[ELH05]

Ok so with DS 1 I had a BJ City Select from birth to 1 and then swapped to a BJ City Mini. In hindsight, I loved e City Select, but it was probably just a bit bulky/heavy. I do love my BJ City Mini, really can't fault it at all except I wouldn't put a newborn in it. I see there is a new version with the reversible seat but also see there is a recall on it currently so not sold on the BJ range this time.

So baby 2 is on the way and I'm a bit of a person who likes to switch it up and try new things so was going to try a different pram this time round and I must say I never really understood the fascination of the Bugaboo pram but most people who have them rave about how great they are!

Ok, so can you tell me about which one you have and why you would recommend it - there are so many (Chameleon, Bee Plus, Donkey etc - i dont know which one is best for me) I need one that suits from newborn <no bassinet seat required, just a seat that can fully recline>, a pram that could have a Toddler board attached & a fold that is easy (I'm used to the BJ fold).

[mummy.to.one]

We have the donkey, if you didn't like the city select because it was bulky you wouldn't like the donkey. It takes up most of our car boot (x trail).

There is a new model out now though which apparently is more compact in folding. I love the side basket as we only have it for one at the moment. Steering is great it is so easy I'm guessing it's the same with all bugaboos. Turning is great, don't think you would find a pram with better steering than a bugaboo but I guess your paying alot for it.

[Lucretia Borgia]

We have the bugaboo cameleon .....it has seen us through both kids (well the baby is still using it) ...I do like it, great steering as the PP said, rear facing if you want it, it looks really comfortable to sit in! It is sturdy and well made (I think)... However it is bulky, and for me, personally, I wouldn't say it is easy to collapse...actually I find it a huge palaver to collapse! This isn't an issue for me because I don't drive so I just leave it up, maybe if I had more practice I would get better at it I suppose!

[girltribe4]

Bugaboo Cammy (Cameleon) The one every one raves about , does come with a bassinett but you don't have to use it (though for a newborn its preferable) . The newer model has foam tyres , older models have air tyres. You can change colours of the hood/seat around to suit your mood.
Has various toddler boards that will fit , some are just for standing and there is one that your 2nd child can sit down on.
Tend to get good package deals 2nd hand on these on Ebay/Gumtree ect but you do need to be aware there are fakes out there .
Folds in to 2 pieces and folding is a bit of a pita until you get use to it - seat and frame , not very heavy and a fairly good walking pram.

Bugaboo Bee ( older style with wings & closed wheels / newer style the ''Plus'' has open wheels) . A smaller stroller style Bugaboo . Doesn't come with a bassinett but many people use the cocoon for newborns to make it a bit more snug . The seat has a full recline.
Personally the older style is better for newborns as the hood has better coverage and the seat is more snug . The Plus is great for older babies as the seat is more roomy but they also changed the hood shape which was a shame . The seat back on the Plus extends upwards for taller bubs.
The newer Bees seem to have been plagued a bit by ''shimminging'' wheels which Bugaboo now fix by putting in washers to attach to them
Fine over the odd bit of grass / rough terrain but if you walk a lot prob not the model for you .
Can take a toddler board still , my favorite board with the Bee is the Mutsy board.

Ive never got the hype with the Cammy ( I am more of a Mountain Buggy girl ) , I did love the older model the Frog though . Ive had a few Bugaboo Bees and its a great stroller

The Donkey is a Double which can also be a ''single'' with a shopping basket , its okay Personally I loved it as a single but hated it as a heavy double .Its wide too . A fantastic side by side double is the Mountain Buggy Duet

This post has been edited by girltribe4: 28/11/2012, 07:03 AM

[futureself]

I currently have a BJCS and hear you on the 'bulk factor'. I had been looking at the Bees as a possibility of a more 'runabout' pram - I wouldn't get a Cameleon or a Donkey as it's similar in style, bulk, weight to the BJCS.
One of the only things that stopped me getting the Bee from the beginning is the seat doesn't recline 100% flat. They have a newborn cocoon to use with it to make it suitable for newborn but as I was having a September baby in QLD I knew that would be too hot too quickly so wasn't an option. If you were having an autumn or winter baby then I think it would be a great pram. I have it on a list as DS gets a bit older as a possibility, unbeknownst to my DH!

[ELH05]

Thanks ladies - great advice !! So by the sounds of it, I probably should be looking at the Bee. Baby is due in March in Perth so sort of coming into winter so hopefully the newborn cocoon won't be too hot. Mmm decisions decisions !

[PreachersWife]

I have a bee (plus) and love it! Best stroller I've ever had and everyone who has a celebrity push loves it too, seriously pushes with a single finger, turns on a dime, folds with seat attached both ways and is a flat fold, not umbrella which I think works better for storing in the car.

I've used it with the toddler board and it's pretty good, I do have to walk to the side a bit but still pushes well. I also used the maxi cosi capsule with adapters when DD was little, she was a June baby and was nice and snug. She never spent more than a few hours in the pram but I loved being able to strap her in inside, put her in for a nap if we needed to go out later etc.

Good luck and happy shopping

[gab72]

I have a Bee (original) and I love it! It is perfect for a newborn (and the seat can face you) and is also great for a toddler. It is to easy to use, lightweight, flat fold, looks great.

I used the maxi cosi capsule with it which worked really well. I also use a KidSit board for my toddler, rather than a standard toddler board. I can't recommend the KidSit board highly enough, and again, it fits perfectly with the Bee and is so much easier than a double pram (I bought a P&T Double when DS2 was born and swiftly sold it, way too heavy and cumbersome).

You won't regret the Bee!