Part of the new M series, the CYBEX Balios M lets you navigate the urban jungle in style.
First Impressions
Smooth lines and gentle undulations give this city stroller a sleek, contemporary feel. There is also a nice amount of choice when it comes to picking out a colour, with six options ranging from the brand’s classic Autumn Red to the more understated Coffee Bean.
With adaptability and ease-of-use being the priority for most parents, it’s great that this pushchair can be used right from the beginning of your little one’s life and with the addition of the matching carrycot (Cot M), all the way up to when they grow out of the need. It’s also a very clever 3-in-1 package, forming a travel system when combined with one of CYBEX’s infant car seats (which are some of the best on the market). Usefully, installation is straightforward and quick, just requiring you to slot the seat unit onto the frame.
Features
Busy urban parents will love one of the biggest bonuses of this pushchair: you can use almost all of its functions with one-hand. This includes a neat one-hand fold, which may seem a little odd at first but results in a surprisingly compact frame. A big plus of 4 wheel buggies compared to 3 wheels is that they can result in a smaller collapse, which is popular with many city families. The Balios M is easy to store and free-standing, so minimal storage space will not be an issue.
The shopping basket is thoughtfully large, but quite open at the front, so smaller items could slip out. This is relatively common with urban pushchairs and can be solved by making sure your shopping is bagged or smaller items are only packed at the back of the basket.
With the roomy, reversible seat, the transition from carrycot is a lot easier for your little one to cope with as you always stay in view. A good recline is achievable in both positions and a large extendable sun canopy allows for shading. The bumper bar is also a nice addition, along with the adjustable leg rest and foot plate to ensure your child’s comfort.
The ‘never-flat’ all terrain rubber wheels definitely create an easy and smooth cruise over pavements. Large and wide, these tyres offer good suspension, but the ride isn’t as amazing when going cross-country or across gravel. Despite this, CYBEX have filled them with foam which means they can’t puncture or flatten – a big reassurance for all parents while out and about!
FQ Verdict
Modern, good value and easy-to-manoeuvre, the Balios M is a safe and adaptable pushchair for tackling urban parenting head-on.
