BabyZen Yoyo Review: Best Travel Stroller (2023)

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After 18 months of use across 21 countries, we wanted to share our Babyzen Yoyo review! One of the best travel strollers on the market, the super compact Babyzen Yoyo is suitable from birth and is airplane cabin friendly. If you are searching for a travel stroller, we hope this Babyzen Yoyo review helps you in your choice!

Our Babyzen Yoyo in action in NYC!

Features of the Best Travel Stroller

When we were deciding on our travel stroller, we looked for four key features:

  • Cabin friendly: being able to take the stroller on board as part of cabin baggage is a key requirement for two reasons
    • We often travel with hand luggage only and don’t want to have to wait around for a stroller to be delivered to the aircraft door or the luggage carousel.
    • We’ve been on a ton of flights where the strollers are delivered to the luggage carousel and parents have had to juggle kids and cabin baggage on long walks from the plane.
  • Reclining stroller: kids nap everywhere and anywhere on the road so a recline is essential!
  • Strong and durable: travel strollers need to work in multiple environments and take frequent and hard usage.
  • Price: value for money is essential but we were willing to pay extra for quality.

Babyzen Yoyo+

Weighing in at less than 7kg, the Babyzen Yoyo is one of the most compact travel strollers on the market. The Babyzen Yoyo stroller meets the hand luggage size requirements of most airlines and the ability to take into the cabin and store in the overhead locker is one of its biggest selling points – check prices now

Babyzen Yoyo review tip: we have the latest version of the Babyzen which is officially known as the Babyzen Yoyo+.

Key features of the Babyzen Yoyo

  • Stroller Weight: 6 month+ version weighs 6.2 kg, newborn version weighs 6.6 kg
  • Stroller Dimensions: 52 x 44 x 18 cm when folded
  • Recline: backrest of 6 month+ stroller reclines up to 145 degrees
  • Weight Capacity: birth to 18kg, approximately 4 years old
  • Suitable from birth: newborn version suitable from birth, converts to 6 month+ stroller with a switch of fabrics
  • Car seat compatible: compatible with a selection of Group 0 car seats
  • Canopy: pop up canopy with 2 positions and UPF 50+
  • Rain cover: included in initial stroller purchase
The Babyzen Yoyo collapses to a cabin friendly size

The Babyzen Yoyo comes with a sleek black or white frame, under stroller storage basket, canopy, rain cover and a protective travel bag. The Babyzen Yoyo is available in two versions:

It’s easy to switch between the newborn and 6 month+ configurations by changing the fabric set.

Babyzen Yoyo review tip: We purchased a Babyzen set with the newborn fabrics and the 6 month+ fabrics as we wanted to use it from birth. It’s possible to purchase fabric sets which allow conversion between newborn and 6 month+ even after the initial stroller purchase. So if you purchase the newborn Babyzen Yoyo, you can convert it to the 6 month+ stroller with the purchase of the fabric set. This is also great if you want to change colours for a new baby!

The newborn version on an English winter road trip
The 6 month+ stroller on the Tokyo subway

 Pros and Cons of the Babyzen Yoyo

With two kids under 18months, we’ve most definitely tried and tested the Babyzen Yoyo stroller and all its features to its limits! If you prefer a summary version of our Babyzen Yoyo review here it is: we’d highly recommend the Babyzen Yoyo and consider it the best travel stroller on the market!

The biggest benefit is that the Babyzen Yoyo meets cabin baggage requirements for most airlines. There’s no waiting for the stroller to arrive at the aircraft doors after landing or having to make a strollerless journey to the baggage carousel to collect a gate checked stroller!

The Babyzen Yoyo has a ton of other positive features including:

  • Cabin friendly stroller
  • Suitable from birth to 18kg (approx 4 years old)
  • Lots of high quality accessories available (see below)
  • Lightweight but strong and durable
  • Stroller reclines for naps – cannot emphasise how important this is!
  • Easy to manoeuvre with one hand
  • Easy to open and collapse with one hand
  • Handles bumpy terrain and cobblestone well
  • A range of compatible group 0 car seats can be attached
  • Canopy with two positions
  • Good storage for a travel stroller
  • Easy to carry with the strap and you can open it with one hand
  • Modern design with a nice range of colours and washable fabrics
Our 6month+ Babyzen in Tokyo, Japan

There aren’t really any drawbacks to the Babyzen Yoyo except that it is one of the more expensive travel strollers. Although it is a more expensive option, for us, it’s more than worth the cost!

  • More expensive than other travel strollers on the market but the quality, durability and potential to use as a primary stroller make it worth the price.

Babyzen Yoyo review tip: we use the BabyZen Yoyo as our main single kid stroller both at home and while travelling. It’s perfect for our city life and we’re so impressed with how little wear and tear its showing despite having endured over 1.5 years of hard use!

The newborn version of the Babyzen at Boulder Beach in South Africa

 Babyzen Yoyo Travel Accessories

There is a broad range of branded and generic accessories available for the Babyzen Yoyo + depending on your needs. This was one of the big benefits for us as you can simply buy the add-ons you actually need. WE’ve purchased a number of these and they’ve been invaluable and have been very hard wearing.

FootMuff

The footmuff is amazing for colder weather as it’s fleece lined and can open for both sides or the bottom. It washes easily and looks like new after 2 years of heavy use – check prices now

Sale
BABYZEN YOYO Footmuff, Navy Blue - Sherpa Lining & Fleece Hood with Drawstring to Keep Baby Warm - Includes Carrying Bag - Machine Washable
  • KEEP BABY WARM - With a sherpa lining and fleece hood with a drawstring, the YOYO Footmuff is designed to keep your children warm in the YOYO2 stroller, even in very cold weather.
  • ADAPTABLE - When it warms back up, reverse the fleece hood and detach the upper part of the footmuff. If you remove the footmuff completely, use the small carrying bag included to store...
  • PRACTICAL - The YOYO Footmuff opens from below, offering anti-dirt protection. But since messes are inevitable with kids, it’s fully machine washable.
Keeping warm during an Italian winter!

Insect Shield

There are two version of the insect shield (for the newborn bassinet (0+) and the 6month plus (6+). We have both version of this and they work brilliantly. They’re easy to affix and take off and ensure no flies or bugs get inside. Our first trip with J included a South African safari and we’ve used them countless times since! – Newborn or 6 month plus

BABYZEN YOYO Mosquito Net for 6+ Color Pack - Protect Baby from Mosquitoes & Other Insects
  • INSECT PROTECTION - YOYO mosquito nets keep mosquitoes & insects away from your baby while providing proper air circulation. They are easy to attach and offer optimal protection against...
  • COMPATIBILITY - This mosquito net is specifically designed for the 6+ Color Pack, featuring a reinforced, closed foot area so shoes can’t damage the netting. Other sizes are available...
  • LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST - Having children shouldn’t require you to compromise your on-the-go lifestyle. The YOYO2 is one of the most lightweight, compact, full-feature strollers...
The Tokyo mosquitoes haven’t got a chance!

Rain Cover

Again there are two versions and we recommend getting both. They fit both the 0+ and 6+ strollers really well and we’ve survived many downpours with them – Newborn or 6 month plus

BABYZEN YOYO Rain Cover for 6+ Color Pack - Protect Baby from Bad Weather - Easy to Install & Store - Includes Storage Bag
  • WEATHER PROTECTION - YOYO rain covers protect your child from bad weather. They are easy to install and can be quickly stored in the basket or the stroller’s rear pocket when the sun...
  • COMPATIBILITY - This rain cover is specifically designed for the 6+ Color Pack, but other sizes are available for the 0+ Newborn Pack and the Bassinet.
  • WHAT’S INCLUDED - The YOYO Rain Cover comes with a protective storage bag.
BabyZen Yoyo Review best travel stroller
The rain cover in use in Tokyo

Cup Holder

The cup holder works really well and clips on the side of the stroller handle – check prices now

Babyzen YOYO+ Cup Holder
  • Designed for yoyo+ but can be used on other strollers
  • Lightweight
  • Folds, unfolds & drives with one-handed ease

Parasol

The parasol is really useful when it’s really sunny out and is easily adjusted to cover your child in the stroller – check prices now

BABYZEN YOYO Parasol, Grey - UPF 50+ Protection - Compatible with The 0+ Newborn Pack, Bassinet, Car Seat & 6+ Color Pack
  • Easily attaches to any BABYZEN stroller frame
  • Easily attaches to the car seat adaptor
  • UPF 50+ sun protection

Sun cover

If the parasol doesn’t fit your needs you could check out what we use for naps/sun cover while on the go. We opted for a Snoozeshade Plus and have been super thankful every time J has fallen asleep while out exploring. It has a dual layered front mesh which allows some light in when half open and black out when both are closed. – check prices now!

SnoozeShade Plus Deluxe (6-9m to 3 Years) Universal Stroller Sun Shade for Travel Strollers, Umbrella Strollers & Jogging Strollers; Baby and Toddler Travel Essential; Safely Blocks Up to 97.5% of UV
  • Super safe sun protection invented by a mom: SnoozeShade's stroller sun shade and blackout cover for babies and toddlers blocks up to 99% of harmful UV rays. It acts as a protective...
  • One of the most awarded stroller accessories: This one-size-fits-all stroller sunshade, made from a soft, air-permeable stretchy mesh, is one of those baby vacation essentials you don't...
  • SnoozeShade sets the standard for safety: Move over traditional covers! Our lab-tested air-permeable mesh is more than just breathable; it allows air to circulate freely and SnoozeShade...
Nap time accessories!

Leg Rest

This add-on for the 6+ pack will make it significantly easier for your child to nap in – check prices now!

BABYZEN YOYO Leg Rest - Reclined Position & Padded Cover (Included) Provide Additional Comfort in Stroller - Easy to Attach & Clean
  • MORE COMFORT - With two different positions (reclined or seated), the YOYO Leg Rest allows your baby to snooze even more comfortably in the stroller.
  • EASY TO USE - The leg rest clips onto the stroller in the blink of an eye. And since messes are inevitable with kids, the reinforced polyester padding is washable.
  • TAKE IT EVERYWHERE - Even with the leg rest attached, you can fold & unfold the YOYO2 Stroller with one hand! It's never been easier to meet up with friends, catch a cab, or hop onto...

Car Seat Compatibility

Car seat compatibility was a big deal for us as we are massive road trip fans and always travel with our own car seat. It was essential that we were able to attach the car seat to the stroller for navigating airports and, occasionally, to make a seamless transition from the car when J or E were napping.

The Babyzen is compatible with several Group 0 car seats. Babyzen offer their own car seat but we opted for a Maxi-Cosi car seat which can be attached to the stroller with separately available adaptors.

Once you check your car seat is compatible (most are) its a simple as clicking the car seat onto the stroller and away you go. We cannot recommend these highly enough – check prices now!

BABYZEN YOYO Car Seat Adapters, L Version - Easily Clip The YOYO Car Seat onto The YOYO2 Stroller Frame
  • EASY TO USE - Use these adapters to attach any compatible car seat listed below to the YOYO2 Stroller with the 0+ Newborn Pack. You don’t even have to remove the fabrics from the...
  • COMPATIBILITY - The adapters work with these car seats, available in Central & N. America: Cybex Aton Q & Aton 2, Nuna Pipa & Pipa Lite, Clek Liing, and Maxi Cosi Mico Max Plus.
  • LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST - Having children shouldn’t require you to compromise your on-the-go lifestyle. The YOYO2 is one of the most lightweight, compact, full-feature strollers...

Babyzen Yoyo review tip: Group 0 car seats are suitable from birth to around 12 months depending on the size of the baby. The car seat can only be attached to the Babyzen during this first car seat period.

Navigating the airport! Babyzen Yoyo with a car seat attached

The Babyzen in Action!

We’ve used the Babyzen in 21 countries and our stroller is still in excellent condition. We’ve used it in airports, on trains, in subways and on buses. It’s even made it as far as our airplane seat on rare occasions! It’s been wheeled through safari lodges in South Africa, castles in Germany, over cobblestones in Rome and explored night markets in Taiwan. It’s performed well in every situation.

Compact enough to take on the Tokyo subway!
Light enough to carry when there are no elevators (the Tokyo Subway)
BabyZen Yoyo Review best travel stroller
A stroller with a view in Tokyo!
Things to do in Rome With Toddlers
Navigating the cobblestones at the Pantheon in Rome with the footmuff

How does the Babyzen Yoyo compare to other travel strollers?

The Babyzen was the very first cabin friendly stroller to hit the market but it has since been joined by a long list of competitors. We researched and checked out so many strollers in our search for the best travel stroller. The biggest contenders include the Zoe XLC, Baby Jogger City Tour, Mountain Buggy Nano Stroller, the UPPABaby Minu and the Cybex Eezy S Twist. The Babyzen Yoyo, with all its positives, won us over and continues to do so!

We also own a GB Pockit!, the world’s smallest folding stroller, and it is a great option if you want a more inexpensive travel stroller. Its compact fold is incredible and the low price point is great – check prices now!

gb Pockit+ All-Terrain, Ultra Compact Lightweight Travel Stroller with Canopy and Reclining Seat in Night Blue, 10.6 pounds
  • Collapsible & Compact Design: This travel stroller's ultra-compact and collapsible design ensures it will fit in most overhead compartments on planes and trains, eliminating the need to...
  • Lightweight Convenience: This must-have umbrella stroller weighs a mere 9 1/2 pounds and makes one-handed pushing and steering a breeze. It folds down in 2 simple steps and can be...
  • Durable and Flexible Construction: Durable for everyday use as well as travel the Pockit+ is designed to roll with the punches. Its flexible construction keeps wiggly bodies safe and...
The GB Pockit and the Babyzen Yoyo

We’re also big on baby carrying and never leave home without our baby carrier, an Ergobaby 360. It’s amazing for short hikes, climbing hundreds of stairs to viewpoints and sights which don’t allow strollers!

We also own a GB Pockit, the world’s smallest folding stroller, and it is a great option if you want a more inexpensive travel stroller. Its compact fold is incredible and the low price point is great – check prices now!

Sale
Ergobaby Omni 360 All-Position Baby Carrier for Newborn to Toddler with Lumbar Support & Cool Air Mesh (7-45 Lb), Pearl Grey
  • All-in-one baby carrier: Adapts to your growing baby from newborn to toddler (7-45lbs and fits babies from 0-48 months): No separate infant insert required: All carry positions...
  • Cool and breathable: Our cool Air Mesh collection baby carriers are made with soft and durable mesh fabric that provides our renowned ergonomic support for baby
  • Comfort: Exceptional lower back comfort with padded lumbar support waist belt and extra padded shoulder straps with the option to wear 2 ways: Crossed or "backpack style": Waist belt...

Toddler wearing at the Climbing stairs at the Colosseum in Rome!

17 thoughts on “BabyZen Yoyo Review: Best Travel Stroller (2023)”

  1. Enjoyed reading your review. If Yoyo+ carries 1 little’n only, I’m interested to know what your solution was to transport both your little ones, do you travel with 2 prams? Laura 🙂

    Reply
    • Hi Laura

      If we’re travelling together we take one stroller each. If one of us is off with the two of them, we take a stroller for the toddler and a carrier for the baby. When J is a little older we’ll try out the buggy board – maybe when he turns 2!

      Elaine

      Reply
  2. Hi Elaine,

    Do you think the newborn nest is sturdy enough to use as a main stroller for a newborn, or do you only use it for travel?

    Reply
    • Hi Christina

      Definitely! I used it as the main stroller for both my little ones from birth and it was great. It was our only stroller at home until we picked up a double for solo outings with both kids when they were both under 2!

      Elaine

      Reply
  3. What are your thoughts on the footmuff in derail.
    Is it warm enough for real winter? It is fleece and not wool, right? And it seems, the actual part of the feet has no lining at the back .. is that a minus?

    Reply
    • Hi Clod

      We’ve used it in Europe in January and it’s always been plenty warm for our little ones. My youngest used it recently during winter in Seattle and Portland and it was fine and it’s also good in Ireland. I haven’t tried it anywhere extremely cold though.

      I did worry about the actual feet part not having lining before we purchased but I find it fine when the kids have shoes. Our youngest isn’t walking yet so doesn’t wear shoes often but she’s too short to reach the unlined part! I’m not sure on the material but I’d guess fleece (it’s back in Florida as we didn’t need to bring it to Mexico so I can’t check!).

      Elaine

      Reply
  4. Hi Elaine,

    I have the yoyo and honestly, I loved it. I have a couple of questions though:
    I am going to the ski town this weekend and wondering if there is a little snow on the street would it still work?
    Did you ever try the board for the bigger child to ride along?
    And lastly, I’m pregnant again and thinking of buying the bassinet instead of the newborn set. I think for the begging may be nice to leave the stroller somewhere (down the stairs etc) and take the bassinet along so he can nap, e.g. friend’s flat, doctor’s waiting room, etc. Would you recommend it or would you anyway go for the newborn?

    Thank you!!!!

    Reply
    • Hi Lo

      We use a buggy board for our 4 and 5 year old when we go to theme parks (you can see it in this Disney article! and places with a lot of walking. It works great. We have the earlier version of the Babyzen where the bassinet wasn’t removable – I really loved it (and just used it for my 3rd baby who is almost 1 now!) so I imagine being able to remove it is a nice perk!

      Elaine

      Reply
  5. Not sure if you’re still checking this site, however, my son is 3.5 and we are looking for a travel stroller for an upcoming trip to London and France. How do you think the babyzen would fit him?

    Reply
  6. Hi

    Just wondering with the lack of locking on the front wheels, did they wobble/flutter when using? Esp in Europe where the pavement isn’t flat?

    Reply
    • Hi Rachel

      I’ve never had an issue and we’ve been all over Europe with the Babyzen – we’ve just got back from 6 weeks in France and it worked great.

      Elaine

      Reply

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