Traveling with a child is amazing and so worth it, but it also can be very exhausting and overwhelming. There is so much to think about and plan when traveling, and adding a child into that planning can be daunting, to say the least. Nate and I have found it is necessary to plan our trips more than we did when we were just a couple. Part of that is bringing the right tools for success to make the trip go as smoothly as possible. I have decided that if there is one thing that I would recommend to parents to purchase before they start traveling with a little one, it would be my travel stroller – the Babyzen YOYO+.

But, a stroller is a stroller is a stroller, right? WRONG!

Trust me on this, the YOYO+ takes the cake when it comes to traveling. There is nothing better on the market for a travel stroller than the Babyzen YOYO+. Here’s why -

Why I Love the Babyzen YOYO+ Stroller

It Fits Into an Overhead Airplane Carry-on Bin

This reason alone is why I absolutely love and recommend the YOYO+. There. We can end this post now. But really, it is one of the few strollers that folds up small enough to fit into an overhead airplane carry-on bin. (Most airlines allow you to take it on for free as well.) As a family who loves to travel the world, this is a must. While I've never measured it, Babyzen's specs tell me it measures at – 20.5 in x 17 in x 7 in (52 cm x 44 cm x 18 cm) when folded up. It’s so easy to fold up as well. Often when I fold it up or unfold it, I get amazed and shocked reactions from people around me (this happens almost everyday) because they can't believe that a stroller can go from that big to that small in a matter of seconds. I feel like a magician doing a magic trick when I’m folding and unfolding this stroller. Once folded, it has a padded shoulder strap for easy and comfortable carrying.

When traveling, it’s so nice to be able to take the stroller with us onto the airplane. It gives me peace of mind knowing that it won’t get broken or tossed around when it is with me on the plane instead of down below. I can stroll Jimmy right up to the gate and then down the jetway, take him out, fold up the stroller, and walk right on. It makes airplane traveling so much easier. I prefer keeping Jimmy in his stroller for as long as possible when in the airport, up until the time that I board, instead of having to check the stroller at the ticket counter. Gate checking isn't a better alternative either. There is too high of a possibility of it getting damaged. We've had a car seat damaged by an airline in the past when we gate checked it. Carrying on the stroller also allows us to hit the ground running and get to our bags or customs without delay. While not essential, for added protection, the Babyzen also comes with a light travel dust bag for the stroller. We use this on longer flights for a little extra protection in the overhead bin.

It’s Easy to Push

We moved to New York City last summer from Ann Arbor, Michigan. In Ann Arbor, I used a full-size stroller (UppaBaby Vista), but I knew that in NYC that I would need something smaller and narrower to get around and through the Subways, etc.. Since I am totally in love with my Vista (I’ll share more about that in another post) I decided to stick with Uppababy and bought their umbrella travel stroller – Uppababy G-Luxe. (This product has now been discontinued.) I ordered the bright orange color and was in love with it at first, but soon started to notice its flaws after just a few days of use. There were many things I didn’t love about it, the most pertinent being how hard it was to physically push. I had to use both hands and put in a lot of force and effort to use it. In NYC your stroller is like your car - you use it all the time. I wanted a stroller that I could easily push down the sidewalk using only one hand. I had started to notice the YOYO+ stroller everywhere I went in NYC. Then after just a few weeks, the Uppababy stroller's brake gave out. Amazon allowed us to return the G-Luxe and we bought the YOYO+. It was the best stroller decision I've made. Despite the sticker price, we have no regrets.

The YOYO+ glides along easy like Sunday morning with its 4-wheel suspension and exclusive soft drive system. Most umbrella travel strollers have two small handles to hold when pushing, and you have to push with equal force on both sides to make the stroller go straight. The YOYO+ has a single padded push-bar - like a full-size stroller - which makes it very comfortable to use. My hands don’t hurt at the end of the day even after a full day of use. I can easily push it with one hand while the other hand is occupied with a drink, phone, or umbrella. Pushing it requires very little physical exertion. The ease of push also comes from how narrow this stroller is. The narrowness makes it easy to push it in and out of small shop doors without getting stuck.

It’s Extremely Lightweight

When we moved to New York City, it was important to me to have a stroller that was easy to carry around. My Michigan mom life of driving a car and using a car seat to get my son and I around was gone. Now it was mostly subways, taxis, and lots and lots of walking. When I'm at a Subway stop without an elevator, I need a stroller that I can carry up and down the subway stairs without totally killing myself. The lighter the better. The YOYO+ weighs only 14 pounds (6.6 kg). I carried it up and down the subway stairs multiple times a day without a problem. In Seville, Spain we live on the 3rd floor of a walk-up and we carry it up and down every day without a problem. It is not something you want to pack around all day, but lifting it here and there for short periods of times is very manageable.

It Has Large Storage Compartments

If you’re at all like me, you have a lot of stuff with you at all times. “Crap,” is what my husband Nate likes to call it. I have all of Jimmy's stuff, plus all of my stuff, etc., etc.. I like a stroller with a good amount of storage to easily hold my things. Sometimes you just don't have enough hands and you need pockets to help you out. You know? The YOYO+ is great for this.

The bottom storage basket is very large and can hold up to 11 lbs (5 kg). Here in Seville, I walk to get my groceries every week. After I’ve checked out, I load up the bottom of my stroller with food, and I’m always amazed of how much I can fit in. (I've probably exceeded the recommended weigh limit a number of times to be honest.) With Jimmy riding and holding a grocery bag, me holding a grocery bag, and the help of the YOYO+, I can easily transport all the things that are on my shopping list. 

There are two pockets built into this stroller. The top pocket is my favorite. It is large and has a secure zipper that I can rely on to keep things safe. It can easily hold my phone, keys, sunglasses, sunscreen, chap stick, and many other little things in there that I use regularly. The second pocket is made with a tight mesh fabric and is located below the zipper pocket. It is smaller but can still hold many things. I usually keep my rain cover in this pocket to be ready for those unexpected rainy days.

It Reclines

All moms know that strollers aren’t just for riding but also for sleeping. During long days when we are out and about, whether that’s to the zoo or exploring a new city, there is no time to come home to the house and have Jimmy take a nap in his crib. Sometimes naps happen in strollers and that is why you need a good stroller for napping. It is important to me that Jimmy sleeps laying down so he is as comfortable as possible. I don’t want his head uncomfortably hanging down while he sleeps and his chin hitting his neck. I want him to sleep well in his stroller and to get good quality sleep. The YOYO+ is great for napping. It has a large recline level at 145 degrees, as well as the option for different reclining levels to change the angle as you wish. It also has a great overhead shade cover that comes down really far and shades his face while he naps with a built in 50+ SPF sun protection. I feel good knowing that I have a stroller where my son can sleep safely and comfortably while being protected from the sun.

It’s Machine Washable and Easy to Clean-Up

When we were in Fez, Morocco recently, Jimmy had a accident that I find funny now but at the time was anything but. We were exploring through the medina and having a great time. We found ourselves in a shop with the most beautiful rugs all handmade by Berber women in the Atlas Mountains. Jimmy told me that he had pooped, so I grabbed the stuff to change him. Since bathrooms (especially clean ones with a flushing toilet) are basically impossible to find in Fez, I started to change his diaper in the stroller. I reclined it back, laid him down, and started to change him. Suddenly, a disaster happened. Let’s just say that it was everywhere, in liquid form – all over the stroller, all up his back and down his legs, on the floor . . . everywhere. And it was continuing to go everywhere no matter what I did. I was so embarrassed and horrified. The small baggy of wipes that I had brought for the day didn't suffice for this type of mess. I began to panic and called for Nate who was busy haggling with the rug salesman. We all had little stomach issues during our trip which is practically impossible to avoid fully when in Morocco. Now it was manifesting in his diaper, or shall I say, outside of his diaper. We cleaned it up there as best as we could, and hurried him home to our hotel to shower him off and clean the stroller.

The reason I share this story is to show that the YOYO+ is a breeze when it comes to clean-ups. The whole seat pad (Color Pack minus the canopy) comes off easily with a small tug of the velcro and is machine washable. The bottom storage basket also has a small hole in the center so water can drain out of it when washed. Genius. This is crucial for anyone with kids because, as you probably know if you’re a parent, accidents happen. They happen a lot. It’s nice to know that your stroller is on your side and can be easily cleaned.

The Canopy and Push-bar Folds Down

One of my favorite features of this stroller is how the overhead canopy and push-bar folds completely down. This feature is really nice when you're dining out at a restaurant. Some restaurants don't have highchairs available for kids, so we use his stroller as a highchair. We fold down the back and push him right up to the table and lock the wheels. The stroller turns into his own little chair that keeps him secure while he eats. It also makes everything more compact so we don't feel like the stroller is in the way.

Babyzen is Found Throughout the World

Last summer we visited Hong Kong for two weeks. We used our YOYO+ a lot during that time. Hong Kong is positioned on a mountain so most roads are either downhill or uphill. There is a main escalator system built into the mountain that transports people up and down. One night after being out all day, we were riding the escalator back up to our hotel towards the top of the mountain. Suddenly while exiting one of the escalators, one of the wheels on our YOYO+ got caught and ripped the rubber tire off in a matter of seconds! We were towards the beginning of our trip and still planning to travel for another three weeks in Asia. But, now we have an unusable stroller. Now what?

The Babyzen YOYO+ company is well known and available worldwide. It has offices and support across the world as well as authorized retail stores. Thankfully, Hong Kong had several authorized retail stores as well as a Babyzen corporate office. I walked to the Hong Kong office with our broken stroller and got a new wheel installed without much trouble. What a relief! It was just like new.

It Has a Fantastic Braking System

The YOYO+ brake is so easy to use. There is a simple red lever next to the right rear wheel that moves down to lock and up to unlock. It is a single-lock braking system which means that both wheels lock at the same time. I can even engage it easily while wearing sandals or flip-flops. 

It Has Many Color Options

The YOYO+ comes in two different frame colors  – white or black. There are eight different canopy / seat pad (as well as bassinet) colors to choose from – blue, pink, grey, red, black, taupe, ginger, and peppermint. (Currently for a limited time, they have a new patterned navy blue color in partnership with Air France, making nine color choices.) We picked the black frame and black seat pad /  canopy. After having the bright orange Uppababy G-Luxe and realizing how easily it attracted and showcased the dirt, we went with black all round. We have been very happy with our color choice but are considering purchasing an additional seat pad and canopy (Color Pack) to change things up.

Why I Don't Love the Babyzen YOYO+ Stroller

First, I don't love their cup holder. It is sold separately and attaches onto the push bar of the stroller. It doesn't attach securely in my opinion, and must be removed when you fold up the stroller. When I first got the YOYO+, I purchased the cup holder but only used it for a couple days before returning it. It didn’t work at all and always spilled my drinks. I was also concerned it would rip the padded push bar. I wish they would make a cup holder that is secure and permanently attaches to the side. For now, I wouldn't recommend getting this.

Second, there is a peek hole window at the top of the canopy. I love it and I hate it at the same time. I love it because it is nice to peek in at Jimmy and see how he is doing without him seeing me. It's also nice to peek in on him when he is sleeping. The thing I don't love about it is how it allows sun to come in and shine right on the top of his head. I wish there was a magnetic flap that covered the window, protecting his head from the sun, but also allowing me to peek in as I please by easily lifting it. The hole is quite small so its a very minor thing but having a flap to cover it on occasion would be nice.

Finally, this stroller sells for a premium. You will spend around $500.00 just for the stroller without accessories. You will spend more than that if you intend to use it for your newborn with the bassinet. You can spend $800.00+ on a travel stroller! Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would spend this much on a stroller. With that being said, I personally think it is worth every penny. Not only is it good for traveling, but it is also good for everyday life as well. It is rugged and very well built. There really isn't a need to buy this stroller and another everyday stroller. The YOYO+ can cover all the bases. When you view it as more of an end-all be-all stroller, the cost is easier to swallow. I purchased the YOYO+ when my son was one and a half, to complement my UppaBaby Vista. However, if I was living in NYC and known about the YOYO+ when he was first born, I could have been happy with just buying the YOYO+ and been a single stroller family. The one thing that the YOYO+ isn't good for is jogging, so if jogging with your baby is your thing, consider buying a jogging stroller for exercise and the YOYO+ for everything else.

Where To Buy the Babyzen YOYO+ Stroller & Accessories

YOYO+ Stroller

PishPosh Baby, one of my favorite essential baby supply stores based out of New Jersey, sells the Babyzen YOYO+ online, shipping throughout the US. (Free shipping on orders over $75.00!) They have an excellent return policy and an convenient online chat available with an employee to answer all your baby gear questions whenever you need. I have been very happy with all of my purchases from them.

If your baby is older than 6 months, then purchase the regular YOYO+ stroller. (Some websites call it the YOYO 6+, meaning that it is for 6 months and older.) When purchasing through PishPosh Baby, a Color Pack is included with your purchase for $499.00, or you can buy the stroller frame ($449.00) and a Color Pack ($50.00) separately. Either way, it's the same price.

Click Here to purchase the YOYO+ Stroller. It costs $499.00 with the color pack.

If your baby is younger than 6 months or you are expecting (Congratulations!), then you need to purchase the YOYO+ with the Bassinet Newborn Pack (Some websites call this the YOYO 0+, meaning that it is for babies younger than 6 months) option as well as a Color Pack for later when they are 6 months old. Through PishPosh Baby, you can buy each piece separately, or as packages that they have put together. Either way, it's the same price.

Click Here to purchase the YOYO+ Stroller with the Bassinet Newborn Pack. It costs $674.00.

 

YOYO+ Accessories 

When you purchase a YOYO+ stroller, a rain cover is included. This rain cover works wonders and is built specifically for this stroller. It covers the whole thing from top to bottom and velcros on both sides around the bottom. It keeps Jimmy dry when we are out and about in the rain. There are some other cute accessories that I have seen other moms use and that seem very handy. After doing some research and reading over many user reviews, here are a list of the Babyzen accessories that I would recommend purchasing along with your YOYO+ – 

YOYO+ Newborn Pack

If you are buying the YOYO+ for a newborn, then you definitely need the newborn pack. This is a bassinet feature that clicks onto your stroller frame for babies up to 6 months old. When your baby out grows this, you then will switch to the regular stroller seat and will need to purchase a Color Pack. This bassinet collapses down small just like the regular stroller. It comes in eight different fun colors to choose from, my favorite being peppermint and taupe. (Currently they also sell a navy blue Air France edition, making nine color choices.)

Click Here to purchase the Newborn Pack. They cost $225.00.

YOYO+ Color Pack

If your baby is older than 6 months, than make sure to purchase a color pack with your YOYO+. PishPosh Baby sells the YOYO+ with one Color Pack included. (Other companies sell the frame and the first Color Pack separately.) If you originally bought the Newborn Pack, then you need to purchase a Color Pack when your child is over 6 months. If you want an additional Color Pack to the one that came with your YOYO+, then you can buy each one separately. Maybe red for the holidays, blue for wintertime, and taupe for summertime? Right now I only have one, but I am planning on purchasing another color soon to change it up a bit from black. PishPosh Baby has eight standard color choices, and nine with the limited edition Air France navy blue color. I have my eye on peppermint and taupe.

Click Here to purchase a Color Pack. They cost $50.00 ($75.00 for the limited editions).

Babyzen Parasols

I love the parasol (umbrella) that easily clips into the front of the stroller. It provides even more shade than the overhead canopy shade. It would be ideal for a newborn or younger baby who needs to be protected from the sun from head to toe. It comes in two colors – grey and black. I saw so many parents and nannies in NYC using this accessory last summer. I wish I would have had it when Jimmy was a newborn! 

Click Here to purchase the parasol. It costs $50.00.

YOYO+ Board

The YOYO+ board is amazing for moms with more than one child. It allows a child up to 44 lbs. (20 kg) to sit or stand on the back and ride along as the adult pushes. The younger child can ride in the front part of the stroller while the older child can ride in the back on the board seat. It really is genius. I hope to get one in the future for Jimmy to ride on when hopefully another little one comes our way. When your older child is not with you and this accessory is not needed, it easily folds into a storage position. I love how well-thought out this stroller is. The board only comes in black.

Click Here to purchase the YOYO+ Board. It costs $125.00.

YOYO Footmuff

I will definitely be purchasing one of these, maybe two, when we move back to the United States and are forced to brave another cold winter, this time in NYC. This is a stroller sleeping bag that clips onto the stroller and provides extra warmth during the cold winter months. If you're out and about a lot with your child during the winter, this is a must. We have two for our UppaBaby. A clever feature about the YOYO footmuff is the anti-dirt protection layer at the bottom to protect the bag from the dirt and or snow on your child's shoes. Available in six different colors – peppermint, ginger, taupe, grey, red, and black. Again, I am partial to the taupe or peppermint ones myself.

Click Here for the YOYO Footmuff. It costs $125.00.

UPDATE: In November 2018, I purchase the YOYO Footmuff in the color grey. We have loved it so far! We now live in NYC and it gets so cold here in the winter. Since we spend a lot of time walking around outside in the city, we knew we needed this item so Jimmy wouldn’t freeze. I love how easy it is to zip and unzip, and I love how fuzzy and soft it is on the inside. It attaches securely onto the stroller and stays in place. It looks great, and it keeps Jimmy nice and warm. I would highly recommend!

Babyzen Mosquito Net / Insect Shield

Depending upon where you live and if mosquitos or other pesky bugs are a problem, this could really help a mom out and keep the baby from getting bit. The attachable mosquito net hooks onto the stroller (similar style to the rain cover) to keep out small bugs while still allowing adequate airflow. 

Click Here to purchase the Mosquito Net / Insect Shield for the YOYO+. It costs $25.00.

Click Here to purchase the Mosquito Net / Insect Shield for the Bassinet. It costs $20.00.

Babyzen YOYO Travel Bag

This little travel bag is made to hold your stroller when it is folded. When I ordered my YOYO+ it came with a travel dust bag, but it is super thin and has no pockets. This bag is made to look like a black purse with a giant pocket on the front. It is much heavier duty than the bag that the YOYO+ comes with. If you prefer to check your YOYO+ at the ticket counter when flying, this travel bag would be super useful and create some extra protection. It would also be good to use if you are gate checking your YOYO+. This travel bag only comes in black.

Click Here to purchase the Travel Bag. It costs $74.00.

Well, there you have it! The best travel stroller on the market. You can quote me on that. It has made our family travels so much more convenient and easy to manage. It has become an essential component to our daily life and schedule, and I can't say enough good things about it! I promise that it will be the best travel purchase for your child that you will ever make. Cheers to making traveling with kids more manageable! Please comment below with any questions or comments!

Warning: Beware of counterfeit substitutes and purchase from an authorized retailer. I saw a knockoff today in Seville and we saw countless knockoffs in China. In my experience, the knockoff won't be made as well, but it may also not meet international safety standards.

***Update (July 28, 2019)-

The Babyzen customer service is amazing! Our stroller was having some small issues with the back wheels and part of the fabric was ripping near the latch area that holds Jimmy in. These issues aren’t because of a poorly made stroller by any means but because of how much we use our stroller here in NYC. We use it like our car, and currently it’s the only stroller we own. I emailed Babyzen and they got back to me right away. Because it was still under the two year warranty, they said they would ship me all new parts to replace the ones that were giving me trouble. All I had to do was send some pictures to them of the issues, and it was done. So easy. Later when Nate tried to install the new wheels that they sent us, we found that the old wheels were rusted on so badly that we couldn’t even take them off to put on the new ones. I emailed the company again and without hesitation, they sent me a whole new frame for my stroller. They basically sent me a whole new stroller free of charge. I am so impressed with how well they take care of their customers! This is the best stroller and the best stroller company to work with on the market. I also bought the new Air France color pack this last week and love it. It is a solid navy color on the outside with a patterned navy design on the inside that matches the design of Air France airlines. I love the look of it! With all of these new pieces, I feel like I have an updated, new and improved, YOYO+ stroller.

(All prices are in USD and current as of this posting. For your convenience, this post includes independently chosen affiliate links. This means I may receive a commission if you buy after clicking on my link, which is used to support my blog.)