Cybex Orfeo stroller review

What were your first impressions?

I knew the Cybex Orfeo was hand luggage-compatible, but I hadn’t anticipated such a slim, neat package. I had previously used the Babyzen YOYO 2 and was under the impression that there was nothing like it on the market, but the Cybex Orfeo is obviously a serious contender. I could lift the pushchair out of the box in its entirety with one hand, which was a pleasant surprise too.

The frame seemed robust enough at first glance, and I liked the brown leather-style handlebar and sleek silver frame, though the buttons seemed a little flimsy, and I questioned whether they could withstand regular use. The design seemed simple and functional, rather than stylish.

How easy is it to build the Cybex Orfeo stroller?

There was nothing to build! The pushchair comes as one ready-made piece, so there’s no need to mess around with clips and bolts. However, getting used to the folding mechanism and working out how to keep the pushchair upright took quite a bit of time, and I didn’t find the instructions particularly helpful either. These included some diagrams and QR codes to online videos. Unfortunately, the videos don’t include text or narration, so if you have an issue with the setup (as I did), you’ll need to keep pausing the video to get a good idea of where you’re going wrong.

How easy is the Cybex Orfeo stroller to push and steer?

I was surprised by how easy it is to push the Cybex Orfeo. I’m used to pushing the YOYO 2 around, which is a notoriously bumpy ride for little ones, but Orfeo glides fairly quietly over a variety of surfaces. It isn’t robust enough to push across a muddy park or gravel, but it does feel sturdy enough to mount high kerbs without lifting. The front suspension, while not as comprehensive as its other prams, helps too.

How lightweight is the Cybex Orfeo stroller to carry around?

The pushchair only weighs 6.5 kg (roughly the same weight as the YOYO 2), so it’s incredibly easy to carry around. It also features an integrated carry strap, so you can wear the entire unit over your shoulder. Dare I say it, you could even carry the pushchair in one hand and your little one in the other.

How easy is it to fold the Cybex Orfeo stroller?

In theory, the buggy should be really easy to fold up and down thanks to its one-hand fold-and-unfold feature, but I found it really tricky. To unfold the pushchair, you need to push the small button at the back of the handlebar and squeeze the larger button at the front, open up the pushchair and click it into place.

However, it took me a really long time to get the knack for clipping the pushchair into place, and I found it kept collapsing back into its folded structure. I also had an issue unfolding it on a longer walk when the material from the basket got caught in a wheel.

Folding the buggy up, however, is a dream and takes a matter of seconds. Another big bonus is that you can fold the pushchair with the seat attached, so there’s no need to waste time removing various components.

How compact is the Cybex Orfeo stroller once folded?

This is where the Orfeo really comes into its own. The pushchair folds down to a teeny-tiny H53cm x W48cm x L15.5cm, which makes it really easy to store. It’s hand-luggage compatible, so there’s no need to worry about damage in hold. The Orfeo packs away easily onto the parcel shelf of a car, too, with plenty of room for suitcases and other items.

Is the Cybex Orfeo stroller self-standing when folded?

Yes, the Cybex Orfeo does self-stand, though I found it best to lean against a wall to avoid it toppling over.

How well does it work on public transport?

We tested the Cybex Orfeo stroller out on the train, tube and bus, and it worked fantastically. It feels sturdy enough to mount the tube and dreaded overground gap without lifting, and I even managed to take it on an escalator. In theory, you could fold up the pushchair and carry your baby or toddler separately very easily too, though the frame is so slim it’s easy enough to keep it erect in a busy carriage.

What is the chassis like on the Cybex Orfeo stroller?

The chassis is strong and durable, and the silver colour doesn’t scratch easily. It feels tight at its connection points (unlike the Babyzen YOYO), which makes mounting kerbs and steps much easier. The design is simple and functional.

Is the handlebar adjustable on the Cybex Orfeo stroller?

Unfortunately, the handlebar can’t be adjusted. At 102cm high, I found it comfortable enough, but my 6ft husband struggled. The handle is made from a faux-leather material, so it feels comfortable and easy to grip. There is no wrist strap, which I would have appreciated as we live on a hill and also frequently take public transport.

What is the seat unit like on the Cybex Orfeo?

The seat unit is well-padded and supports the weight of my 5-month-old baby, though I do wonder how well it would hold up with a toddler strapped to it. The straps are easy to tighten and loosen thanks to its handy one-pull harness mechanism. As I was testing the pushchair with a baby under 6 months, I also appreciated how easy it was to adjust the shoulder straps, which slide up and down.

My 5-month-old is large for his age, so I didn’t have any qualms about packing him into the seat. The straps held him in securely and, unlike its competitors, the seat fully reclines, making naps on the go much easier. There’s an integrated leg rest too, which should come in handy as he grows. There isn’t any padding on the sides or the backrest, but my son seemed comfortable and nodded off fairly easily.

One thing worth noting – we tested the seat out in winter and found that we weren’t able to use a standard footmuff due to the layout of the straps. If you want to use a footmuff, you’ll need to purchase one that is compatible with Cybex Gold pushchairs. The bumper bar needs to be purchased separately, too.

Does the Cybex Orfeo stroller seat lie flat?

Yes, the seat is easy to adjust to 3 different heights using a simple toggle at the back, including a lie-flat position.

Is the seat unit world- and parent-facing?

No, the seat is world-facing only, which is a real shame. Even though I knew that my son was safely strapped in, I still wasn’t entirely comfortable pushing my baby around without being able to see him, particularly as there wasn’t a peep-window built into the hood. While I did get used to it eventually, I don’t think I would have felt comfortable using the pushchair for any great length of time with a newborn. If you’re looking for a forward-facing option, it might be worth splurging an extra £100 or so on the Eezy S Twist+2, which is part of the Cybex Platinum range and offers both facing positions.

What is the hood like?

The XL UPF50+ sun canopy is large and rolls down quite far, providing enough protection on sunny days. It stays in one place and is easy to roll up and down, though there isn’t a peephole window. The raincover, which is included, provides ample cover from the rain.

What are the wheels like on the Cybex Orfeo stroller?

The wheels are small and made of hard plastic, so there is little to no shock absorption. We didn’t mind this too much on smooth pavements, but wheeling the pushchair over bumpier surfaces, such as gravel, was a jittery experience. The wheels swivel 360 degrees, which makes it easy to navigate corners.

How good are the brakes?

Unlike most prams, the brake pedal on the Cybex Orfeo is horizontal, which isn’t immediately obvious. Once you get used to the mechanism, they hold very well and the pushchair feels secure.

How do you rate the basket on the Cybex Orfeo stroller?

Not great. The basket is too small and flimsy to hold anything substantial in it. It has a weight limit of 5kg, and the design of the chassis obscures access, so it is impossible to get anything larger than a small changing bag inside it.

What’s in the box?

● User guide
● Raincover
● Carry strap
● Sun canopy
● Shopping basket
● Seat unit
● Orfeo frame, including wheels

What additional accessories can you buy?

• Summer seat liner (£54.95)
• Gold footmuff (£99.95)
• Bumper bar (£34.95)
• Snogga 2 (£89.95)
• Newborn nest (£54.95)
• Car seat adaptor (£44.95)
• Travel Bag (£54.95)
• Rain cover (£44.95)

What is the packaging like?

Nothing here seemed unnecessary; the pushchair was neatly packed in one large clear plastic bag (unfortunately not recyclable) and a cardboard box (widely recyclable).

How does the Cybex Orfeo rate for sustainability?

According to the instruction manual, the pushchair can be recycled at the end of use, though the literature included doesn’t specify whether this needs to be done at specialist centres.

What repair options are available if the Cybex Orfeo stroller breaks?

The pushchair comes with a 2-year warranty, which is valid in the country where the pushchair was initially sold.

Can the Cybex Orfeo stroller be used with a car seat to create a travel system?

Yes, the pushchair is travel system ready, though you will need to purchase the Cybex Car Adapters separately. This is compatible with several popular car seat models, including Maxi-Cosi®, BeSafe®, and Nuna®, and costs £44.95.

Now that you’ve tested the Cybex Orfeo stroller, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing?

It would have been useful to know that the hood does not feature a peep window, which makes it difficult to see your baby as you push them around.

Who is the Cybex Orfeo stroller most useful for?

The Cybex Orfeo is most useful for short holidays and mini-breaks, particularly for frequent flyers who need an approved stroller. While it is suitable for newborns, I can’t imagine many parents feeling comfortable pushing their tiny babies around without being able to see them, so it’s best suited for babies upwards of 5 months.

Is the Cybex Orfeo stroller worth the money?

At £319, the pushchair is a similar price to other hand luggage-compatible strollers, and it includes a rain canopy too. However, if you’re using the pushchair with a newborn, you may want to choose another Cybex model that offers a forward-facing seat or an alternative pram that offers a bassinet option.

Where can I buy the Cybex Orfeo stroller?

Available from Cybex, Boots and John Lewis.

MadeForMums verdict

The Cybex Orfeo stroller is ideal for short holidays and city mini-breaks. It's a great option for those looking for a lightweight, compact pushchair that can be taken onboard a flight as hand luggage, however, it doesn’t feel robust enough to stand in for an everyday pram. While it can technically be used with a newborn baby, parents may feel more comfortable opting for a pushchair with a forward-facing seat.