Baby Jogger Accessories You Actually Need: Belly Bars, Glider Boards, and Weather Shields

When you buy a stroller, the accessories aisle can feel like a cash grab. But a few well-chosen add-ons genuinely improve your daily walks, errands, or travel. The trick is knowing which ones fit your stroller and your lifestyle.

I’ve tested the most popular Baby Jogger accessories—belly bars, glider boards, weather shields, and parent consoles—on the City Mini GT3, City Select 2, and City Tour 2. Here’s what I’d actually buy again and what I’d leave on the shelf.

Belly Bar: More Than a Handle for Your Toddler

A belly bar gives your child something to hold onto and keeps them from slouching forward. It also doubles as a grab bar when you’re folding the stroller. For the City Tour 2, the baby jogger belly bar for city tour 2 single stroller is a near-essential upgrade if you plan to use the stroller after your baby can sit up unassisted.

Compatibility note: Belly bars are stroller-specific. The City Mini GT3 and City Select 2 each have their own bars. Don’t assume one fits all. If you’re buying used, check the model number. The bar for the City Mini GT2 will not work on the GT3.

• Tip: If your toddler tends to lean out, a belly bar is safer than a snack tray because it keeps them centered.

Glider Board: A Ride-Along for Your Older Child

A glider board (also called a ride-along board) attaches to the rear of your stroller so an older sibling can stand and ride. It’s a lifesaver when you have a baby in the seat and a toddler who gets tired of walking. Baby Jogger does not currently make a branded glider board, but several third-party options work well with the City Select 2 and City Mini GT3.

What to look for: Universal boards with adjustable straps are the most flexible. Avoid boards that block the stroller’s fold mechanism. On the City Select 2, the fold is foot-operated, so a board that mounts too low can interfere. Test the fit before buying.

• Tip: If you use a glider board, remove it when not needed to keep the stroller compact and easy to steer.

Weather Shield: Rain, Wind, and Cold Protection

A weather shield is a clear plastic cover that encloses the stroller seat. It blocks wind, rain, and snow while still letting you see your child. The Baby Jogger Weather Shield for City Tour 2 Stroller, Clear, is a great example—it fits snugly and has ventilation holes to prevent overheating.

Should you buy one? If you live in a rainy or windy climate, yes. If you mostly walk in mild weather, skip it. A weather shield is bulky to store and can fog up if the temperature changes quickly. Use it only when you actually need protection.

• Tip: For cold-weather walks, pair the weather shield with a footmuff (not a blanket) to keep your child warm without overheating.

Parent Console: Cup Holders and Phone Storage

A parent console clips onto the stroller handlebar and gives you cup holders, a zippered compartment, and a phone pocket. It’s one of the most popular accessories, but it’s not for everyone. On the City Select 2, the console can make the handlebar feel crowded if you have large hands or use a wrist strap.

If you’re a coffee-and-phone walker, the console is worth it. If you prefer a backpack or stroller caddy, skip it. The console is also easy to remove when you don’t need it.

• Tip: Check the weight limit. Most consoles hold about 5 pounds. Overloading the cup holders can tip the stroller when you’re parked.

The best Baby Jogger accessories are the ones you’ll actually use. A belly bar adds safety and comfort for your toddler. A weather shield keeps them dry in rain. A glider board gives your older child a ride. And a parent console keeps your hands free. Skip the rest and spend your money on what fits your daily routine.