Cybex Libelle review

In just seconds, it can be folded into an ultra-compact package that is small enough to fit into a bag, be taken on train or a plane and store away in an overhead compartment.

It is competitively priced, when you compare it to the Babyzen Yoyo, for example, which costs £399. Although the GB Pockit Plus costs less, at around £150, so the Libelle sits squarely in the middle of the sector.

Tested by

Sarah tested the Libelle with her youngest son Gabriel from 9 months to 11 months. They put it through its paces at parks, on public transport, in the city and on rougher, muddy areas.

First impressions

On first impression, the Libelle seemed very stylish. I felt it would make your baby look a little bit princely thanks to the top class design and feel.

How easy is it to build?

It was ok to set up, not too much of a struggle. The instructions were straight-forward enough to follow. Having assembled a few buggies in the past, it was refreshing that this one wasn't too fiddly and took about 20 minutes to get up and running for the first time.

How easy is the Cybex Libelle’s fold?

The Cybex Libelle folds well without too much fidgeting. You just squeeze the two white ends of the handle and it folds away rather dynamically.

It is not a one-handed fold, as you need to fold it in on itself with both hands, but it does fold very quickly. This is extremely important if you are travelling and need to fold it quickly to fit take on a plane, or a coach. However, you couldn’t do it while holding your baby in your arm.

How easy is the Cybex Libelle to push?

It's no trouble to manoeuvre the Libelle up kerbs. You need to use a bit more strength to push it around rough terrain but it works well enough. I can’t imagine this buggy doing coping so well on very rough terrain, but to be fair it's not really designed for off-road.

Our MFM testers also agree that it copes well with different terrain, with many being surprised by how sturdy it felt despite its light weight and compactness.

Its steering is superb, which is handy while navigating narrow shopping aisles or cafes, or if you're handling more than one child, you know you have a buggy you can rely on. The smooth front-wheel suspension keeps the handling steady and even allows for one-handed steering.

What’s the chassis like?

The chassis is sturdy and strong. It is a classic black so it will go with anything. It doesn't appear to scratch easily. You can put your bags on the handle in theory, but as it's lightweight do be careful not to overload it.

How easy is the buggy handle to use?

The buggy handle is simple, no-fuss and no frills. It’s not adjustable, but at 102cm, I found it to be a good height for me, very comfortable to hold.

MFM tester Pooja, who is 5’3’’, agrees that the handlebar was a good height for her but pointed out her husband at 6’ found it too low and uncomfortable to push for long periods of time.

How comfortable is the seat unit?

The seat unit is surprisingly large and roomy. It is designed to carry up to 22kg, and I feel it will last until my baby is 3 years old.

My son can sit upright in it or recline easily for sleep. It is lovely to interact with him when at an outdoor cafe, he feels like part of the group chomping along on his snacks alongside me.

How effective is the hood?

The hood is simple, sufficient, elegant and smart. Big enough to protect him but doesn’t extend quite as much as full-size pushchairs. It stays in place even when it is windy. Unfortunately, it doesn't have a peephole window.

How sturdy are the wheels?

The wheels are plastic, smaller but sturdy too. They don't cope too well going up hills or very rough terrain, and are very much designed for a city run-around rather than an off-road, nature trip. Better for the city, in my opinion.

How compact is the buggy when folded?

When folded I can't quite believe how small it is! It feels like a very impressive magic trick. Measuring 32x20x48cm, it can fit into bags, and I can’t imagine any airplane overhead locker that won’t accommodate it. This makes it so easy to take along in any occasion – and great to save car boot space too when on staycation.

How much does the Cybex Libelle weigh?

At just 5.9kg, the weight of the Cybex Libelle is very impressive. Very easy to lift and carry and take it along.

Does the Cybex Libelle have a carry strap or handle?

Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a carry strap, so you need to lift and carry it by the chassis, or pop it into a large shoulder bag. It would be handy if it had a strap to quickly sling over your shoulder, as it allows you to be hands-free more quickly.

How stylish is it?

The Libelle is very chic and stylish - probably my favourite feature about it. It's so slick, and features luxurious fabrics, with added detailing on the wheels for a contemporary finish.

Can the covers be washed?

Yes, the seat cover is removable and can be washed at 30 degrees in a washing machine, which is super helpful.

What's the recline like?

The buggy has a gradual recline mechanism, which gets adjusted with a strap toggle. Even though it’s good for sleeping it doesn’t lie completely flat, so is suitable from about 6 months.

It’s great that it has an adjustable leg rest so your baby can relax and enjoy the ride – not many compact strollers have this feature.

Can it be used from birth?

The Libelle can also be used as a travel system from birth when used with one of Cybex’s gold infant car seats. However, the seat itself is suitable from 6 months.

How effective are the brakes?

At first I couldn't find the brakes on the Libelle. But when I worked out that they were applied just from a switch of your foot, it made me realise just how nifty the buggy was.

I find I need to remember to put the brakes on when we are on a hill, at traffic lights or in bad weather, as the buggy is so lightweight, it can move off easily.

Who would this pushchair be most useful for?

The Libelle is great as a travel buggy for those who need a lightweight take-along when on the go. I am not sure that it would work well as a main, everyday buggy. It doesn’t have the option of a proper carrycot, the basket is tiny, and it is a bit too lightweight to cope with more demanding terrain.

The basket is too small. I could barely fit my handbag and my baby’s milk in it. Things also fell out without me realising.

What’s in the box?

• Assembled buggy
• Rain cover
• Instructions

Are there any accessories you can buy?

Yes, there are a few accessories due to be released, including:

• Footmuff
• Summer seat liner
• Snøgga footmuff
• Travel bag
• Bumper bar

Now you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before purchasing the pushchair?

You should definitely be aware of how small the basket it, but apart from that the buggy is excellent. The way it opens and folds is so nifty – and I am still mesmerized by how small it folds when closed. It's brilliant.

Where can I buy the Cybex Libelle?

It is available to buy from Argos, Boots and Natural Baby Shower

Is this pushchair worth the money?

It is expensive, but I feel it is worth the price for the compact fold alone – compared to your average foldaway, it is so tiny. It is very impressive and will probably last many because of the foldaway options and luxury material it is made from. MFM tester Pooja agreed. She found it was “Very affordable for a compact travel buggy and definitely great quality for the price. I would definitely recommend it!!”

MadeForMums verdict:

A fashionable, slick buggy for city life and travelling. While not the cheapest on the market, it is good value, modern and durable, likely to last many years. Just don’t expect it to help you cart loads of shopping or baby bags about at the same time.