Find out the lowdown in my YOYO3 review, including size, weight, comfort, and what improvements have been made from the YOYO2.
I’m a mum to a little boy who is about to turn two. I use our stroller pretty much every single day, and have done since he was born. We visited several shops to try out different prams and pushchairs, but at the time, the YOYO2 won! I loved how lightweight it was – ideal for London life and travelling abroad. It packed down neatly (great for living in a small flat) and was sturdy and reliable.
When I discovered there was now a YOYO3 on the market, I couldn’t wait to try it out. I was curious… would it be as good as the YOYO2? Surely it’d be better? What new features would it have and would I prefer it?
If you’re currently making that big and expensive decision on which stroller to buy, I hope my YOYO3 review will help. I’ve divided this review into sections, so I can cover all the facts and figures, the attachments and accessories, pros and cons and give you my honest opinion on who this stroller is really for. I’ll also compare it to the Babyzen YOYO2.
If you’re looking for more info on the YOYO2, you can read my detailed review here. For now though, it’s time to take a deep dive into this updated model.
An Honest And Detailed Review Of The Stokke YOYO3 Stroller From A Real mum
YOYO3 Weight and Dimensions
The biggest selling point of the YOYO3 is its size. This is one of the most lightweight and compact strollers around. It’s one of the reasons we bought it, as we hop around London a lot, as well as travelling by plane, train and car frequently. The ability to fold it down to a small size and be able to lift it on and off transport, without a dead arm (!) makes the world of difference.
So how light is the YOYO3? It’s just 6.59kg. Yep, that’s the chassis weight plus the 6-month seat attachment. This is actually a tad heavier than the previous model, but it’s been upgraded in some brilliant ways, so I think it’s worth it.
It folds down really small to just 52 × 44 × 18 cm. That’s small enough for the overhead lockers on planes! There aren’t many other strollers on the market that do that. This is with the 0+ newborn pack or the 6+ month chair attached. The larger newborn shell (bassinet) doesn’t have the ability to fold down.
It’s suitable from newborn, so long as you buy one of the two newborn attachments (bassinet or newborn pack). These will probably last 4-6 months, then at 6 months you’ll transition your child to the main seat. It’ll last until your little person is 22kg / around 4 years old.
Our jaunts around John Lewis and baby shops left us divided. We loved the look of some of the bigger prams, and I wondered whether they’d be sturdier and more practical. However, I hated how heavy they were. We were really happy with our decision to go with the lighter, more manoeuvrable option. Definitely think about your lifestyle and what style of stroller will suit you best.
The YOYO3 is really compact, so it’s also ideal if you only have a small car (as we do!) We can easily fit it in the boot of our Toyota Yaris, and still have plenty of space for our luggage, travel cot, toys and more!
Suspension and Wheels
As mentioned, I have both the YOYO2 and YOYO3, so I was keen to compare them and see what aspects have been improved. I’m pleased to say that the suspension has improved in the latest model. This model has 4-wheel suspension and what Stokke describes as a “soft drive” system. It feels very smooth when I’m pushing it on pavements and flat surfaces.
However, if you’re looking for a pushchair for rugged terrain, this isn’t it! It’s not great on gravel, mud or uneven ground. It occasionally gets stuck in potholes or when I’m trying to manoeuvre up onto a kerb. But, it’s so brilliant for even terrain. It’s rare I’d test it on rougher surfaces as it’s simply not what I bought it for!
Building The YOYO3
It took me around 30 minutes to build the YOYO3 stroller. Most of it was very quick and easy, but the pictorial instructions were a bit confusing when it came to how to thread some of the Velcro straps, as well as how to attach the sunshade.
The mechanism that the sunshade wires slot into has to be rotated 90 degrees. On my stroller, this took serious brute strength. I was close to getting a hammer to help! After a quick Google, I found a video showing someone threading the wire in to the mechanism and using that as a guide to help turn it. Eventually it rotated, but I lost some time doing that!
YOYO3 Newborn Attachments
My photos in this review are with the 6+ months stroller seat attached. We used the YOYO2 when my son was a newborn, with the hard-shell bassinet attachment, which is a comfortable flat bed with a mattress. It’s protective and cosy! You can read more about that in my YOYO2 review here.
The YOYO3 also has options of a bassinet or newborn pack. The newborn pack is a softer alternative, with a sherpa-lined footmuff. In hindsight, our son didn’t really enjoy being in the bassinet, so I’d be tempted to opt for this softer newborn pack if we have a second baby. I like that it still allows the pram to fold down completely – something you can’t do with the bassinet.
Stokke YOYO3 Pushchair
When your child reaches six months and can hold their head up well, you’ll be ready to switch to the main stroller seat. One downside to the YOYO models is that they are only world-facing.
Some pushchairs we looked at in the shops had the option to start with the child facing the parent, before flipping them around after. The YOYO3 only allows your child to face outwards. I was a bit sad about this at the start, as he felt too little to no longer be looking at me! I worried he’d freak out, wondering where I was!
But, to be honest, it’s a relatively short time that might be an issue. Plus, it’s really stimulating to look out, so I think he started to enjoy seeing trees, dogs, people and cars!
When you buy your YOYO3, you’ll need to pick a colour too. The main chassis and frame are either black or white, so the fun is all in the seat and sunshade colour! My YOYO2 was aqua, but for the YOYO3 I chose the very smart Air France blue. I love this version as it has a patterned seat back (the other options are plain). I think this will hide stains really well, as the pattern is quite busy. The sunshade is a block colour of navy blue – it’s very stylish!
The YOYO3 is also available in these shades: black, olive, aqua, stone, taupe, ginger and toffee. There’s also a beautiful Bonpoint edition in beige, which is very pretty, but not a practical colour for babies (in my opinion!) They’re all quite muted, trendy colours. None are bright, kiddy shades! It’s definitely a brand of pram that’s aesthetically pleasing for adults… and makes a nice accessory to push around!
All the fabrics are easy to remove and are machine washable at 30°C. Some pushchairs have a lot more parts built in, so it’s great you can throw this one in the machine when you want to give it a refresh!
One of the best upgrades from the YOYO2 is that this model has a lovely cushion for your child’s head. The seat back is also thicker and comfier.
One of the biggest improvements is to the sunshade. On the YOYO2, the shade didn’t come down very low, so my son often complained about the sun being in his eyes. On the YOYO3, it comes down a lot lower and offers more protection. This is also ideal for creating a cosy nap environment.
The YOYO3 has a different padded harness to the YOYO2. It’s still a very secure 5-point harness, but now you only have to slot two straps into the main buckle. I’ve often had trouble strapping my writhing toddler into the YOYO2 pushchair, with 4 different straps to snap together into the buckle! This new mechanism is a million times easier and just as secure.
There are different levels to put the shoulder straps through, so you can adjust this as your baby grows. It also reclines for naps, with a simple pull of the strap on the back. It doesn’t lie flat, like some strollers, but it reclines enough for a sleep. So far, it feels like the upright position of this pram is a little better than the previous model, too.
The YOYO3 not only has a peephole window to look through to see your baby, but it also has a little ventilation panel. This is a new addition on the latest model, and will be great when it gets warmer this year. I really like that the cover for the ventilation panel can be used to block out the peekaboo window – something I used to find myself searching for something to rest on top so my son couldn’t see me when I wanted him to nap!
The new model also has reflecting wheels, ideal for evening strolls (or the early morning ones when your bubba doesn’t want to sleep!)
Improvements To The YOYO3 vs YOYO2
Having owned both pushchairs, I’ve noticed some amazing improvements in the latest model. If you’re deciding between getting the new version, or picking up a 2nd hand YOYO2, here’s why you might want to splash out!
- The YOYO3 has a much bigger sunshade. It blocks out more sun, plus is great for naps on the go.
- The seat is much more cushioned, plus there’s a dedicated pillow.
- The seat has better air circulation.
- The storage basket capacity has doubled from 5kg to 10kg.
- There’s now a small ventilation window which will be great for hot weather. Plus, the cover works to block the peekaboo window.
- The wheels are now reflective, so great for nighttime walks
- The 4-wheel suspension has improved.
- The 5-point harness has an easier buckle mechanism, with fewer straps.
Quick Tips For Your YOYO3
If it’s your first time owning a stroller like this, here are a few practical tips.
- It has a removable shoulder strap tucked in the basket, which you can use to carry it over your shoulder.
- There’s a tether strap on the handlebar, offering a firm grip when you’re on the go.
- The brake is on the bottom right of the frame and is easy to flip on and off with your right foot.
- There’s a zip pocket at the back which has space for loose items, like a phone, keys or snacks.
My Most Used YOYO3 Accessories
Once you purchase your YOYO3, I’d recommend buying these accessories.
- This cup holder is ideal for carrying a bottle of water or milk.
- These buggy clips are great for attaching a changing bag or shopping.
- This universal rain cover offers really good coverage, and is better than the official YOYO cover.
- A SnoozeShade is brilliant for naps on the go, and protecting your child from harmful sun rays.
- A Rockit Rocker is great for the first year of your baby’s life. It simulates a little pram rock, to keep your baby sleeping soundly.
- For warmer months, you might want to buy a stroller fan.
Also, if you’re travelling in the early months, I’d recommend taking a look at my post featuring my 19 newborn travel essentials.
Stokke YOYO3 Review – Overall Thoughts and Would I Recommend It?
If you’re looking for a lightweight stroller for city life, the YOYO3 is as good as it gets. It’s incredibly smooth, effortless to manoeuvre, packed with great features, and, most importantly, super comfortable for your little one. I absolutely love it!
As a longtime fan of the YOYO2, I was excited to see what the latest version had to offer. The YOYO3 builds on an already fantastic design, with thoughtful upgrades that make it even better. That said, if you already own a YOYO2, would you need to rush out and buy the YOYO3? Probably not! My YOYO2 is still going strong after two years of heavy use! But for those considering a new stroller, this one is a winner.
One thing to note: if you live in the countryside and need something for rugged terrain, this won’t be the best fit. But for urban parents, this stroller is a dream. It’s stylish, practical, and incredibly user-friendly. Honestly, I don’t think anything can top it… unless there’s a YOYO4 on the horizon?!
If you’re looking for other helpful tips about parenting or life with a little one, have a read of these posts:
- 19 Newborn Baby Travel Essentials To Pack For Your Trip
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- 20 Tips For Long Haul Flights With Babies + How To Survive As a Parent
- 12 Toddler Travel Tips From A Mum Who Knows!
- 8 Best Colourful Baby Clothes Brands
- Stokke YOYO3 Stroller Review – An Honest and Detailed Guide To The Lightest Travel Stroller
- Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Review – An Honest and Detailed Guide To The Popular All-Terrain Stroller
- 11 Wonder Products To Beat Pregnancy Insomnia, Post-Natal Insomnia and Sleep Deprivation
- A Review Of Lovevery Play Kits: Playtime With A Purpose
- 10 Tips For Visiting Vietnam With A Baby
- 10 Tips For Travelling To Thailand With A Baby