Cybex Balios S Stroller Review

Every time I test a stroller I always try to improve it in my mind getting it closer to that perfect model. Occasionally I dream of designing my own model thinking about what features from what strollers I would take and what style I would use.

As you probably know from my reviews, I am a very practical person who doesn’t want to compromise on style. I do like fashion and I do like brand things.

I would rather have one great stroller instead of 5 cheap strollers for every occasion. That being said, I think I finally found the PERFECT full-size stroller. Yes, I am talking about Cybex Balios S! This is an all-terrain reversible-seat stroller that has a one-hand compact fold and it weighs only 24 lbs.

The combination of the large wheels and all-wheel suspension provides a smooth ride. You can easily push it with one hand.

It’s great for long walks in the park, city streets, or grocery shopping. You can also turn this baby into a stylish pram by replacing the seat with a carrycot or a travel system by replacing the seat with an infant car seat. It also features a huge canopy, adjustable handlebar, extra large basket, adjustable leg rest, flip-flop-friendly brake, and adjustable handlebar.

But, its main feature is the deep one-hand recline that goes to a flat position suitable for a newborn. Not many strollers have a flat recline. And if you lift up the leg rest, your child will have plenty of room to stretch. The roomy well padded seat can accommodate a child up to 40 lbs. I like that the seat is positioned higher on the frame and can be used as a high chair at the restaurant.

Note: There have been no changes to the stroller for 2019. Cybex only added two new fashions.

QUICK PROS & CONS

Pros	Cons
✓ Reversible Seat	X Works only w/ Cybex Car Seats
✓ Large Canopy
✓ Large Basket
✓ Deep Recline
✓ All-Terrain Wheels
✓ Adjustable Leg Rest
✓ Adjustable Handlebar
✓ Bassinet Option
✓ Travel System Option

OVERALL

Overall this is an amazing stroller. Very practical and stylish. I really like the compact fold, flat recline, and ability to pair it with Cybex Car Seats which are my favorite car seats.  I think it will be a serious competition for Nuna Mixx (which also has a flat recline, but is more expensive).

Compared to Mixx, Balios S has better colors, a more compact fold, and a lower price. BTW, this modern-looking buggy was designed and made in Germany.

PRICE

It comes in six beautiful colors and retails for around $399 – $449 depending on the fashion. A bumper bar is included, but all other accessories need to be purchased separately. I think this is an excellent price for what you are getting. I actually expected it to be higher.

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Detailed Review of Cybex Balios S 2019 Stroller

Features

CANOPY

This canopy is great! It has two large UPF 50+ panels plus another zipped-in panel and a pop-out sunvisor for even more coverage. It goes way past the bumper bar.

There is also a medium size mesh peekaboo window in the back with a magnetic closure. I like that they’ve made a peekaboo window out of dark mesh so it would allow for the air to get in while still providing sun protection.

SEAT

The seat is reversible so your child can face you or the world. Reversing the seat unit is quick and easy thanks to memory buttons. It is 12.5″ wide with a 20″ seat back and a measurement of 22″ from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy.

Another cool thing about the seat is that it’s positioned higher on the frame than your on your average stroller so you can use it as a high chair at the restaurant. It also brings your child closer to you promoting a better bonding experience.

 

You will be happy to know that it has a very deep one-hand lever recline that goes to a flat position suitable for a NEWBORN. It can hold a child up to 40 lbs. To provide your child with even more room to stretch you can lift up the leg rest creating a bed-like environment. Perfect recline for long naps and quick diaper changes.

I get a lot of emails asking about the BEST recline for a child. I think that the flat recline where only the back of the seat reclines and not the whole seat is the MOST comfortable for a child.

It gives them the ability to fully stretch, unlike the ‘V’ seats where a child is always in a sitting position even when fully reclined. Another stroller that has this kind of recline is Nuna Mixx.

The leg rest is adjustable so your little baby will be able to stretch his legs.

HARNESS

It has an adjustable padded 5-point harness with a center release buckle. Because the waist straps and the shoulder straps are connected, it’s very easy to lock the buckle. The included bumper bar is swing-away and can be easily removed.

HANDLEBAR

The telescoping handlebar has 4 positions and goes from 37″ all the way up to 43″ from the ground. Shorter and taller parents will be comfortable.

To avoid tipping the stroller backward, hang your diaper bag on the frame using stroller hooks. You can also use it to hang your water bottle or shopping bags.

BASKET

The basket is great! It’s large and very easy to access from the back. I like that it doesn’t have that annoying crossbar in the back like on the Balios M model. You can fit a lot of stuff up to 11 lbs. Definitely your large diaper bag plus some baby essentials.

For even more storage I would recommend getting a universal stroller organizer. That way you can take not only your coffee cup, but also a LOT of stuff including keys, phone, water, wallet, snacks, diapers, toys, and more. The amount of stuff it can fit is unbelievable.

WHEELS

It rolls on four all-terrain wheels with 8″ in the front and 11.5″ wheels in the back. These wheels are made out of high-quality rubber and have foam filling so they never puncture or flatten. Great for long walks at the park, city streets with uneven pavement, or some playground mulch. The front wheels are swivel but could be locked straight.

The all-wheel suspension together with large all-terrain wheels make it a smooth ride.

BRAKE

I am always happy to see a flip-flop-friendly brake. No shoe scratches!

FOLD/UNFOLD

The fold is three-step fold, but you can do it all with one hand and it has a standing fold and automatic lock. Since the stroller folds in half (one of my favorite folds), it becomes a very compact package for an all-terrain reversible seat stroller. This is probably as compact as it can get. The folded dimensions are 16″L x 23″W x 29″H.

BASSINET OPTION

You can turn your stroller into a stylish pram by replacing the seat with a matching bassinet called Cybex Carry Cot S.

This Pram is the perfect on-the-go bed. The canopy with an extra sun visor offers sun and wind protection with UPF50+ for your little one. The carry handle of the Cot S is placed along the sun canopy for easy carrying and attaching to a stroller base.

Equipped with a memory foam mattress that supports the correct lying position of the little one, this biggest CYBEX carry cot is not only super-spacious but also offers a comfortable, sheltered place for your infant.

It can accommodate a child from birth and up to 20 lbs. I am not sure if this carrycot with any other Cybex models.

TRAVEL SYSTEM

You can also turn your stroller into a travel system by replacing the seat with an infant car seat. It works ONLY with Cybex, GB, and Maxi-Cosi car seats which are the safest car seats on the market. Adapters are sold separately.

Video Overview of Cybex Balios S 2019

Here is a video overview.

Cybex Balios S 2019 Specs

Stroller weight: 24 lbs
Weight limit: 40 lbs
Folded dimensions: 16″L x 23″W x 29″H.
Handlebar height: 37″ – 43″
Seat to canopy height: 22″
Front wheels: 8″
Rear wheels: 11.5″
Overall length: 34″
Overall width: 23″

Cybex Balios S 2019 Warranty

The Cybex has a 2-year warranty from the original date of purchase and you have to be the original owner.

Cybex Balios S 2019 Available Colors

The Cybex Balios S comes in six colors: black, pink, red, blue, and grey. That grey is my favorite!

Where to Buy Cybex Balios S 2019 Stroller

You can get Cybex Balios S in one of the six beautiful colors for around $399 – $499 depending on the fashion. It comes with a bumper bar only. All other accessories like a cup holder or infant car seat adapter need to be purchased separately.

Buy Cybex Balios S Stroller »