Stokke YOYO3 Review: Is the Smallest Fold Worth It?

Who is the Stokke YOYO3 for?

The Stokke YOYO3 is made for parents who want a light stroller that folds small and goes everywhere. Stokke lists the 6+ stroller at about 13.7 lb, and its fold is sized to fit cabin baggage dimensions, though airline rules vary. That makes it a natural choice for city families, frequent flyers and anyone with a small hallway or car trunk. The 6+ seat is for babies from about 6 months up to 48.5 lb, and the 6+ stroller costs $499 at Stokke's US site. If you want to use it from birth, Stokke sells a newborn pack that holds a baby up to 19.8 lb, or you can click a compatible car seat on with adapters. That adds cost, so compare the full price before you decide. If you want one big stroller for every terrain, this is better as a second stroller. If it is your travel stroller or your small-space stroller, it fits the job well.

How does the YOYO3 ride and steer?

Stokke says the YOYO3 has four-wheel suspension using Hytrel elastomer technology, plus a Soft Drive system and reflective wheels. The launch notes mention improved shock absorbers compared with earlier YOYO models. Parent reviewers describe it as easy to push and stable on uneven city sidewalks, and one reviewer credits the Soft Drive system for good maneuverability. It is a small-wheeled stroller, so rough ground is not its strength. Gravel paths, grass and cobbles will feel bumpier than on a stroller with larger air tires. Pavement, shop floors, airports and train stations are where it works best. The handlebar is faux leather and folds down, with a tether strap. The frame is light, at about 13.7 lb with the seat, so it feels easy to steer and lift over a curb. If your daily route is smooth city ground, the ride should suit you. For rougher routes, look at an all-terrain model.

• Maneuverability8.7 / 10
• Wheels4-wheel suspension (Hytrel elastomer) with Soft Drive system, reflective wheels

How big is the YOYO3 when folded?

This is the YOYO3's main strength. Stokke lists the 6+ stroller at about 13.7 lb, and one retailer's copy of Stokke's specs gives a folded size of 20.5 in tall, 17.3 in wide and 7.1 in deep. The seat folds together with the frame, so you do not need to take it off first. Stokke describes the fold as cabin baggage dimensions and says airline limits vary, so check your carrier before you fly. A reviewer at Half Half Travel says folding takes two hands and a couple of button and lever steps, and the frame then locks closed and stands upright. The package includes a carry strap for the shoulder and a protective bag. If you want a stroller you can fold in one hand while holding a baby, this is not it. If you want one that folds very small, it is.

Is the YOYO3 comfortable and safe?

The 6+ seat has a multi-position reclining backrest, a five-point harness, and an extendable canopy with a peek-a-boo window and a closeable ventilation window. Stokke says the fabric is UPF 50+ and water repellent. The YOYO3 added a redesigned seat pad with a new pillow, a taller backrest with mesh strap protectors, and a perforated seat and backrest for airflow. One reviewer found the backrest does not recline fully flat, so toddlers who nap a lot may want to check the angle first. Stokke lists the 6+ seat for children from about 6 months up to 48.5 lb. For newborns, the newborn pack lets a baby lie flat, with a 2.5 cm mesh mattress and soft headrest, up to 19.8 lb. Stokke's US site lists a JPMA certificate for the YOYO3.

How much storage does the YOYO3 have?

Stokke lists the under-seat basket at 22 lb and adds a zipped back pocket for small items. That is a good amount for a stroller this light and small, and enough for a jacket, a water bottle and a small bag. Stokke's newborn bundle page also mentions a lower basket limit of 11 lb in one line, so check the manual for your setup. A full diaper bag and groceries may not fit, so plan to hang less weight on the handlebar.

Can the YOYO3 be used from birth?

Yes, but it takes an extra piece. The standard 6+ stroller is for babies from about 6 months. To use the YOYO3 from birth, Stokke offers a newborn pack that holds a baby up to 19.8 lb (9 kg). It lets the baby lie comfortably flat, with a 5-point harness, a 2.5 cm mesh mattress, a soft headrest and an extendable canopy. It folds together with the frame, and the newborn version lets you clip a car seat on the frame without removing the fabrics. Stokke also sells car seat adapters. Compatible seats named on its site include the Nuna Pipa Lite and Pipa Urbn, Cybex Aton and Cloud Z, Maxi-Cosi Mico and others. When you switch to the 6+ color pack later, you swap the fabric. The newborn bundle costs more than the $499 6+ stroller, so add it up before you buy.

Stokke YOYO3 vs Nuna TRVL vs Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus

Nuna TRVL: Self-folds with one button and clicks onto Nuna PIPA seats, but costs $575. Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus: Another compact travel stroller if you want to compare folds.

How we rated the Stokke YOYO3

Six criteria, weighted by how much they shape everyday life. Read our methodology.

1. Maneuverability 20%8.7
2. Fold & portability 20%9.5
3. Comfort & safety 20%8.3
4. Storage & practicality 15%8.3
5. Build & durability 15%8.5
6. Value 10%8.2

Weighted total8.6— Excellent

Stokke YOYO3 full specifications

What to buy instead

• Self-folds with one button and clicks onto Nuna PIPA seats, but costs $575.

  Nuna TRVL

  8.4 — Very good. 13.6 lb, folds to 24×20.3×11 in, $575.

• Another compact travel stroller if you want to compare folds.

  Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus

  8.7 — Excellent. 16 lb, folds to 9.6×17.6×21.8 in, $579.

• Another compact, travel-friendly stroller to compare.

  Colugo The Compact Stroller+

  8.3 — Very good. 16.2 lb, folds to 22×17.6×10.6 in, $199.