Is the Babyzen Yoyo the best travel stroller on the market? I wanted to find out and test it out for myself. I read tons of Babyzen Yoyo stroller reviews claiming it was…
I hated it, there, I said it.
According to a lot of moms, TikTok, and the internet, yes, it is…but for me, the Yoyo stroller was not for me and not worth the price at all. Hence the title of this article. I returned it!
In this Babyzen Yoyo review article, I’ll go over all the features the Yoyo has, its pros and cons, and which stroller I prefer over the Yoyo.
If you are new to my website, my name is Hannah, and I am a real mom to two kids. This blog is written by a real person, lol me. I have two kids, Atlas, who was born in the fall of 2019, and Isla, who was born in the summer of 2021. I purchased the stroller with my own money. This is an honest Yoyo stroller review.
I definitely didn’t need another stroller in my life, as I already have nine. Yes, you saw that right. I own nine strollers and soon to be ten. The Joolz Aer+ should be arriving soon. But I wanted to really see if the best travel stroller was the Yoyo. So, on our recent five-week trip to Mexico, we brought two single strollers with us, our Joolz Aer, and a brand new Babyzen Yoyo that I bought on Amazon here a week before the trip.
There was no better way to put the Yoyo to the test than to use it exclusively for over a month and a bonus to travel with it.
My son claimed the Yoyo stroller as his, mainly because it was blue. He was 3 years old (39 months) during the month we used it on our trip and in all the photos you see in this Yoyo stroller review. He was roughly 35 lbs and 39 inches tall.
Purchasing a stroller may sound simple enough, but it is a big decision as it is an item you will be using daily for years to come, so you don’t want to have buyer’s remorse.
Strollers are normally one of the biggest ticket items in terms of price you purchase when you have kids, so you want to ensure it is a good long-term investment.
After having two kids in the last four years, every family requires a lightweight, compact, easy-to-use stroller to simplify life, especially in the first year when the child cannot walk independently.
It is an essential item to surviving the day, from running errands to enjoying family walks to the park. Parents need strollers that are going to be functional, simple to fold and use, and easy to lift into their vehicle while offering lots of storage space.
As you all know, I love love love the Doona car seat stroller and recommend that to all parents. I used this stroller exclusively with my son until he was 17 months old and with our daughter for the first 15 months. Here is my Doona review. Again, this is in my top five baby must-haves.
Purchasing your first stroller can be a challenge that can feel like buying a new car if you haven’t purchased one before, as there are so many models, styles, price points, and types of strollers to consider. The top features I look at when purchasing a stroller are weight, fold/unfold, comfort, quality, and price.
Extra features, including cup holders for my drinks, are super important, as is storage, as I can never have enough storage for day trips. I will outline all of the features, pros, and cons of the Babyzen Yoyo 2 stroller.
What is Babyzen Yoyo 2
The Yoyo 2 is not a traditional stroller; its size and weight classify it as an umbrella stroller. However, it is an upgrade to the traditional umbrella stroller, as the Yoyo 2 can be used from birth.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 can be used from the moment you leave the hospital using its newborn features, and its unique size allows it to be tucked in anywhere and even worn over the shoulder for convenience.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is a “versatile stroller, ultra-compact and super sturdy, and the YOYO² provides optimal daily comfort to your child,” making sure your child’s needs are kept in mind.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 was designed with newborns in mind, as you can clip your car seat right into the frame without removing anything. As the newborn pack folds and unfolds in a single motion, click here for more details on the Babyzen Newborn Pack.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is compatible with the Yoyo car seat and the following car seats in North America: Cybex Aton Q, Cybex Aton 2, Nuna Pipa Lite, Nuna Pipa, Clek Liing, Maxi Cosi Mico Max Plus.
I did not use the Yoyo with a newborn, so I can’t really comment on how it is. I can only tell you the facts.
The Yoyo 2 is super compact, making it the perfect stroller for those who live in the city and rely on transit or for those who love to travel and want an easy, lightweight stroller.
While it was designed to be compact, it still meets all the needs of an everyday stroller and isn’t just a travel stroller, as it can meet the same functions as any heavy-duty stroller, just in a more compact, parent-friendly way.
How is the Babyzen Yoyo 2 different from the Original Babyzen Yoyo?
The Babyzen Yoyo stroller is well known for being the first stroller to be accepted as cabin luggage on an airplane. The Babyzen Stroller was a great purchase. However, in 2021, the Babyzen Yoyo 2 stroller was released, and it is an upgraded model to the original Babyzen Yoyo with quite a few improvements.
While the stroller has been upgraded, the company ensures that all previous generation stroller products and accessories fit the new YOYO² stroller frame models.
Babyzen also understands the importance of the longevity of baby gear, so they increased the weight capacity to 22kg so that you can enjoy the Babyzen Yoyo 2 for even longer. They have also upgraded safety features such as a new harness system and added safety wrist straps.
However, the biggest and most exciting addition is the use of the Babyzen Yoyo Connect, which allows you to transition your stroller and connect two Babyzen Yoyo 2s together to create a tandem stroller for twins or siblings. This tandem system will compete with the Zoe Twin+ XL 2 for the best compact twin stroller.
*Note: I did not own the connect and have not used the connect.*
I also own a Zoe Twin Luxe stroller and love it. It is my go-to travel double stroller. I actually brought the Zoe Twin to Mexico the year prior for five weeks. You can read my Zoe Twin stroller review here.
Quick Product Overview
Babyzen Yoyo 2 Stroller Features:
- Convenient for travel as it can be carried on the shoulder using the comfortable padded shoulder strap
- Super lightweight at only 13.5 pounds, slightly heavier at 14.5 pounds if using the newborn pack, and even when using the bassinet, it only weighs just under 18 pounds.
- Compact and easy to travel with as it meets folded cabin baggage dimensions for planes
- The storage basket can hold up to 5kg (11 lbs) on its own in addition to the stroller, which holds 22 kg (48.5) pounds.
- The backrest has multiple multi-recline positions.
- Waterproof canvas material that is machine washable, UPF 50+, and waterproof
Would you buy it again? Personally, no, I wouldn’t repurchase it. After using the Joolz Aer side by side on a trip, I always wanted to be the parent pushing the Aer vs. the Yoyo. I would not purchase it again.
With that being said, the YOYO 2 earns best-in-class awards for lightweight strollers yet has the quality, performance, and features of everyday strollers, all at a reasonable price, making it an easy decision to purchase for any family. It is not a bad stroller. It is still a great travel stroller, but not for me.
Pros
- Can use from birth using the newborn pack or bassinet feature
- Easy to maneuver in tight spaces
- Adjustable harness to ensure a tight fit and comfortable padded seat
- Portable and lightweight making it easy to travel in vehicles and planes
- Multiple seat reclines make it easier for children to nap in the stroller.
- Large storage basket that can hold up to 5kg
- Fits under the seat in an airplane
- Seat fabrics can be easily removed and washed
- Disney approved – Best strollers for Disney
Cons
- The fold is not one hand and easy. One cannot hold a baby and fold it.
- The opening at the back for storage under the stroller is very narrow
- No foot or leg rest
- The cup holder is an added accessory
- Handlebar is not extendable.
- Cannot fold up with anything in the basket or attached to the handlebar
- Brake hard to release with sandals
- The bumper bar is an added accessory
Specifications
YOYO² is designed to allow a child weighing up to 22 kg (48.5 lbs). However, in North America, the maximum weight allowance due to safety standards is 18 kg (39.7 lbs).
The YOYO 2 folded dimensions are (52 x 44 x 18 cm / 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 inches).
Quality
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is environmentally friendly as it is made of completely recyclable products, including plastic that is reinforced with fiberglass, while still offering long-term durability.
The frame of the Babyzen Yoyo 2 is made of premium aluminum and steel alloy. The Babyzen Yoyo has a sleek design and is available in a variety of vibrant, fun colors. You can always buy a color pack if you want to switch up your colors.
Another exciting addition is the new Hytrel suspension system in the front that gives the stroller a smoother ride. Each of the 4 wheels has individual suspension, ensuring that the stroller offers a smooth ride, flexibility, and cushioning even over the bumpiest surfaces.
A bonus feature is that the Yoyo 2 stroller is easily repairable as it is primarily screw assembled, so it can easily be taken apart to change and put on new wheels after years of use.
Babyzen Yoyo 2 only uses high-end fabrics that are removable and machine washable. The fabrics used are Anti-UV fabrics offering UPF 50+ protection from the sun as well as waterproofing, ensuring your precious cargo is protected from the elements.
Design
The stroller has a sleek modern design and is aesthetically pleasing with its minimalistic design, especially as they offer multiple color options for fabrics and two options for the frame. You can choose either a white or black frame. In terms of fabrics, there are nine options: ginger, peppermint, toffee, aqua, black, gray, taupe, red, and blue.
The Seat: What are the seat recline options?
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 grows with your child as it offers multiple different seating positions and recline options. For the first 6 months, parents can choose to use the newborn pack or bassinet, which are both additional costs unless bundled with the original stroller purchase.
The Newborn Pack – This added accessory allows the child to lay fully flat on a mattress with a soft headrest and a full footrest. The Newborn pack has a great canopy with two different positions for sun coverage and is water-repellent. The newborn pack folds down into the stroller, so it does not need to be removed.
The Bassinet – The bassinet add-on weighs 7 lbs and comes apart into 2 pieces for easy storage. This feature offers a thick mattress, a ventilated canopy, and a foot cover. The bassinet allows children to also lay full flat.
Once children are 6 months old, they can use the 6+ Colour pack that has a comfortable seat, 5-point harness, and the backrest has multiple positions to provide ultimate comfort. The backrest can be reclined by adjusting the loop up and down to pick the perfect position for your child. The seat has a harness and buckle that fits tightly and adjusts easily and has padded shoulders and a padded crotch strap for additional comfort.
How is the Push?
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is easy to use, steer, and maneuver even on rough terrain using its patented ‘Soft Drive” system. It makes it easy to steer with only one hand, which is essential if you have multiple kids. The stroller is easy to maneuver, even around tight turns or obstacles in a store.
Does the handlebar adjust? Is it good for tall/short parents?
The handlebar is made with faux leather and has a wrist strap for added safety. Unfortunately, the handlebar is not extendable for taller parents or shorter parents as it is one standard length.
I am 5’10, and my husband Adam is 6’5, so we are a very tall couple. We have no issues with the handlebar.
Canopy
The canopy can be used in all three modes: newborn, bassinet, and after 6 months with the regular stroller. The canopy is pretty standard with a fair amount of sun protection and uses a fabric that is UPT 50+ and waterproofed to protect your child from the weather. The canopy does have a peek-through window, so you can keep an eye on your child.
Storage basket?
The storage basket has a small narrow opening at the back that can be difficult to access, but it has a lot of items and can hold up to 5kg. It can be easier to access if you go from the front under your child’s legs.
Cup holders?
Cup holders are not included. I purchased this universal cup holder that easily goes onto several strollers I own.
What ages is the Yoyo for?
The stroller is designed for use from newborn to preschool ages as the stroller can hold almost 50 pounds.
What does the Babyzen Yoyo stroller Cost?
They start at $449, depending on your chosen bundle. The cheapest one I found is here, this is for the frame and matching seat & canopy.
How easy is the fold?
Many moms make it look easier than it is. I never got the rhythm down for folding the Yoyo. This is mainly why I dislike the stroller.
They advertise that it is simple to hold with one hand, allowing you to hold your child in your other hand as it pops open and closed in a smooth motion. I was never able to do this…
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is also freestanding when folded, making it easy to get kids in the car and then the stroller in the trunk. I will say I had issues with having it be freestanding. Most of the time, it would tip over.
How easy is it to clean?
If you have ever tried to wash a stroller or car seat, you will know how frustrating it can be that all the fabrics don’t come off and separate from the frame.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 has solved this problem as all fabric, including the canopy, basket, seat cover, and foot cover, is machine washable at 86 F/30 C, which is a huge benefit.
What is Included?
The basic stroller includes a storage basket, cover bag, seat base, YOYO 2 Frame, shoulder strap, canopy and canopy wires, and user guide.
The newborn bundle is also available and includes all of the above, plus a newborn pack, adapters, foot cover, and fitted sheet.
Must have accessories
An added bonus of the Babyzen YoYo 2 is the endless number of accessories. However, adding them can come at a cost. Accessories include:
- Leg rest
- Yoyo ride on board
- Bumper bar – I have this off-brand bar, and it works
- foot muff
- parasol umbrella
- skis
- mittens attached to the handlebar
- cup holder
- rain cover and mosquito nets
Some of these upgrades are very neat; however definitely not necessary to still enjoy the Babyzen Yoyo 2 stroller.
Make sure to read my best Babyzen Yoyo accessories article for a more detailed list.
Is the Babyzen Yoyo easy to travel with on a car or plane
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 is lightweight and easy to fold, making it a breeze for parents and grandparents to load and unload into their cars. Its unique size (52 x 44 x 18 cm / 20.5 x 17.3 x 7.1 in), when folded, fits into every car trunk, even on the most compact cars, and meets airline cabin baggage allowances as well.
I have never been questioned about carrying a Yoyo stroller onto a plane. I have been questioned when bringing on my Joolz Aer and my Doona.
Similar Alternative Travel Strollers
- Joolz Aer+ (my pick for the best travel stroller)
- gb Pockit (super, super compact, but no bells and whistles here)
- Bugaboo Butterfly
What I love about the Yoyo
I love that the stroller can be used from birth and is an easy stroller to travel with on a plane. It can be difficult to find a foldable stroller that meets all your needs but can be used immediately instead of waiting 6 months to use traditional umbrella strollers.
The weight of a stroller is a huge factor for me, so the lighter, the better. With the Yoyo 2, I felt that I could get a lighter stroller but not give up some of the other important features of traditional strollers.
The Babyzen Yoyo 2 makes parents’ lives easy and convenient as the stroller can “disappear in a restaurant, fit in a small elevator, or travel in a plane overhead bin” due to its uniquely compact size and foldability.
The Yoyo 2 was designed to be easy to carry, even upstairs when traveling in transit stations, making this stroller the ideal choice for traveling around the world with small kids.
The stroller is also so slim that it can fit in an airplane’s aisles, making travel a breeze. While all of these travel features come in handy, it can also be the perfect everyday stroller as it is durable, can last from birth to preschool, and checks the boxes of all must-haves for any great stroller.
Do you have the Yoyo stroller? Do you love it or hate it? Leave a comment below!
