At £199.99 it comes in at £100 less than the more mid-range and heavier Oyster 2, and is far cheaper than some other brands which are heavyweights in the lightweight buggy market like the Bugaboo Bee 3 (£629) or Maclaren Techno XT (£220).
However when considering all other buggies in the same class as the Oyster Zero it's about average in price and comparable to the Silvercross Reflex (£199) and Summer Infant UME One(£129.99) Phil & Teds Smart (£191.50) and OBaby Zeal (£169.50).
So is this Oyster a gem worth shelling out on?
This buggy is BabyStyle's lightweight stroller but how light is it?
It's 7.9kg. While it's not the lightest on the market, it's weight is still noticeable. Carrying it does not feel at all like a major slog. In fact, every time I pick it up, I think 'this is light'.
What’s great is its weight does not make it feel flimsy, though, and it stands up well to rough terrain.
A big draw to the Oyster Zero is it's large seat - and it does have loads of space. There's ample room for whatever your little one gathers on the journey (sticks, stones, conkers), and loads of room for them to move about if they're having a snooze.
It seems as roomy as other buggies with large seats, like the iCandy Raspberry and the Bumbleride jogger.
It also can be transformed with the addition of a car seat and carrycot - something budget strollers don't often offer.
Is it easy to use in an urban or inner city environment?
Yes, it's easy to push, and it goes up and down kerbs well, I can't stand pushchairs that get stuck going down a kerb.
It also handles rough ground surprisingly well for a non-all-terrain buggy; I guess because it has all-round suspension.
It's not great, however, at sudden about-turns. You can't simply do a 180 degree turn in the spot, you have to do a very laboured turn around in a fairly big circle - or just tip the buggy on its back wheels and whip it around.
Also, the handle isn't adjustable, which takes a bit of getting adjusted to if you're used to one. It's at a reasonable height though.
What is the brake like?
It's a foot pedal located just next to one of the back wheels. It works well, but, ideally it would be a bit bigger.
How comfortable does it feel?
It's very paddy and soft in the seat. I tried two little ones in it, and they both said it was comfy.
The bumper bar pops off really easily, though, and the harness is simple to use - just two clicks and everything is slotted in to place.
The footrest adjusts too, and the wheels can be locked or used in swivel mode.
How is interacting with your baby when in the buggy?
Very easy. The hood is malleable enough to fold back, so you can see well into the pram.
And when the little one is having a snooze, there's a nice peekaboo window, which is magnetic - much better than a noisy Velcro one. The window is a net one, which is also better than a plastic one, as they can get smeared easily.
How does the Babystyle Oyster Zero fold?
It folds really easily. With the flick of a lever and the pull of a handle in the middle of the seat, it folds in a really fluid motion. It's also really light to pick up, which means that you don't feel like your competing in the World's Strongest Man when you're lugging it into the house.
You do kind of need two hands to fold it - one to hold the pram, whilst the other pulls up on the seat handle.
And the Oyster Zero is freestanding when folded, which is an added bonus.
How compact is it when folded?
It's fairly compact, especially when you take the wheels off. Quite long, but flat.
How easy is it to store?
It stands when folded, although not as neatly as I wanted. You kind of need to fold the handle out a bit to prop it up. Still, that's a lot better then a buggy that you have to lean against something, and then slides down the wall the moment you walk away.
Does it fit in the boot of your car?
Yes. It folds fairly flat too.
Yes, it fits the Maxi Cosi Pebble and Maxi Cosi Cabrio Fix.
What are the basket and storage pockets like?
The basket's big and open, so will easily fit a bag or so of shopping, as well as all the baby stuff you always seem to cart about, but never use.
The pocket on the back of the hood is also big enough to fit your phone, and other assorted essentials.
Would you use it on holiday?
Yes, it's very light to carry, easy to pack away, and has SPF50 in the hood as well as an extra sun visor, so I think it's a good holiday buggy.
Is the Babystyle Oyster Zero value for money?
Yes, I'd say so. You can pay a lot more for a buggy, if you're primarily looking for something light.
It's placed midway between the luxury brands, and the cheapest buggies. Whilst it's perhaps not as sleek as the top end lightweight buggies, like the Babyzen YoYo (5.6kg and £375) and Bugaboo Bee 3 (8.7kg and £539), it does still look upmarket, and is a lot cheaper.
The Mountain Buggy Nano, however, is the same price as the Oyster Zero, and weighs 6kg; so it's a serious competitor.
No, all the essentials are built in and the raincover is included. The hood has a SPF50 and there's an extra silvery fold-down sun visor.
You can lay the seat completely back for a newborn, but if you would prefer a carrycot, you have to pay £119 extra.
To be honest, I would always opt for a carrycot for a newborn.
What's in the box?
- Chassis
- Bumper bar
- Rain cover
- Car seat adaptors £19
- Carrycot £119
- Carrycot colour pack £20
- Carrycot adaptors £15
- Footmuff £40
- Changing bag £40
The Oyster Zero is a decent pram for £199. It's light, comfy, looks durable and has lots of features that make it easy to use.
Parents who want a smart about-town pushchair, but on a budget. Also those wanting a second, lightweight pushchair to keep in the car, or at the grandparents.
If you're after more lightweight buggies, check out the links below...
