Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller Review: The Ultimate Family Stroller Put to the Test

I remember the moment vividly. Standing in the middle of our living room, surrounded by baby shower gifts, I looked at our sleek, single stroller and felt a wave of satisfaction. We had chosen well. It was perfect. Then, a little over a year later, a second pink line on a pregnancy test changed everything. Suddenly, our “perfect” single stroller looked less like a solution and more like a logistical nightmare. The thought of juggling a newborn in a carrier while trying to push a wobbly toddler in a stroller, all while carrying groceries, was enough to induce a panic sweat. This is the reality for so many growing families: the gear that was once your trusted companion becomes obsolete overnight. The search for a new solution, one that can handle two children of different ages without sacrificing maneuverability, storage, or sanity, is a daunting task. It’s not just about transportation; it’s about reclaiming a sense of freedom and capability in the beautiful chaos of parenthood.

What to Consider Before Buying a Convertible Baby Stroller Travel System

A convertible Baby Stroller Travel System is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for forward-thinking parents. It’s an investment in simplicity and longevity. The core benefit of a system like the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller is its incredible adaptability. It starts as a high-end single stroller for your first child, seamlessly incorporating an infant car seat or bassinet. Then, as your family grows, it expands to accommodate a second child without forcing you to buy an entirely new, cumbersome double stroller. This eliminates waste, saves space in your garage, and provides a consistent, familiar experience for both you and your children through various stages of their early years. It solves the problem of future-proofing your most-used piece of baby gear.

The ideal customer for this type of product is a first-time parent who plans on having more children in the near future, or parents of twins looking for a streamlined tandem solution from day one. Urban families who rely on a stroller for everything from grocery runs to park visits will find its versatility and massive storage capacity indispensable. However, it might not be the best fit for those who are certain they are having only one child, or for families who live in rural areas and primarily need a rugged, all-terrain jogging stroller for trails. In those cases, a dedicated single stroller or a specialized jogger might be a more focused and cost-effective choice.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: A convertible stroller’s biggest challenge is managing its size. Before buying, we always measure our doorways and car trunk. Pay close attention to the stroller’s folded dimensions, both with one and two seats attached. The genius of the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller is its surprisingly compact fold, which is a major differentiator in a crowded market.
• Capacity/Performance: Look beyond the number of seats. Check the maximum weight capacity for each seat individually (the Gazelle S boasts an impressive 50 lbs per seat). Equally important is the storage capacity. The combined 55 lbs of storage between the under-basket and the unique shopper basket on the Gazelle S is class-leading and can genuinely replace a shopping cart on quick trips.
• Materials & Durability: A stroller is a long-term investment that will face spills, bumps, and endless folding and unfolding. We look for a sturdy aluminum frame, high-quality, easy-to-clean fabrics like the 100% polyester used here, and durable wheels with a solid suspension system. Premium touches like a leatherette handlebar not only look good but also hold up better over time.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: Daily use features are paramount. How easy is it to adjust the harness? Can you recline the seat with one hand? How intuitive is the fold? The Gazelle S features a one-pull harness that is a game-changer for getting a squirming toddler secured quickly. Regular maintenance involves wiping down the frame and spot-cleaning the fabric, so choosing materials that facilitate this is key.

Making the right choice from the beginning can save you hundreds of dollars and countless moments of frustration down the road. It’s about finding a partner for your parenting journey.

While the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Cybex Gazelle S: First Impressions and Standout Features

From the moment the box arrived, the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller projected a sense of premium quality. Unboxing it, we were immediately struck by the meticulous German engineering that users often praise. There’s a satisfying heft to the black frame, signaling durability without being excessively heavy. The Moon Black fabric is deep, rich, and feels both tough and comfortable to the touch. Assembly was refreshingly straightforward; as one user noted, my partner had it put together in about 15 minutes, with most components clicking into place with a reassuring solidity. What stood out immediately were two things: the sheer size of the lower storage basket and the innovative detachable shopper basket. Unlike many competitors where the “single to double” functionality feels like an afterthought, the Gazelle S is designed with intention. The adapters for the second seat are cleverly built into the frame, sliding up when needed and tucking away cleanly when not. This thoughtful design philosophy is evident in every component, from the telescoping handlebar to the smooth, substantial wheels, making for a first impression that absolutely justifies its position in the premium stroller category. You can see the full list of included components and color options here.

Putting the Cybex Gazelle S Through Its Paces: A Comprehensive Performance Analysis

A stroller’s true worth is only revealed through rigorous, real-world testing. It’s about how it performs on a frantic grocery run, a leisurely park stroll, a crowded city sidewalk, and the all-important nap-on-the-go. We put the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller through every scenario we could imagine, from its single-child configuration to a fully loaded double, and it consistently rose to the occasion, proving itself to be more than just a stroller—it’s a comprehensive family mobility system.

The Chameleon of Strollers: Mastering the 20+ Configurations

The headline feature of the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller is its breathtaking versatility. The promise of “over 20 configurations” sounds like marketing hyperbole, but in practice, it translates to a profound sense of freedom. The system is built around a unique sliding adapter mechanism integrated directly into the frame. With a simple click and slide, you can adjust the position of seats, bassinets, or car seats. We started in “Single Mode,” with the main seat on top and the brilliant shopper basket clicked into the lower position. This setup is perfect for a single child, offering an incredible amount of easily accessible storage for shopping bags or park essentials.

Transitioning to “Double Mode” was intuitive. We added a second seat (sold separately) to the lower position for our toddler. The ability to have both children parent-facing, both world-facing, or facing each other is fantastic for managing different moods and ages. We also tested it with a CYBEX infant car seat on top and the toddler seat below. This is where we encountered the limitation one user astutely pointed out: with a bassinet or car seat in the upper position, the lower toddler seat must be parent-facing. While not a deal-breaker, it’s a specific design choice worth noting for parents with toddlers who prefer to look out. Despite this, the sheer number of options is astounding and ensures you can find a setup that works for almost any family dynamic, including twins from birth. This future-proofing is the core value proposition, and it delivers.

The Urban & Suburban Navigator: A Ride Smoother Than a Lullaby

Maneuverability and ride quality are where a premium stroller truly distinguishes itself, and the Gazelle S excels. The combination of all-wheel suspension and large, puncture-proof wheels creates an exceptionally smooth glide. We tested it on the challenging, bumpy cobblestones that one user mentioned, and the stroller absorbed the vibrations beautifully, leaving our little passengers undisturbed. On smooth mall floors, it feels like it’s floating, and navigating tight grocery store aisles was surprisingly easy for a stroller with such a large capacity. The turning radius is tight, and we never felt like we were piloting an unwieldy land yacht, which can be an issue with some tandem strollers.

Parent comfort is equally well-considered. The one-hand adjustable handlebar telescopes to accommodate parents of different heights, preventing back strain on long walks. A feature we came to appreciate immensely is the flip-flop-friendly brake—a simple, large pedal that’s easy to engage and disengage without scuffing your shoes. These ergonomic details demonstrate a deep understanding of the daily grind of parenthood. The stroller feels less like a piece of equipment you have to wrestle with and more like a natural extension of your movement. Its performance across different terrains truly sets it apart.

The Storage Powerhouse: More Than Just a Stroller, It’s Your Mobile Basecamp

If there is one area where the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller utterly demolishes its competition, it’s storage. The total carrying capacity is a jaw-dropping 55 pounds. This is not a typo. The main under-seat basket is enormous and, crucially, very accessible from the back, even with two seats installed. We could easily fit a fully packed diaper bag, a small cooler, jackets, and various toddler-demanded paraphernalia with room to spare.

But the real game-changer is the detachable shopper basket. In single mode, this basket clicks onto the upper position of the frame, providing an open, easy-access bin for groceries, library books, or anything else you pick up on your errands. It holds up to 25 lbs and can be lifted right off the frame to carry into the house. This single feature transformed our daily routine. It eliminated the need to precariously hang bags from the handlebar (a major safety no-no) and allowed us to make significant grocery runs on foot without needing a separate cart. For families who walk or use public transit, this feature alone could be worth the price of admission. It is, without a doubt, the most innovative and practical storage solution we have ever tested on a stroller.

Everyday Usability: The Details That Define the Experience

Living with a stroller day-in and day-out comes down to the small details. Cybex has nailed these. The “One-Pull Harness” is a stroke of genius. Instead of rethreading straps as your child grows, you simply pull a single strap to tighten the entire harness system for a perfect, secure fit every time. This saves precious seconds and eliminates a common point of parental frustration.

The child’s comfort is also paramount. The full-size seat offers an ergonomic near-flat recline, which is essential for naps on the go. The XXL UPF50+ sun canopy provides incredible coverage and features a large mesh window for ventilation and a quick peek at your little one. But perhaps the most celebrated practical feature is the fold. While it is a two-handed operation, the ability to fold the stroller with both seats still attached is a massive advantage over competitors like the UppaBaby Vista. It collapses into a reasonably compact, self-standing package that fits into the trunk of our mid-size SUV without issue. This simplifies packing up and getting on your way, reducing one more step in the complex dance of leaving the house with two children.

What Other Users Are Saying

After our extensive hands-on testing, we delved into feedback from other parents to see how our experience aligned with theirs. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with many users echoing our praise for the stroller’s quality and design. One parent, who was deciding between the Gazelle S and the popular UppaBaby Vista, stated they were “very happy I got the Cybex gazelle for many reasons: 1) the fold- it folds much smaller than the vista, you can fold it with both seats attached.” This directly confirms our findings on the practicality of its compact fold.

For families with twins, the praise is even more effusive. A twin parent described it as life-changing, noting, “this is the best stroller on the market for families with twins, exceeding our expectations in quality, design, and practicality.” However, the feedback isn’t without its critiques. The most common constructive criticism, which we also observed, relates to specific double configurations. As one user detailed, “When I place the bassinet on the upper position and the toddler seat below, my toddler has to face inward… which I don’t like.” This is a valid point for parents with a newborn and an older toddler. Additionally, a small number of users reported receiving products with missing or defective parts, like a broken adapter, which is a frustrating quality control issue. One particularly negative review mentioned long-term durability concerns and issues with customer service after the warranty period, serving as an important reminder to consider the full product lifecycle.

How the Cybex Gazelle S Stacks Up: A Look at the Competition

The Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller operates in the premium convertible stroller space. However, many families consider more budget-friendly, all-in-one travel systems. Here’s how it compares to three popular alternatives.

1. Baby Trend Expedition Jogger Travel System

The Baby Trend Expedition is a completely different beast, built for a different purpose. Its primary advantage is its all-terrain, three-wheel design and jogging capability. This is the stroller for active parents who want to take their baby on runs or navigate rougher trails. It’s significantly more affordable and comes bundled with an infant car seat. However, it completely lacks the modularity and future-proofing of the Gazelle S. It is a single stroller only and has far less storage. If your top priority is fitness and outdoor adventures with one child, the Expedition is a great-value choice. If you need urban versatility and a solution for a growing family, the Gazelle S is in another league.

2. Chicco Viaro Travel System

The Chicco Viaro’s claim to fame is its lightweight frame and incredibly simple, quick, one-hand fold. It’s designed for speed and convenience on the go. Like the Baby Trend, it’s a dedicated single stroller travel system that offers excellent value for what it is. Parents who prioritize ease of transport, a nimble feel, and a system that’s easy to get in and out of the car for quick errands will appreciate the Viaro. It competes on convenience and price, but cannot match the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller in terms of build quality, ride smoothness, storage capacity, or its ability to convert to a double.

3. Graco FastAction SE Travel System

The Graco FastAction SE represents a solid, reliable, and highly accessible entry into the travel system market. It’s known for its seamless integration with Graco’s popular SnugRide car seats and its straightforward, no-fuss design. It offers a simple and effective solution for parents of one child who want a product that works well right out of the box without a steep learning curve or a high price tag. The Gazelle S, in contrast, is a premium, modular system that offers a far greater range of customization, superior materials, and the critical ability to expand for a second child. The Graco is an excellent choice for functionality on a budget; the Cybex is an investment in long-term flexibility and luxury.

The Final Word: Is the Cybex Gazelle S the Right Investment for Your Family?

After weeks of testing, loading, folding, and pushing, our verdict is clear: the Cybex Gazelle S Toddler and Baby Stroller is a phenomenal piece of engineering that delivers on its promise of being an all-in-one solution for growing families. Its greatest strengths lie in its unparalleled versatility, game-changing storage capacity, and superior build quality that provides an effortlessly smooth ride. It masterfully bridges the gap between a sleek single stroller and a high-capacity double, eliminating the need to buy new gear as your family expands.

While it represents a significant financial investment and has a few minor limitations in specific configurations, the long-term value it provides is undeniable. We recommend it without hesitation to parents who are planning for more than one child and value premium design, innovative features, and the convenience of a single, adaptable system that will last for years. If you are looking for a stroller that will not only meet your needs today but anticipate your needs for tomorrow, the Gazelle S is an investment you will not regret. Ready to simplify your family’s adventures? Check the latest price and explore all the configurations available for the Cybex Gazelle S today.