Baby Trend Expedition Review

Baby Trend started over 26 years ago, creating products for the juvenile industry. Since their inception, they have been designing innovative products for growing families. Baby Trend was the first to make "sit and stand" style strollers and the Snap-N-Go stroller that converts an infant car seat into a lightweight stroller. They make the Diaper Champ diaper pail, infant car seats, infant swings and bouncers, high chairs, walkers, strollers, and a variety of other products for growing families.

Performance Comparison

Run-ability

The Expedition isn't the best choice for dedicated runners, as it lacks features that make running easier. Despite being the cheapest product in the review, it still scores higher in this crucial metric than many strollers, almost twice its price.

The Expedition doesn't have adjustable tracking, but the stroller we tested did run straight without excessive veering. However, if the tolerance on any specific stroller is off, then you may be stuck with a product that potentially veers. Our stroller did pull a little to the side when running at higher speeds, but it is easy to back tip for turning the fixed wheel or getting it back on course. It also doesn't have an adjustable handlebar, making it more challenging to obtain proper running biomechanics.

The Running Details

We "run" multiple smaller tests the contribute to the overall run-ability score by focusing on smaller components that influence how easy a jogger is to run with. We create a fuller picture that consists of information about the features and functionality of each jogger. Our tests are designed to help you determine which option will provide the functionality you need for easy running.

Our running test results encompass feedback and ratings from our running testers. The running test scores are 35% of the run-ability metric. The chart offers a simple visual of how each jogger compares to the competition.

We test the rolling resistance of each stroller and take an average of multiple test results. This result makes up 20% of the overall run-ability score. Each jogger is pushed, and the distance it travels is measured. A farther distance indicates less rolling resistance, which can mean a potentially less fatiguing stroller to move as you aren't pushing against friction in the wheel itself as you run.

Ease of Use

The Baby Trend is easy to use and impressive for a stroller of this price.

Compared to higher-end competitors like the BOB Rambler, it has impressive test results.

Fold and Unfold

Folding the Expedition is relatively straightforward. It has a two-handed fold initiated by sliding the side levers up and one pull on the handle located under the seat. It has a manual fold lock, self-stands and you can remove the front wheel for a more compact fold.

Brakes

The brakes are double action and require two pedals to be pressed to engage the brakes. We worry parents will grow complacent and forget to set both or choose not to. The pedals are average to set and release and are not sandal foot friendly as they are stiff, and the underside of the pedal is rough.

Storage

The extra-large under-seat storage bin (above left) fit our extra-large diaper bag. The bin is accessible from all sides and has a maximum allowable weight of 5 lbs, the lowest in the group. In comparison, the Thule Urban Glide 2 has a limit of 10 lbs and a zippered cover that keeps items inside and clean. It has a parent console with two cup holders and a closeable compartment (above right) and a child's tray with two cup holders that did not fit wide bottom sippy cups in our tests. The tray swings up on one side for easy seat access.

Sunshade

The canopy is average in size, with a small, mesh peek-a-boo window. This canopy isn't large enough to cover over the knees and has little protection on the sides, unlike the giant canopy on the BOB Revolution 3.0. It has a mesh pop-out visor, and it can rotate forward for low sun or headwinds.

Harness

The Expedition has a simple 5-point harness that is easy to use. It is relatively easy to adjust and has height-adjustable shoulder straps and an adjustable crotch strap. It doesn't have padded straps, and you have to release each side strap separately from the buckle to release the harness, but overall one of the more straightforward options to use.

Seat

This stroller has a one-handed, easy-to-use recline deep enough for napping. The seatback has ventilation when reclined, which is coverable when the weather is cold. The edge of the seat curves down at a comfortable angle and is soft to the touch, with a gap between the leg rest and the plastic footrest.

Ease of Setup

This stroller took almost 8 minutes to set up. The documentation is poor, with multiple languages mashed together and hard to understand illustrations. Also, the instructions can be confusing with details for installing parts that come pre-installed.

Maneuverability

The Baby Trend is easy to maneuver with better test results than much of the competition.

Pushing and turning on flat surfaces is easy. It negotiated our obstacle course without hitting anything, and it did not require pre-planned turning. This stroller has a narrow width and shorter wheelbase that makes it easy to turn, and the lighter weight makes it easy to push. Pushing off-road is also easy as it rolls over the gravel and grass with ease.

The handlebar is not adjustable, but it has a rubber covering and a slight upward curve mid-bar. We prefer adjustable bars with foam covering as they are both more comfortable and better for running ergonomics. The Expedition doesn't have any suspension, which is likely a non-starter for serious runners.

Weight and Folded Size

The Baby Trend has one of the smallest folds in the group, measuring 13,285 cubic inches, and it weighs 23.6 lbs.

The small size and lighter weight combined with the self-stand feature make the Expedition easier to manage, lift, and fit in smaller spaces. It is certainly smaller than the trailer-style options we tested.

Quality

The Baby Trend quality results are fairly low compared to the competition, but it isn't a surprise given the lower price.

The fabric feels rough but durable. It has a steel frame with some flex at the hinge point and plastic connections where the stroller folds. The frame is small, has no shocks, and all of the connection points are exposed. The plastic parts are finished well and fit snugly on the frame, and everything fits reasonably well together; it just isn't as tight as we'd expect for a jogger. The Expedition has metal wheels with air-filled rubber tires that have smooth tread. However, the wheels have significant play where they meet the axle, and it causes vibration in the handlebar.

With a hard seatback that is uncomfortable compared to a sling-style seat and no suspension, this stroller is not the most comfortable for passengers or pushers and would not be a good choice for long-distance use.

Should You Buy the Baby Trend Expedition?

Whether or not the Expedition is the right choice for you will depend on your budget and plans. If you are a serious runner who wants the best ergonomic experience with multiple adjustable features like tracking and suspension, then the Expedition will likely be a disappointment over time. However, if you want a lightweight jogger that is easy to maneuver and is inexpensive, then this is the one for you. This stroller is one of the cheapest options we've tested and it is easy to push and good for grocery-getting. If you want something to move smoothly over grass and gravel and can run occasionally, then this is a good choice.

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?

If your budget is higher or you are a dedicated runner, then there are better joggers in this review than the Expedition. The BOB Rambler is less expensive and smaller than other BOBs and still offers impressive run-ability and ease of use. However, if your budget can stretch and you are a serious runner, then something like the Thule Urban Glide 2 is a better choice as it excels at run-ability and is super easy to use with high-quality materials and a sleek design.

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