BabyZen Yoyo+ Review

Color Update - July 2017

Babyzen has released some new colors for the Yoyo+ stroller. In addition to the original six colors, Ginger (below left) and Peppermint (below right) are now optional colors in the lineup. The design and function of the Yoyo+ remain the same.

Hand-on Gear Review

Babyzen was founded by five Frenchmen who wanted a lightweight, less bulky stroller for urban living. BabyZen is a high-end brand with sleek designs and higher price tags. Their strollers are designed for the urban lifestyle and travel. Marketed as "the only stroller you'll ever need" BabyZen has a small stable of 2 stroller options that vary between lightweight and more of an all-terrain option.

Performance Comparison

Weight and Folded Size

The Yoyo weighs 13.5 lbs but folds into an impressive 3,276 cubic inches making it one of the smallest and lightest options in the group.

While not the smallest in the group, there is only one smaller and the Yoyo will fit about anywhere and comes with a handy travel bag.

Ease of Use

The Yoyo isn't that easy to use, but none of the strollers are, so in comparison, it is one to watch.

While it may not look like an impressive performance only a few others performed better marks.

Fold and Unfold

This stroller has a unique fold that moves up and down like a yo-yo. It is initiated with a lever (above left) and folds into thirds, creating a compact package (above right). It is a one-handed fold that auto-locks and self-stands. The final product is on the squat side, so it isn't that different than the Yoyo not standing. It isn't the easiest fold, and the convoluted process disappoints compared to the competition.

Brakes

The Yoyo has a large brake pedal between the rear wheels that is single action and easy to use. The pedal is far enough from the wheels for wider feet to press it, and it is super easy to set and release even for feet wearing sandals.

Storage

The storage bin holds up to 11 lbs, which is impressive for a lightweight stroller. However, we could only fit our medium size diaper bag inside. The bin is narrow with access from the back (above left). This stroller also has a medium-size pocket on the back of the canopy for items like a mobile phone or wallet (above right). We like that the zipper keeps items safely inside.

Sunshade

The sunshade is medium-sized with an SPF 50+ rating. It has a small, vinyl peek-a-boo window near the back of the shade that doesn't have a cover. The window is not tinted or cross-hatched, leaving the baby's head exposed to sunlight, which defeats the purpose of the shade.

Harness

The Yoyo 5-point harness has easy adjustments and rethread. The buckle is a little stiff and harder for larger hands to operate, but it isn't difficult and better than some of the competition.

Seat

The Yoyo seat back reclines with a strap adjustment that is somewhat difficult to use and may require two hands. The recline is only mid-level and not flat enough for cozy napping, though little ones can and will fall asleep if tired. The seat has no leg rest to speak of, which is a bummer and is probably more comfortable for long legs that can reach the footrest. The seat is padded, but a deeper recline would be a better asset than padding.

Car Seat Compatibility

The Yoyo is good from birth with the use of a car seat adapter and an infant car seat carrier. The adapter is sold separately and only works with the Cybex Aton Q in the United States.

Ease of Setup

The Yoyo is the hardest option to assemble taking over 13 minutes with lots of parts. While you don't need tools, most of the competition comes with more pre-assembled parts.

Maneuverability

The Yoyo has impressive maneuverability for an umbrella product with single front wheels (above left) and all-wheel suspension (above right) that help it traverse most surfaces with relative ease. Unlike the dual wheel counterparts that can get pulled off course, the Yoyo+ moves smoothly and without a hiccup on flat surfaces. It falters off-road thanks to the narrow wheels, but its design is for urban living, so it isn't a surprise that it doesn't enjoy grass and gravel.

This stroller has a single handlebar that is foam covered and comfortable to hold, we like it over the separate handles found on most umbrella strollers, and it allows for one-handed pushing. With a padded seat and simple recline, the Yoyo is comfortable, but with a hard bottom and no leg rest, it isn't going to be the coziest napper. The all-wheel suspension will go a long way to improve the experience for both the passenger and pusher.

Quality

With an impressive design and high-end components, the Yoyo brings together materials that work well together to create a fluid moving and sleek looking modern stroller.

The Yoyo has what you'd expect of a stroller with this price with no missed stitches or rough edges. This stroller is a mixture of sturdy aluminum and plastic with almost no exposed fasteners or frame flex. The bearings on the wheels make all the difference, and the quality shines through.

Manufacturer Video

This is a manufacturer video showing the highlights of the stroller in use.

Accessories

BabyZen doesn't offer much for accessories, but it has a few that can improve the strolling experience for baby and parents.

• BabyZen Car Seat Adapters —
  
  Not many of the umbrella strollers have the car seat compatibility option, so while this one only works with the Cybex Aton Q, at least it works with something. These adapters allow you to use your infant car seat carrier with the stroller to give you more seating options in addition to the standard seat and lay flat carrycot.

• BabyZen Parasol —
  
  The Yoyo has a fairly good canopy, but if you need more protection from the sun or light rain this is your go-to addition. This parasol is a nice size umbrella that attaches to the frame of the Yoyo and has some adjustability to shift with the changing weather.

• BabyZen Yoyo Mosquito Net —
  
  If you've ever been in a humid climate with pesky insects then you already know why a mosquito net is good. This net wraps around the stroller frame to protect baby from biting insects. This net also offers some additional protection from the sun thereby increasing the possibility of cozy napping.