A lot comes to mind when you’re thinking of getting the best stroller for your baby. Of course, the comfortability and safety of the stroller are the first things anyone should consider.
However, the ease of monitoring your child and that peace of mind you get knowing exactly how your baby is doing is equally vital. Any stroller that makes it easier for me to bond with my baby while I’m in total control gets the nod from me.
I started my stroller journey with Uppababy Vista as it’s probably THE trendiest stroller in the USA. However, while it was a well-made stroller I quickly sold it as I realized that way too heavy and bulky and pretty useless for two kids that aren’t twins due to seat configurations and weight limit.
Since I’m due with my second soon I was on the hunt for the best double stroller out there.
One stroller caught my eye recently, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands was a new release from Cybex Gazelle S stroller. After using this stroller for a few weeks I’m pretty satisfied with it, but there are a few things I’m certain that you should know about it.
Full disclosure: I bought this product myself. I wasn’t paid or given a sample, so this review is as objective as can be. Feel free to ask any questions in the comments.
Beautiful Design
The Cybex Gazelle S stroller sports a nice design (I’ve had other parents give it glowing compliments).
t sports top-quality fabrics and the premium design is down to a sturdy aluminum frame and simple color of your choice – navy, black, grey and taupe (I got navy).
This stroller ticks all the important boxes and offers additional functions as well. The extra features are more important than most new users might immediately realize.
This list includes the shopping basket, rain cover, car seat adapters (for non-Cybex carseats), and cup holder. All of those come already included in the box.
Check my reviews of the best double strollers.
Cybex Convertible Single to Double Stroller
The thoughtfulness that went into designing the Cybex Gazelle S is impressive. A “convertible” stroller is nothing new, but it takes a little more effort than I’d like to design it well.
The Gazelle S has impressed me so far as it’s relatively easy to convert from a single to a double stroller. It has plenty of suitable configurations, including a possibility to put the newborn and later younger sibling on the top closer to the parent (Uppababy didn’t allow this due to weight limitations).
It can support the weight of my big toddler seamlessly, regardless of the seat. The construction supports more than twenty different setups for babies and toddlers.
You can adjust the stroller to either face forwards or backward (the parent-facing mode) so that your baby can look directly at you. The Gazelle S stroller also has an additional kid board that can accommodate up to three children. Or two kids and a cat or small dog in the basket 😉
Speaking of the basket, this stroller has a shopping basket that can hold up to 28 lbs of shopping items. It’s removable and falls into the category of extra-large stroller baskets.
Even when I’m not going shopping, there’s usually something extra I like to put in there like a bag or diaper bag.
When I absolutely don’t need it though or when I add the second seat, I detach the basket and there’s still plenty of room in the underneath basket.
Carseat Compatible
Just like on any other Cybex stroller I’m able to use Cybex’s carseat without any adapters with an adaptable 3-in-1 travel system. While expensive, Cybex Cloud Q carseat is the best on the market.
It’s the only car seat that allowed a flat recline when put on a stroller or taken out of the base, which means that you baby can safely stay in a carseat for a while and there’s no need for an extra bassinet.
While everyone does it in the US it’s simply not safe to go on walks and around town in a standard infant car seat for longer than 2h a day. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends against routine sleeping in sitting devices as the angle can cause suffocation and damage to airways. Cybex’s car seat doesn’t cause these issues.
Seat Functions
Cybex’s seats are always known for great functions, one of which is a big recline. The seats recline to a pretty much flat position. It’s easy and quick to switch things up a bit for your baby’s comfort.
Cybex Gazelle S has comfortable large seats compared to other strollers. They can hold up to 50 lbs for both seat units. I had to buy the second seat unit separately, though (by default, the stroller only comes with one seat).
Easy Folding
Parents know the frustration when trying to fold your baby stroller and it just wouldn’t budge. I’ve been there. The irritation multiplies when I need to do something else right away.
Gazelle folds easily and quickly. Although it doesn’t have a one-hand fold as it requires two steps, it can be folded with one hand actually which is handy when you’re holding the baby.
I must say I’m usually relieved by how easy it is to fold this stroller. It just never gets stuck halfway during folding like other brands I’ve used in the past. When folded it’s much smaller than any other double stroller I’ve seen and fits easily in my trunk, while many others do not.
Extra-large Canopy
One of the notable things I look out for in a stroller is its canopy. I don’t go out in the sun without wearing sunscreen. I’m not sure if my babies’ skins will be as sensitive to sunlight as mine when they grow up, but I’ve chosen not to take any chances.
The Cybex Gazelle S stroller has an XXL sun canopy that you can extend (I often take it to the max) to shield your baby from dangerous rays in sunlight. The canopy also comes with a mesh window that your baby can breathe through on really hot days. It’s not only suitable for sunny days; your baby would be home and dry when it rains.
Adjustable Handlebar
I love adjustable handlebars because my partner and I can use the stroller whenever we want. The leatherette handlebar ensures that I have a firm grip on the stroller.
Once it’s my partner’s turn to take our lovelies for a stroll, it’s easy to adjust and comfortable to steer the stroller.
The handlebar’s grip is also easy to push with one hand, making it easy to me to be in absolute control of the stroller no matter what.
Foot Break
You can also lock the wheels so that the stroller does not move when you park it. It’s so natural to hold the brakes – just use your toes!
The Cybex Gazelle S Stroller has a toe-tap function for holding brakes and an all-wheel suspension with frame shock absorption for a less bumpy ride.
Any Cons?
There is no stroller without cons – there’s always something that can be improved. Once thing I noticed is that when your shopping basket isn’t filled with something heavy or removed, it’s a bit hard to lift the stroller to the curb.
That said, I recommend putting your purse or baby bag in the basket if you’re using a single-seat shopping option.
That said, since two kids weight significantly more than one it wasn’t extremely easy to lift if, but we actually solved the issue by getting a kid board. It comes with a pole you attach to the frame and even when we don’t use the board we leave it there. It makes it MUCH easier to put your foot on that pole to lift the stroller.
I recommend Cybex Gazelle S Stroller!
The Cybex Gazelle S stroller is now the first baby stroller I’d recommend to anyone on top of my favorite travel stroller – Babyzen Yoyo+.
It’s easy to take apart and reassemble, and you don’t need any help to do so. It’s also durable with a large canopy that keeps the skin safe.
While future stroller models continue to emerge, I can boldly say I have complete satisfaction with the Cybex Gazelle S stroller.
Thanks for your review! I am so torn between this one and the Vista. Have you found any child cup holder/snack trays that work for the Gazelle?
Yup! Cybex has its own snack tray with a cup holder 🙂
I am also trying to decide between the Cybex Gazette and Vista. How old was your eldest that the Vista didn’t work for you? Have you used the Cybex warranty?
Thanks in advance!
Cybex Gazelle just came out, less than a month ago so no warranty usage needed yet. Vista never worked when your kids are different ages, unless you want to keep a newborn on the bottom and not close to you, your older one wants to sit facing you (not gonna happen with mine) and you have a small child since the Rumble seat has lower weight limit, so the older kid always has to ride up top, which is really not something you want when they climb in and out.
Would this Gazelle be able to be carried on in airplane? Looking for a good double for Disney trip and everyday use so I’m attracted to the storage options of this stroller. Thanks!
Nope, it’s a full-size stroller. It can be gate-checked though. There’s no double stroller that can fit in the cabin, if you want a stroller to bring into the cabin you’d need to get a Babyzen Yoyo or similar -> https://annaeverywhere.com/best-travel-strollers/
haha! I never thought that a pet can be adjusted in the double stroller especially the cat who can’t even sit on my lap.
Hi there, lovely review. I’m very into this pushchair myself could you possibly tell me the seat measurements please backrest, width and depth and full length of the seat from head to end of foot rest when lying flat. Thankyou xx
I’ll measure it later for you, but my bub is over 36″ and he still has room to grow so probably about 38ish (he doesn’t use the footrest though, because he just doesn’t like any).
In the mode when the front seat is world-facing, and the upper seat parent facing, is it possible to fully recline the upper seat whilst keeping the lower seat upright? we’re guessing no, because it looks like the upper seat would then be obstructed by the lower seat’s back.
Nope, not possible. It’s only possible on strollers where the seats are side by side, otherwise your stroller would be way too long and hard to maneuver.
Hi! How is the push/steering? Does it ride well in all terrains like what you mentioned for your vista review?
Thank you
So far I had no issues with any terrain – we tried cobblestones, uneven pavement with holes and all good. Going up the curb is hard but it’s the case with any double stroller because of the weight (one thing that solved it for us was getting a buggy board and the pole that comes with it helps with that). Steering is great, considering the length of the stroller and weight of two kiddos 🙂
Hi again!
Do you feel the same way about this stroller being an all terrain stroller vs the vista? I read in your other review for the vista you mentioned this:“ It’s an all-terrain stroller that lasted us for cobblestones, uneven sidewalks, mountain hikes, it didn’t fail in those aspects.”
I was wondering if you would say the same about the Cybex gazelle S.
Thank you!
Absolutely! In fact, as I’m typing this reply I just came back with this stroller from the sandy grassy hills and cobblestones and it worked just fine with a carseat and buggy board attached to it (AKA it was easy for me to push it on my own and considering I just had a c-section less than 2 weeks ago, I’d say it’s extremely easy if I was 100% myself 😀
Could you tell me what the wheels are like? I’m curious if they are plastic and how would you compare them to the vista’s wheels?
They feel pretty similar to Vista wheels. Can’t tell whether it’s plastic or hard rubber (even asked my husband now to see what he thinks and he also can’t tell), but either way they’re very sturdy.
Thanks alot for the review. I was about to purchase UppaBaby Vista And came across your review. I have a question though, you mentioned in the Vista review that its quite heavy and that its wide..won’t go into an elevator! per Website Cybex Gazelle is as big and heavy..how do you find that? And do you feel its a lengthy Stroller? Is it handy in Restaurants and shops..
Can I attach a Maxi Cosi car seat to it ?
I live in Germany and the lockdown is not allowing me to see things before buying :/ I’d really appreciate your reply!
Question: do you already have two kids or one and planning another one? I would get a different stroller than Vista for just one baby, in the worst case you sell it and get a different thing later. That was the mistake I made and frankly I’ll be gladly going back to my small travel stroller again once my toddler is out of the stroller completely.
Gazelle is significantly smaller than Vista when folded because of the wheels’ position and footrest not folding. But again, depends where you live. Where I used to live previously there’s no way Vista would have fit in the European elevator or corridor. It’s really made for giant American spaces.
No double stroller will be able to just stand in most restaurants without being folded to be honest, they’re just too big, so we just take the car seat out, fold the stroller and use a restaurant high chair for a toddler. Hence why in Mexico for example I see a lot of parents just traveling with two Babyzen Yoyo+ strollers instead of one double stroller.
Here is a list of infant car seat brands and models compatible with the Gazelle S:
Cybex Aton and Cloud Q series (with included adapter)
Nuna PIPA, PIPA Lite, PIPA Lite LX, PIPA RX and PIPA Lite R (with included adapter)
Maxi Cosi Mico Max 30, Mico 30 and Mico Max Plus (with included adapter)
Clek Liing (with included adapter)
Graco SnugRide 30/35, SnugRide SnugLock 30/35 (with adapter)
Chicco KeyFit 30 (with adapter)
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35, 4-35 Nido, Agio 4-35 Nido (with adapter)
Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite, Endeavours (with adapter)
P.S. I’d advise against Maxi Cosi car seat. I know it’s a popular one in Europe and seems price-attractive, but the infant’s head is not protected on sides at all due to its design. The advantage of Cybex is that you can attach Cybex Cloud Q carseat to it without an extra annoying special adapter – it’s an expensive car seat but reclinable so baby can sleep in it like in the bassinet (which is super handy for carrying the baby around, for restaurants, etc., since you can’t really carry the bassinet without the stroller).
How would you compare this stroller to the new Mockingbird Double stroller? I’ve been seeing it all over and I’m curious if you have any experience! Thanks 😊
There’s no comparison really, but they are pretty good with Facebook advertising 😉 Mockingbird is flimsy and many parents report that the frame breaks easily, but for this price that’s understandable. Although the biggest drawback and dealbreaker is the seating configuration for newborn + toddler. You can only do a carseat on top when the toddler seat is facing the car seat, so backward – no toddler would stay seated that way.
You mentioned that the seat reclines flat, is it flat enough to handle an on-the-go diaper change? And is the seat upright (90 degree angle) when in regular seated position?
Thanks for being so thorough and answering questions!
I honestly never changed a diaper in the seat since my older is out of diapers, but the seat is not profiled like on Uppababy, so it’s surely possible. About the upright position no, it’s slightly tilted but my toddler doesn’t mind, he pulls himself up using the handle is he wants to see more.
Can the Cybex Cloud Q recline if it’s on the top position with toddler seat on the bottom facing forward? Would the toddler have to have backward for the Cloud Q to recline? Any other configuration with toddler seat and Cloud Q reclined? Maybe baby on bottom?
Yes, it can – I was actually worried about it too, but it works fine. It’s a tight fit and you sort of need to squeeze the top of the seat in, but it always worked for me. I personally haven’t tried any other configuration, because my toddler would have facing backwards when sitting down or facing me instead of the road, so this works best for us 🙂
Hi! Thanks for the review. I’m considering this stroller but I’m wondering how well it handles on rough terrain? I see in your photos some grass and gravel paths, any complaints?
No complaints so far, we also took it on jungle roads and sandy spots in Mexico. It’s naturally heavy with two kids on it so you know, it’s not a piece of cake to push but unless it has an engine no stroller would be, but we never got stuck anywhere 🙂
This review is so helpful! We have finally decided to sell our double Uppababy Vista for all the same reasons as you. Also, now that my children weigh nearly 60lb combined, it’s becoming harder to push and impossible to pop up onto kerbs. I have been desperately looking for an alternative as they are not old enough to give up their stroller just yet. The only ones I have found are all-terrain jogging strollers like the BOB or the Thule Glide which I cannot lift and I cannot fit into my car. I saw the Cybex but dismissed it because I thought it would be the same as the Vista. Can you – or anybody – tell me whether you can actually use it in all the configurations (seats facing each other for example)? And how easy is it to push with 2 children?
I’ll be real about pushing – Cybex’s strollers are super easy to push, but unless the stroller has a motor (only their Priam single stroller does) it’s hard to push two kids no matter what because they’re simply heavy. If you get side by side like Bugaboo Donkey the weight slightly distributes but you still have to push the same amount of kids’ weight. Although I did find that when you get a buggy board it comes with a pole that goes between the wheels and this pole without the buggy makes it very easy to pop up onto kerbs. Seats can face each other, that’s not a problem.
Hi Anna!
We have a single stroller now that we don’t really enjoy and are thinking about buying the Gazelle now.
Especially as we are planning to have Baby no 2 at some point next year.
I am a bit afraid about the small seat units. I read online that some people only recommend it for kids up to 2.5 years as they might get too tight especially with a footmuff in winter.
I also tried the stroller in the shop with my one year old in the lower seat and it was heavy to lift up over the imaginary side walk.
I like the piggy board bar idea! Hope that will help 🙂
I’d love to hear from you about my seat size concern!
Thanks and all the best,
Ann
Hi Ann,
I’m not going to lie – any tandem stroller is going to be heavy to lift onto kerbs with two kids on it. After all, if you think about it even with 2 under 2, you are lifting 27 lbs of the stroller partially (since parts will be on the ground), then a child (eg. I have an extremely skinny 2-year-old and he’s 25 lbs but most kids his age are about 28-30 lbs. Then add another child or newborn with a car seat or bassinet that’s going to be min 10 lbs with a newborn. It IS a lot of weight, so it’s not going to be as smooth as with a single stroller ever regardless of the stroller especially considering the fact that the weight is distributed lower.
In terms of the seat size… my 2 year old fits just fine. He’s very tall (like a 3-year-old – 37″), but very skinny so not sure how it would fit on a chunkier kid. We also never use any footmuffs – we have one for Babyzen Yoyo but only used it a few times when he was under 1.
This particular stroller aside, I would say wait with a double/convertible stroller till a second child is actually born. That was my personal mistake before my first child was born as I wanted to plan ahead. Convertible strollers are bigger and heavier to be able to hold the weight of two kids and there’s no point in adding the extra weight into the stroller with just one child. Toddlers are also very different – many parents swear by a stroller with a 3-year-olds, others use wagons exclusively. In my case, right after my older turned 2 he really doesn’t ever want to be in the stroller, so we rarely bring his seat anymore (we did use the double a lot between his 21-24 months when the baby was born), but the way things are going I don’t see my toddler going back to the stroller at all, so we might just switch back to Yoyo for the baby – lighter and easier.
Hi Anna,
Thank you so very much for this clear and concise review. You fashioned it perfectly; in all the ways that I would have done if I had written it myself👍
I have been undecided as weather to go with the U.B Vista V2, or the Cybex Gazelle S.
However, after reading your review, I finally feel I have all the answers and insight I need.😃