and Safest Strollers for Your Baby
- Chicco Cortina CX Travel System Review
- Baby Jogger City Mini Stroller Review – Is It the One For You?
- Baby Jogger Summit X3 Review: Is This the Jogging Stroller for You?
- Best All-Terrain Strollers
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