BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pushchair review

With an extra-large sun canopy and spacious storage basket, this stroller can be used with a carrycot or car seat – although the seat fully reclines, making it suitable from birth regardless.

Coming in at £379 for the pushchair alone, it's premium but at a good price and is a far more affordable option compared to the likes of the BabyStyle Egg2, £1,399, or the iCandy Core, £1,280. I tested the 5-piece travel system package which included the Oyster Gravity+ pushchair, Oyster carrycot, ISOFIX base, Oyster Capsule car seat and Oyster multi car seat adapters, at £699.

How easy is it to build the Oyster Gravity+ pushchair?

The travel system arrived in 4 bulky cardboard boxes, which took up a lot of space and inspired me to get it built as soon as possible. I like to think I my years of shopping at IKEA make me something of an expert DIY-er, but this one honestly had me stumped – so much so that I had to call in my father-in-law for help.

A former engineer, he was forced to admit that he also struggled with the build initially (the instructions aren’t very clear, and the photographs supplied are absolutely minuscule), but we persevered and got it all set up within a few hours. Thankfully, it’s well worth the effort!

How does the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ compare to the BabyStyle Oyster Zero Gravity?

The original BabyStyle Oyster Zero Gravity is a brilliant bit of kit, but tends to work much better as a second stroller – unlike the new and enhanced version, which offers an always desirable parent-facing option (perfect if you want lots of face time with your little one).

Both versions can be used as part of a travel system, and both include that covetable extra large hood with UPF 50+ – easily one of the pram’s best features, as it can protect even a taller child from the sun. It’s lighter, too, making it one of the most compact parent-facing designs on the market.

How easy is it to fold and unfold the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pushchair?

Slightly embarrassingly, it took me and my husband a long time between us to figure out how to fold and unfold the pram – there’s a primary lock to engage, then press down the 2 foot pedals sat either side of the brake. Once you’ve figured this out, though, it’s pretty effortless and can even be done one-handed.

And, unlike bulkier prams I’ve used in the past, you don’t have to remove the seat to do this – as if by magic, it all folds up together into a self-standing unit.

While the pram is lightweight, 9.5kg, it isn’t all that easy to carry about one-handed once it’s been folded up. Still, there’s no denying that it’s a beautifully compact design, and easy to stash in a cupboard under the stairs or in even a small car boot. Ideal if, like me, your home is on the smaller side.

What is the size and weight like?

Just like the name suggests, the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pram is wonderfully compact and lightweight – as mentioned already, it’s a very manageable 9.5kg. This makes it quite easy for carrying or lifting compared to most prams (although you’ll likely need both hands as it’s a cumbersome shape) and it will absolutely fit into a standard car boot. With shopping alongside it! Unfolded it measures L88cm x W59cm x H112cm and folded it's a neat L73cm x W59cm x H26.5cm.

How comfortable is the Oyster Gravity+ pushchair for your baby?

There has been some chatter about the seat not being padded enough, and it certainly does seem thinner than most prams, but my little one was very snug inside it (as was my 3-year-old, who insisted on trying it out for herself after a long session at the park).

When it comes to seat adjustability, there aren’t as many recline options as I’d like; baby can be either sat up very straight (too straight!) or lounging in a deep recline – there’s not much middle ground. It does fully recline, though, making it ideal for naps. And the footrest can be adjusted to suit the moment, too. Both kids managed to have decent naps in there, and neither are very good nappers, so I’d call that a win.

What do you think about the harness on the Oyster Gravity+ pushchair?

My favourite thing about this pram is the harness. The components clip together magnetically, making it very easy to buckle, and the harness is easily adjusted by a pull of the straps. The result is a very snug and secure fit, which is ideal for keeping even the most fidgety of passengers safe on their journeys.

How well does the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pushchair handle different terrains?

This pram works like a dream on pavements – you can actually do a 180-degree turn on the spot, which is ideal if (as I do) you have to spin around quickly to catch a child on the run! The lightness of the frame makes it easy to get up and down kerbs, too.

My nearest park is undergoing a refurb at the moment, so it’s a bit of a building site – and the pram was still able to navigate heavy mud, puddles, and grassy patches without too much extra effort. It isn’t as manageable on truly rough terrain or gravel, as the 4 wheels aren’t kitted out with thick treads, but it still does the job in a pinch. You may just need to keep this as your everyday and have an all-terrain number on standby if you’re planning any intense hikes.

What are the key features and design elements of the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pushchair?

The standout feature of this pram is its amazing canopy – it unzips to offer extra coverage, and it even includes a flip-out visor to protect against that pesky winter sun when it’s low in the sky.

There aren’t all too many options when it comes to reclining; you can have your baby sit very upright, lounging back, or lying flat – it might be nice if there was a Goldilocks 'somewhere in the middle' sweet spot between these.

It does, however, boast all-round suspension, which means your baby will be sat in optimum comfort on even uneven terrain (although, as mentioned, it might be better to avoid any intense off-road tracks).

What is the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pushchair's storage basket like?

The storage basket is Tardis-like in that it looks smaller than it is – when I eyeballed it, I was disappointed. When I stashed a rucksack, bottle, snacks, and discarded wellies inside it, though, I realised I still had room to play with and I was delighted.

How durable does it feel?

Considering the Oyster Gravity+ is a lightweight pram, you might think it would feel flimsy – it certainly looks like it should feel flimsy! Nothing could be further from the truth, though: the frame and wheels feel very robust, even after my 3-year-old decided she wanted to push it chaotically to the shops, and the materials are durable and stylish, too.

Is the handle on the Oyster Gravity+ pushchair adjustable?

No. Annoyingly, the handle isn’t adjustable – which is fine for me (I’m 5ft 7in) but maybe it's something to consider if you’re very tall or a little shorter.

How easy is the pushchair to clean?

This design is sadly not one that you can pop in the washing machine – they recommend wiping it down or hand washing at a push. I have given the material a few wipes when it got a little muddy, though, and it came up a treat.

What’s in the box?

The travel system arrived in 4 big cardboard boxes, and it included:

• A carrycot (which is actually an amazing bit of kit, as you can either set it up so it rocks or stands still - perfect for naptimes!)
• A car seat and adaptors
• ISOFIX base
• A chassis (with wheels and moving parts)
• A stroller seat (including bumper bar)
• A raincover

Personally, I’d have loved a footmuff for the stroller seat, but this is one to buy separately — ditto the cup holder, which is a shame.

Is the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pushchair worth the money?

Considering how much a compact stroller usually costs, this is an absolute steal at £699 for a 5-part travel system – especially as it offers that elusive parent-facing option.

If you go for the £799 version, it comes with a footmuff, backpack, bottle holder and buggy lock – which feels like excellent value for money when you consider how much all those bits cost separately. Or you could just go for the stroller itself, £379, and use the recline option on your baby, the choice is yours.

How sustainable is the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pushchair?

The pram chassis is made from aluminium, which is considered a sustainable material, and BabyStyle has expressed a commitment to minimise its environmental footprint by using eco-friendly practices. That being said, there was a fair bit of packaging to wade through when it arrived.

What are the repair options for the Oyster Gravity+?

While the manual advises people to carry out routine checks and tighten up any loose parts, any damage should be shown to a BabyStyle retailer – which means professional assistance is likely needed for major repairs. Which is good news or bad news, depending on how au fait you are with a screwdriver.

Where can I buy the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ pushchair?

Available at Baby Planet, Kiddies Kingdom and Pramsy.

MadeForMums verdict

I would absolutely recommend the BabyStyle Oyster Gravity+ in a heartbeat; I’ve gone through a few different prams over the past 3 years or so, and this one is easily my favourite. It’s parent-facing yet still lightweight and easy to manoeuvre, all while providing plenty of comfort for baby (and toddler!) without sacrificing any style points. I can also fit it through my notoriously tricky front door without folding it down – a first-ever for any pram – and it’s light enough that I can push it one-handed while holding onto my 3-year-old when out and about. The XL sun canopy and decent storage basket are the icing on the cake!