My world has been filled with baby gear during the past eleven years throughout the additions of our five children, however, there has been something on my wish list every time that we just never got around to purchasing…. a jogging stroller. I’ve felt the need for a jogging stroller grow more with each child though because I’d love to hit the local trails in the summer with our kids and be able to roller blade as they bike. We also live on a gravel road that normal strollers just can’t conquer either. And with living in Minnesota, I’ve had to just forget trying to forge through the snow with a standard stroller. So when I came across Baby Trend’s Bolt Performance Travel System, I was really excited to check it out.
Sending a big thank you to Baby Trend for partnering for this review!
The Baby Trend Bolt Performance Travel System in Black comes loaded with lots of great features and can be utilized from birth on up. I really like the convenience that travel systems offer, especially when it’s too cold to carry baby without the car seat.
All the pieces for the stroller as well as the infant car seat came conveniently in one large box. Upon opening, we laid out all the pieces to make sure everything was accounted for.
First off, stroller assembly was pretty typical. While the instructions actually included how to put the front wheel on, it was already attached. So, basically, the only assembly required was snapping on the two rear wheels, attaching the canopy, clicking on the bumper bar, and velcro-ing on the parent pouch. It literally took less than 5 minutes and we were ready to rock.
Right away, I want to make note of the fact that the basic frame of the Bolt System is designed to be 2-in-1 and can accommodate the carseat alone or the infant/toddler seat, both of which are included with this set. Both are easily interchangeable with Baby Trend’s snapTECH Adapter which makes an audible click when both attaching and releasing which offers me piece of mind knowing I’ve secured the seat.
The multi-function infant/toddler seat is perfect for growing children and can be utilized in a variety of settings and ways. My favorite and I know many other parents like it too is the fact that the seat transforms into carriage mode for the littlest of riders to enjoy a walk outside. As they grow, the forward facing seat to they can explore and enjoy the world is perfect! (**All three seating options can be parent facing or forward facing.**)
When the multi-function seat is used in sitting style, the seat itself has three recline options. Simply lift the gray lever to tilt the entire seat back effortlessly. This will come in quite handy when kiddos fall asleep as the seamless transition won’t jolt them awake.
The seat itself also has a reclining feature like most typical strollers. Simply pull the straps up tight for a full seat and release the strap again by gently pulling to acquire whatever angle is desired. I prefer this strap option over other styles because I can choose any angle instead of only a couple of set positions.
Safety and comfort are also really important for me. So when looking at strollers, I want to make sure that buckles are adequate and that the seat maintains comfort so my child will be happy when in it. The buckle on bolt stroller offers a secure safety harness with padded straps. Honestly, the padded straps are not a deal breaker for me but they are nice for the smallest of riders. The buckle straps can be adjusted to create a snug fit and I easily had our 2 year old comfortably buckled and adjusted in about 15 seconds.
Comfort wise, she seems to enjoy the high quality, padded seat and especially the fact that there is a nice foot rest so her legs won’t dangle uncomfortably. Plus, the comfort ride suspension provides a smooth ride.
One of my biggest hang ups about most strollers is the storage space. With five kids, heck even when we just had one kid, we never had enough storage space in the basket of our stroller. By the time the diaper bag was wrestled in, there would be little room for anything else. So when I saw the ginormous covered basket that the Bolt had, I was in heaven! My diaper bag is a fairly good size and it practically just slipped right in, no shoving needed! Plus, there’s even room to spare, which I couldn’t get the photo to quite do justice. It’s so nice and spacious! The zipper is also such a smart design as it makes me feel safer putting my purse in there when out shopping.
Check out the great peek-a-boo window on top as well as the ventilation panel on the side.
There is a brake located on each individual back wheel. They are a push down and lift up style and I was able to do it with stocking feet in the house as well as easily in sneakers. It’s a strong brake that kept the stroller in one spot quite well, even when I tried pushing it a little.
Designed with two 16″ all-terrain air-filled back tires, this stroller truly conquers our Minnesota winter terrain. I was able to easily push through about 5 to 6 inches of snow with minimal effort as we headed out to explore.
Other perks I want to quickly mention about the Bolt Performance Stroller are: height adjustable pushing handle, lockable front swivel wheel, lightweight aluminum frame, deluxe parent organizer, large stroller canopy offering premium coverage, and compact fold.
Stroller Limits: Stroller: Birth up to ~ 50 lbs or 42″
Car Seat Limits: 5 – 35 lbs and up to 32″
The Bolt Performance Secure 35 Infant Car Seat is included with this set and features:
- Superior Head Impact Protection
- Push Button LATCH Connectors For Easy Installation
- 5 Point Safety Harness
- Delta Multi-Grip Carry Handle
- Grow-With-Me Insert & Re-moveable Side Cushions To Insure A Snug Fit
- No Re-Thread Harness!
- Front Strap Adjuster
- Side Impact Tested
The car seat is pretty typical for what you’d expect for an infant seat but does have some great features so I’m excited to have it ready to go for whenever we get our next foster baby! The padding feels comfortable, yet supportive. The handle moves easily from the up to back position. This will be my first experience with the Multi-Grip Handle so I’m curious to see how I like it when actually carrying a baby. The BIGGEST thing I look for in infant car seats, though, is the front strap adjuster and the Bolt Performance Car Seat has it! This allows me to tighten and loosen the straps from the front without turning the car seat upside down. (I know you’d think they would all come with this must-have feature but you’d be surprised as some don’t!) And finally, the no re-thread harness is great since those little munchkins grow so fast that first year. Simply turn the red knob on the back of the seat and the harness slides up or down accordingly.
All in all, the Baby Trend Bolt Performance Travel System is loaded with amazing features and I haven’t found anything that I’d change on it yet! So tell me, what are your must-have features in strollers and car seats?
Buy It: Head over to Baby Trend to see for yourself the great selection of products they offer or visit Buy Buy Baby to get your very own Bolt Performance Travel System.
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I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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This post currently has 37 responses.
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Deborah D
My sister is expecting a baby in May and this would be perfect for her little one.
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Crafty Nunn
This is such a great system. It would be great for any family. I love all the features you showed in the pictures.
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Danielle S
The bigger wheels are nice, but I wish that the wheels could be wider. Skinny wheels don’t work well in sand like at the beach and in the desert.
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I have to say that I’m curious to see how it performs on dirt and sand as well! But our “dirt road” is frozen solid right now. Based on how it went through snow though, I’m confidant that I’ll finally be able to take walks on our country road with the kids. It’s fun to walk down to the creek but was just too hard with regular strollers so I’m looking forward to Spring to try it out. We’ll have to see how it handles at the beach though.
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Barrie
What a sweet jogging stroller!! They’ve come so far since my baby was a baby … lol (she’s now 18!). I love the versitality (SP?!) of the stroller. Just perfect!
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Michelle S
Wow – strollers have come along way since I had kids. I love the three reclining positions and the 5 point harness.
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Lynne B
WOW! I can’t believe how stroller have changed! I love that this is a combo car seat and stroller. Baby gear takes up so much room so this is amazing.
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Lauryn R
This looks like an amazing stroller travel set! I love the 3 wheeled style, they always seem more rugged and easier to maneuver! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
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hannah
I’ve never seen a stroller yet that had the option for ‘ carriage mode’, and I think that’s really neat! It’d be useful for when baby is little and would be happier with more room to flail around. Very clever stroller.
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I’m really excited about that feature as well! Especially since there is so much emphasis about babies not being in the carseats other than in vehicles. By unsnapping one strap, the seat offers the perfect solution by morphing into that carriage bassinet! Awesome design for sure!
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Monica Cobbs
I love that this stroller gives you several different riding options for baby/toddler. I have a jogging stroller but that is all it does. I so wish it had a travel system with it.
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Laura
This stroller is not yet available in store
to test for myself so I’m Happy to see this review. Unfortunately the other baby trend strollers in store are finicky on how they fold. The clip doesn’t secure all the time and things are in the way when you try to fold it. Even the sales associate had difficulties with some of them.
How does this fold and do some of the parts have to be in certain positions for it to fold most compactly? More specifically, how is the fold with the bassinet part in (without having to unclick it) to fold it to put in the car?
The features are ideal between the car seat, bassinet, stroller, air filled tires, but the folding is a concern.
Thank you!-
Hi Laura,
I’ve found the fold on this one to be quite smooth. Since I don’t have any foster babies currently, I have the seat in “toddler mode” and it folds like a breeze. (If you would like me to test out the bassinet folding mode, just leave me another comment and I can do it by the end of the week.) But the fold with the seat attached is pretty compact, in my opinion, for a jogging stroller. Most others I’ve played with are quite a bit bulkier than the Bolt.
The lock itself is “manual” if that makes sense. The locking lever swivels so whoever is folding it needs to put it in place and secure it. Not hard and literally takes a second. As far as parts in the way when folding, we have not experienced any issues but we’ll be taking it on our little trip coming up soon so I can report back if anything crops up after very steady use for a few days. 🙂
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Carlyn
I’m due this April and was debating on getting a travel system stroller and later, a jogging stroller for my husband and I to use… when I saw this and tried to research it- I couldn’t figure bad anything, until your awesome and thorough review in the Baby Trend Website! It has every feature and the versatility I want and need in a stroller… on top of that, the price seems extremely reasonable for everything you get in one stroller! I may definitely end up choosing this!
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Nicole
I LOVE the stroller but am also really loving the chicco key fit car seat. Does anyone know if the chicco key fit will work with the baby trend stroller?
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erica
Hi,
Can you tell me how much the stroller weights? Im a petite, 5’1 mommy to be and love everything about the jogger from your reviews but would like to know the weight of it before i go check it out. please advise.Thank you,
erica -
Zeina
Hey Miranda, I am really incline to go for this one. It’s been a while since your original post so what is the update on your use of this awesome travel system? Is the folding system still working well as compare to others Baby trend? I read that it could be a bit rough?
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Hi Zeina,
The folding has never been a problem. The one thing we did notice was the front wheel wiggles if in a quick walk and the wheel is set to swivel. While I understand they designed that for safety as they want the wheel locked for jogging, that was annoying. So I called the company and the lady explained to my husband how to tighten it a little more. Other than that, we haven’t had any problems.
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Tiffany
Hi Miranda,
Thank you so much for your thorough review! It’s very difficult to find reviews on this product and we are very interested. I was wondering if you’ve had a chance to test the features out a little more? Any chance you used the bassinet or car seat? How did it do in the summer over the rocky roads? Any recommendations or things you would change? Thanks a ton!
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Hi Tiffany,
Thanks for checking in! The ONLY issue we didn’t care for was the fact that the front wheel would “shake” if I went into a fast walk. When I called the company about this, they did give my husband instructions on how to tighten the front wheel a bit but it is designed that way as a safety. They want you to lock the front wheel when going fast with the stroller, which would eliminate the shake. Other than that, we have no complaints!
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Kenny
Hi Miranda.
My wife is due this July for our first baby (yay!).
I can’t find many reviews or videos about this system.
I was interested in this system as my wife and I will be walking our baby and dog together for at least an hour a day, so I read that it’s recommended to have the baby lying flat in a bassinet. Our walks would also be mainly on a hard gravel path.
How did this hold up in different terrains? Is it easy to manoeuvre in general? And is the carriage mode adequate for a newborn?
Thank you!
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Hi Kenny,
Congratulations! How exciting!
As long as she’s walking, she’ll be fine. When going at a fast pace, even a fast pace walk, just note that she will most likely have to lock the wheel into place. When in swivel mode, you can only walk casually. If you speed up, the stroller will shake. (See my comment above to Tiffany for a better description on that.) That was the only complaint I had when owning this stroller.
The bassinet mode is perfect for younger infants and newborns. It provides the flat lay that doctors recommend since they don’t have head control yet. (Another option, if you haven’t considered it, is to baby-wear your newborn until they can sit up.)
We didn’t have any trouble on our gravel road as the stroller managed it well. It was definitely easy to maneuver in general, on every terrain that we encountered.
The storage basket was also amazing.
We no longer have this system for the simple fact that our youngest is now 4 and we closed our foster home after 2 years without ever being able to adopt. So we just didn’t need any more.
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Mariane
Hi, I have a question. How long did you use the stroller with your child until what age? Thank you because my son is 9months old and I am planning to buy this stroller.
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Hi, I have a question. How long did you use the stroller with your child until what age? Thank you because my son is 9months old and I am planning to buy this stroller.
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Hi Mariane,
We used it for about a year. From the ages of 2 1/2 to about 3 1/2. And then just didn’t need any more as our daughter preferred to walk.
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AG
Hi , did you have a hard time pumping the tires ? We are having a real hard time even getting started with it as a regular bike pump from Canadian tire doesn’t seem to work 🙁
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We are having the same issue with pumping that tired. If you figure out a trick please share with me!
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Hi Anna,
We did not have any issues with the tires. I’d suggest you call Baby Trend’s customer service line as they were really helpful when I reached out to them about the tire being a little wobbly.
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Hi Anna,
I had the same issue, I brought mine to a bike shop. They fixed it in a second.For any replacement with the tires a bike shop is the solution. At the time I remember speaking with Baby Trend CS and they couldn’t help. Parts replacement have to be down through Baby trend by shipping damaged parts to them out of your pocket. Then a friend told me, bring your stroller to a bike shop. I did and since then I am so happy with my stroller?
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Hi Anna,
We did not have any issues with the tires. I’d suggest you call Baby Trend’s customer service line as they were really helpful when I reached out to them about the tire being a little wobbly.
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Nella
If you dontind me asking where did u buy it’s from
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Hi IM interested in this stroller. It’s only available at best buy and no where else,quite strange. Buy besides the point. IM in love with what it looks like. I am aquainted with the 3 wheeler. It’s easy to move around n very helpful around stairs going up n down. My main concern is up to what age can my unborn baby ride in the for. Would there be led space till the age of 4/5?. My advantage is that I have a 3yr old niece so I can try her in there n see for myself so up to 3yrs.
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Hi Nella,
Our 4 year old does still fit. She just prefers to walk so we didn’t use any more.
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Thanks. I ordered mine just yesterday since best buy had it on sale. I didn’t hesitate to think twice. It was a beautiful sale. IM happy and excited to receive it in the mail.
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What an awesome looking stroller! I do like the systems that come with matching car seats so I know they’ll lock on for sure. Both the stroller and car seat seem to be great choices loaded with useful features. Thanks for sharing!