Babyzen YOYO Review: The Stylish Stroller That Fits in Your Purse (Almost)
Hey there, fellow fashionista mama! đ Are you ready to meet your new favorite travel companion? No, I‘m not talking about a chic handbag or statement sunnies (though I‘m always on the lookout for those too). I‘m talking about the Babyzen YOYO, a stroller so sleek and petite, you‘ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
What is the Babyzen YOYO?
Imagine if your designer tote and your baby stroller had a baby. The result would be the Babyzen YOYO – a luxury stroller that folds up small enough to fit in an airplane overhead bin, yet stylish enough to make heads turn on the streets of Paris or NYC.
Launched in 2012 by a group of chic French dads (is there any other kind?), the YOYO quickly became the "it" stroller for jet-setting parents. But don‘t let its compact size fool you – the YOYO is one sturdy and versatile ride. This isn‘t just a bare-bones umbrella stroller, but a fully-featured pram that can take you from birth to toddlerhood with the right accessories.
Why the Babyzen YOYO is the Ultimate Travel Stroller
As a mom and travel blogger, I‘ve tried my fair share of strollers over the years. But once I got my hands on the YOYO, I knew I‘d found the one. Here are just a few reasons why the YOYO is the GOAT (Greatest of All Travel strollers):
1. It‘s So Freaking Small
You guys, the YOYO folds down to just 52 x 44 x 18 cm – that‘s about the size of a large handbag! I‘ve easily stashed this stroller under restaurant tables, in my trunk, and yes, in the overhead bin of an airplane. No more waiting at the gate for your stroller or worrying about it getting damaged.
The YOYO‘s compact fold is a gamechanger for city living too. I live in a walk-up apartment in Brooklyn, and being able to fold my stroller with one hand while holding my squirmy toddler is everything. Plus, it‘s so lightweight (just 6.2 kg!) that carrying it up the stairs is no biggie.
2. But It‘s No Lightweight
Don‘t be fooled by the YOYO‘s slim physique – this stroller can hold its own. The frame is made of durable aluminum alloy, and has been tested to hold up to 40 lbs of adorable toddler chub. The all-wheel suspension and locking front swivel wheels make it easy to maneuver on city sidewalks or bumpy park trails. And with a 5-point harness and extendable UPF 50+ canopy, I know my bĂŠbĂŠ is safe and shaded.
Plus, the YOYO comes with a generous storage basket that can hold up to 5 kg of your stuff. That‘s enough space for a diaper bag, some shopping bags, and a baguette (when in Paris!).
3. It Grows With Your Family
One of the coolest things about the YOYO is that it‘s not just a one-and-done purchase. With the right accessories, you can use this stroller from birth up until your child is around 5 years old.
For infants, Babyzen offers both a cozy newborn pack ($225) or a car seat adapter ($100) that clicks right onto the frame. I love that the YOYO works with popular car seat brands like Cybex, Nuna, and Maxi-Cosi – no need to buy a separate travel system.
As your baby grows, swap out the newborn pack for the 6+ color pack ($125), which includes a comfy, reclining seat. The bassinet and seat fabrics come in a rainbow of chic colors, from classic black to sand to the dreamy "aqua" that I chose.
4. It‘s First Class All the Way
I‘ll admit, I‘m a bit of a bougie mama. I love designer diaper bags, trendy baby clothes, and yes, I‘m guilty of pushing my YOYO while wearing 4-inch heels đââď¸. Can you blame me? With its sleek lines, leatherette handlebar, and minimalist colorways, the YOYO looks like it belongs on a fashion week runway.
But it‘s not just about looks – the YOYO comes with all the bells and whistles I expect in a luxury stroller. There‘s an adjustable handlebar, a peekaboo window, a foot cover, and even a cup holder for your latte or green juice.
How the YOYO Stacks Up to the Competition
Of course, the YOYO isn‘t the only compact travel stroller on the block. In recent years, brands like UPPAbaby, Bugaboo, and Silver Cross have all come out with their own take on the portable pram. Here‘s how the YOYO compares:
| Stroller | Weight | Folded Size | Price | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babyzen YOYO2 | 13.6 lbs | 20 x 17 x 7 in | $500 | Most compact fold, car seat compatible |
| UPPAbaby MINU | 14.8 lbs | 20 x 23 x 11 in | $400 | Larger storage, reversible seat |
| Bugaboo Ant | 15.8 lbs | 9 x 15 x 22 in | $500 | Most customizable, two-wheel position |
| Silver Cross Jet | 13.2 lbs | 11.8 x 7.1 x 21.6 in | $350 | Lowest price, most lightweight |
As you can see, the YOYO‘s fold is the most compact of the bunch, and it‘s one of the only strollers that‘s fully car seat compatible. However, the MINU does offer a reversible seat and slightly bigger basket, while the Ant boasts the most customization options. The Silver Cross Jet is the lightest and cheapest of the bunch, but lacks some key features like a peekaboo window or all-wheel suspension.
Real Talk: Is the YOYO Worth the Hype (and the Price)?
I‘ll be honest – when I first saw the price tag on the YOYO (around $500 for the frame alone), I hesitated. That‘s a lot of dough for a stroller, especially when you can find a basic umbrella stroller for under $100. But after using my YOYO for over a year now, I can confidently say it‘s been worth every penny.
Not only has the YOYO made traveling with my baby a breeze, but it‘s also made everyday life so much easier. I love being able to dart in and out of shops or cafes without worrying about my bulky stroller. I love the way the YOYO turns on a dime and glides over curbs. And I really love all the envious looks I get from other moms when I effortlessly unfold my YOYO with one hand đ.
Of course, the YOYO isn‘t for everyone. If you‘re on a tight budget or don‘t travel much, there are certainly cheaper strollers out there that will get the job done. But if you want the Rolls Royce of travel strollers, the one that will make your globetrotting adventures infinitely easier, the YOYO is hard to beat.
The Bottom Line
The Babyzen YOYO is the ultimate travel stroller for stylish, on-the-go parents. With its teeny tiny fold, sturdy construction, and endless customization options, the YOYO can take you from the boulevards of Paris to the beaches of Phuket and everywhere in between. It‘s an investment, but one that will pay off in spades when you‘re breezing through the airport or navigating crowded city streets with ease.
So if you‘re ready to join the jet set (or just the jet set wannabes like me), add the YOYO to your cart. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
Bisous,
Your Fave Stroller-Obsessed Mama
FAQs
Where can I buy the Babyzen YOYO?
You can purchase the YOYO online from retailers like Amazon, Buy Buy Baby, Nordstrom, and Albee Baby. It‘s also available in select baby boutiques and department stores worldwide.
What age is the Babyzen YOYO suitable for?
With the right accessories, you can use the YOYO from birth up until around 5 years old or 40 lbs, whichever comes first.
Does the Babyzen YOYO come with a warranty?
Yes, the YOYO frame comes with a 2-year manufacturer‘s warranty against defects. The textiles and wheels have a 1-year warranty.
Can I take the Babyzen YOYO on an airplane?
Most airlines will allow you to bring the YOYO on board as carry-on luggage. However, it‘s always best to check with your specific airline before flying.
Is the Babyzen YOYO worth it?
In my opinion, yes! The YOYO‘s compact fold, sturdy construction, and luxury features make it well worth the splurge for frequent travelers or city dwellers.
