Changes to the new 2017 Britax B-Ready Stroller

By now, you know how much we adore the Britax B-Ready stroller. But, maybe you have a question about the older B-Ready as compared to the new 2017 B-Ready we shared last month? If so, this post is for you. As B-Ready owners for nearly 7 years, I can't even tell you how many people I have spoken with about the stroller and our immense love for it, but it is definitely in the hundreds. I can also tell you that I have been personally responsible for dozens of people buying their own B-Ready throughout the years. You just can't beat all the different configurations or the fact that it grows with your family. Start with the infant car seat{s} and then graduate to the in-line double seater as you need it. Since we walk everywhere with our three kiddos, we have put hundreds and hundreds {and hundreds} of miles on our beloved B-Ready stroller throughout the years, over three countries and countless cities and towns.

We were positively giddy when we were told we would get the newly redesigned 2017 Britax B-Ready to try out, and immediately we knew that our love was only going to grow with this new model. With the basics unchanged, the 2017 for us is truly new and improved in almost every way. I'm going to run through the improvements and detail the changes as well as tell you where I thought the older model excelled.  

The new 2017 model has 12, not 14 configurations.

Wondering what happened to the other two configurations? The only thing that has changed is that the second baby seat on the bottom can no longer face backwards towards the parent, it must face forward. To me, this is inconsequential as I never used this configuration. But, if this was a set up you were hoping for, the 2017 version may not be for you. Here's all 12 configurations:Longer when folded.

If you have a small trunk that the older B-Ready just narrowly fit into, the new model might not fit. If that's the case and you're now wondering how to make it work, the solution is actually pretty easy – you just remove the back wheels using the quick release button in the middle. The wheels pop off and the new B-Ready is now smaller than the old model and can easily fit in most compact sedans. I know this because I, too, have a compact sedan and am a happy 2017 B-Ready owner. While I don't love having to take the wheels off each time, I really do love the smaller width in the trunk that makes it easier to pack for our family of five and include the stroller.

2011 folded dimensions: 26.5" W x 19" H x 37" L {top seat attached, forward facing}

2017 folded dimensions: 24" W x 19" H x 42" L {top seat attached, forward facing}. Folded length with wheels off is 30"Slimmer, sleeker.

The new model frame {stroller on the left in image above} is even slimmer than the older model {stroller on the right in the image above with the second seat attached}. We're talking the tiniest of differences in width {2.5 inches, to be exact}, but it feels huge. This is especially noticeable while navigating city life and small doorways, but even in wide open spaces the new 2017 model just feels so much slimmer and streamlined. Even with the thinner frame, the B-Ready still has a large seat that is big enough to hold my older kids should their energy get depleted mid-adventure.

Taller frame.

The picture above shows both strollers side-by-side with their handles perfectly straight with the frame. As you can see, the older stroller {right} is much shorter than the new stroller {left}. Keep in mind that both handles can be positioned in a more upwards angle for taller caretakers, this is just the angle that is aligned with the stroller frame. 

2011 dimensions are 26.5" W x 40.75" L x 41" H

2017 dimensions are 24"W x 44" L x 43.25" HThis taller frame is amazing because it allows baby to sit up higher so we can talk while we roll, but it's also great for rolling her right up to the counter at restaurants or position her right by the action when we're seated.Down a cup holder.

Another big change is that the side cup holder is gone on the new model. This was initially our biggest issue about the new stroller, but we've since come to terms with it. Even though I miss having a designated parent cup holder as a standard accessory, I love that they took it off the side of the stroller frame where it was on the older model. I was constantly knocking the cup holder off the frame going through tight spaces or having to remove it for placing in our trunk, so I appreciate that's no longer an issue. To add cup holders for us parents, we just purchased the stroller organizer that creates a console on the stroller handle for cups, random odds and ends the kids pick up, and even a place for my cell phone, which I love. I still miss the hard plastic cup holder at times, but it's nice to have something to replace it.Better fabrics, better trim.

I love the premium fabrics and trim in the new 2017 model that make it look even sportier. The seat and canopy have even more reinforced stitching detail and now has a rugged frame around the toddler seat. Our old model really started showing its age in the toddler seat {which makes sense because this stroller was used for years through three kids}. You can see that it no longer has the Britax patch it used to have and is fairly worn in several areas from years of abuse. Knowing that this is where most of our wear and tear was, I love that the new design looks like a premium stroller and also has a more rugged design.A lighter, more accessible basket.

The stroller basket also went through a transformation that we love. The basket is now all-mesh on the sides and front, but still has a zippered access panel in the front so you can reach what you need on the go. The basket is still large and can hold a ton, just like the old model we love. I do sometimes miss the full-coverage basket in the 2011 model, but the lighter weight design still wins every time. Plus, I can just solve the issue by always having reusable totes on hand so I can hide snacks and activities in the bottom of the stroller until I'm ready to hand them to the kids. Larger canopy with larger window.

We use our canopy a ton for both rain and sun, so I love that the new canopy is bigger and has better coverage. I also prefer the way that the canopy connects to the stroller on the newer model with a zipper instead of by velcro so it looks better tailored even while not in use. The little side "pockets" are also gone in the new canopy, which I am absolutely thrilled about. These inner "pockets" had holes in the bottom and the kids refused to believe that their treasures would fall through those holes, which led to quite a few unhappy kiddo moments.I also love that it has a much larger window with a finer mesh so baby and I can talk while we roll. This is great while baby naps when I want to cocoon her a bit, but still want to be able to peek at her periodically. Also, she thinks peek a boo through the canopy is HILARIOUS. New hardware and finishes.

The new B-Ready has a different harness buckle and a new {non-foam} bumper bar. My nephew chewed through the foam on our old stroller bumper {this was when the strollers first came out, before they fixed this issue} so we threw our bumper away and replaced it with the toddler cup holders. Sadly, the old cup holders no longer fit the newer model because they have different connectors, so we're on the hunt for new toddler cups so we can remove the bar on the 2017 as well.The new stroller also did away with the black fabric in the seat that covers the head area and the seat belt area, which you can see are pretty faded in our older model. The buckle itself is stronger and more secure, and the straps are a much more premium look and feel. See the new buckle and harness in image below, and the older version in the image beneath that. The stroller locking mechanism is also a bit different and doesn't sit on the outside rear post as it did in the older model. Now the lock is located on the inner frame, which keeps you from accidentally unlocking it while lifting. Similarly, the stroller unlocking buttons are different now and less easy to bump or engage by mistake. If you've noticed in the pictures, the back fenders are gone in the 2017 version, which I honestly don't have much of an opinion about. My sister actually removed hers from her 2011 B-Ready, but I didn't have a problem with ours and it wasn't until I saw that they didn't make it onto the 2017 model that I considered scenarios in which I might like them. 

More positions to sleep in.

The top seat in the 2017 model now has 4 recline positions instead of 3. Since the kids sleep and relax in the stroller a ton, I love that I can customize their ride even more in the new stroller. This is especially great when wheeling baby up to a table or counter, but also nice to be able to quickly adjust if she falls asleep while rolling.Tons lighter.

Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration, but it feels a ton lighter. As someone that logged some serious time lifting our old folded B-Ready into my trunk, carrying it upstairs, lugging it around on mass transit, and through airports and stations while traveling, I can tell you that every ounce counts. The new B-Ready stroller is only a few pounds less and yet it feels so much lighter than the original model. Whether this is from the lighter frame or the lighter fabrics used, I'm one happy mama.

Locking front wheels.

I admit that I didn't notice that the front wheels on the new stroller locked until my littlest darling accidentally locked one of them. I thought I was going crazy as the stroller was veering while I was pushing it downhill, but once I realized that the front wheels now lock, it was an easy fix. Although locking front wheels isn't a feature I use a ton, I like having the flexibility of being able to lock them when I wish.

So, what's NOT new?

It may sound like this is a whole new stroller based on this extensive list, but there are some big things that haven't changed – including how comfortable it is for the kids for long distances. Even with the slimmer design, I love that the B-Ready stroller is still a beast that can handle any terrain. It’s easy to travel by trail, over fields, on sidewalks, and over firm sand since its big wheels and foam-filled rubber tires allow it to push easily, even when loaded up with kids and gear.

All of the kids have napped in the new stroller while we've walked, and our little one actually begs to get in the stroller and go for a walk, which is pretty awesome. And, just like the older model, the 2017 model is still really comfortable for both hubby {6’3”} and me {5’9”} to push for both long and short distances. Neither of us ever kick the frame, and I never feel like I have to stoop to push it.

The coolest thing about the B-Ready is its adaptability and that is very much unchanged from model to model. It can still go from birth to childhood, one child to two {just add second seat} and even can handle three {with the Britax stroller board}. That means it can be the one and only stroller you ever have to buy that can last through all of your adventures. 

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