In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Baby Trend Expedition Review

An inexpensive choice good enough for some things, but lack of running features and durability could be a concern, depending on your goals
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Baby Trend Expedition Review
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Baby Trend
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz  ⋅  Sep 10, 2024
53
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#10 of 10
  • Run-ability - 35% 3.9
  • Ease of Use - 20% 5.8
  • Maneuverability - 20% 6.7
  • Transport and Storage - 10% 8.1
  • Quality - 10% 3.7
  • Kid Comfort - 5% 5.2

Our Verdict

The Baby Trend Expedition is a favorite jogging stroller for budget-minded folks. The Baby Trend has air-filled rubber tires, under-seat storage, and a maximum capacity of 50 lbs. It is a fairly bare-bones three-wheel stroller that easily moves over uneven terrain. The sling-style seat reclines and the canopy can rotate forward for custom coverage. While we think this option fills a niche for parents with smaller budgets, our tests show it isn't the best for running. While it could work well for the occasional jog or run, it probably isn't the best for a dedicated runner. This stroller lacks adjustable tracking or a handlebar and doesn't have suspension, making it hard to take seriously for regular running. However, we think if you want an option for occasional jogging and easy moving over uneven terrain and grass, then this inexpensive choice is probably the choice to get the job done without breaking the bank.
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Lightweight
Easy to carry
Compatible with Baby Trend car seats
REASONS TO AVOID
Somewhat tippy
Stationary handlebar
Icky handle cover
Lower quality & durability
Fixed tracking
5 lb storage

Compare to Similar Products

 
baby trend expedition
Awards Best Value Award
Best for Small Budgets
Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Jogging Stroller
 Top Pick Award
Best Jogger for Longterm Use
 
Price $150 List
$149.99 at Amazon
$600 List$650 List
$649.95 at Amazon
$550 List
Check Price at Amazon
$173 List
$123.24 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Star Rating
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Bottom Line Budget jogger that is lightweight and easy to maneuver but it lacks dedicated running features like tracking and suspensionAn excellent performer for both running and everyday life, it is hard to go wrong with this compact folding joggerHigher-priced option that offers impressive performance and useful features, but the included safety sheet says "not suitable for running"A sturdy, high-quality crossover option that is easy to run with, but the fold requires two hands, and it doesn't self-standThe Race Tec is somewhat nicer than other Baby Trend joggers we've tested, but it isn't the best for running
Rating Categories Baby Trend Expedition Guava Roam Crossover Thule Urban Glide 3 BOB Revolution Flex... Baby Trend Expediti...
Run-ability (35%)
3.9
8.3
8.7
7.7
3.9
Ease of Use (20%)
5.8
9.0
8.0
7.4
6.4
Maneuverability (20%)
6.7
9.3
9.5
8.4
6.8
Transport and Storage (10%)
8.1
8.2
6.5
6.2
6.1
Quality (10%)
3.7
9.8
9.1
8.7
5.1
Kid Comfort (5%)
5.2
7.8
6.6
7.2
6.8
Specs Baby Trend Expedition Guava Roam Crossover Thule Urban Glide 3 BOB Revolution Flex... Baby Trend Expediti...
Capacity Limits Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs / 42"
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 60 lbs / 42 in
*car seat adaptor (sold seperately) allows for usage from 0 - 6 months
Minimum (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: Birth
Stroller Seat: 6 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 6 months - 4 year
Maximum: 75 lbs Total Capacity Limit with 49 lbs as max seat weight
Minimum (Walk Only):
Infant Car Seat: 0 - 8 week
Stroller Seat: 8 week - 8 months
Jogging & Off-Road: 8 months - 5 year
Maximum: 75 lbs / 44 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs / 42"
Measured Weight 23.6 lbs 28.5 lbs 26.2 lbs 27.3 lbs 28.1 lbs
Measured Folded Dimensions 16.3" x 23.5" x 33.1" 28.5" x 17.4" x 15.1" 37" x 26.6" x 15.2" 37.8" x 25.5" x 15.3" 36.5" x 24.5" x 16"
Folded Volume 12,679 cu in 7,488 cu in 14,960 cu in 14,748 cu in 14,308 cu in
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 41" 34" - 45" 38.5" - 45.3" 34.5" - 48" 41.5"
Fixed/Swivel Wheel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel Swivel
Measured Rolling Resistance Average 45 Ft 24 Ft 44 Ft 37 Ft 21 Ft
One-handed Fold No Yes Yes No No
Auto or Manual Fold Lock Manual Manual Auto Manual Manual
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes No No Yes
Included Accessories Parent Console (removable)
Child Tray (removable)
Parent console (removable) Parent Console (removable)
Child Tray (removable)
Setup Time 5 - 10 mins 5 mins 15 mins 5 - 10 mins 5 - 10 mins
Warranty 1 year limited warranty 2 Year warranty

60 Day trial period
Limited Lifetime warranty on Frame / 3 years fabric and parts Frame is warranted for 5
years. Components and fabric are
warranted for 1 year
1 year limited warranty

Our Analysis and Test Results

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, favorite strollers, and a variety of other products for growing families.

Performance Comparison



While it was designed for jogging, the Baby Trend Expedition was not our favorite runner and we think it is better suited for occasional jogs than regular running.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Run-ability


The Expedition isn't the best runner, according to our tests. It is almost like it is cosplaying a jogging stroller and hoping no one will notice he is missing important features.

Run-ability Performance Ratings
ProductRunningTrackingSuspensionErgonomics
Best9.09.08.08.3
Average76.46.45.8
Baby Trend Expedition4.02.01.05.4
Worst5.03.01.03.2
We tested multiple aspects of what makes a stroller a good runner, including running, tracking, suspension, and ergonomics.

While this stroller has rubber, pneumatic tires, wire-spoke wheels, and a locking front wheel designed for jogging, it is missing some key components dedicated runners will need.

baby trend expedition - the expedition is designed as a jogging stroller, and you can jog...
The Expedition is designed as a jogging stroller, and you can jog with it, but it isn't a tester favorite.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Expedition doesn't have adjustable tracking or suspension, and the handlebar is stationary. So, while you can run with it, we suspect dedicated or serious runner will grow frustrated with what is lacking and experience more body fatigue as they work to adjust their body to the stroller instead of the stroller to their running style.

The lighter weight of the Expedition likely helped it during our testing for rolling resistance.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

In our test for rolling resistance, which could translate to a more fatiguing run if it exists, it performed well. This stroller rolled further than many competitors, indicating it has less resistance and could theoretically be easier to push.

baby trend expedition - the expedition handlebar is stationary and might not be the best...
The Expedition handlebar is stationary and might not be the best height for every runner, which could impact running ergonomics.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The handlebar reaches 41 inches from the ground and might suit average-height parents but could be problematic for shorter or taller parents. It has a rubbery cover, which doesn't feel good in hand and leaves a black residue on our hands after a sweaty run. The suspension is non-existent, which feels like a failure for the passenger, if nothing else, and forces reliance on the rubber wheels.

baby trend expedition - because it lacks things like adjustable tracking and an adjustable...
Because it lacks things like adjustable tracking and an adjustable handlebar, the Expedition is simply more of a challenge to run with and not fun for longer distances.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Expedition lacks adjustable tracking, so you are stuck without whatever the stroller comes with. The stroller mostly tracked straight, but it continually pulled to one side and repeatedly would hook a curve if we let go of the stroller and let it follow its own path (no baby on board, of course).


While you can run with this stroller, we think it will create more fatigue quicker than higher-ranked competitors. The lack of suspension resulted in vibrations translating to the handle, and with nothing being adjustable, it started to feel like a slog near the end of the run and lacked any chance of using a natural running motion like many competitors offer.

The Baby Trend parent console has not been updated in ages and the lack of space for larger smartphones is a bummer.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Ease of Use


The Baby Trend is harder to use than most competitors.


baby trend expedition - the expedition has a parent console, but it isn't designed well and...
The Expedition has a parent console, but it isn't designed well and won't fit larger smartphones or most insulated water bottles.
Credit: Genaveve Bradshaw

Storage


The Expedition has a parent console and a child tray, but neither is all that useful. The parent console has two cup holders that are not very deep and are not wide enough for insulated parent water bottles. The center of the console has a covered tray that we think is for items like smartphones or keys, but it is too small to be really useful, as our test phone did not fit in the tray. The Expedition has been around for at least ten years, and it feels like it hasn't kept up with these times of giant water bottles and smartphones.

baby trend expedition - the expedition child's tray fits narrower water bottles, but wider...
The Expedition child's tray fits narrower water bottles, but wider sippy cups could be a no-go.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The child tray is marginally better with a cup holder that can hold some kids' water bottles and sippy cups that aren't too wide.

baby trend expedition - while the access and size of the expedition storage basket are good...
While the access and size of the Expedition storage basket are good, the weight capacity is only 5 lbs.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The under-seat storage basket is very easy to access, and we fit our extra-large diaper bag inside. Unfortunately, the maximum capacity is only 5 lbs, which is less than what we think the average diaper bag weighs. This defeats the larger size and means it is really not the best for running errands that include goods.

The Expedition uses two hands to fold, and while not hard, it isn't the most straightforward.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Fold/Unfold


The Expedition has a two-handed fold and a manual lock. Folding is average and not hard, but it feels dated and can't compete with the easier one-handed options we tested.

The Expedition isn't hard to put on, but you can tell it is lower quality and a little cheap compared to the higher-end options in the lineup
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Harness


The Expedition 5-point harness is bare bones, and the webbing is not all that skin-friendly. There is no strap padding, and the straps need to be manually pulled out when pressing the buckle. The shoulder and crotch straps are adjustable.

The double-action brakes on the Expedition require depressing two pedals and we worry some parents will skip one or forget to set both.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Brakes


The Expedition has no deceleration brake, and the parking brakes are double-action. Double-action means you need to press two brake pedals to fully engage the brakes. We prefer single-action brakes because we worry parents will forget both pedals or assume one is good enough, but it is not. The pedals are stiff but still foot-friendly, and we encourage parents to double-check they are set because it can feel like they are when they aren't fully engaged.

The Expedition instructions are confusing and you need a bike pump for tire inflation.
Credit: Graham Faulknor

Ease of Setup


The Expedition took us about 5-10 minutes to assemble. It isn't a challenge, but the manual isn't great. Luckily, it is fairly intuitive to set up. We did need a bike pump for the tires.

The performance of the Expedition in our tests makes it a potential choice looking more for all-terrain instead of running.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Maneuverability


The Expedition's maneuverability is also below average. While it is good enough not to be frustrating, it isn't as good as that of higher-ranked options.


The Expedition has a swivel front wheel and large rubber tires that help it navigate tighter spaces. However, the lack of suspension and adjustable handlebar means it isn't the most comfortable to push, and there is some flex in the frame you can't do anything about.

baby trend expedition - the expedition can traverse different terrains, but it is more...
The Expedition can traverse different terrains, but it is more challenging than others.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Expedition performs well on flat surfaces. It was easy to handle and, as one tester put it, “absolutely cruised the course!” It has a quick reaction time and doesn't require too much advanced planning. It is light and responsive but can get bouncy if you move too quickly or abruptly.

The larger rubber tires on the Expedition allow it to move over...
The larger rubber tires on the Expedition allow it to move over larger obstacles with relative ease.
If your strolling adventures include uneven surfaces or moving...
If your strolling adventures include uneven surfaces or moving off-road, the Expedition can help you do this, but it got a little more bouncy than we'd prefer.

Off-road is where things went south. Pushing isn't hard because it is lightweight, but it doesn't feel as solid on uneven surfaces. We worry the durability isn't good enough to take on trails regularly, and we suffered frequent low or flat tires after adventures on off-road hiking trails. The front wheel tends to tip back unexpectedly when bumping along.

baby trend expedition - the expedition would be a more compact folded stroller if it didn't...
The Expedition would be a more compact folded stroller if it didn't have the child tray.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Transport and Storage


This is one metric where the Expedition shines. It is relatively lightweight and smaller when folded than most of the competition.

Weight and Folded Size Ratings
ProductWeightFolded Size
Best9.57.2
Baby Trend Expedition9.57.2
Average6.36.3
Worst3.04.6
Transportation and storing is comprised of the measured weight and folded size of each stroller.

In our tests, this stroller weighed 24 lbs, slightly more than the manufacturer's listed weight of 23.6 lbs. However, this is lower than the average weight for a jogging stroller, with some reaching weights closer to 30 lbs.


The folded size is also smaller, at 16.3" x 23.5" x 33.1" and 12,679 cubic inches.


With an average fold size closer to 14,000 and a competitor closer to 20,000, it hits an acceptable size. If you have concerns about lifting and stowing a jogger, the Expedition is easier to manage than most.


We measure and weigh each stroller because this style of stroller is bulky and some are very heavy, heavier than some parents will want to lift regularly. Knowing how much a stroller weighs and whether it will fit in your car can help you narrow down your options.

baby trend expedition - the expedition is not a high quality stroller, but you did get the...
The Expedition is not a high quality stroller, but you did get the quality you'd expect for a product in this price point.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Quality


Quality is not a standout feature of this stroller. However, we think what you get is what you pay for, and arguably, it is more than you might expect from a stroller this cheap.


The Expedition has rubber tires, a sling-style seat, a child tray, and even a parent console. While none of it is put together all that well, and the design hasn't changed in as many years as we've been testing it, it is good for enough for the price.

baby trend expedition - when we got sweaty, the rubbery cover on the expedition handlebar...
When we got sweaty, the rubbery cover on the Expedition handlebar left residue and black flecks on our hands.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The overall fit and finish are below average, with many exposed fasteners and connection points. It lacks a sleek finished look, and the materials are only good enough. It almost looks like the parts don't go together perfectly.

The handlebar has a rubber cover of some kind that left black flecks on our hands, something we didn't experience in higher-priced options.

While it has aluminum wheels and rubber tires, our tires were unreliable and slowly deflated often enough that we had to refill them frequently during testing. The valves are short and stubby, making it challenging to attach the air pump. The spokes are in the way, which feels like an oversight or simply poor design. Online users also report that the spokes can rust over time.

The canopy on the Baby Trend Expedition can rotate forward, but you'll never get full coverage.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Kids' Comfort


This Baby Trend is not the best for kids' comfort, with one of the lowest scores in the group.


The Expedition's sling-style seat has a plastic toggle that reclines and requires two hands to raise.

The Expedition seat bottom is not that deep, and the leg rest fabric...
The Expedition seat bottom is not that deep, and the leg rest fabric stops abruptly before the plastic footrest.
The shiny plastic toggle on the Expedition seat feels dated. While...
The shiny plastic toggle on the Expedition seat feels dated. While it works well, it requires two hands to raise.

It feels and looks pretty flimsy and outdated. There is minimal padding and back support, and it relies on the sling design to provide support and comfort. It reclines deep enough for napping.

baby trend expedition - the expedition seat back reclines far enough for napping, but not as...
The Expedition seat back reclines far enough for napping, but not as deep as competitors.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

It has a large plastic footrest that is bigger than most, with an extended part past the footrest for longer legs. The legrest has a gap between the seat and the footrest, which probably keeps down the weight and cost but is unlikely to be as comfortable as others that extend all the way down.

baby trend expedition - the baby trend expedition has a smaller rotating canopy that can't...
The Baby Trend Expedition has a smaller rotating canopy that can't provide full coverage from head to toe.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

The Expedition's canopy is one of the smallest. While it can rotate forward and backward to help protect from the direct sun, depending on where it is in the sky, you are never going to get full head-to-knee coverage like most of the competition. Depending on your outing, a sunhat and glasses could be in order.

The Expedition isn't the best option for running, but you can run with it, and the budget makes it a compelling one-and-done potential contender.
Credit: Matt Lighthart

Should You Buy the Baby Trend Expedition?


The Baby Trend is not the best jogger, and we had trouble running with it for long distances. With no way to adjust tracking or handlebar height, it could be a struggle to run with, and we think dedicated runners should look elsewhere. However, if your budget is tight, it is hard to ignore the low, low price and what you get for that price. This three-wheel rubber tire option moves smoothly over most surfaces and is suitable for running even if you won't want to jog more than casually or occasionally. We think it is a good choice for those who move off-road often or want to explore trails or parks and need better tires to make the trip without trouble but lack the funds for a higher-quality stroller.

What Other Jogging Strollers Should You Consider?


If your budget can stretch, we think the Guava Roam Crossover should be on your shortlist. While it costs significantly more than the Baby Trend, it isn't as costly as other competitors, and you get a lot more. If there is some way to manage the better option, we don't think you'll be disappointed, and if you use it as your only stroller, it could save you money in the long run. This stroller performs well in every metric and has the smallest fold in the group. If your budget just can't be stretched and you worry less about money but want something slightly higher quality, then the Baby Trend Race Tec could be the one for you. While not an award winner and a harder-to-run-with option, it does have nicer materials and looks sleeker than its cheaper counterpart.

Manufacturer Video



Juliet Spurrier, MD and Wendy Schmitz