Graco Myavo stroller review

Its budget price does mean that it doesn't have the features found on more expensive lightweight or compact-folding buggies, but it is a fraction of the cost of similar strollers, such as the Joolz Aer+ or Bugaboo Butterfly.

How easy was it to build the Graco Myavo?

Assembling the stroller was incredibly straightforward – I only needed to attach the four wheels and the handlebar, and it was ready to go. Unfolding it was just as effortless. In fact, I didn't even need to read the instructions, as I had already watched YouTube videos and knew how simple the process would be.

How do you fold and unfold the Graco Myavo?

Unfolding the stroller was easy – I didn't even need to read the instructions. Having watched a YouTube video beforehand, I already knew exactly which buttons to press. Even without prior knowledge, the process is quite intuitive. Simply press the button underneath the handlebar towards you, slide the top button to the left with your thumb, and then push down with your arm. It folds instantly and stays in place.

What really stood out to me was how effortlessly I could do this one-handed, even while holding my baby in my other arm. I was genuinely surprised by how smooth and user-friendly the mechanism was. Having previously used strollers from well-known brands like Silver Cross and Maxi-Cosi, I initially assumed they would be superior. However, I was impressed to find that Graco's folding mechanism operated even more smoothly.

How compact is the Graco Myavo when folded?

The stroller is easy to pick up – while it’s not the lightest on the market, it can still be lifted with one hand. It fits into my car boot either standing up or laid down, and it remains upright when folded, which is a huge plus, especially when using public transport. However, it does take up a fair amount of space.

I have a Renault Koleos, so my boot is quite large, but when placed next to my Cybex Gazelle double pram, the Graco Myavo didn’t appear significantly smaller in height. While it was definitely slimmer and narrower, it was almost as tall as the Gazelle, particularly when factoring in the bar across the stroller. Removing the bar does make it more compact, but once it's on the floor, picking it up becomes a bit trickier.

How good is it to push and steer?

Pushing the stroller is effortless. It feels as sturdy and smooth as a larger, more premium pushchair, despite being compact and lightweight. The steering is extremely smooth, and compared to other strollers I’ve used, including Maxi-Cosi and Silver Cross, this one is noticeably better in terms of handling and manoeuvrability. I even tested it on ice and snow, and while it's not specifically designed for those conditions, it performed surprisingly well – far better than I had expected. It also handles kerbs with ease and is simple to manoeuvre in tight spaces, making it a great choice for everyday use.

What do you think of the seat unit?

The stroller is quite long, ensuring that a taller child would feel comfortable without the hood rubbing against their head. It also provides a decent amount of space, which I found to be a big advantage. Overall, it felt roomy enough for both my 16-month-old and my 3½-year-old – something I didn’t experience with my Maxi-Cosi and Silver Cross strollers.

I also appreciated how flat it reclined and how upright it sat when the seat was fully raised. Many strollers tend to position children at a slight recline, around 120-150°, rather than a true 90° angle. However, in this case, the seat felt properly upright, which is much better for toddlers, as it prevents them from constantly trying to pull themselves forward.

How easy is to fasten the harness?

The harness was by far the biggest disappointment. While it has a five-point harness system, it's flimsy and very difficult to assemble. You need two hands to secure it, and once you remove your child from the stroller, the harness doesn't stay in place, meaning you have to adjust it every time you put the child back in. This process becomes incredibly frustrating, especially with a crying baby or toddler who doesn't want to sit still, or when dealing with bulky winter coats, which take up extra space and make the whole task more complicated.

Additionally, the lack of padding on the groin strap is concerning as it could be uncomfortable for children, particularly for toddler boys, as the strap rubs against their groin area without any protective padding. The shoulder straps are equally ineffective. They don't stay in place, lack any grip, and just slide off, rendering them virtually useless. After a few attempts, I gave up on them entirely and removed them. Without proper padding, they don't serve their intended purpose and offer no real protection for the shoulders.

How do you rate the buggy handle?

The stroller handle is very comfortable to hold, made of thick, wide foam that gives the impression of pushing a larger pram due to its size, which I personally appreciate. However, from past experience, I know that foam handlebars are more prone to damage and harder to clean. If your hands are dirty, sweaty, or if there's any grease or residue transferring onto the handlebar, it can be quite difficult to clean properly, as the foam is porous and absorbs stains.

The black colour hides some of this dirt, but for me, it's not ideal as I’d prefer something more easily washable and visible for cleanliness. That said, the foam does feel quite sturdy and thick, and it seems resistant to wear and tear, which is a positive. In terms of height, I think this stroller is well-suited for taller people. I’m 5'3" and my husband is 5'7", and we both found it comfortable to push without any issues.

What's the hood like?

I found the hood fairly slim and flimsy, though it does stay in place when needed. It can be pulled down quite far and does have a small extension for extra coverage. However, it doesn't have a peek-a-boo window, which is a bit disappointing, nor does it feature a breathable net for hot summer days. There's not much ventilation in the stroller, which could be a concern, particularly for newborns when the risk of overheating is higher.

The hood is labelled as UPF 50+, which is a positive for sun protection. However, the grey fabric we received got dirty almost immediately after the first use at the airport. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to clean it yet because the fabric isn't removable for machine or hand washing, which is a bit of a downside.

How good are the brakes?

The pedal is bit stiff to press so it can hurt your foot if you're barefoot or wearing flip-flops. On a few occasions, I found myself locking and unlocking the brake repeatedly just to ensure the stroller was securely blocked. Unlike some models that feature a clear red or green indicator to show whether the brake is engaged, this one doesn't, so it’s difficult to tell from a distance. However, once the brake is engaged, the stroller feels securely locked in place, giving you peace of mind that it won't roll away.

How do you rate the basket?

The best feature of this stroller has to be the basket. It hasn't got any compartments, but it's absolutely huge, offering plenty of room for winter coats, changing bags, backpacks, lunch bags, even a helmet or shopping bags – you name it, there's room for it. For anyone with a large family or multiple children, this is incredibly handy. The basket is also really easy to access, making it ideal for all sorts of trips. It's definitely one of the standout features of the stroller.

What did you think of the raincover?

The only extra included is the rain cover, which I was particularly impressed with. It provided excellent protection for the pushchair, while still allowing plenty of space for the child underneath, ensuring they remain comfortable and don't feel cramped.

What's in the box?

• Instruction manual
• Stroller (with the four wheels unattached, which you will need to attach yourself)
• Handlebar
• Rain cover
• 2 x shoulder straps

What do you think of the appearance of the stroller?

In terms of overall aesthetics, the stroller has a clean, modern look, though the fabric material doesn't seem to have the most premium feel, and the colour isn't the most striking. While it is easy to clean, the fabric doesn't seem to be removable for a more thorough wash. The seat itself isn't heavily padded, but it doesn't appear uncomfortable either. However, I can't speak for the long-term comfort of my children.

Is the stroller worth the money?

Yes and no. Overall, when I first took the stroller out of the box, I wasn't immediately impressed, but after using it a few times, I was pleasantly surprised by how sturdy it feels. That being said, I wouldn't pay the full recommended retail price for it, as it lacks certain features I would expect, such as breathable mesh panels, properly padded shoulder and groin straps, and the option to detach the handlebar. Also, I find that the overall design could be improved. While I do think it offers good value for money, personally I wouldn't purchase it.

MadeForMums verdict

If you're looking for a lightweight buggy on a budget, the Graco Myavo is a really great option, especially for travel. Although it does have some drawbacks such as a flimsy and fiddly harness, lack of ventilation in the hood and a slightly bulky fold (for a compact buggy), it also has a host of features that make it really stand out for its low price point.

I loved its intuitive, quick and easy one-handed fold, incredibly spacious basket and the design of the seat unit. I also found it surprisingly sturdy and it was a delight to push, even over more tricky terrain. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles that a more pricey compact-folding buggy would, but it's a great day-to-day lightweight option that ticks most of the boxes for a basic buggy.