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What is the best travel stroller?
For every day, I have the Uppababy Vista. For travel, I want the lightest stroller possible. The Babyzen YOYO2 and UPPAbaby MINU V2 are the high-quality standouts in a market crowded with lightweight stroller options. They are two of the lightest options available. At 13.6 pounds and 16.9 pounds, respectively, both strollers can fit in most airplane overhead bins (I’ve tried). Yet, these lightweight strollers are smooth and sturdy enough for everyday use, too. I use the MINU daily for school drop-off and pick-up. We live in NYC, so we take that thing on the bus, subway, EVERYWHERE!
In addition, both the YOYO2 and MINU offer a wide range of features, ample storage space and the ability to be used from birth up to 50 pounds. The YOYO2 converts to a double stroller if your family grows. It’s a new feature that is very tempting.
Th big question: Which stroller is better? The UPPAbaby MINU or the Babyzen YOYO? I’ll explain the ups, downs and adventures we’ve had with them at home and abroad.
This is new territory for me. I usually do posts about current sales, Amazon hauls and home things. Enjoy!
UPPAbaby MINU
Released in 2018, the MINU is the most compact option in UPPAbaby’s ultra-popular line of strollers. The MINU (pronounced “min-YOU”) is significantly lighter than UPPAbaby’s full-sized strollers. Unlike other umbrella strollers, the MINU can be used from birth with adapaters to fit a car seat or bassinet.
Babyzen YOYO2
The YOYO2 has all-wheel suspension and sturdy wheels. It’s designed to provide the smoothest ride over the cobblestone streets of Babyzen’s native France. I would argue that this design does not function as it is supposed to. I did not have the smoothest ride navigating the streets of Italy with this stroller. It would feel like an amazing ride if you’ve never tried the MINU.
Babyzen offers two versions of the stroller. There’s the 0+ version, which includes the bassinet, that can be used from birth. In addition, there is the 6+ version, which includes the seat fabric intended for babies who are at least 6 months old and can sit more upright in a stroller. I have the 6+ version.
In 2020, Babyzen replaced the previous YOYO+ model with the YOYO2, which features upgrades like improved all-wheel suspension and a leatherette handlebar. Both improvements were lost on me because the MINU already had these features.
In 2022, Babyzen released an accessory that dramatically changes the functionality of the YOYO2. The YOYO2 Connect accessory allows you transform a 2022 (or later) YOYO2 stroller into a double for twins or children of different ages. This is a big win for the YOYO2.
Price
Currently, the Babyzen YOYO2 and the UPPAbaby MINU cost the same. I bought the MINU first. It was the more affordable option by around $100, which was a HUGE SAVINGS.
One difference that can effect the price is that the Babyzen YOYO2 frame and “6+ color pack” (the canopy and seat fabric for 6 months and up) can be purchased separately if you’re planning to use only the frame with a car seat in baby’s first months—or want to change the colors on your stroller frequently. The UPPAbaby MINU is sold with the frame and seat fabrics together, so the price is what it is.
The YOYO2 comes with a lightweight carry bag that feels beefier while the MINU V2 has a flimsier drawstring bag. Both branded and generic padded travel bags are available separately for either model.
Bassinet options for a newborn are sold separate for both strollers.
Weight and Dimensions
The Babyzen YOYO2 is over three pounds lighter than the UPPAbaby MINU V2. Three pounds might not sound like a lot, but let me tell you, you can feel the difference.
The MINU is heavier due to features like an included bumper bar (removable), extendable zippered canopy, no-rethread harness and adjustable calf support.
Both strollers have an impressive compact fold. A built-in shoulder strap allows for easy transport. The YOYO is noticeably more compact than the MINU. It folds to a size that’s six inches more narrow and four inches shorter. If you are short, like me, the YOYO is more comfortable and easier to carry.
The MINU and YOYO will fit into the overhead bins of most airlines. We’ve tried Delta, Jet Blue, Emirates, TAP, Easy Jet, and a few other budget European airlines that I can’t recall. Pro tip: Tell the flight crew your MINU is a YOYO and they will let you through. Most airline personnel know that a YOYO will fit. They don’t “believe” that a MINU (or anything else) will too. It does. I’ve tried.
Recline and Weight Capacity
Like most lightweight strollers, the seats of both the UPPAbaby MINU and Babyzen YOYO2 do not fully recline to a flat position. For that reason (safety tip), neither seat can be used until the baby gains neck control and can sit more upright.
When your child is ready to use the stroller, both the MINU and YOYO recline enough for your babies to sleep comfortably. They both use a similar reclining mechanism. My kids have slept comfortably in both. The best nap was a three hour one in the corner at a post wedding brunch. The most convenient was a cat nap from baggage claim to a taxi line in Spain. Short, but necessary.
UPPAbaby says the MINU seat is safe to use from 3 months old, while Babyzen advises waiting until 6 months.
A newborn can use either stroller by adding a bassinet or infant car seat.
Here’s the breakdown according to each brand:
- MINU: 3 months to 50 pounds (from birth with bassinet or car seat)
- YOYO2: 6 months to 48.5 pounds (from birth with bassinet or car seat)
Warranty
- MINU: 3 years with registration
- YOYO2: 2 years
Something happened to the brake on our MINU. Within a week of communicating via email, I had a new frame sent to me. Yes, we were under warranty. It was the most painless experience EVER. So far so good on the YOYO2, so I haven’t had to contact customer service yet.
The Fold
I find the MINU fold to be significantly easier than the YOYO. The MINU is truly a one hand fold. I love taking it on a bus or the NYC subway. It’s great! The fold on the YOYO sucks. You need two hands (sometimes three) to fold the YOYO AND you have to grab a lever under the stroller. However, opening the YOYO is super simple and a dream. Once you get the hang of it, it feels like all you have to do is flick your wrist and you have a stroller ready. To open the MINU is easy, too. But you need do need two hands and it can be awkward with a baby and you’ve just gotten off a bus.
Compatible Car Seats
Both the YOYO and the MINU are compatible with car seats from leading brands. Adapters are required to attach a car seat to the stroller. Adapaters are sold separate.
Car Seats Compatible with UPPAbaby MINU
- UPPAbaby MESA series
- Cybex Aton series
- Maxi-Cosi Mico series, Pebble, Pebble Plus, Cabrio Fix, Citi with adapter
- Nuna PIPA series
Car Seats Compatible with Babyzen YOYO2
- Clek Liing
- Cybex car seats, excluding Cybex Cloud Q
- Maxi-Cosi infant car seats
- Nuna PIPA series
Just to name a few. There are also “hacks” you can google for other car seats. We have the Cosco Scenera Next travel carseats. We plop them on top of the stroller and tie to secure. This is not an official “heres a thing you can do.” This is just what we do. No judgement.
Storage Space
Storage baskets for the UPPAbaby MINU and Babyzen YOYO are about the same size. However, the MINU basket is open and can definitely fit more things, while the YOYO basket has two support bars running through it that get in the way of putting things away and getting things back. Official measurements: The width of the MINU basket is about 11″ in the front and 13.5″ in the back, while the YOYO basket width is 15″ in the front and 9″ in the back. The MINU basket wins here for me.
Additionally, the YOYO has two pockets: a zippered storage pocket on the back of the canopy and a mesh pocket on the seatback. The MINU has an open flap storage pocket on the seatback, which has it’s advantage. You can throw things into the pocket quickly and feel secure. My vote’s for the YOYO storage pocket. I like the zipper and the separation. Also, if you put too many things in the MINU pocket, it starts to touch the seat.
UPPAbaby MINU vs. Babyzen YOYO2 Pros and Cons
Which stroller is better: the UPPAbaby MINU or the Babyzen YOYO2? Only you can decide which is best for you. Here are the pros and cons.
UPPAbaby MINU
Pros
- One-handed fold is about as easy as it gets
- Smoother ride
- Bigger back wheels, which makes it easy to pop over a curb when crossing the street
- Higher seat back and larger seat allows an older toddler to use the stroller
- Seat reclines
- Peek-a-boo window on top of canopy allows for viewing and ventilation
- Has a three year warranty (vs. two years for YOYO)
Cons
- Bigger than YOYO2
- Weighs about 3 pounds more than YOYO2
- Cannot convert to a double stroller
- Need two hands to open
- Cannot change colors of stroller fabric
Babyzen YOYO2
Pros
- Considered the original “high-quality travel stroller.” Super common when we were in Madrid and Barcelona. Less common in Milan, but still present.
- 2022 models can convert to a double stroller with YOYO2 Connect. This one is HUGE.
- Folded size is smaller than the MINU and compact enough for most overhead bins
- Seat reclines
- Can change the color of the fabric on the stroller
- More color combinations are available. Can choose between black or white frame and several fabric colors
- Compatible with more accessories, including choice of hard-bottomed bassinet or soft-fabric newborn pack, ride-along board, footrest and parasol
- Canopy is adjustable (can click into different positions) and is shaped better to drape a swaddle over it for nap time.
Cons
- Two-step fold involves reaching underneath the stroller, which is less convenient and a waste of time IMO. Did I mention that it sucks?
- Canopy does not include ventilation or peek-a-boo window
- Rear axle in back of stroller may inhibit the stride of taller parents
- Less storage room in basket
- Ride not as smooth as the MINU
Conclusion
The UPPAbaby MINU and Babyzen YOYO2 are amazing strollers. Both have their benefits and drawbacks. The YOYO is lighter, more compact and better looking. But with its one-hand, one-step fold, the MINU is easier to collapse. The MINU handles better and is slightly less expensive (at least when I bought it). If I had to choose one, I’d pick the MINU 90% of the time.
I like the look and feel of the YOYO better, but the fold can be ANNOYING. The MINU is easier to manuever. I tell my husband all the time, if we’re going somewhere with nicely paved roads and time means nothing (think Aruba), I’d pick the YOYO. If we’re going to Europe with their gorgeous cobblestone streets and public transportation and it’s a hustle (always), I’d choose the MINU every time.
With that said, if I’m traveling alone with the kids AND I know I have to pick up the entire stroller to walk up and down stairs, I’d pick the YOYO. The YOYO is definitely lighter and easier for me to grab. Also, the YOYO, with attachments, allow me to push two kids at the same time. HUGE PLUS.
Are you are looking for a high-quality lightweight stroller for travel or everyday convenience? You cannot go wrong with either choice. Both are amazing. It’s a personal preference. Decide what you need and what fits into your lifestyle.
I rounded up the strollers with some accessories below. Happy shopping!
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