Baby Jogger Summit X3 – Close Up Review of the Single and Double Strollers

Award winning Baby Jogger Summit X3 strollers released in 2013, in single and double hybrid jogger/stroller, are remarkable improvements on the popular, but now discontinued model – the Summit XC. New features were introduced on the Summit X3 that increased jogging performance and baby comfort on the strollers.

The unique one hand Quick-Fold system common in Baby Jogger strollers is retained in the X3, and so are the sleek design, sturdy construction and high baby weight capacity of 75 lbs for the Summit X3 single stroller, and 100 lbs for the double – which allows babies to grow with either strollers.

New features on the Summit X3 that active parents that love jogging will definitely like are, the remote front wheel lock that switches the stroller from swivel wheel for causal strolls, to a fixed wheel for a dash jog or run. All done with a lever located within easy reach, without stopping, or braking your stride. Hand-operated drum brakes for better speed control is also a new feature on the Summit X3 that have helped improve its all-terrain performance for strolling, jogging or running.

With independent suspension on all its wheels, the strollers provide smoother and more comfortable rides for your baby. And storage space is hugely improved also on the single and double strollers, with larger undercarriage space. The Summit X3 sun canopy is bigger, featuring well-located viewing and ventilation  windows.

You can read the rest of what Baby Jogger Summit X3 has to offer in my full review of the single and double joggers below:

Table of Contents (Jump ahead!)

• Features and Benefits of Summit X3
• Compact, Easy to Fold & Carry?
• Baby Safety Features
• Baby Comfort Features While you Jog
• Tires and Wheels
• Size and weight Capacity
• Available Styles & Colors
• Infant Car Seat Compatible?
• Warranty and what’s included
• What Others are saying
• How much is the Summit X3?
• Pros and Cons
• Baby Jogger Summit X3 Stroller in Video Review!
• Conclusion and My Recommendation
• Accessories Available for Summit X3

Features and Benefits – Summit X3 Single and Double Strollers

The single Summit X3 jogger stroller is ideal for parents looking after one baby or an infant, but the double stroller is suitable for families with twins, or a baby and very young sibling. Features on the double or single stroller are exactly the same, and the differences between them are in size, capacity and dimensions.

Unlike the Summit XC double stroller that is designed with two swivel front wheels,the Summit X3 double stroller has one swivel wheel in front, and two rear wheels – the same as the single. I will now take a closer look at specific features and benefits on the improved hybrid Baby Jogger.

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single		Baby Jogger Summit X3 Double

How Compact, Easy to Fold & Carry?

The Baby Jogger Summit X3 is a stroller cum jogger hybrid that uses the unique Quick-Fold technology to fold the jogger in one step and with one hand. Parents caring for their babies in strollers often struggle to have both hands engaged opening a stroller and holding the baby. So, this stroller eliminates this problem. When folded, an automatic lock keeps the stroller safely shut.

The Summit X3 is fairly lightweight and folds flat (See dimensions below), making it compact and easy to carry with one hand. It can also be conveniently stored in compact areas, and the single stroller can easily fit into the trunk of medium size cars with room for much more.

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Baby Safety Features on Summit X3 Jogger Stroller

Five- Point safety Harness – Safety of your child is paramount on any stroller, and the five-point harness – which is the safest recommended for baby on infant seats, is what is provided on the Summit X3. The harness is richly padded and adjustable so it wraps around your child comfortably, but still hold the child secure on the seat a stroller.

The harness goes above the shoulders and hips and is strapped between the legs to secure your baby to the seat. To test that the Summit X3 strap is correctly adjusted for safety and comfort, you should have just enough space between the strap and your baby to pass your fingers. You can use this simple test on any infant seats equipped with safety harness.

Foot Operated Brake – This improved Summit X3 single and double stroller/jogger also come with a foot-operated parking brake that works by pressing the lever down with your foot to secure the stroller when you are stationary. This keeps the stroller rooted to the spot instead of rolling away when you’re not attentive. A hand operated drum brake at the rear increases your control over the jogger in undulating terrain and when jogging or running down slopes.

Jogging Strap – For added security while you jog or run with the Summit X3, a jogging strap is provided that attaches to the stroller, and the other end wraps around your wrist ensuring that if you trip or fall, you can still hold on to the stroller.

One-Handed Push Handle – The rubberized handlebar is designed so the stroller can be effortlessly pushed with one hand, and it is easy to clean.

The handle is covered with slip-resistant material for a firm and comfortable grip on the stroller.

Weather Canopy with Viewing Windows – In unpredictable weather, it’s best to be prepared and protect your baby from hash sun, drizzles or pouring rain. The huge canopy on the Baby Jogger Summit X3 offers such protection from the elements. The canopy can be adjusted in multiple positions, and has a clear peek-a-boo window to view and keep a close eye on your baby. Water proof rain cover can be purchased as optional accessory for the stroller.

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single		Baby Jogger Summit X3 Double

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Baby Comfort Features & How Easy to Push the Strollers

Plush Reclining Seat, Air Vents & Retractable Canopy – The seat of the Baby Jogger Summit X3 Stroller is plush, richly padded and spacious to keep your baby comfortable. The seat can be reclined for as far back as you like – almost to a flat position. This is quite a good feature that allows parents to quickly change a child from seating upright to a position that is more comfortable for napping, especially when you are out for a long jog, or run with the stroller, and your baby is getting tired.

There are windows in the canopy to view your child, and side vents for good air circulation. The retractable weather canopy can be pulled to angles over the seat that gives the best protection from sun, wind and rain for your baby.

Pneumatic Tires – With air filled all-terrain tires that rolls smoothly on surfaces, and swivel front wheel that turns corners effortlessly, parents find Baby Jogger Summit X3, either the single or the double stroller very easy to push.

Independent Suspensions – Each wheel on the Summit X3 has an independent suspension system that absorbs the shocks over uneven surfaces. This provides babies amazingly smooth ride over rough and bumpy terrains.

Whether strolling, jogging, or running off-road, on grass or sand, your child is cushioned from bumps while being pushed on the jogger stroller .

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Tires and Wheels & Brakes on Summit X3

The Summit X3 is a high performing jogging stroller I would place in the same class as the equally popular BOB Revolution SE, though the Summit X3 has some practical and useful features you will not find in the BOB like the remote front wheel lock.

It is a rugged stroller that is built to take the tumbles of rough terrains and still provide a smooth and enjoyable ride for your baby or infant.

Tires & Wheels for all-Terrain – With 12” air-filled swivel front tire, and 16” rear tires, the Baby Jogger Summit X3 is very easy to maneuver, whether you are pushing the single or double jogger. The front wheel can be locked with a remote lever that is positioned close to the handle, allowing parents to switch to the fixed wheel mode that performs better when running on straight line. Stroller/jogger in fixed wheel mode is more stable when jogging or running, and do not deviate from your track as is the case with running in swivel wheel mode.

The swivel front wheel and all-round pneumatic tires are great for turning at tight corners – which is ideal for strolling in in crowded cities, sidewalks and shopping malls.

Stopping and Parking Brakes – It is All About Baby Safety – The stroller features very efficient rear drum brakes that are hand operated for increased control of the stroller when running or strolling. Compared with strollers without hand brakes where you would have to pull on the handle of stroller to brake or control speed, the Summit X3 hand-operated brake does it all for you with ease, there at your finger tip.

An when you come to a stop, simply flip the parking brake with your foot to hold the Summit X3 firmly rooted to the spot. One common mistake parents make with a stroller is not applying the parking brake when they stop for a chat with friends or window shop. I leave in a small hilly town, and how often have I watched strollers roll away from parents with baby aboard! A quick flick with your foot is all you need to prevent this happening when you stroll with a Summit X3 single or double jogger stroller.

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Size and Weight Capacity of Baby Jogger Summit X3

Though the features of Summit X3 single and double strollers are exactly the same, the size and capacity is where they are completely different:

Summit X3 Single Stroller: The single hybrid jogger stroller is designed to carry a baby or an infant weighing up to 75 lbs, by far one of the highest baby weight capacities of a single jogger. Most single joggers you will find average about 50 lbs in the load they can carry.

Other dimensions of the single stroller are below:

Dimensions Unfolded: 44.5″ L x 25.5″ W x 39.5″ H

Dimensions Folded (With Wheels): 25.5″ L x 33.5″ W x 15.5″ H

Dimensions Folded (Without Wheels): 27.5” L x 21” W x 7” H

Weight : 28 lbs.

Summit X3 Double Stroller: The double stroller as you would expect carry two children, but with maximum weight capacity of 50 lbs on each seat, much less than the single stroller seat will carry at 75 lbs. Total weight limit of the double is however 100 lbs.

Other dimensions of the double Summit X3 are:

Dimensions Unfolded: 46″ L x 32″ W x 40″ H

Dimensions Folded: 33.5″ L x 32″ W x 15.5″

Weight : 36.2 lbs

The high load capacity of the Summit X3, combined with durable construction is why it can be used for years in a family. Babies grow to toddlers and infants, and still ride comfortably on the Jogger stroller – until they outgrow the use of a stroller.

Storage space on the strollers is generous, with a large under seat storage that will accommodate baby diapers, clothing, toys and other item when you go for a long stroll or family day out in your local park.

If you are caring for both a baby and an older sibling, you can use the Summit X3 along with the Baby Jogger Glider Board, where the older child rides standing on the board that attaches to the back of the stroller, and your little baby sits in the stroller.

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Available Styles & Colors to Buy

With the traditional sleek and streamlined design parents have come to expect from Baby Jogger strollers, the Summit X3 Single and Double joggers will turn eyes as you cruise your neighborhood and shopping malls with baby onboard the stroller. They are available in a choice of several eye-catching dual colors. The Single can be purchased in Green/Gray, Black/Gray or Orange/Gray; and the Double in Green/Gray or Black/Gray.

The fabric is tough, water repellent and colors do not fade with proper care. The stroller is easily cleaned with mild soapy water.

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single		Baby Jogger Summit X3 Double

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Is Summit X3 Infant Car Seat Compatible?

The stroller cum jogger is suitable from birth till a child is 5 years, or grow to a maximum weight of 75 lbs if using the single stroller, and a maximum weight of 50 lbs for each seat if using the double stroller.

Though you can use the Summit X3 to stroll with a child from births – thanks to the seat that can be lowered to near flat position, you cannot however use the stroller to jog with newborns or a child not old enough to hold the head upright without your support.

The good news though is that the Summit X3 is compatible with a variety of infant car seats with great head support that allows you to jog with the stroller while carrying newborns. You will need the right adapter or mounting for the infant car seat of your choice, and there are 3 types you can use to convert the Summit X3 to a versatile baby travel system:

Multi Model Infant Car Seat Adapter

For less than $70, you can buy the multi model adapter to be used with the widest range of infant car seats compatible with the Summit X3 single or double jogging stroller. These adapter numbers BJ90123, BJ90223 and BJ90323 will fit the following models of Infant Car Seats:

Baby Trend Flex Loc

UPPAbaby Infant Car Seat Adapter

This mounting bracket will cost you less than $25, but it fits only UPPAbaby infant car seat – the Mesa car seat. Adapter number BJ90124 is suitable for the Summit X3 single Baby Jogger

Britax Infant Car Seat Adapter for Summit X3

This adapter will also cost you less than $25 but fits only the popular Britax B-Safe and Britax Chaperone Car Seats. Adapter number BJ90122 is suitable for use with the Summit X3 single stroller and these Britax infant car seats.

Whichever adapter you decide to go for, you can turn the Summit X3 into a customized baby travel system that will enable you use the stroller for babies from birth, and extend what you are able to do with the stroller.

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single		Baby Jogger Summit X3 Double

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Warranty and what is included When you Buy

The Baby Jogger Summit X3 jogger strollers in Single or Double comes with a lifetime frame warranty against defective materials used, or the workmanship. It also includes a year’s warranty on fabrics. However, accidental damage, wear and tear, misuse or negligence, as you would expect, are not covered under warranty.

When you open the parcel containing the Baby Jogger Summit X3, you get just the stroller, nothing more. Though a large range of accessories are available for the Summit X3, you will have to buy then as optional items.  This common though with many other Baby Jogger strollers. Be sure to have a look at my list of available accessories below.

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What Others are saying – Consumer Reviews

Since the release of the Summit X3 in 2013, it has overtaken the Summit XC as the active parents favorite. Parents love the remote front wheel lock that is lacking in the XC. The larger sun canopy and undercarriage storage also tick the right boxes for parents.

The Single stroller is a fast seller with online customer satisfaction averaging about 4.8 out of 5 Stars. The Double is also pulling its punches with average customer rating of about 4.5 out of 5 Stars. You know you are on to a good product when see high ratings like these from real customer feedbacks.  These are some of what parents are saying about the Summit X3:

“I have zero complaints about this stroller. It’s easy to maneuver, looks great, is safe, lightweight, durable, and easy to fold.”

“I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a jogging stroller that can be both used indoor and outdoor.”

“I have used it pretty much everywhere. I even used it on sand. We had no problems pushing it.”
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Video Review of Summit X3 Updated Features from Baby Jogger

This short video review from Baby Jogger shows the new design and updated features, benefits and all-terrain capabilities of the Summit X3. Watch it, and see the new jogger stroller in action!

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How much should you be pay for Summit X3?

The Baby Jogger Summit X3 strollers are in what I consider middle price range in jogging strollesr. With a manufacturer recommended selling price of $429.99 for the Single stroller, and $649.99 for the Double stroller, some parents may find it expensive, but the quality and features available on the Summit X3 far exceed what you will find in the under $200 jogging stroller. There are other strollers at the other end of the price range that will cost you close to $1000.

If you shop smartly online as I am sure you will since you are reading this page, Summit X3 Baby Joggers can be purchased well below the Manufacturers list price.

I took a quick look at Amazon as I was writing this review, and guess what? There is a 20% discount on the Single stroller with free shipping. Check it out, you may grab yourself some great deal on the stroller. Amazon is one of my favorite online shops for a good deal, and I always check what is available on the site before making a final buying decision on a product.

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single		Baby Jogger Summit X3 Double

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Are there any Complaints about the Baby Jogger Summit X3?

The Summit X3 has certainly gained popularity since its release, but that does not mean parents don’t issues with the strollers. A user complained that soon after purchasing her jogger, her husband cut his hand on the edged where the handbrake lever and handlebar meet. I really struggle to see this as a complaint about the stroller, more like lack of care by the husband? Since the manufacturer clearly has this warning in the manual

“Always keep fingers away from moving parts when folding, unfolding, or adjusting the

stroller to prevent entrapment or pinching”

Another parent had a problem with bulging inner tube that needed replacing. That was easy.

You will find that complaints about the Summit X3 are few and far in between, which is a good indicator of the high quality and customer satisfaction of the stroller.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

I have touched on the various features and benefits on the Summit X3 hybrid jogger that draw parents to the single and double strollers. I will now summarize them in a nutshell.

• The all-terrain pneumatic tires roll smoothly on any surface, making it easy to push the stroller on sand or gravel path; rough off-road tracks; and even better on smooth surfaces on sidewalks, parks and shopping malls
• The 360 degree swivel front wheel is great at weaving your way through tight corners and in crowded places like the malls.
• Switching from swivel mode for strolling, and fixed wheel mode for jogging is easily done without breaking your stride using the remote front wheel lock.
• Independent suspension on the wheels provide very smooth and comfortable ride for babies in rough and even terrains.
• Slip resistant and one-handed push handlebar that is easy to clean.
• It has a really large storage basket with enough capacity top pack all you need on the go for babies and infants.
• The huge canopy has air vents on each side for good ventilation, clear windows to watch occupants of the stroller.
• Summit X3 single or double can be folded with just one hand, leaving the other hand free to do something else – multi-tasking? There you go.
• The stroller is very stable, and I have not heard any complaint about tipping as is the case with some strollers I have reviewed.
• It folds really quick and fairly compact with the patented Baby Jogger Quick-Fold technology. I invite you to watch the video review of the Summit X3 below, and be amazed at how this works in the demo.
• The quick-release wheels allow the Summit X3 to be folded into a more compact size that fits in the trunk of cars with space to spare, or be put away for storage in homes with limited space.
• Independent suspension of the wheels Users can walk or run with it without the baby feeling any road bumps. When in swivel motion, it can be steered smoothly.
• A wide choice of accessories is available for the Summit X3 baby jogger.
• The design of the stroller is sleek, chic and will appeal to the taste of the fashionable and city parents.

Cons

• The price can be a concern for parents on a budget. The stroller is worth every cent though if you can afford it.
• The Single stroller weighs in at 28 lbs, and the Double 36.2 lbs, and some parents find it a bit heavy to carry the strollers. Transporting the double stroller in cars with small trunk can also be an issue, but you can remove the Quick-Release wheels to fold the strollers into more compact size.
• I think the colors available for the Summit X3 single are limited at 3 choices only, and even more so for the double at two choices of color only. It would be nice to see more colors available for the Summit X3 – brighter and cheerful colors I would suggest.

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Summit X3 Video Review!

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Conclusion and My Recommendation

The discontinued Summit XC had a good run as one of the bestselling jogging strollers, but Baby Jogging listened to the need of active parents who used the stroller, and came up with great improvements on the new Baby Jogger Summit X3 Hybrid jogger stroller, with feature like remote front wheel lock that is not available on the Summit XC.

Though the XC is now heavily discounted, and is certainly a lot cheaper to buy, I would still go for the Summit X3 if I were to buy either the single or double stroller today.

The improved independent suspension on the wheels of the Summit X3, more efficient drum brakes for better speed control, and larger storage spaces are additional features and benefits that will sway my buying decision towards the Baby Jogger Summit X3.

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single		Baby Jogger Summit X3 Double

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Accessories Available for Baby Jogger Summit X3

When you buy the Summit X3, you will get only what is needed to assemble the complete stroller. You will not get any of the accessories as these are purchased separately when you buy a Baby Jogger stroller. Some parents complained about this, as you can get child and parents trays at least with some other brands of jogging stroller.

Having said that, you and your baby can increase the enjoyment you get from the Summit X3, by adding some of the accessories available. The Glider Board which is one of my favorite Baby Jogger accessories is unfortunately not compatible with the Summit range of baby jogger strollers. Here is a quick list of the optional accessories you can use to customize your Baby Jogger Summit X3 stroller.

Compact Pram

This will convert your Summit X3 into a stylish and comfortable bassinet that can be used for newborns till about 6 months. It comes with a large sun canopy and foot apron. The mattress cover is machine washable so easy to clean.

The accessory will however cost you close to $170, which many parents may find expensive. The Summit X3 double stroller can be fitted with two Compact Prams, suitable for looking after twins.

Summit X3 Car Seat Adapter

Earlier in the review, I have touched on the three different Car Seat Adapters available for the stroller jogger, with a complete listing of compactible Infant Car Seats. You will need the Multi Model, UPPABaby, or the Britax car seat mounting if you ever need to convert the Summit X3 to a baby travel system.

The adapters will cost you anything from about $25 to $70, depending of the type you choose. Remember though that you still have to buy a compatible infant car seat you like.

The Baby Jogger Car Seat Adapter Guide has a full list of adapter model numbers and matching infant car seats that go with the Baby Jogger Summit X3. Use the guide to check the adapter that fits your infant car seat.

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Summit X3 Belly Bar

This accessory acts as guard around the stroller seat, providing extra protection for baby and a soft comfortable area to hold while you zoom around on regular errands with the stroller. The Belly Bar cover is machine washable which makes it easy to keep clean and hygienic.

As an accessory that babies will frequently touch, it is important to keep it free of dirt that they may transfer to their mouth. The Belly Bar you cost you about $35.

Summit X3 Single Stroller Carry Bag

If you plan investing on the single jogger stroller, I would encourage you to consider buying a carry bag as it will extend the life of your stroller. The bag is richly padded, and apart from the protection it offers, it is a convenient way to carry your stroller when travelling by car, or when putting the stroller away in storage.

As with many Baby Jogger accessories, it is not cheap, and will set you back about $90. There are however cheaper stroller carry bag alternatives I have reviewed you may want to have a look at.

Foot Muff for Summit X3

If you have a newborn in the cold weather months, or leave in towns and cities further north that are particularly cold, you may want to consider the Foot Muff. It keeps babies warm and cozy on a stroller, far better than using blankets to protect your baby from cold.

The muff can be used from birth till about 24 months, and is made with material that is machine washable, so easy to car for. Cost about $65, but I consider the accessory very good value that will shield your baby from catching nasty cold.

The Hand Muff

The hand muff for Baby Jogger Summit X3 is to the hands of parents, what the food muff is to the feet of babies. It is a cold weather accessory parents can slip their hand in to keep warm and comfortable while pushing the stroller.

In very low temperatures, it can be a struggle to keep a firm grip on a stroller handle if your hands and fingers are not well protected from the cold.

Again, the Hand Muff will cost you about $45, after paying for the cost of the Summit X3. There are cheaper alternatives, but this is specially designed to fit Baby Jogger Strollers.

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Child Tray

This is certainly one of the few accessories I would purchase straight after buy a Baby Jogger stroller. It is easy to attach in front of the seat of the Summit X3, and has space to place snacks and baby food within easy reach of your baby while you stroll.

It also has a cup holder for bottle or cup of Sippy drink. Has a list price of about $25, but can you can buy it for far less on Amazon.

Parent Console for Summit X3

The Baby Jogger Universal Parent Console is another accessory that will be top of my list for the Summit X3. It fits nicely on the handlebar with one cup holder for your drink, and two additional storage pouches with Velcro cover to keep your personal stuff safe and secure.

The pouches will hold stuffs like your keys, media players, and wallets so you don’t lose them while jogging or running with the stroller. The Parent Console has a recommended price of $34.95, but surely by now you know you can get then cheaper online on sites like Amazon.

Baby Jogger Summit X3 Single		Baby Jogger Summit X3 Double

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Cooler Bag

The Cooler Bag can be quite useful to keep drinks cool on family day out to the Park or beach during the hot summer months. It holds six small baby bottles or 12oz cans. The bag attaches seamlessly to the frame of the Summit X3 jogger stroller.

The Cooler Bag has a list price of $24.95, but shop smartly online, and you can get it cheaper.

The Weather Shield for Summit X3

Summit X3 Weather Shield is an accessory I highly recommend. You never know when what looks like just a dull day, will turn with heavily downpours. Ever seen parents scamper for cover in the rain while pushing a stroller? Those are the one who have gone out unprepared.

This weather shield complements the canopy, and will keep your child dry even when it’s pouring outside. It has a zipped panel that provide easy in and out access for your child. Made from baby friendly material, it is well ventilated, and providing a safe and dry environment for children, while their parents get hammered by bad weathered!

Summit X3 Weather cover has a recommend price of $44.95, but don’t even think about buying it at that price without checking the deal you will in get online stores like Amazon.

Liquid Holster

Some parents may find a need for the Liquid Holster, but this for me, is one accessory I will have no use for on the Summit X3. The Parent Console is a most have for me, and it holds my drink very well.

I admire the Liquid Holster though. It uses a self-leveling mechanism to prevent spills when strolling. But if like me, you use spill-free drink containers when you are jogging, then there is no need to waste money on this accessory.

The cover rolls up into a small size you can tuck in the stroller all the time, and I really highly recommend buying it to protect your little one.
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You may also like these Baby Jogger Summit X3 Strollers & Accessories