Joie Ginger DLX Review: Could This Be Your Only Stroller?

The Joie Ginger DLX is here, and I’m so excited to share my honest review with you. This is a great new-parent stroller with a seat that works from birth as a pramette, converts to a toddler seat that can parent-face or world-face, and is car-seat compatible right out of the box. I have loved the Joie Ginger (review) for new parents, so having an upgraded version is great. I’ve been testing it with my three kids, and I’m going to walk you through everything you need to know to help you decide if it’s the right stroller for your family.

Disclosure: This post is not sponsored, but contains affiliate links. You don’t get charged any extra, but my family receives a small commission when you shop through one of my links. We’re grateful for your support! <3

Prefer to watch? Check out my full video review of the Joie Ginger DLX here:

Why I’m Excited About the Joie Ginger DLX

Joie has definitely been taking the US market by storm with their affordable, quality strollers, with so many great features, and I have been so impressed. I will never forget unboxing the Joie Nutmeg, which I have a full review of (that’s their more compact travel stroller), and I was so impressed. It had a newborn recline right out of the box, an easy fold, and was affordable. Then I loved the Ginger, which gave parents a reversible seat and pramette, but lacked a few features like an expandable canopy, and now we have the Joie Ginger DLX.

I’m so excited about this stroller because what you get is a stroller that can be used from birth into toddlerhood that now has all-terrain wheels. So, with that, let’s go through it top to bottom.

Quick note: Joie has a few different Joie Gingers, so make sure you’re shopping for the right one! Check out my short comparison of the Joie Ginger vs Joie Ginger DLX:

Joie Ginger DLX Specs at a Glance

Before we dive in, here are the quick specs:

• Use: From birth with a built-in pramette to a toddler seat (parent or world-facing)
• Weight: 26.67 lbs
• Seat weight limit: 50 lbs
• Basket capacity: 10 lbs plus a hidden rear compartment
• Handlebar: Telescopic/expandable
• Wheels: All-terrain, never-flat (not air-filled)
• Car seat adapters: Included (works with Joie infant seats)
• Extras: Bumper bar included, adjustable calf support, decent canopy extension

Price and Whats Included

The Joie Ginger DLX includes the stroller (with bumper bar, calf support, etc.), a parent cup holder, and car seat adapters for both the Joie Mint Latch and Joie Rue (pictured above).

You can buy Joie at Target and Amazon! The Stroller retails for $400, or you can buy it as a travel system with either of Joie’s infant car seats.

If this post helps you decide, please consider shopping through my links! This is how I can keep making honest reviews. <3

Joie Ginger DLX Stroller: Amazon or Target
Joie Ginger DLX Travel System with Joie Mint Latch Car Seat: Amazon or Target
Joie Ginger DLX Travel System with Joie Rue Car Seat: Amazon or Target

Joie Ginger DLX: Top to Bottom Review

Let me walk you through this stroller from top to bottom, just like I do in all my reviews.

Handlebar and Push

Let’s start with the handlebar. You have an expandable telescopic handle, which I prefer over a pivoting one. However, I wouldn’t say there’s a significant difference between the highest and lowest settings. But I, at 5’5″ and my husband at 6 feet, were both very comfortable pushing the stroller and didn’t find ourselves kicking anything.

Canopy and Peekaboo Window

The stroller has a nice peekaboo window made of mesh for added airflow during those hot summer days. You can expand the canopy for pretty good coverage, and there’s mesh on the sides for added airflow as well.

The Seat System: From Birth to Toddler

Now, let’s talk about the seat because this is where the Joie Ginger DLX really shines.

In Toddler Mode:

The seat is decently tall. I have a 98th percentile almost-four-year-old, and she can still fit comfortably in the seat. It can hold up to 50 lbs.

Now, the harnesses are not no-rethread. So basically, what that means is you have to manually push the plastic piece through and move it up, which is fine when you have one child. But for me, I have two kids of different heights using the stroller, and so that can be a little inconvenient.

I like their buckles. They’re plastic, super easy to use, and I love that it’s one piece that stays together. 

You have a few recline options in the toddler seat.

Pramette Mode: One of the Coolest Features

But one of the coolest features of this stroller is that the seat can turn into a pramette, which can be used from birth. With one hand and one simple motion, you are ready to go.

I have a video about the differences between pramettes, bassinets, and newborn recline, so be sure to check that out. But a pramette is a stroller seat that converts into a newborn-ready seat that looks like a bassinet, but with some key differences. It’s not approved for overnight sleep in your home and has to be used with the stroller, but it’s great for walks with your newborn. And unlike a bassinet, you do have to keep your baby buckled in at all times.

And you have a pretty good canopy in this mode. I always want just a little more when your baby’s in that complete vertical position, just because the sun can hit them, but overall, I found the coverage was really good.

Adjustable Seat Height

And another really cool feature is that you can adjust the seat height to keep your baby closer or farther away. Say you’re sitting at a restaurant and you want your baby closer while you’re sitting, you can easily lower the seat.

Comfort Features

It comes with a nice bumper bar that you can easily pop out. I wish they made a snack tray, but you can use this universal snack tray on Amazon. Looking for Stroller Toys? Here are some of my favorites!

The stroller has an adjustable calf support as well as leatherette detailing on the fabrics to protect them from your kid’s shoes. You can push it back and have your older child use the lower footrest.I find with this style, my kids just tend to always use the calf support instead.

The materials throughout are decent quality and wipe clean really easily.

Parent Conveniences: Storage and Cup Holder

Let’s move on to storage and parent features.

The Cup Holder (Plus My Toddler Snack Hack!)

I like that they include a parent cup holder. It’s super easy to attach. However, I have found that when the seat is in the parent-facing mode and used with a toddler, your child can reach your water cup. But I have a hack for you! 

I have started putting my kids’ snacks in there and have them parent-facing when we’re out and about because they don’t sell a snack tray. It’s worked out really well! If you don’t want your child to touch the cup holder, just face them out.

Brake

The brake is decently flip-flop friendly. It’s one that I’m seeing a lot more of on strollers these days.

Storage Basket and Hidden Compartment

They have a unique compartment in the back that’s amazing. I’ll put diapers and wipes down here or my phone. And then you also have a decently large, spacious storage basket that can hold up to 10 lbs.

All-Terrain Wheels: Real-World Testing

And then the wheels… This is one of the big selling points of the DLX. We put this stroller to the test. We’ve tried it on grass, gravel, and snow, and I was so impressed with how well it did.

Now, all-terrain capabilities add weight. There’s no denying it. So this one is going to be a little heavier than some of the other strollers in the Joie lineup, weighing 26.67 lbs. However, the trade-off is that you get a more versatile stroller that can tackle terrains.

Now, this is not a jogging stroller. It does not have air-filled tires. So, is it perfect if you live in the rural countryside and you’re going to be on really rough terrain? Probably not. But can this stroller tackle a variety of terrains whenever you need it to? Absolutely.

Travel System Car Seat Compatibility

Now, before I show you the fold, let’s look at it as a travel system because this is a really nice feature. Included in the box are adapters for any Joie infant car seat. And you can actually buy this stroller as a travel system as well.

Works with Joie Rue

The Joie Rue infant car seat is their more traditional-style car seat with a base. I’ve been really impressed with it so far, and it pairs seamlessly with the adapters.

Also Works with Joie Mint Latch

You can also pair it with Joie’s Mint Latch car seat, which is baseless. The Joie Mint Latch has rigid latch, which means it connects easily to the lower anchors of your vehicle (those are the metal attachment points in your car’s back seat). I have found that this is so convenient and great for travel or if you’re changing between vehicles. It also pairs on the included adapters.

To remove the car seat from the stroller, push the two buttons on the side and lift it up.

Adapter Storage Hack

Now, if you are at the stage where you’re using it as a travel system with your car seat adapters and the pramette or toddler seat, you can actually store your car seat adapters in the basket compartment, which is a great hack, so you will always have them with you.

Folding and Standing: My Tips for Success

Now, to fold the stroller, you will need the seat to be world-facing, not parent-facing. So if I’m in the early days, when I’m using it in parent-facing mode or in pram mode, I will just take the seat off and put it in my trunk that way.

How to Get the Joie Ginger to Stand (I Hear About This All the Time!)

Now, I hear from parents all the time that they have trouble getting the Joie Ginger to stand. Here’s my hack for getting it to stand:

Step 1: Pull the canopy back.

Step 2: Make sure you turn on the brake or tap the brake.

Step 3: Put the handlebar in the middle setting.

Step 4: On the side, there are two triggers. You’re going to pull the triggers up and bend the stroller in half. Now, maybe it’ll stand, maybe it won’t.

The Secret Tip: There’s a little bit of movement in the latch, and if you pull it the handlebar out further, it provides more stability for it to stand. So you kind of just get used to the motion the more you use it. 

And then, to open the stroller, pull the latch on the side and open it!

The Bottom Line: Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve gone through the whole stroller, let me break down what I really loved and what could be better:

Pros:

• Built-in pramette usable from birth (no bassinet required)
• Included car seat adapters—great travel system right out of the box
• All-terrain wheels that handled grass, gravel, and light snow really well
• Telescopic handle and extended canopy with mesh for airflow
• Thoughtful storage with that unique rear compartment
• Adjustable seat height (great for restaurants or keeping baby close)
• Bumper bar included
• Materials wipe clean easily
• One-hand pramette conversion
• Well-priced

Cons:

• Heavier than compact models (26.67 lbs) because of the all-terrain wheels
• Harness is not no-rethread, requires manual changes as kids grow
• If you use parent-facing or pram modes often, folding requires removing the seat
• No snack tray available
• Takes a bit of practice to get the fold to stand properly
• Generally not considered a non-toxic option

Who Is the Joie Ginger DLX Best For?

So, who is the Joie Ginger DLX best for? This is great for parents looking for an affordable stroller that can be used from birth into toddlerhood without any additional accessories. Plus, it has all-terrain wheels, which means it’ll be able to take on grass, gravel, and occasional snow with wheels that are never flat.

But those all-terrain capabilities do add a little weight. If that’s not something you need for your family, you may want to consider another option in the Joie lineup.

This stroller is perfect for:

• Families who want one stroller from newborn through toddlerhood without buying extra accessories
• Parents who need occasional all-terrain capability (parks, gravel paths, light snow) but not extreme off-road use
• People who value a solid travel system option right out of the box (adapters included)
• Those who like the option to parent-face their baby

Who Should Consider Something Else?

If lightweight is a must, choose a lighter travel stroller (check out my Best Newborn Travel Stroller Post or the Joie Nutmeg). If you need a true jogging stroller or air-filled tires for very rough terrain, pick a dedicated jogger (Check out my Best Jogging Stroller Post).

My Final Thoughts

My overall takeaway: Joie built a very smart, versatile stroller with meaningful upgrades over the standard Ginger. For many families, this could absolutely be the only stroller you need, especially if you want newborn compatibility, travel system convenience, and wheels that can tackle more than smooth pavement.

I have several Joie reviews here and over on my YouTube channel, so be sure to check those out if you want to see more Joie strollers.

If this post helps you decide, please consider shopping through my links! This is how I can keep making honest reviews. <3

Joie Ginger DLX Stroller: Amazon or Target
Joie Ginger DLX Travel System with Joie Mint Latch Car Seat: Amazon or Target
Joie Ginger DLX Travel System with Joie Rue Car Seat: Amazon or Target

Frequently Asked Questions