bugaboo donkey review | Baby Journey

Bugaboo Donkey Review (2024): The Bugaboo Donkey 3

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 strives to be the only top-rated baby stroller you will ever want and need. From the birth of your first baby through the addition of a sibling, the Bugaboo Donkey is very versatile among the other Bugaboo strollers.

It is the latest model from Bugaboo after a decade of donkeys, a revamp of its predecessors the Bugaboo Donkey 2 and the Donkey, and it does not disappoint.

But is the Bugaboo Donkey worth the hefty price tag? Let’s find out more.

An Overview of the Bugaboo Donkey 3

Unlike previous models, the Bugaboo Donkey 3 is more modern looking, lighter, and more functional. From lighter wheels to an overhauled canopy that includes ventilation, this model has so much more to love.

The intuitive design lets both your children enjoy so many more comfort and convenience features than other strollers, like the Baby Jogger City Mini GT2 Double or Mountain Buggy Duet stroller.

From the inclusion of a side luggage basket when in the Bugaboo Donkey Mono mode, to the multiple seat configurations, the Bugaboo double stroller certainly stands out. And Bugaboo is no stranger to standing out in the baby gear department.

The company has won design awards for its intuitive craftsmanship. This is a top-rated stroller that you will love for years to come if you don’t mind the high price tag.

Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono Single Stroller Converts to Side-by-Side Double Stroller, Multiple Seat Positions - Black/Black

In a nutshell, here is the Bugaboo Donkey review.

Pros:

  • Versatility (from Bugaboo Mono, to Bugaboo Duo or Bugaboo Twin mode, and also to triple mode)
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Multiple seat configurations (parent facing, forward facing and more)
  • Numerous parent convenience features
  • High-quality materials for seat fabric, sturdy frame, improved sun canopy

Cons:

  • Expensive
  • A little bulky when folded, not exactly compact fold
  • The lower basket can be tricky to access

Bugaboo Donkey Review: Features & Benefits

The Bugaboo has many features in spades, especially versatility as highlighted in this Bugaboo Donkey review:-

Let’s take a deeper dive into the features of this Donkey stroller and why it can easily be the only Bugaboo stroller you will ever need.

Hassle Free Operation: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Ease of Use

Built with parents in mind, the Donkey 3 is so effortless to use. The seating system can be rearranged in a snap. You can add or remove the child second seat or the bassinets to suit your needs of carrying children of different ages.

After reading Bugaboo Donkey stroller review after review, you will notice that parents love the fold options. It can be folded quickly and efficiently either as one piece or two. Finally, thanks to the supreme materials and design this stroller is a delight to push.

Of Class & Elegance: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Quality

Speaking of supreme materials, the Bugaboo Donkey double stroller has some very high-quality additions. The solid foam wheels are not only light but they make traveling over various types of terrain simple and smooth, just like all terrain strollers. Because they aren’t air-filled you don’t have to worry about getting a flat.

Premium water-resistant and sun-resistant fabrics can be found on the Bugaboo Donkey3 stroller. - Bugaboo Donkey Review | Baby Journey
Premium water-resistant and sun-resistant fabrics can be found on the Bugaboo Donkey3 stroller. Source: bugaboo.com

A leatherette handlebar means you won’t have to deal with foam breaking down, which can happen with age. Polyester seat and canopy fabrics are sun and water-resistant, yet still washable. Add on a Bugaboo rain cover, and both you and your little one are more than ready to face the unpredictable weather. Ideal for an everyday baby stroller.

Free & Easy Travelling: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Maneuverability

Design and materials keep this stroller exceptionally maneuverable. Even though it is a side by side, it is smaller than you think with narrow seats, and a lot of Bugaboo Donkey Duo reviews mention that it can fit through most doorways. The four-wheel design keeps it sturdy and well balanced, but also able to turn on a dime. As the Bugaboo Donkey Mono stroller, the maneuverability only increases.

You can even singlehandedly use the Bugaboo Donkey 3 stroller without breaking much sweat. - Bugaboo Donkey Review | Baby Journey
You can even singlehandedly use the Bugaboo Donkey 3 stroller without breaking much sweat. Source: pramworld.co.uk

Have it Any Way: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Versatility

The versatility of this stroller far surpasses all others. The seating system is side by side double and you can configure the seating to be twin mode parent facing, forward facing or a mix of the two. You can use either two child seats, two bassinets, or a combination to seat up to three children with a stroller board.

If you want to use the stroller as a single either the bassinet or child one seat can be attached. There is a carry handle for the bassinet as well.

You may also connect the side luggage basket for additional storage. In addition, Bugaboo car seat adapters can be purchased and will enable you to connect a variety of infant car seats.

Awesomely Easy to Keep: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Foldability

Many Bugaboo Donkey Twin reviews mention the foldability, perhaps because it is so cool! The stroller is first and foremost easy to fold. But what makes it unique is that it offers two different types of folds.

You can fold it as a single piece, and then use the self-standing features. Or, you can fold it as two separate pieces for a more compact version that is easier to travel with.

Despite being a double stroller, the Donkey has a compact fold. - Bugaboo Donkey Review | Baby Journey
Despite being a double stroller, the Donkey has a compact fold. Image from modernnursery.com

Great for Toddlers: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Weight & Height Limit

The Bugaboo Donkey3 Twin has an impressive weight capacity limit, 50 pounds per seat. The high seatbacks with premium seat fabric, covered by the spacious canopies, allow for older children to comfortably ride in the seat. The lower storage basket has a decent weight limit of 28 liters.

The child seat has a weight limit of 50lbs. - Bugaboo Donkey Review | Baby Journey
The child seat has a weight limit of 50lbs. Image from buybuybaby.com

Happy Tall Parents: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Handlebar

Bugaboo Donkey3 ‘s handlebar is adjustable, which is great when you have parents of varying heights. It has over ten height options. Also, there is an option to upgrade to a leatherette handlebar. This can be better than foam which may break down with use and time.

The adjustable handlebar suits many heights. - Bugaboo Donkey Review | Baby Journey
The adjustable handlebar suits many heights. Image from nordstrom.com

Buckle Up: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Seat Harness

Each child seat has an extra secure five-point harness. Comfort covers can be purchased, but even without the harness isn’t likely to irritate your little ones.

Hold Your Donkey: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Brake System

The braking system is a foot-operated parking brake. It will securely hold your stroller in place and is effortless to engage with the toe of your shoe.

More Space is Good: Bugaboo Donkey 3 Storage

The Bugaboo twin stroller is of course great for taking out two children, and as such has a 28-liter capacity lower storage basket. However, should you be traveling with just one child you can attach the side luggage basket.

This provides plenty of extra storage and pops on in just seconds. A wonderful addition to the Donkey 3 because sometimes luggage basket storage was in short supply with other Bugaboo Donkey strollers.

The side storage basket adds extra space.  - Bugaboo Donkey Review | Baby Journey
The side storage basket adds extra space. Image from nordstrom.com

Alternatives to The Donkey 3

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 is a great stroller as outlined in our Bugaboo Donkey review, but it isn’t without competition. Here are some other strollers for you should you decide to look at options other than the Bugaboo Donkey 3:

iCandy Peach

The iCandy Peach offers premium comfort and quality. Like the Donkey, it is a breeze to push and the high-quality materials make it exceedingly durable.

Even though both strollers are in a similar price range, the iCandy Peach is a single stroller. It is suitable for those with one rider, but not for parents of twins or siblings. It also lacks the storage of the Bugaboo donkey.

Similarities & Differences:

  • Donkey 3 is a double, the iCandy is a single
  • iCandy lacks storage of the Bugaboo
  • Same price range
  • Same high-quality materials
  • Same ease of push

No products found.

Bumbleride All-Terrain Indie Twin

An alternate great for twins option is the Bumbleride All-Terrain Indie Twin Infant Baby Stroller. This side by side double stroller is equally as versatile as the Bugaboo and can be used as a single, with two child seats, with a bassinet, a car seat, or any combination. The child seats of the Bumbleride are a bit plusher and offer a few more comfort features.

Unlike the Bugaboo though, the Bumbleride all terrain stroller is wide. Its air-filled tires are also susceptible to puncturing or deflation, unlike the Bugaboo’s foam-filled tires.

Similarities & Differences:

  • Bumbleride is cheaper
  • Bumbleride is wider
  • Bumbleride’s air-filled tires may not last as long
  • Same versatility
  • Both are great baby strollers for growing family of same age kids or siblings

Bumbleride All-Terrain Indie Twin Infant Baby Stroller

  • Quick, compact fold with auto-lock
  • Large UPF45+ canopies offer ample protection from the sun
  • Ride smoothly on air-filled tires with all-wheel suspension
  • Flip-flop friendly foot brakes
  • Large cargo basket to keep baby essentials and air pump

UPPAbaby VISTA V2

UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller - EMMETT (green melange/silver/saddle leather)

A contender when it comes to best versatility is the UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller. It can expand from a single to a double to a triple, just like the Bugaboo. It looks equally as stylish and uses materials that are just as high-quality.

Unlike the Bugaboo the VISTA isn’t as well suited to twins, offering fewer seating options and arrangements. It also can only hold 50 pounds in its main seat and 35 pounds in the rumble seat while the Donkey can hold 50 pounds in each of its seats. This stroller is better suited to those with siblings than those with twins.

Alternatively, the Cruz is also a popular contender to the Vista, making it an indirect contender to the Bugaboo Donkey. You can learn about their features in this comparison review of Uppababy Vista vs Cruz.

Similarities & Differences:

  • VISTA is more compact
  • Donkey provides slightly more versatility
  • VISTA has a larger lower storage area
  • Same versatility (mono to duo to triple)
  • Same high-quality materials
  • Equally as stylish design
UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller - EMMETT (green melange/silver/saddle leather)
235 Reviews
UPPAbaby VISTA V2 Stroller - EMMETT (green melange/silver/saddle leather)
  • BASSINET - suitable from birth up to 20lbs or until infant can push up on hands and knees, whichever comes first; TODDLER SEAT - suitable from 3 months up to 50lbs
  • Includes Bassinet and full size forward or parent-facing toddler seat with one-handed, multi-position recline.; Performance travel system compatible with MESA Infant Car seat - direct attachment, no adapters necessary.
  • Extended canopies on the toddler seat and RumbleSeat accessory include zip out fabric that provide even more shade from the sun; Mesh panels also make it easy to peek in while adding airflow.

Things to consider before buying a twin stroller

If you have twins or siblings, you undoubtedly have your hands full. Keeping your children under your watchful eye can be difficult in crowded spaces.

Additionally, providing each child with a comfortable spot when you are out and about is usually a must. The Bugaboo Donkey twin stroller may be your perfect solution, but here is what to consider before taking the plunge, which is covered in this Bugaboo Donkey3 review.

You may need a double stroller if you have more than one child. This can be twins or siblings. If you only have one little one or just one child of stroller age, a two-kid stroller probably isn’t for you. This is because single strollers are often more maneuverable, more compact, and lighter.

But, if you do have two children of stroller age, sooner or later you will need a double. There is simply no way around it when you want to take both kids out of the house. When searching for a double stroller, consider the following:

An important consideration when shopping for a stroller would be the ease of maneuvering it. - Bugaboo Donkey Review | Baby Journey
An important consideration when shopping for a stroller would be the ease of maneuvering it. Source: bugaboo.com

Maneuverability.

A double stroller can often be bulkier and therefore harder to steer on rough terrain, even if it is an expensive stroller. Look for a design that is sleek and easy to maneuver. This often comes down to the frame materials and wheel configuration.

Versatility.

When it comes to versatility, it is all about the configurations. Can your baby stroller allow your infant to face you and your older child to face forward like the Bugaboo Ant? Can it be used with both a child seat and bassinet, like the Bugaboo Donkey duo mode? Are the seats side by side or front to back? Can you attach infant car seats with car seat adapter or a stroller board to let an extra child ride along?

Safety.

Safety is always paramount. Common safety features that your stroller should have are harnesses, brake pedal or handle systems, and locking features either at the front wheels or rear.

Quality.

The quality of the stroller can greatly increase its lifespan. If high-quality and durable materials are used you can easily use a stroller for the entire duration of your kids’ childhoods.

Weight & Storage.

Double strollers are undoubtedly bigger, but some are bulkier than others due to side by side structure. A well designed and sleek stroller with two seats will be easy to store. An intuitive fold can make storage easier. Also, consider where you will keep your belongings on the go. Is there a basket or a pouch or mesh pockets?

Comfort Features.

Finally, think about comfort features for both you and your kids. Is there a sun canopy to keep them cool? Can their seats recline for naps? When it comes to you check for stroller handles adjustability, cup holders, and parent organizers and consoles. Things like rain cover, peekaboo window, foot rest, nice seat fabric and handy extra pockets also earn brownie points.

An Awesome Two-Seater Option

If you are in double trouble trying to take your two kids out and about for a smooth and comfortable ride, the Bugaboo Donkey 3 is a wonderful stroller.

It is unbelievably versatile with its seating options and arrangements. Its high-quality craftsmanship and supreme materials make it very durable and simple to use. Not only will it make it easy to get out with your children, but it will make it so effortless you won’t be able to leave home without it!

If you find this stroller is for you, check out it here.

Hope you find our review helpful! What do you think of our Bugaboo Donkey3 review? Share your thoughts and experience using it with us!

Bugaboo Donkey3 - bugaboo donkey review | Baby Journey

Last update on 2024-04-26 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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