We independently select and share the products we love—and may receive a commission if you choose to buy.
Motherhood means finding things to make your life a little easier wherever you can— especially when it comes to baby gear. Whether it’s a bassinet to self-rock your baby to sleep or a play mat with all the bells and whistles to keep them entertained, one piece of gear that’s consistently worth investing in is an everyday stroller that meets your family’s needs. It’s one of the few pieces you truly will use for years to come, through all the stages of infancy, toddler-hood and beyond.
When I found out I was pregnant with my second baby, the only gift I asked for was a great everyday stroller for multiples. Friends of mine whose tastes I trust love their Zoe Twin V2 (a side by side stroller), so I knew I wanted to stay within the Zoe stroller family and try out their newest convertible style, The Journey, $799.
As a second time mom, I’ve already learned how valuable a good stroller is. I try to get out and walk everyday, even if it is just for fifteen minutes since the fresh air and movement does wonders for our collective sanity. Knowing I’d soon have both a baby and toddler in tow, I was looking for a double stroller that would stick with my family for a while— growing with us as our kids grew. The Journey checks that box as it comes with a bassinet for a newborn and a standard stroller seat (up to 48.5 lbs), plus it transforms into a double stroller for two kids, making it a worthwhile investment.
So, who is Zoe Baby?
Zoe is a mom-run company that’s become a real leader in the stroller industry. Their thoughtful designs are lightweight, compact and easy to use, with features that ensure they’ve truly thought of everything. (Again, they are mom-led!) Since you don’t necessarily know your long term family plans from the moment you purchase your first stroller, their innovative line up of models includes a variety of single and double strollers which can each be outfitted with functional add-ons to customize them as your family grows. They also have all of the must-have accessories— snack trays, mesh bug nets, rain covers, and even bunting covers for cold weather— which can be purchased separately to create the ultimate ride. (Fun fact: It took the Zoe team of moms three years to create their latest model, The Journey. They all weighed in on the design until it was just right–because why settle for less than the best?)
Since I wanted a stroller that I could use from day one with my newborn and toddler, The Journey from Zoe was the perfect choice. It arrives as a single stroller with a standard seat and bassinet so we added the Add-On Seat + Duo Extender Kit to transform it into a double. With over 20 different possible configurations, it truly offers the most versatility of any convertible stroller I’ve seen on the market.
The Journey comes in four colors, all neutrals that will stay in style forever and work for either gender. I went with the Sea Green and get compliments on it almost every time we are out in public. I love that the harness shoulder straps have fabric liners that match the stroller–it’s such a nice touch. With the peek-a-boo window on the top of the shade, I can keep a close eye on my baby, too. (Even though I’m a second time mom, I’m still always checking to make sure he’s ok.) It’s average lightweight for the category at 26 pounds, and can carry up to 48 pounds, so it handily lasts well into toddlerhood.
Who can use the Zoe Journey Stroller
This multi-purpose stroller goes every which way you can imagine, which is why it’s so incredibly versatile. It works for a newborn, toddler, two babies, two toddlers, twins and more. I was able to use the Zoe Journey with the car-seat attachment right from birth, and the included bassinet is perfect for when I want to get outside during nap time. I also use the full SPF 50 canopy shade to cover my baby’s side and keep him protected from the sun.
I was really impressed with how many ways you can use The Journey. We’ll be growing into the stacked duo-mode seats soon! Some of the configurations include:
- With bassinet for newborn
- With carseat (car seat adapters here are sold separately)
- Seat forward facing
- Seat parent facing
- Duo seat mode
- Seat with car seat
- Seat with parent facing car seat
- Duo bassinet
- Seat with duo bassinet
- Parent facing seat with duo bassinet
- Car seat and duo bassinet
- Seat and ride on board
Add-Ons for The Journey
The Journey comes with the bassinet for newborn plus the infant seat, so you don’t have to invest there. It also comes standard with the storage basket and a toy steering wheel which the kids LOVE. We added in the snack tray and the parent organizer which are worth having for storage. We can keep back up snacks, binkies, and even toys in the parent organizer and if you have a toddler you know how critical snacks are on any adventure. One thing I haven’t tried (yet) but always hear good things about is the Ride on Board for toddlers, which adds another multi-use feature to the Zoe strollers. Other parents swear it’s a lifesaver for when their toddler insists on walking and inevitably gives up halfway through the adventure..
Benefits of The Journey
For me, the biggest selling points of The Journey are the price, size and ease of use. Compared to other high end strollers, Zoe’s kind of a steal. Since it’s direct to consumer with no middle-man or retailer overhead, they’re able to keep prices lower and even include more. Its compact size makes it really easy to store and I can take it in and out of the trunk easily (even when I’m parenting both kids solo). The folding video helps you get it right the first time.
The Journey is also incredibly smooth and easy to steer. Truthfully sometimes my newborn will start losing his mind halfway through a walk and I need to carry him the rest of the way. I’m still able to control the stroller one handed without a problem! I didn’t feel that way with my first-time stroller– that one was a very hard push and a very hard fold. It really makes me appreciate the simplicity here. Also, Zoe strollers all have airless tires, such a benefit compared to wheels that need to be air-pumped, especially because you never remember they need to be pumped until you’re about to use it, which throws a wrench in the plans all together.
The seats recline and are made from a high quality stain resistant knit fabric. It’s soft and breathable which I appreciate on hot, sticky days when the kids are sweaty. It’s also naturally flame retardant and is Greenguard Certified. Everything is washable of course–something we do fairly often with an infant and a toddler. Now that my baby is starting to sit up more, I can easily adjust the straps and buckle him in to secure him in place. One of my biggest pet peeves with other strollers is how thin and flimsy the straps are leading them to twist and tangle whereas these seem to stay exactly as you want them.
Improvements for the Journey
Honestly I wouldn’t change much about this stroller! Although I wouldn’t mind an even larger storage basket underneath. While it has a 22lb weight capacity, once I throw the diaper bag in and an extra blanket, there’s not much physical room for anything else.
TLDR: This Zoe stroller is a must have
Overall I absolutely love my Zoe Journey. I use it everyday and always choose to use my Zoe stroller over the others I have. I appreciate the way it pushes and how smooth it is to navigate, whether I’m using it as a single or double stroller. The lightweight and compact size makes it easy for me to handle on my own. Thanks to Zoe moms for making an all-in-one stroller that has all the details we need to stroll through our everyday lives. This stroller will be a staple in our family for years to come, and we are so happy we chose Zoe to guide our family adventures.
Zoe The Journey Stroller retails for $799 can be purchased at zoebaby.com