You're standing in a crowded airport or a cramped coffee shop, and you see it. That tiny, impossibly compact stroller being slung over a shoulder like a laptop bag. If you’ve done even five minutes of research into city living with a newborn, you’ve run into the Babyzen YOYO Infant Pack. But here is the thing: most people get confused about what this actually is because Stokke (who now owns the brand) offers a few different ways to haul a tiny human.
The 0+ Newborn Pack is basically a fabric set that transforms the frame into a lie-flat, parent-facing nest. It’s not a separate bassinet you click on and off. It’s a cocoon. It’s meant for those first six months when your baby looks like a fragile little potato and needs to see your face to stay calm.
Honestly, the learning curve is real. People act like it’s a breeze, but the first time you try to thread those harnesses through the fleece lining, you might want to throw the whole thing out a window. Once it's on, though? It’s kind of a game-changer for anyone living in a third-floor walk-up.
The Reality of Using the Babyzen YOYO Infant Pack Every Day
Most strollers for newborns are tanks. They weigh thirty pounds and take up the entire trunk of a Honda Civic. The Babyzen YOYO Infant Pack changes that dynamic entirely. Because the fabric folds with the frame, you don't have to take it apart to get into a taxi. You just click, fold, and go.
But let’s be real about the "lie-flat" claim. While it is flat, it’s a soft-sided environment. If you’re looking for a hard-shell carrycot that you can use for overnight sleeping, this isn't it. Babyzen actually makes a separate Bassinet (the one that doesn't fold with the frame) for that specific purpose. The 0+ Newborn Pack is for the parent who values mobility over everything else.
I've seen parents struggle with the head support. It’s a small, nest-like pillow that comes with the pack. Some babies love the snugness. Others, especially the "giant" newborns who come out weighing nine pounds, might find it a bit tight by month four. You have to judge your own kid's growth.
The canopy is another point of contention. It’s a "pop-up" canopy with two positions. It works, but it’s not the most massive sunshade in the world. If you live in Southern California or somewhere with brutal sun, you’re probably going to end up buying a separate parasol or a muslin clip-on.
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Why the 0+ Pack Beats the Competition (And Where It Doesn't)
When you compare this to something like the Bugaboo Butterfly or the UPPAbaby Minu, the YOYO has a legacy advantage. It was the first to really nail the overhead bin dimensions.
- The YOYO 0+ allows a true parent-facing view, which many other travel strollers skip to save weight.
- It includes a foot cover that is surprisingly warm.
- The weight limit is standard, but the narrow footprint means you can navigate a crowded Zara without knocking over a mannequin.
On the flip side, the wheels are small. They are made for pavement. If your daily walk involves gravel paths or cracked sidewalks that haven't been paved since 1994, you're going to feel the vibrations. The "Hytrel" elastomer suspension is decent—it’s the same stuff used in high-end automotive parts—but it can't overcome the laws of physics. Small wheels equal more bumps.
Putting the Babyzen YOYO Infant Pack Together Without Losing Your Mind
If you bought the frame and the Babyzen YOYO Infant Pack separately, give yourself an hour. Don't do this while the baby is crying. Don't do it five minutes before you need to leave for the pediatrician.
The instructions are mostly pictures. Some people find this intuitive; others find it infuriating. You have to remove the 6+ color pack (the seat for older kids) entirely. Then you slide the base fabrics onto the wire frame. There are these little loops and velcro tabs that have to be exactly right, or the fold will stick.
One tip from the pros: make sure the white plastic "fittings" are snapped all the way down. If they aren't, the stroller will feel wobbly. It’s a common mistake that leads to bad reviews, but usually, it's just a setup error.
The Travel Factor: Is it really "Cabin Approved"?
This is the big question. Technically, yes. The YOYO with the 0+ pack fits the IATA standards for carry-on luggage (52 x 44 x 18 cm). However, some budget airlines are getting increasingly aggressive with their sizing bins.
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Always carry the shoulder strap. When you fold it down at the gate, sling it over your shoulder before you get to the flight attendant. If it looks like a bag, they usually don't blink. If you push it up to the door, they might force you to gate-check it. Gate-checking a $500+ stroller is a recipe for a broken frame, so avoid it if you can.
The rain cover is another thing. It’s included, but it’s PVC-free and can get a bit foggy. It’s great for a sudden downpour in London or NYC, but it’s not something you’d want to keep on for hours because of the airflow.
Specific Features That Parents Actually Care About
Let's talk about the harness. It’s a 5-point harness. It’s secure. But the buckle on the newer models (the YOYO2) is much better than the old version. It’s easier to click in when you have a squirming infant who decided they hate being strapped down.
The mattress is about 20mm thick. It’s soft. It feels high-quality. But because it’s a "nest" style, it can get warm. If you’re in a humid climate, your baby might sweat against the polyester fleece. Many parents end up putting a thin cotton muslin sheet over the mattress just to help with breathability.
Then there’s the storage. The basket underneath is... fine. You aren't fitting a week's worth of groceries in there. You might fit a diaper bag if it's a slim one, or maybe a few loose items. But that’s the trade-off for having a stroller that weighs less than 14 pounds.
Longevity and Resale Value
One reason people justify the price of the Babyzen YOYO Infant Pack is the resale market. These things hold their value like crazy. Look at Facebook Marketplace or eBay—you’ll see used YOYOs selling for 70% of their retail price.
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Since the 0+ pack is only used for about six months, it usually stays in great condition. You can often sell the infant fabrics alone once your baby moves to the 6+ seat. This brings the "real" cost of ownership down significantly.
Common Misconceptions to Clear Up
A lot of people think the YOYO2 frame is different for the infant pack. It’s not. It’s the same frame. You just switch the fabrics. If you find a deal on a frame, you can buy the infant pack separately later.
Another myth: "It's too flimsy for everyday use."
It’s not. It’s reinforced with stainless steel and fiberglass. It feels light, but it’s surprisingly "tough." I’ve seen these things survive years of abuse on cobblestone streets. They rattle, sure, but they don't usually snap.
Final Practical Steps for New Parents
If you're leaning towards the Babyzen YOYO Infant Pack, do these three things before you buy:
- Check your car's floorboards. If you have a tiny car, the YOYO can actually fit behind the front seat, leaving the whole trunk free.
- Watch a YouTube assembly video. Seriously. Watch it twice. It will save you so much frustration when the box actually arrives.
- Consider your "walkability." If you spend 90% of your time in suburban malls or airports, this is a 10/10 purchase. If you live on a farm or a place with no sidewalks, you’ll regret it and wish you had something with air-filled tires.
The YOYO isn't perfect, but for a specific type of parent—the one who is always on the move, the one who hates bulk, the one who needs to fit into a tiny elevator—it’s still the gold standard. It’s a tool for a specific lifestyle. If that’s your life, the infant pack is a solid investment that makes those first six months of "getting out of the house" feel a lot less daunting.
Check the compatibility if you’re buying a used frame. The YOYO2 parts fit the older YOYO+ frames, but it’s always worth double-checking the serial number to ensure your fabrics will snap on correctly. Once you're set, keep the original box; it makes reselling it much easier when you're done with the newborn stage.