Stokke® YOYO3 vs YOYO5: Which Compact Stroller Is Right for You?

Compact, lightweight and designed to make travelling with little ones feel simpler, the Stokke® YOYO has become a firm favourite with parents navigating everything from busy high streets and public transport to weekends away and family holidays. 

The Stokke® YOYO3 already offers the nimble steering and impressively small fold for which the range is known. The new Stokke® YOYO5 builds on that familiar design with an instant one-hand fold, an integrated leg rest and added comfort for growing children. 

So, how do the YOYO3 and YOYO5 compare, and which one will work best for your family? We’ve taken a closer look at both models to help you decide. 

Stokke® YOYO3 vs YOYO5 at a glance 

The YOYO3 and YOYO5 share the same core idea: a compact pushchair that is easy to steer, carry and store. Both can also be adapted for use from birth with a compatible newborn pack or bassinet, making them flexible options for growing families. 

The most important features include: 

What’s new with the Stokke® YOYO5? 

The YOYO5 does not completely reinvent the YOYO. It refines the features parents use most often, with a particular focus on faster folding, everyday comfort and ease of use. 

The headline update is its instant one-hand fold. With the YOYO3, the folding process is compact and quick once you're familiar with it, but the YOYO5 makes the process more seamless. It's useful when your other hand is occupied. 

Its foldable handlebar is another practical change. Folding the handlebar down creates a neater footprint when the pushchair is parked beside a café table or placed in a busy train compartment. 

For growing children, the YOYO5 introduces an ergonomic seat with an integrated leg rest, adjustable recline and adjustable shoulder straps. The seat is designed for longer outings, while breathable, washable fabrics keep it practical throughout the seasons. 

Other updates and key features include: 

• Four-wheel suspension for a smoother ride 
• A sturdy frame designed to withstand regular travel and daily use 
• An optional YOYO5 Bumper Bar 
• A new YOYO5 seat pack and newborn pack 
• Updated car seat adapters 
• New versions of select accessories 

Despite these updates, the YOYO5 retains the qualities that made the range so popular. It's still compact, easy to carry and responsive to steer, whether you're moving through narrow shop aisles, hopping onto public transport or packing for a family trip. The biggest difference is how effortless the YOYO5 feels during those repeated everyday transitions. 

Folding and everyday ease of use

A compact fold has always been central to the Stokke® YOYO range. Both the YOYO3 and YOYO5 are designed for families who need a pushchair that can move easily between the pavement, public transport, the car and home, but the folding experience is one of the clearest differences. 

The YOYO3 folds down quickly once you're familiar with the process. It involves folding the handlebar before releasing the frame, and there can be a slight learning curve. 

The updated folding mechanism on the YOYO5 makes packing it away feel more immediate. It's been designed to fold in seconds using one hand, reducing the amount of coordination needed when your other arm is occupied. That difference be especially helpful when you're holding your baby, keeping a toddler close beside a busy road, boarding a train or bus or folding the stroller in a busy restaurant. 

The YOYO5 also features a foldable handlebar. When folded down, it can make it easier to fit into compact spaces. This is a useful touch in smaller homes, crowded train compartments and cafés where every bit of space matters. 

Ultimately, the YOYO3 remains exceptionally easy to carry. The YOYO5 simply makes the transition from pushing to folding more seamless. If you regularly travel alone with your child or know that you will often need to pack the pushchair away with one hand, the YOYO5 is the clear winner. 

Size, weight and travel 

Both the YOYO3 and YOYO5 are designed with travel in mind. Their compact frames are easy to manoeuvre through stations, airports and narrow aisles, while their shoulder straps allow them to be carried when wheels aren't practical. 

The YOYO3 weighs 6.5kg, making it the lighter of the two strollers, but only just. The YOYO5 stroller weighs 7kg, and although it's slightly heavier, it's still light enough to carry over the shoulder. Its instant one-hand fold may also compensate for the additional weight, especially if your journey involves repeatedly folding and reopening the stroller. 

For travelling by car, both models offer compact proportions. They take up less room than a traditional pushchair, and their small folded size can be particularly helpful for families with compact cars or households that need to store the pushchair in a cupboard.  

When flying, it's important to check the cabin-baggage requirements of your airline before travelling, but both YOYO models are considered cabin-approved pushchairs. Allowances can vary by airline, aircraft and route, and a pushchair accepted in the cabin on one journey may need to be checked on another. 

Seat comfort and space for growing children 

Compact pushchairs sometimes require parents to compromise on seat comfort, particularly as their child grows. Both the YOYO3 and YOYO5 aim to balance a small size with a supportive seat, but the newer model places a greater emphasis on comfort for longer outings. 

The YOYO3 features a padded seat with a taller backrest than previous generations of the YOYO. Its adjustable harness includes an additional strap position to accommodate growing children, while the multi-position recline allows them to sit upright and watch the world or lean back when it's time to rest. 

The YOYO5 builds on this with an ergonomic seat designed to support a growing child. It offers an adjustable recline and adjustable shoulder straps, along with breathable ventilation and washable fabrics for everyday practicality. 

One of the most useful changes is the integrated leg rest. On the YOYO3, the leg rest is sold separately. With the YOYO5, the leg rest comes as part of the base frame. 

Both models use easy-care fabrics, helping parents deal with crumbs, spills and muddy shoes. 

The YOYO3 remains a comfortable choice, particularly if you purchase the compatible leg rest. However, the YOYO5 has the advantage if you're looking for a compact stroller to use more frequently or for longer periods. Its ergonomic seat and integrated leg support make it feel more complete straight out of the box.

Ride quality and manoeuvrability 

One of the reasons the Stokke® YOYO has become such a popular city pushchair is its light, responsive handling. Both the YOYO3 and YOYO5 can be steered with one hand, making it easier to open doors, carry a coffee or hold an older child’s hand while you walk. 

The YOYO3 feels nimble on smooth pavements and indoor surfaces. Its compact frame moves easily through narrow shop aisles, busy cafés and crowded stations, while the wheels make tight turns feel controlled and precise. The YOYO3 also features Stokke’s Soft Drive system, which is designed to keep the front wheels stable over rougher ground without manual locking. 

The YOYO5 continues with four-wheel suspension and easy one-handed steering. Its frame is designed to withstand the demands of daily use and regular travel, giving it a sturdy feel without losing any manoeuvrability.  

Both models can cope with occasional uneven surfaces, but it's worth remembering that they're compact travel strollers rather than all-terrain pushchairs. If most of your walks involve deep gravel, muddy tracks or very rough country paths, you may want to consider a pushchair with larger wheels. 

For everyday urban use, however, both models feel agile and easy to guide. There's no dramatic difference in how capable the two pushchairs are around town. The choice is more likely to come down to the overall experience.

Using the YOYO3 and YOYO5 from birth 

In their standard stroller configurations, the YOYO3 and YOYO5 are designed for use from around six months. However, both can be adapted for a newborn with a compatible newborn pack or bassinet. 

These two from-birth options serve slightly different purposes. The right one for your family will depend on whether you prioritise the most compact possible setup or a roomier newborn space that can be removed from the stroller. 

Using a Newborn Pack 

The newborn pack creates a fully flat, parent-facing position for your baby. It sits closely within the pushchair frame, preserving the YOYO's small size. One of its biggest advantages is that it can remain attached when the stroller is folded.  

The YOYO5 newborn pack provides newborn-specific ergonomic support and uses a five-point harness to keep your baby secure. It also includes a ventilation window to encourage airflow around your little one.  

A newborn pack could be the best choice if you want to keep your pushchair as compact as possible, have limited storage space at home and want to fold the pushchair without removing the newborn solution. 

Using a Bassinet 

The bassinet offers a more spacious, fully flat cocoon for newborns. It attaches to the YOYO frame but can also be lifted away using integrated carrying handles, making it easier to move your baby between the stroller and home. 

The YOYO5 bassinet is lightweight and includes a ventilation window. Its flat base also means it can be placed on the floor after being removed from the frame, which can be useful when visiting friends or moving between different rooms at home.  

Unlike the newborn pack, the bassinet must be removed before folding the stroller. The overall setup is therefore less compact when travelling, but its additional space and detachable design may be preferable for families who want a more traditional pram-style experience during the newborn stage. 

A bassinet could be the better choice if you want a roomier space for your newborn, prefer a more traditional carrycot-style setup, want to lift your baby away from the stroller frame, and do not mind removing the bassinet before folding the frame.

Accessories and compatibility 

One of the strengths of the Stokke® YOYO range is the variety of pushchair accessories available. From rainy school runs to family holidays, the stroller can be adapted to suit different seasons, stages and journeys. 

The arrival of the YOYO5 introduces several updated accessories, but Stokke® has retained compatibility with many products from previous YOYO generations. 

Previous-generation accessories that can be used with the YOYO5 Base Frame include: 

• The 0+ newborn pack 
• The 6+ colour pack 
• The YOYO Bag 
• The YOYO Board 
• Skis 
• Mittens 
• Footmuff 
• Backpack 
• Cup holder 
• Parasol 
• Leg rest 
• YOYO2 wheels pack 
• Selected rain covers and mosquito nets 

The bassinet, previously called the newborn shell, can also be used with the YOYO5 when fitted with the appropriate adapters. Similarly, compatibility with car seats depends on using the correct car seat adapters for your chosen model. Always check the specification of the individual accessory.  

Although many existing products remain compatible, the YOYO5 range includes new versions of some of its most important accessories. These include:

• YOYO5 Seat Pack 
• YOYO5 Newborn Pack 
• YOYO5 Car Seat Adapters 
• YOYO5 Mesh Covers 
• YOYO5 Rain Covers 
• YOYO5 Backpack 
• YOYO5 Footmuff 
• YOYO5 Wheels Pack 
• YOYO5 Bumper Bar 

The new car seat adapter system has been simplified, with one version designed to accommodate compatible car seats rather than separate adapter sizes.  

YOYO Connect Compatibility 

The most important compatibility difference concerns the YOYO Connect. The YOYO3 can be paired with the Connect frame to create several configurations for twins or siblings close in age. 

YOYO Connect is not available for the YOYO5. If you already own a Connect or want the option to turn your pushchair into a twin or sibling setup later, the YOYO3 is likely to be the more suitable model. 

Which model offers better value for your family? 

The best-value stroller is not necessarily the one with the longest feature list. It's the one that suits how often you travel, where you plan to use it and which features will make a genuine difference to your daily routine. 

The YOYO3 offers many of the qualities parents look for in a compact pushchair. It's lightweight, easy to manoeuvre and small enough to store.  

The YOYO3 may offer the better fit if you: 

• Want to keep carrying weight to a minimum 
• Need a secondary stroller for holidays and occasional outings 
• Already own compatible YOYO accessories 
• Want to use YOYO Connect for twins or siblings 
• Are comfortable with the existing YOYO folding mechanism 
• Prefer to choose comfort accessories separately 

The YOYO5 includes more everyday comfort and convenience features from the outset. Its integrated leg rest, ergonomic seat, foldable handlebar and instant one-hand fold are likely to be used on almost every outing. 

The YOYO5 may offer the better fit if you: 

• Are buying your first YOYO system 
• Plan to use your compact stroller every day 
• Often travel alone with your child 
• Regularly fold your pushchair while holding your baby 
• Prefer a stroller with fewer comfort additions to attach separately 
• Value the fastest and most intuitive folding experience 

If you already have a YOYO3 setup with a leg rest, rain cover, footmuff and other useful extras, changing frames may offer fewer practical benefits. If you're starting from scratch, the YOYO5's updated accessory range may offer a more complete everyday setup. Ultimately, choosing the model whose benefits you'll use regularly is more valuable than choosing features that sound impressive but make little difference to your routine.

Should you upgrade from the YOYO3 to the YOYO5? 

If you already own a YOYO3, the arrival of the YOYO5 doesn't immediately make your current stroller obsolete. The YOYO3 remains lightweight, compact and easy to steer. 

The YOYO5 is best viewed as an evolution of the range. Its updates focus on repeated everyday actions, particularly folding the stroller, supporting a growing child and storing it in small spaces. 

Upgrading may be worthwhile if you struggle to fold your YOYO3 while holding your child, you often travel alone and would benefit from a true one-hand fold, your YOYO is your main everyday pushchair or you're ready to replace a well-used older stroller. 

For many YOYO3 owners, the YOYO5 will be an appealing upgrade rather than an essential replacement. The existing model still fulfils the core purpose of a YOYO: providing a light, compact and practical stroller for everyday journeys and travel. 

The case for upgrading is strongest when the new features solve a specific issue. If your YOYO3 already fits naturally into your routine and it's still in good shape, there's no need to change. 

Which Stokke® YOYO should you choose? 

Choosing between the Stokke® YOYO3 and YOYO5 comes down to how you plan to use your pushchair. Both are compact, travel-friendly and adaptable from birth, but their benefits suit slightly different routines. 

Choose the Stokke® YOYO3 if: 

• You want the lighter option at 6.5kg 
• You’re comfortable with the familiar YOYO folding mechanism 
• You already own compatible YOYO accessories 
• You want to use your YOYO Connect for twins or siblings close in age 

The YOYO3 remains an excellent choice for travel. Its compact fold, shoulder strap and responsive steering make it easy to carry through stations, airports and city streets, while its comfortable seat and four-wheel suspension mean it is equally practical for everyday outings. 

Compatibility with YOYO Connect also gives the YOYO3 an important advantage for growing families. If you are expecting twins or think you may need to transport two young children in the future, this added flexibility could make it the more suitable long-term choice. 

Choose the Stokke® YOYO5 if: 

• You want an instant one-hand fold 
• You plan to use your YOYO as your main everyday stroller 
• You value an ergonomic and supportive seat for longer outings 
• You are buying your first YOYO and want the latest configuration 
• You prefer more comfort features to be built into the stroller 

The YOYO5 suits parents who want a compact stroller without sacrificing convenience. Its one-hand fold is useful when travelling alone with your child, while the integrated leg rest and supportive seat help create a more complete setup for toddlers. 

Although it weighs slightly more at 7kg, the YOYO5 is still designed to be carried easily using its padded shoulder strap. Its added weight is offset by features that make the stroller easier to use, especially when you're repeatedly folding, carrying and reopening it.

Final verdict: Stokke® YOYO3 or YOYO5? 

The Stokke® YOYO3 remains a brilliant compact stroller. It is lighter than the YOYO5, and its compatibility with YOYO Connect also makes it the clear choice for parents who want the option to create a sibling or twin configuration. 

The Stokke® YOYO5 takes the familiar strengths of the YOYO and adds thoughtful improvements for everyday use. Its instant one-hand fold is the standout update, while the integrated leg rest, foldable handlebar and ergonomic seat help make it a more complete stroller for regular journeys with a growing child.  

Our recommendations are: 

If you're buying your first YOYO and expect to use it as your main pushchair, the YOYO5 is the best choice. Its updated folding system and integrated features make common transitions feel simpler, from leaving the house to getting onto a train or packing the stroller into the car. 

If keeping the weight to a minimum matters more to you, or you want to use YOYO Connect, the YOYO3 remains an excellent option. It continues to offer the portability, compact fold and agile handling that parents have come to expect from the YOYO range.