Babyzen YOYO2 pushchair review

Tested by

Natalie Hardwick lives in a town in northeast England and tested the Babyzen YOYO2 with her newborn baby and 3-year-old toddler. She tested it in parks, at a hilly seaside location, in a cobbled village, her local town centre and the streets and fields around her house. Magazine writer and parent Alex Meyer tested the YOYO Connect additional chassis, which turns the YOYO into a double buggy, with her 2 year old and 4 month old on a holiday to Corfu.

What were your first impressions of the Babyzen YOYO2?

The first and most noticeable thing about the Babyzen YOYO2 is just how small it is. I had previously been using the Baby Jogger City Mini for our newborn baby, which has a far larger, heavier frame with a bassinet that sits higher from the ground. The Babyzen looks tiny in comparison. Likewise, I was used to the large 'forever air' tyres of the Baby Jogger – the wheels on the Babyzen are only 14cm diameter and my initial reaction was to question whether they would withstand gravelly country paths on the regular walks we take as a family.

The frame direct from the box looks at first glance like a toddler pushchair, so I questioned just how it could be repurposed for newborns. Upon opening the bassinet package, and reading the manual, it became clear that the adaptors were all that were needed.

The bassinet components are very lightweight, and even assembled it’s only 3kg, so I queried whether it would be sturdy enough to reassuringly house my week-old baby. Inspecting each of the delivery’s components in turn, it was clear that the materials are premium – even the cardboard packaging was of a high quality and special care had been taken to eliminate non-recyclable materials like polystyrene and plastic bags.

The frame itself, curved fabric bassinet and 6+ month fabric colour set are all stylish in themselves – when the pushchair is assembled, it is eye-catching and distinct, with subtle and tasteful branding.

How easy is the Babyzen YOYO2 to build?

The frame of the Babyzen YOYO2 required no assembly at all. It could be lifted directly from the box (it’s so light this can be done one-handed) and popped up to fully extended in just a few seconds.

The newborn bassinet comes in several pieces and requires assembly with help from the instruction manual, although no additional tools were required. The manual has information in 32 languages and the diagrams for the build were tucked away at the back, so it took me a while to find them. The graphics were fairly clear but they were numbered in an unorthodox manner which made it easy to lose your place.

It took me around 30 minutes to set up the bassinet from unboxing. The bare shell felt very lightweight, but once filled with the mattresses, clipped and threaded together, it soon feels more robust. The press studs feel very sturdy and unlikely to come loose.

Attaching the hood was a little fiddly, as was adding the adaptors/attachments. The assembled bassinet is more than the sum of its parts – the individual pieces are very lightweight but when fixed together feel secured and very well-designed. Once constructed it attached very easily to the frame with reassuring clicks.

When the time comes to convert the stroller from the newborn to toddler setup, you simply remove the bassinet, click a plastic back board into place and thread on the material elements (known as the 'colour pack') using robust velcro straps. This again took around 30 minutes.

How does the Babyzen YOYO2 compare to previous versions of the pushchair?

The Babyzen YOYO2 is the next version on from the YOYO+, which in itself was a newer version of the original YOYO that launched in 2012. The first difference we noticed was the handlebar, which now has a leather-like feel and feels more premium than the original rubberised foam coating. There is also now a tether strap in the centre of the handlebar to attach to your wrist, which is a small but significant improvement.

Babyzen states that the YOYO2 has a new reinforced frame as well as independent suspensions on each of the four wheels. The Hytrel® elastomer suspension technology purportedly allows the stroller to ‘perfectly navigate all types of surface’. While this is definitely an upgrade on the YOYO+ we found that there are still limitations to the YOYO2's small wheels and they can’t handle surfaces like gravel as well as a larger pushchair.

There is also a higher weight limit (22kg, up from the 18kg ceiling of the YOYO+) giving the stroller more longevity. There are 9 colourways available, which will no doubt be appealing to those who are drawn to this pram for its unique design. The YOYO2 is compatible with all previous Babyzen accessories, which include a huge shopping bag, a footmuff, a leg rest and more.

What do you think of the Babyzen bassinet?

The Babyzen bassinet is the latest addition to the YOYO family, and it's as lightweight as the chassis, weighing in at only 3kg. It disassembles into two parts for easy storage, although to take it apart you have to unhook the hood, remove the mattress and liner and unthread the two halves of the shell. In comparison, the Babyzen newborn attachment (which is cheaper and has a safety harness) is more integrated with the pram, less bulky and can be folded with the pram. The newborn attachment was reviewed when MFM tested the Yoyo+ and hasn't changed since that time.

The bassinet’s 4.5cm mattress is as breathable as a light cushion and the cot is well ventilated thanks to small air holes and a ventilation strip in the hood. There are handy slimline pockets for tucking in small items, in my case fabric face masks for nipping in and out of local shops.

The zip is fastened with robust press studs, however we found the zip itself was a little sticky at first. My newborn settled in the bassinet straight away and was well cocooned, however it does seem on the smaller side. Officially it is certified up to six months of age or 9kg – at 78cm when assembled it does have decent length to accommodate larger babies, without being too expansive for a tiny newborn.

The canopy has two position options and the quality fabric is water repellent, although a full rain cover is also available. One big benefit is how light it is to carry – I appreciated this element after having a caesarean birth. The mattress and fitted sheet sit firm when laid against the base mattress.

How easy is the Babyzen carry cot to lift on and off the pram?

The bassinet clicks into place easily using the two attachments and feels very secure when in place – there is little danger of not attaching it correctly as the click is very definite. There are handles on either side to hold it.

To lift it out you press in two buttons and lift the bassinet out. It took a few goes to get the hang of this and push the buttons to the right position, and I'm still not entirely sure whether they are intended to be memory buttons, or if I just pressed them down so hard they stuck in place.

The manufacturer explicitly states that the bassinet is not suitable for overnight sleep. However, my baby slept in it for naps during the day and was very cosy and settled in place. The flat, generous surface was also handy for nappy changes while on the go, plus it’s the perfect size and shape to hold a sheepskin pram liner which makes it extra cosy.

When attached to the pram, the bassinet feels quite low, closer to the ground than some other pram bassinets. This might be an issue for some parents who prefer the baby to be elevated closer to parent level.

Is the pushchair suitable for use on public transport?

I travelled on a local bus with the Babyzen YOYO2 and found it very neatly fit into the buggy bay. It was easy to pivot to navigate the aisle and put the pram into reverse position in order to leave the bus back wheels first (my preferred method for dealing with steps when using a buggy). The compact, lightweight design really lends itself to use on public transport.

We took the pushchair on a plane. We had to check the toddler seat into the hold, but on a less crowded flight it would all have fitted into the hand luggage area. Using it in the airport it was easy to get through gates and checkpoints and very easy to get the children in and out of.

How easy is the Babyzen YOYO2 to fold?

The compact fold is where this product comes into its own, and it's a simple two-part operation:

1. Press down two buttons at either side of the hood and fold down the handlebar
2. Reach underneath the seat, push in a small button and pull the red handle to collapse the frame

The pushchair with then fold down on itself and – provided the wheels are in the right position – a catch will engage to lock the pram in place.

I got the hang of the whole process after just a couple of goes as it’s very intuitive and smooth. It’s also easy to explain to someone for the first time and simple to grasp for someone completely unfamiliar with the pram.

How compact is the folded Babyzen YOYO2?

Folded, the pram dimensions are an impressively diminutive 52 x 44 x 18 cm. The bassinet has to be removed for folding, however with the newborn attachment or 6+ seat it can be folded in place. Babyzen says the YOYO2 is recognised as cabin luggage by most airlines, but always check before you travel. This unparalleled collapsibility is the main USP of the Babyzen and has been designed with modern, urban parents in mind.

Another unique and highly practical feature is the shoulder strap, which allows you to carry the folded pram, but also for it to be hung up.

The YOYO2 easily fits in most car boots. My Honda has various bits and pieces lying around, but the pram and bassinet still fit in with a little manoeuvring. It's also so small it will fit in the footwell.

The bassinet is bulkier and obviously requires additional storage space in the house or car. When travelling, it can act as handy storage vessel for anything that’s usually stored in the pram basket. As a family we drive most places so need a pram to quickly fold down, so this element of the Babyzen got a big thumbs up from me.

How good is the Babyzen YOYO2 to push and steer?

The Babyzen YOYO2 is very manoeuvrable. The compact size means you feel in control of the steering and pushing, and the nimble wheels can fit through tight spaces, whereas some bigger strollers have wheels set on very wide frames. It's ideal for nipping into shops or on to busy public transport.

The rotating front wheels allow you to pivot, reverse and weave the pram using the sturdy handlebar. However, despite the new suspension system, the wheels are simply too small to handle rougher terrains and uneven ground, especially when compared to prams with large, tyre-style wheels.

The YOYO2 does position itself as an urban pram that is likely to be mostly used on pavements, and this shortcoming may be enough to put off those living in more rural environments. I live in a town in the north east of England and use my pram in lots of varied environments – from nipping out on the school run, through to trips to the seaside, the city farm, parks, country walks, local villages with cobbled streets, and busy town centres. On tougher terrains I found steering/pushing very frustrating, sometimes near-impossible.

The pram doesn’t have a particularly smooth motion, however I felt that my baby experienced the same level of natural movement in the BabyZen bassinet as they did in the Baby Jogger bassinet. While the YOYO2 really does perform best on smooth pavements, it handled hills and kerbs well. Due to its light weight, we chose to carry it up and down stairs rather than attempt to ‘bump’ it down one step at a time. The curved bars of the frame are easy to get hold of – two of us held the pram from either side with both hands and were able to very easily navigate steps.

What is the Babyzen chassis like?

The frame is a big plus of this product. The stylish curved lines and matte black finish look modern and streamlined. The frame is also available in white. It's made from aluminium alloy and stainless steel, while the plastic components are reinforced with fibreglass.

Because of these reinforced, premium materials, the frame doesn’t feel flimsy despite being so light – it actually feels strong and unlikely to dent easily. It’s a very slimline frame, with a width of only 44cm, making it very nippy and perfect for squeezing into busy public places. While not entirely scratch resistant – the point of a safety pin left a mark on the frame but a car key didn’t – the frame finish doesn’t mark easily.

How do you rate the Babyzen YOYO2 handle?

The handle of the Babyzen frame is not adjustable for height, instead sitting at a generic height. At 5ft 3in, I found it comfortable to use and felt like I was close to my baby. At 6ft, my partner found the pram easy to push and commented on how it feels ergonomic. The leather feel handle bars were a noticeable upgrade from the previous model, bringing the pram more in line with premium prams and buggies, although it had no noticeable effect on pram performance and it felt like more of an aesthetic embellishment. The handlebar is easy to grip and gives very good control over the pram’s movements, allowing smooth manoeuvrability and fluid movement. The tether strap is a simply but highly effective addition that gives more reassurance to the parent.

What do you think of the Babyzen YOYO2 seat unit?

Having previously used the Babyzen YOYO+ as a buggy for over a year, I knew to expect a solid but agile stroller. One major upgrade to the YOYO2 is the new five-point safety harness that is a big improvement to the previous button-operated buckle. The harness now clicks in place around a central unit. With a new weight limit of 22kg, this pushchair could technically be used until a child is around 6 years old, although I'm unsure whether they would comfortably fit in the seat itself by that point (or be willing to be strapped in for that matter).

My 3 year old fit comfortably in the seat, with his feet touching the footrest and the safety buckles fitting well over this body. With the seat fully upright, his posture was good. The multiple recline options are operated using a strap at the back of the pram, which does take some getting used to, especially to hoist the seat back up to fully upright from reclined. While the seat unit does tip back to a nap-friendly position, there is no completely lay-flat option. This may put some parents off, especially if their younger toddlers rely on a firm, flat surface to take naps during the day.

The fabric components are easily to remove to wash, similarly they could very effectively be sponged down to remove marks. The shape is easy to brush down to remove crumbs, with few nooks and crannies for crumbs to gather in.

The biggest downside of the 6+ seat unit is that there is no parent-facing option for younger children. While some parents may be happy to go straight from a newborn bassinet or carrycot to ‘world-facing’, others will want to transition their child by using a parent-facing seat for a period. Personally, not having this available as an option between the ages of 6 months and a year is a major disadvantage, especially as parent-facing is now an option on a number of similar pushchairs.

On the plus side, there is a clear plastic panel that acts as a peephole for the parent, plus a handy zip-up pocket on the back of the canopy to add your phone or keys.

What’s the Babyzen YOYO2 hood like?

The Babyzen bassinet hood is not quite as enveloping as the hood on some other prams, which come further down over the baby and offers more protection from sunshine. However there are two positions that are easy to pull into place, and you can add a parasol (sold separately) for more coverage. While it has no peephole, one clever design element is the mesh ventilation strip across the back of the bassinet that can be folded in and out of a pocket depending on the weather. The hood itself is robust and stays in place, plus it’s easy to use and quick to concertina up and down.

The buggy hood lifts up or down, and the lowest panel can be tucked up into the hood for a third option. When down, it offers good protection for the child and has a handy clear plastic peephole in the top. The material is a premium woven fabric.

What are the Babyzen YOYO2 wheels like?

While the manufacturer has attempted to improve the wheel strength by introducing individual suspension, the wheels still don't compare to the pneumatic tyres you may find on a larger pushchair or pram. However, the Babyzen is not marketed for rural living, rather as an ingenious, no-fuss, travel-friendly stroller that’s ideal for city families, travel lovers and parents with limited space.

In order to fold up and fit in overhead compartments, the wheels have to be very small, but they really are tiny (14cm diameter), giving the stroller a slight ‘trolley’ feel. However, the Babyzen design team have done their best to make them strong and cushioned despite the size.

While they work well on even surfaces like smooth pavements, they get easily caught on loose paving slabs and struggle on surfaces like mud, gravel or cobbles. Since the bassinet does not have a harness system, the trundling wheels were a little disappointing as they were very sensitive to even small bumps in the pavement. The swivelling front wheels allow the pushchair to easily pivot, weave and reverse, while the back wheels provide some stability. If all-terrain, pneumatic tyres are a priority for you, this is not the model to buy – you will inevitably be disappointed by these rubber wheels. They are far more suited to urban living.

The pushchair wheeled fairly easily over grass, wetter, but muddier ground was an issue. It also struggles with uneven pavement: small dips and slightly raised paving slabs sometimes cause the pram to jolt, meaning you have to concentrate when pushing this pram – while all parents endeavour to do this, sometimes with more than one child you can be distracted and end up with the pram coming to an abrupt stop on a wonky paving stone. This didn’t feel unsafe for the baby, who was well tucked in, but it is not ideal and gave me less confidence in this as a product for very young infants who may be jolted about by such activity.

How good are the Babyzen YOYO2 brakes?

The foot-operated brake pad is in an intuitive place at the back of the pram. It is easily flicked on and off with just a little force – I tested it in my house wearing no shoes at all and I was able to secure it in place. The only complaint is that it is a little small, however a benefit of this is that the brake lever doesn’t get in the way when you are pushing. The brake functionality is very good and the pram is securely held in place. There is little risk of not securing properly as it clicks into place with a definite motion.

How do you rate the Babyzen YOYO2 basket?

The basket is cleverly designed and despite sitting in a small frame, it's actually quite roomy. The basket is fairly open, making it easy to access, however things would be more likely to fall out if you cram too much in. We found it easily accommodated a small shop, including a bulky bag of nappies, plus a fabric sling and nappy bag. We managed to fit a whole rucksack in, although it was a little unwieldy and didn’t quite slot perfectly into place as the basket area isn’t a clear space and has some obstructions in the form of two bars at the base of the pram frame, and the carry strap if you leave it clipped on.

How do you attach the YOYO Connect?

Fellow tester Alex says: "Adding the second seat is easy because it’s on a replica frame of the first and everything is attached together with either Velcro or elastic loops, which makes changing the seat configuration straightforward. The baby bassinet attaches to the frame by clicking on to two adaptors. The frames are joined together by a link at the bottom of the additional chassis. This is a simple question of clicking it into place, however I found that although it did always attach, there was no way of knowing whether this would be on my 1st or 10th attempt. I am sure more practice would solve this issue though."

How easy it it to use as a double?

"I used it with the bassinet at the front and the toddler seat behind, so I could keep an eye my daughter while my baby slept," Alex says. "This worked well but her legs were long enough to occasionally kick the bassinet which made it rock (although there was no risk of it falling).

"However, having the bassinet on the front did mean that when we were going downhill my baby slid towards the top of the bassinet. I thought that having the toddler at the front would make the pushchair harder to steer, however there are five combinations which the YOYO2 and YOYO Connect work in.

"This buggy is light and that makes it easy to push, even when in double mode. However, at times it feels like the buggy is a bit flimsy and could tip going round corners at speed or if the weight is unevenly distributed. On flat, level surfaces such as pavements and roads then it works like a dream, on more uneven surfaces such as bumpy paths it is harder to control.

"I found it easy to go up and down kerbs once I had got the knack, the front wheels can bang up against the kerb instead of mounting it at first. For a long buggy it is relatively easy to manoeuvre in tight situations, but it does feel like I should have some kind of vehicle reversing noise going on!"

What comes in the Babyzen YOYO2 box?

• BabyZen chassis (seat base, frame, reversible backrest, 2x 6+ canopy wires, shopping basket + shoulder strap)
• 0+ bassinet
• 6+ colour pack
• Protective bag

What are the additional accessories you can buy?

• YOYO car seat
• YOYO board
• Rain covers
• Leg rest
• Travel bag
• Parasol
• Cup holder
• Mosquito net
• YOYO bag
• Car seat adaptors
• Newborn attachment
• Bassinet
• YOYO Connect additional chassis

What would you have wanted to know before purchasing the Babyzen YOYO2?

It's important to know going in that this is not an all-terrain pram, and it's designed with certain lifestyles in mind. It's also disappointing that even an accessory as essential as rain covers come at an extra cost (although they were provided for this review, and they are very good quality).

How does it compare to similar models from other brands?

Is the Babyzen YOYO2 worth the money?

At £399 for the base BabyZen YOYO2 frame and 6 months+ colour pack, this is a mid-range pushchair with a significant price tag. To use it from birth you would need either the bassinet (£235) or newborn pack (£157) so you’re looking at a start-up cost of over £550. However, it will last you until the child is 22kg, which is around 6 years of age. Given the longevity of the pram, this clocks in around £100 per year of use, although you may not use it beyond toddlerhood. With the price tag come premium materials, a smart and unique design with discreet and elegant branding, nimble manoeuvrability, amazing travel/storage potential and a foolproof stroller. Overall I believe it offers good value for money versus similar models from comparable brands.

Where can I buy the Babyzen Yoyo2 pushchair?

It's available from Mamas & Papas, John Lewis and Natural Baby Shower.

MadeForMums verdict:

A stylish, lightweight pushchair that folds down to a truly portable size, the YOYO2 is a great option for families living in urban environments or those who travel frequently, be that by car, plane or public transport. The newborn options give parents the ability to use the pushchair from birth, but it's at its best when using the 6 months+ seat unit. The small wheels perform best on pavements and grass and are less-suited to bumpier ground or wet, muddy terrain. Adventurous families will perhaps want to consider an all-terrain model instead.