Cybex MIOS - Review
The Cybex MIOS is rose gold and flash. But it's also brilliant; its a workhorse and the perfect size. Of all the many, many things you buy a child, I think this is my favourite
I have been meaning to write a review of our pushchair for ages. But as with most things, I am behind schedule, but here it is. The Cybex MIOS is brilliant; I think it's one of the best baby things we bought (no cliffhanger here!).
This blog isn't focused on reviews of kids' stuff, and I have only got experience with one pushchair. So this is an unashamedly narrow and biased review. The other health warning is that it's focused towards me as a tall man. Based on the Cybex website, they seem to be aiming to sell the Mios to pretty, rich young mums living in Kensington. Little did they know a scruffy, 6'4", middle-aged dad is using it as a brilliant workhorse and pushing his increasingly heavy child around rough east London!
Before Violet was born, just before Covid, Elsie dragged me down to The Baby Show, in Earls Court. If you haven't been, it's a truly terrifying experience. Full of a vast range of stuff you didn't know you needed, and parents to be walking around with slightly dazed/shocked faces. But it gave us the opportunity to look at lots of buggies and have a play to see which we liked. More critically, one which met two big requirements for a pushchair; that it is easy and comfortable for me to push and small enough to fit into the tiny flat we had until Violet was two. The MIOS brilliantly addressed both.
The Cybex Mios stroller is a well-designed and stylish option for parents living in town. But don't be fooled by the rose gold and flashy marketing. It can handle a bit of mud and hills. Maybe not full-on the countryside, but we've taken it through Victoria Park in the snow, The New Forest and North Norfolk (possibly one of the most middle-class lists of places, but this is a review of a £1200 pushchair so...).
The handling is exceptional, with one-handed steering making it easy to navigate crowded places. The narrow rear wheelbase may make for a unique appearance, but it gives babies the smoothest of rides and allows parents to fit through small gaps with ease. It means there isn't a huge space underneath, but it's perfect when you are trying to get onto a busy bus or the tube.
We got the whole system before Violet was born and have used it constantly till now, when she is almost three. The poor thing has paid its dues, and I suspect we have probably only got another six months, but it still holds up getting her. The Lux Carry Cot and Lite Cot are both excellent options for newborns, providing a cozy and luxurious space for babies to lie in during their early days. We opted for the Lite Cot due to space constraints and as there was a great deal at the time, where you got a car seat included. In my opinion, the Lite Cot is perfect, especially if you do not have the space or need a full carry cot in a small flat.
The reversible seat is ergonomically shaped from the top of the seat back to the footrest, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit for a baby. You can remove the seat liner and use the mesh seat if it's hot, but we never did this.
As I've said, we use it as a real workhorse, predominantly to get Violet to and from the nursery; we also walked miles during the pandemic. Two features jump out the excellent UPF50+ rated extendable rain hood that provides ample shade and protection as it extends down all the way bumper bar. This has dealt with some crazy weather, albeit with an additional rain cover, which Violet hates. The other is balance, I am not sure if this is deliberate but you can hang an awful lot of stuff off the handlebar without it feeling insecure. It can easily take a nursery bag and one big bag of shopping...maybe Violet is just a very heavy little girl. The basket space underneath the Mios is a bit of an unusual shape and fairly small, but it can fit a backpack or briefcase.
The chassis boasts an angular, minimalist design, which is apparently inspired by Charles and Ray Eames, and the all-wheel suspension provides a smooth ride. Steering is generally great and you can easily manoeuvre around tight corners and squeeze through narrow gaps using just one hand when your kid is young. I've noticed that hasn't been the case for the last four months. But I think we are reaching the end of our time with a brilliant and trusty friend.
The brake is operated with a foot pedal right in the centre of the rear wheels, and even this has a stylish design. It's easy to use and doesn't get in the way.
The big concern for us was that both I and Elsie could use it easily. I'm tall, and Elsie is 5'4". But it's not been a problem, as the handlebar moves to three different positions using the central palm button, suiting almost any height. The handlebar finish is perfect, with the stitching, logo, and buttons adding to the luxurious and glamorous feel of the Mios. Although, sadly, that does seem to give after two years of hard graft.
I am sure I have missed some technical points. But I'll conclude as I started the Mios is great. It works for tall and short people. It is sized to be compact enough for the city and to live in a small flat but does not feel like a tiny, lightweight option. It has served us well, and I will be honest, I will miss having something to hang things on, hold my phone and coffee...as well of course, keep Violet safe, dry and mobile.
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