bugaboo travel system review

Bugaboo Fox 5 review

An all-terrain stroller that looks, and feels beautiful.

Tom's Guide Verdict

If you’re looking for an all-terrain stroller that’s still light enough to lift into the boot of your car, the Bugaboo Fox 5 is a solid option. It has an adjustable handlebar and three different seating configurations for your child and handles well. The only downside is the price, but it's a great choice if you can afford it.

Handles well on all terrains

Lightweight

One-handed fold

Eco-friendly materials

Well designed

It doesn’t stand that well on its own

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The Bugaboo Fox 5 is a top-of-the-line, all-terrain stroller, that Bugaboo says is its most comfortable and maneuverable stroller yet. It looks beautiful, and it’s one of the lightest all-terrain strollers on the market, plus, you can fold it up using just one hand — handy! It’s highly adjustable and sturdy and will last you from newborn to approximately age four.

Stroller weight: 22-26.9 lbs Max weight: From birth until approximately age 4 (50 lbs) Handlebar height: 36.2 - 42.5 in Underseat basket capacity: 22 lbs, 10.3 gallons

But how does it compare to some of the other all-terrain strollers on the market like the iCandy Peach 7 and those that made it onto our best strollers list? To find out more, we put the Bugaboo Fox 5 through several different tests to look at the build quality and maneuverability on different terrains. I wanted to see how easy it was to get the stroller in and out of my car boot, on and off the bus, and around a muddy dog walk. Read my Bugaboo Fox 5 review below to find out more. 

Bugaboo Fox 5 review: Price and availability

The Bugaboo Fox 5 is the updated version of the Bugaboo Fox 3 travel system. Launched in March 2023, the newer stroller has some key features to make it worth the upgrade — the newer stroller can be folded and adjusted using just one hand, has an extendable footrest and sun canopy, better steering, and a larger unseat basket for stowing all your essentials. 

The Fox 5 comes in a large number of colors to suit every style. If you buy from Bugaboo directly, you can mix and match your sun canopy and seat color, but if you buy from a third-party retailer like Amazon, you’ll have to choose between the five core colors — black, blue, taupe, forest green, and grey. 

There’s no doubt about it, this is a luxury stroller and doesn’t come cheap. While there are different bundles on offer, the bassinet and seat stroller cost $1299/£1115. However, unlike some of the other strollers on the market, the Fox 5 comes with a 100-day trial and a four-year warranty.

Bugaboo Fox 5 review: Design and key features 

Build 

I’ll start with how easy it was to physically get the Bugaboo Fox 5 up and running, as it’s a job you’ll inevitably have to do when you’re pregnant. The Fox 5 arrived in one large cardboard box, which was pretty heavy. The main chassis of the stroller is already built — all you need to do is clip the front and back wheels on, and you’re good to unfold it. 

Next up, is the seat or bassinet, which uses the same frame, so you’ll have to choose which to build first — for most people, this will be the bassinet, as it’s what you’ll use until your baby is around 4-6 months old. The stroller came with a scannable QR code, where you can watch a step-by-step video on how to put the Fox 5 together. I found it pretty self-intuitive, especially compared to the frustrating build of the iCandy Peach 7. The only fiddly bit was attaching the stabilizing parts at the head and feet end of the bassinet — you have to use a lot of force to clip these in place.

After a few walks, I switched from the bassinet to the seat for further testing. My brother has the Bugaboo Fox 2, and I’d heard horror stories about how difficult it was to change the stroller over, but I was pleasantly surprised. Switching from the bassinet to the seat took around 20 minutes, and you’d normally only have to do this once. 

Key design features 

Before I get onto the performance of the stroller, it seems important to point out a few key design features that impressed me. A stroller is something you have to live with for at least four years, so you want to be sure it’s right for you and your lifestyle. I’ll start with the bassinet —  the bassinet on the Fox 5 is approved for overnight sleeping when used with the compatible bassinet stand (although you’ll need to purchase this separately), and comes with a hard base and mattress. It has panels that allow air to flow around your baby and handy pouches for extra storage. 

When you do come to switch to the seat, there’s an easy-to-use five-point harness to keep your tot safely secured. Your baby can sit facing in or facing out, and there are three different levels when it comes to reclining the seat. With the Fox 5, the footrest and sun canopy can be extended, to extend the life of the pushchair as your child grows.

Finally, a huge deciding factor when it comes to choosing a stroller is how easy it is to push. The Fox 5 handled extremely well on concrete sidewalks in the city, but and added extra for good traction off-road was the lockable front wheels. Along with the suspension, the locked wheels helped keep the pushchair steady on bumpy, rocky terrain. 

Bugaboo Fox 5 review: Performance 

From my first few walks with the Fox 5, I was impressed by how easy it was to steer on different terrains. From getting up and down sidewalks, to muddier, wet paths, the pushchair handled well, even when pushing with just one hand. I tested all of the strollers in our best stroller test using different weights to test maneuverability as your child grows, as well as with my 21-pound nephew. I set up cones and went to various locations to test the Fox 5 on hills, mud, and gravel. 

I found the Bugaboo Fox 5 to be extremely well-designed. It was easy to clip the bassinet and seat on and off the stroller, and the one-handed fold was excellent, once I’d mastered it. The pushchair fit in the boot of my Kia Sportage with both the bassinet and seat attached, however, if I needed room for the dog or shopping, I found I needed to detach the bassinet and fold the chassis flat. Like most of the all-terrain strollers on the market, this isn’t the smallest stroller to cart around, however, you can easily unclip the back wheels to reduce the size of the frame even more for long-distance journeys. Plus, this is one of the lightest frames on test — it was extremely easy to lift in and out of the car. 

My main gripe from a performance perspective was that without the chassis or seat attached, the Fox 5 was a little tricky to stand up when folded. There is a knack to it, but I wish it had a clip like the iCandy 7 that allows it to stand freely. Of course, this isn’t an issue most of the time, but if you’re short on space at home and want to fold your stroller in the hallway, it is a little annoying. 

Finally, if you’re in the UK you’ll need to buy car seat adaptors to attach your car seat to the Fox 5 as a travel system, although this is the case for most strollers. In the US, the Fox 5 comes with Nuna adaptors for the Turtle One and Turtle Air car seats. 

Bugaboo Fox 5 review: Verdict 

I was really impressed with the Bugaboo Fox 5 — it’s made from high-quality materials, it felt luxurious, and it was a pleasure to push around. For me, the lack of self-standing balance is negated by the fact that the pushchair is one of the lightest all-terrain strollers on the market, and folded up pretty small in the boot of my car. I also loved the extra-large sun canopy, which extends much further than most others on the market, with a cute peekaboo window that allows you to check on your sleeping tot on the move. 

Of course, there are some downsides — the Fox 5 cannot be converted into a double-buggy, so if you’re expecting twins, or planning to add to your brood in the next year or so, you’ll want to look at the Bugaboo Donkey 5, or at a stroller that can easily switch. It’s also worth noting that compared to running and outdoor buggies, like the Thule Urban Glide 2, it doesn’t handle quite as well in the mud, however, the Fox 5 isn’t designed to go running with you, and I found it was much easier to move around (the Thule Urban Glide 2 didn’t fit through my front door). 

Overall, this is a solid choice if you’re looking for a stroller that’ll cope with moving around the city, the park, and going off-road at the weekend. 

If you're looking for a more affordable all-terrain stroller, read our Nuna MIXX next review here.

Jane McGuire is Tom's Guide's Fitness editor, which means she looks after everything fitness related - from running gear to yoga mats. An avid runner, Jane has tested and reviewed fitness products for the past five years, so knows what to look for when finding a good running watch or a pair of shorts with pockets big enough for your smartphone. When she's not pounding the pavements, you'll find Jane striding round the Surrey Hills, taking far too many photos of her puppy. 

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Bugaboo Fox 3 review: Still the Rolls-Royce of pushchairs?

• Catherine Hufton

The Bugaboo Fox 3 is a comfortable, modern pushchair offering advanced ergonomics that make it feel more lightweight than previous models

• Light carrycot
• Aerated mattress in seat
• Easy-to-use four-point harness
• Lightweight feel and easy steering
• Limited space in shopping basket
• All-terrain wheels make the pushchair bulky when folding down

The iconic Bugaboo Fox has long been regarded as the Rolls-Royce of the pushchair world, and its latest update promises the same modern design in a more lightweight form. I’d used the original Bugaboo Fox 1 for more than a year with my first child, so I was well aware about what was good and not so good with regards to its predecessor. As such, I was interested to see how the new and improved Fox 3 fared in comparison.

I tested the pushchair when my son was eight months old, using it scenarios from shopping trips, car journeys, and woodland walks. It’s immediately clear that the design team at Bugaboo has spent time looking at its previous models, upgrading many of its ergonomic features. The new model now includes a high-performance aerated mattress, improved quick-click harness and an ergonomic padded seat with extra backrest support.

While the all-terrain wheels still make the Fox 3 quite a chunky pram that can be difficult to ferry around, it’s super light in use with great suspension and a sleek modern design that any parent would be proud to push.

Buy now from Boots

Bugaboo Fox 3 review: What you need to know

Bugaboo Fox 3 review: Price and competition

The Bugaboo Fox 3 sits in the top tier of premium pushchairs and travel systems, making it a serious investment at between £1,045 and £1,115. It’s in good company with other premium yet eye-wateringly expensive pushchairs including the UPPAbaby Vista V2 , egg2 and iCandy Peach 7 .

While these models remain some of the most popular and sought-after prams, there are more affordable contenders that are also worth considering. The Nuna Triv , for instance, is one of my favourites and can be bought as part of a bundle with a carrycot and car seat for under £1,000, while the Nuna Mixx Next has all-terrain wheels and is priced below £600.

If your budget won’t stretch to these top-end options, the Joie Chrome DLX is a good solid option, as is the KinderKraft XMoov 3-in-1 Travel System . Both pushchairs cost just over £300.

The Bugaboo Fox 3’s sleek, contemporary design and premium fabrics are hard to beat; but the new iCandy Peach 7 is perhaps its closest contender.

READ NEXT:  The best prams to buy

Bugaboo Fox 3 Review: Design & Key Features

The carrycot is super-lightweight, too, with a breathable panel that provides optimal ventilation and an aerated mattress. At 90cm long, it should accommodate most babies until they’re six months old, when you can then swap to the main ergonomic seat. The seat features a new and improved quick-click harness (It’s one of the easiest I’ve ever tested), soft-touch water-repellent fabrics and an extendable sun canopy.

The metal frame is self-standing so folds down compactly and can also be collapsed with the carrycot or main seat attached. It also has a few different configurations, so baby can be sat forward facing or towards you.

Bugaboo Fox 3 Review: Performance

The pushchair is noticeably lightweight to push and is pleasurable to use on a day-to-day basis – whether that’s on the pavement or in a park. When it comes to folding it down and putting it in the car, however, things become a bit trickier as a result of its size. While the Fox 3 is designed with a one-piece fold, I found that I still had to separate the stroller seat to fit it into the boot of my car. Swapping from the carrycot to the seat is also quite time-consuming.

Suffice to say, this isn’t a pram for those looking for a super-compact option that they’ll be putting up and down multiple times throughout the day. But if your main requirement is a buggy for use on long walks on a mixture of terrains, it’s just about faultless.

That is, apart from the mesh under-seat basket at the base. While adequate, it isn’t as big as I’d like. It will easily fit a bag, jacket and baby carrier, but not much else. I did struggle to squeeze in larger bags of shopping. In comparison, the Nuna Triv is a smaller pram but has a deeper basket.

Bugaboo Fox 3 Review: Verdict

There’s no denying that the Fox 3 is a stylish, lightweight pram that feels great to manoeuvre around, its sleek design making you feel proud to do so. Its high price tag means it’s best purchased before the birth of your baby so you can utilise both the accompanying carrycot and stroller seat and really get your money’s worth from it. You should also really think about how you’ll be using your pram on a day-to-day basis before purchasing – while lightweight, the Fox 3 definitely isn’t a micro city pram. There are less expensive alternatives, if that’s what you’re looking for.

However, for walks outside, shopping trips and the like, this is a premium-quality, thoughtfully designed pushchair that will take you from those new-born days to toddlerhood with ease.

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Bugaboo Fox 5 Review

Quick Summary: Any negatives from the Bugaboo Fox 3 have been completely removed with the Fox 5. You can never have too many hands as a parent, so the fact that everything can now be adjusted or done with one hand makes it a super easy pushchair to use and it really will make a big difference for any parent using it to transport their little one.This is a pushchair that can take you on any adventure, whether you’re strolling around the shops in your town centre, or walking the dog on the river bank. The push is light, smoother than smooth and has great suspension to make it comfortable for your little one.We LOVE the extendable seat unit! We see lots of toddlers that outgrow their seat units before they’re ready to walk or before they reach the weight limits, so it’s amazing that you can give them extra head room and the length for longer legs.The Fox 5 is a completely customisable pushchair, and we are sure that parents will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing one of the 34 colour options, as well as all of the accessories too. The updates to the design of the chassis have taken away some of the industrial look, to give us a more premium and balanced looking pushchair.

Whats good?

• One-handed adjustment for everything, including fold
• Huge basket carrying 10kg
• Extendable seat unit
• Customisable

Whats not so good?

• Footrest doesn’t change angle
• Carrycot stand needed for overnight sleep

Table of contents

New design chassis, adjustable handlebar and brake, shopping time, carrycot - bed for baby, new for bugaboo - stand for overnight sleep, the seat unit, harness and hood, a sustainable brand, manoeuvrability and wheels, two-wheeled mode, one-hand fold, our verdict.

Being able to fully customise your pushchair is something that Bugaboo have always done so well, and it’s no different with the Fox 5. You can purchase the four complete colours which are put together for you, or go for a ‘styled by you’ option to completely personalise your pushchair and choose from 34 colour combinations! Black or Grey Melange as your base colour and then choosing your canopy colour will be the difficult one, with eight options. Midnight Black, Forest Green, Grey Melange, Stormy Blue, Morning Pink, Misty White, Sunrise Red and new and exclusive to the Fox 5, Astro Purple!

The first thing we noticed about the frame of the Fox 5 is less of the familiar white buttons! The frame is now seamless and sleek, really streamlined whether you opt for the Black or Graphite chassis. They still remain where needed though, to highlight the handlebar adjustment button, the recline button and the side buttons to remove the seat or carrycot.The actual shape of the chassis has also had a redesign, with the central hinge and point of gravity moved backwards, to give you better manoeuvrability. As the seat/carrycot sits directly over this joint, it does make the front of the frame look quite long and gives you better access to the basket. The front bridge design is also different, with the Bugaboo logo embossed into the frame.These big changes to the chassis also mean that you can now operate it with just one hand, which new parents will certainly appreciate! One thing that we didn’t love about the Fox 3 was having to adjust the handle with the catches at the side, using two hands, which also made the fold a bit fiddly.

The handlebar now features two white buttons in the centre. Just press the one at the front to move the height up and down, for any parent to push. The range goes from 92-108cm, which is great for the majority of parents, grandparents, aunties and uncles. Covered in stitched black leatherette, the handlebar also has a raised centre, to protect it when in the free-standing, folded position. It’s also a nice thickness, which is comfortable to hold. Thanks to the angle and height of the handlebar, we found there was lots of walking room for longer legs in between. 

Hanging from the centre of the handlebar is a wrist strap. Though not a legal requirement in the UK, this is a handy safety feature to keep your pushchair close by and also attached to you when operating two wheel mode. We love the white stitching of ‘fox 5’ to finish it off.A white button on the left hand side of the rear axle can be pressed on to engage the brake and pressed again to release it. Definitely flip-flop friendly and there’s a red indicator to show you when it’s on.

The shopping basket of the Fox 5 is a great size and can carry a whopping 10kg of shopping or baby essentials. We’ve loaded it up with everything we need for a day out, with plenty of space for coats and bags. Flaps at the front and back can be tucked in or pulled out to give you extra room and a bit of support for a full basket. The pocket at the front of the basket is really handy to store your raincover and adaptors, but you could also fit lots of other things in there too to keep them secure.

Built into the back of the chassis are attachment points for their Comfort Wheeled Board. Bugaboo have moved these by 2.5cm, to give you more leg room when pushing with a wheeled board attached. Great idea, as this can be an issue when using some ride-on boards. Being able to add a board is good for future proofing your pushchair, either for an older child you already have, or for your baby to move to as they grow, when they need to make way for a new baby.

You can purchase car seat adaptors, which will convert your Fox 5 into a full travel system and enable you to add the Turtle Air by Nuna infant carrier to the frame. They can also be used with other brands too. The adaptors are removed the same way as the carrycot and seat frame.

As a first bed for baby, you need a carrycot that has a firm and flat base that can keep your newborn comfortable. The Fox 5 carrycot is spacious and cocooning, with an XL canopy to keep them protected from the wind and sun.

The canopy is UPF 50+ rated and can be extended right down - it’s probably one of the best that we’ve seen.

For warmer weather, or as baby gets older, the breezy panel in the bottom of the carrycot can be folded down for ventilation and give them a better view. A panel in the canopy can also be opened up for maximum air flow. This panel folds back neatly, with a logo on the other side too.

The thickly padded apron that sits on top is secured with a double-sided zip, to enable you to get to baby from either side. The visor that pops up will help to keep out the drafts and stayed upright in place during testing.

Both the carrycot and seat unit now sit slightly higher on the chassis, making it easier to interact with your small person.

It may not be your first thought, but the mattress of your carrycot has an important job. The Fox 5 mattress is different to others on the market, as it is in two separate layers. Inside the provided soft and fleecy cover, you have a 3D mesh layer which is aerated for temperature control. This can be popped in the washing machine with the cover for easy cleaning. The other layer is a padded waterproof piece of mattress that can be wiped clean.

Something new for Bugaboo is the fact that you can use the carrycot of your Fox 5 for overnight sleep when paired with the Carrycot Stand. This is a brilliant idea for parents to get full use out of their carrycot, as you only use it for six months. It also means that you don’t need to purchase a travel cot for weekends away.

You do have to use it with their carrycot stand though, for maximum airflow. This is relatively expensive, at £124.95 for the stand and another £24.95 for the adaptors to attach it, so will be dependent on wanting to pay the extra. The carrycot is easy to add onto the stand though, and you use the same two white memory buttons as you do to remove it from the pushchair chassis. When not in use, the stand folds really small and can be stored in a bag.

The bumper bar becomes your handle bar on the carrycot, making it nice and easy to transport. Bugaboo have added their logo stitched into the leatherette, which adds a premium finish. Although not the lightest, it’s not too heavy to carry.

Once baby outgrows their carrycot around six months old, there is a bit of work to do yourself as the carrycot and seat fabrics use the same frame, bumper bar and canopy. You need to remove your carrycot fabrics to then build your seat unit. This is great for storage, as you only need to store your carrycot fabrics, rather than a whole carrycot. Bugaboo have a really handy video to talk you through the process if you need some help.

Suitable from around six months old, or when they can sit unaided, up to 22kg, the seat unit of the Fox 5 is a good size for your growing toddler.

You can pop it on the chassis either parent or world facing, to suit your passenger (or the parent). As it’s the same frame as your carrycot, it’s the white memory buttons to press in to remove and switch round.

Although it looks similar to what we have seen before with a Bugaboo seat, we were thrilled to find two new additions on the Fox 5. Not only does the back height measure a good 50cm, but you can also extend it in two different places to give an extra 10cm!

Firstly you can push the canopy up by 5cm to click into a higher position.

Secondly, the footrest has a button at the bottom to extend the leg rest down for longer legs, which we love! Honestly, we do still miss the fact that you don’t get a leg rest that can be adjusted in the angle, but this is a fab way to extend the seat and give it even better longevity to grow with your family.

Again, Bugaboo have worked hard to make sure that everything is simple to use, and both of these are done with one hand.

The five point harness is padded and stays open, making it easier to place your wriggly child in their seat. The shoulder and waist straps all clip separately into the large round buckle. This can take slightly longer to fasten, but you don’t have to fiddle while clipping the sides together. Releasing again is done with the central button.

To adjust the height of the shoulder straps, just pull up or down. This is much easier than rethreading, but it is quite noisy to slide. We doubt that you’d be doing this at nap time though! It’s just as easy to lengthen the straps, lift the buckle and pull.

Guess how many hands it takes to recline the seat? That’s right, one. Lift the lever at the top of the seat and move to one of three positions. As the seat tilts on the chassis, rather than opens flat, it is a bucket seat that can only be used once baby reaches around six months old or can sit up by themselves.

The same bumper bar as the carrycot sits over the child and provides extra security and somewhere for little one to hold. It’s gate opening from either side, by pressing the small white buttons and swivelling open.

Again, it’s the same canopy as we’ve looked at on the carrycot, so you know how big it is! The zip extension brings it right down to your toddlers knees, to protect from the wind, sun, rain, or snow! You do also get a rain cover though for those wetter days, but the canopy will allow you to at least head into the shops before getting soaked.

More and more parents are looking for brands that they can invest in to be more sustainable. Bugaboo have made a big effort to become an eco-friendly brand to create a more sustainable future. They have designed their products to last so that they use less and produce less CO2. Their ‘Push to zero’ journey sees them pushing down CO2 emissions to net zero by 2035. They are also mindfully using bio-based materials, rather than plastics, which alone reduces CO2 by 20%. Each product can be fully recycled too.

As a brand, another thing to reassure parents is that Bugaboo pushchairs are test driven 7000km over rough terrain, to ensure great reliability. This is even further than walking from London to Dubai! You have a two year standard warranty on all parts, plus an extra two years when you register!

If you like an accessory, there are lots available from Bugaboo! From footmuffs, cup holders, blankets, organisers, changing bags, parasols, seat liners and snack trays. All available in beautiful colours to fully co-ordinate. Integrated accessory points have been added to the chassis, so there’s no need for any additional clips or adaptors! There is also the option of buying additional canopies to have a different colour every day of the week, or to switch it up for a new baby.

As an all-terrain pushchair, the wheels are an important part of how it handles. The Fox 5 has two 22cm wheels on the front and larger 30cm wheels on the back. These large, puncture proof wheels with rubber tyres are designed to take you smoothly over any ground that you might find on your family adventures. The front wheels can be locked off by pressing the white lever at the back, keeping you in a straight line.

We have rolled the Fox 5 down country paths, over grassy parks and in smooth shopping centres. There’s a noticeable difference in the super-light push, thanks to the new chassis design and its seamless steering system. Pushing with one hand is easy to do, even when holding the hand of your toddler. Having a relatively short wheelbase also helps to make turning corners a breeze.

The suspension built into the central joint, as well as special spring suspension on the front wheels, helps to soak up any bumps you might encounter and give a smoother ride for baby.

There is an aesthetic change to the wheels too, there are no more white wheel caps, with the only option now being black. This does make it easier to keep clean, as the white caps did mark up easily.

Just like the Fox 3, the Fox 5 has the ability to go into two-wheel mode. This is a brilliant feature if you’re crossing rougher terrain, like sand, snow, muddy fields or cobblestones. Make sure that the seat unit is always parent-facing and you use the wrist strap for security, then press both buttons on the handlebar, while holding the side of the chassis, and push the rear axle in with your foot. The chassis is now part-folded and just on the rear wheels for you to pull around backwards! The basket is also folded now too, so make sure you empty it first.

Going up and down kerbs is really easy and there’s very little pressure needed on the handlebar to put the front wheels up. It almost feels like it’s doing all the work for you.

The fold of the Fox 3 was a bit tricky, so we were hoping for an improvement with the Fox 5. Bugaboo has certainly delivered and we are pleased to report that the fold is much better and so intuitive in comparison.

It's now possible to fold the pushchair with one hand AND while the carrycot or seat unit is still attached to the frame. This makes it convenient to fold the pushchair in various situations, such as in a crowded cafe or when placing it in the car boot. The new front bridge design of the chassis gives you a step to lean on for a self-standing fold.If you are doing the fold with your seat unit in the parent facing position, drop the recline position as far back as it will go and then use the two buttons on the handlebar to fully lower the handlebar. Then just lift up from the central bar until the front wheels fold in. When world facing, the seat frame just needs to be reclined enough to be level with the pushchair frame.

It’s exactly the same with the carrycot, without adding much more to the overall fold size!

For the times where you really need the smallest possible fold, it’s best to fold in two pieces and completely remove your wheels.

There’s no lock on this pushchair fold, so it’s just a case of lifting the handle and pushing the front wheels back out to unfold. If you hold the central bar to lift when folded, it does all stay together.

Any negatives from the Bugaboo Fox 3 have been completely removed with the Fox 5. You can never have too many hands as a parent, so the fact that everything can now be adjusted or done with one hand makes it a super easy pushchair to use and it really will make a big difference for any parent using it to transport their little one.

This is a pushchair that can take you on any adventure, whether you’re strolling around the shops in your town centre, or walking the dog on the river bank. The push is light, smoother than smooth and has great suspension to make it comfortable for your little one.

We LOVE the extendable seat unit! We see lots of toddlers that outgrow their seat units before they’re ready to walk or before they reach the weight limits, so it’s amazing that you can give them extra head room and the length for longer legs.

The Fox 5 is a completely customisable pushchair, and we are sure that parents will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing one of the 34 colour options, as well as all of the accessories too. The updates to the design of the chassis have taken away some of the industrial look, to give us a more premium and balanced looking pushchair.

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Bugaboo Fox 3

The Bugaboo Fox 3 is a September/October 2021 iteration of the original Bugaboo Fox and an updated third generation of the Bugaboo Fox . This versatile and extremely popular flagship Bugaboo model , the Bugaboo Fox3, differs from the Fox2  in new, improved, more padded fabrics and, of course, new colorways for EVERY part of the stroller (including a new, graphite aerospace aluminum frame), and added ventilation panoramic bassinet window.

The fabrics are interchangeable between the Fox 2 and Fox 3 models.

All the advantages of the Bugaboo strollers are concentrated in the Fox, and the third gen is no different. The Fox 3 is lightweight like the Cameleon 3 - only 9.9 kg. Like the old Buffalo, its successor - the Fox 3 - can handle different terrain conditions and is easily maneuverable everywhere, even on sand or snow thanks to the two-wheel mode. The suspension located in the central joint is inspired by the Bugaboo Runner , and it absorbs shocks well for such a lightweight pram. Moreover, the Fox 3 offers a two-piece as well as a one-piece fold too. Like the Donkey , the stroller comes with a height weight capacity of the seat unit (22 kg) as well as of the shopping basket (10 kg).

The bucket-type seat unit is set at a height of 59 cm on the frame. It is parent-facing as well as world-facing and reclinable in three positions. The seat is best to use for six months of age upwards; you can, however, to use the Fox 3 from birth, with the spacious carrycot available separately or as a part of the set. The seat is self-standing and can be used as a seat on the floor or with a Bugaboo stand accessory. The straps of the five-point harness are stay-open style, which makes putting the child into the seat more manageable. The height of the belts can be easily adjusted by sliding, so there is no need to pull them out.

The environment-friendly fabrics of the carrycot and seat unit are made out of recycled PET bottles. The textiles of the seat, as well as the carrycot, are added to the same frame, which can be easily clicked on and off the chassis thanks to the side memory buttons. The carrycot, in combination with the optional stand, can also be used as a cot thanks to its suitability for overnight sleeping.

Using adapters, you can also attach an optional car seat to the stroller to create a newborn-friendly travel system. The new Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna can be added to the Fox 3 (and older generations) without any need for adapters. The Fox 3 also features integrated attachment points so you can directly attach various available accessories such as the adapter for Bugaboo wheeled board with a sibling seat or the Bugaboo Mammoth Bag, which holds up to 12 kg.

The stroller is usually offered as a complete stroller system set (with carrycot). Alternatively, you can fully customize your Fox 3 by choosing the color of the chassis, fabrics, and hood from various editions. All of the parts are also available separately, giving you a chance to alternate the look of your stroller as you wish.

Bugaboo Fox 3 Features & Specifications

The seat unit, the canopy (hood), the bumper bar, the suspension, the handlebar, the carrycot, the car seat, the accessories & extra features, parent reviews of the bugaboo fox 3, i am the number 1 fan.

I use it for a year now and I am the number 1 fan. I simply love my Fox and my child loves it too.

Lovely to walk around with, smooth round but I just could not get over the size of it

• Smooth ride
• Comfortable for baby
• Bulky bulky bulky
• Too stressful to put into a car with a small baby - personally need something more compact and easier.

I have had this for about 6 months and feel it is far too large to disassemble and put it into a car with a stressed tired baby in the car. Lovely to walk around with, smooth round but I just could not get over the size of it which is why I have sold it.

Certainly not "all-terrain"

The Bugaboo Fox 3 "all-terrain" pram is certainly not "all-terrain". The baby's head was visibly vibrating when on the tarred road, and so rough on the grass that it woke the baby. Purchased mainly for the "all-terrain" aspect so it won't get a lot of use unfortunately.

Also very bulky to transport. Quite disappointing to spend this amount of money and not be able to use as all-terrain. Otherwise the pram is ok.

It’s not as all-terrain but otherwise excellent

• comfy driving
• foldable with the seat attched
• roomy in both the bassinet and the seat
• lightweight
• seat reverses
• not that all-terrain
• fold is a bit bulky
• basket access with the carrycot could be even better

It’s not as all-terrain (hardcore bumps, dirt roads and cobblestones can be felt a lot) but otherwise excellent in every way. Stylish, lightweight, patent-facing and world-facing, folds with the seat on, and pushes comfortably. Truly a high-end product.

Love at first sight 😍

It’s love at first sight 😍

It's PERFECT

OH-MY-GOD just what I needed. I can't wait for this to be used with my baby. I only missed more ventilation on the Fox 2 and now it's PERFECT.

Your questions about the Bugaboo Fox 3

What is the weight of the carrycot on Bugaboo Fox 3? Is it easy to carry?

Hi, Agnete,

As a mostly fabric-based bassinet, it is not heavy at all. Its weight is not explicitly stated, but it is a bit heavier than the seat because of the mattress etc. - count on about 3-point-something (up to 4) kg. That is the weight of pretty much any mid- to heavier car seat for reference.

You have to carry the carrycot by the bumper bar, but the easiest and safest way is, of course, moving it on the frame of the stroller. With a baby of up to 9 kg, you should be able to use the bar for carrying. And, again, it is not hard to do so - the harder it gets, however, the heavier the child inside- ;-)

This is your place to ask us a (quick) question about the Bugaboo Fox 3

• Baby and Toddler Travel Tips
• Diaper Bags and Suitcases
• Best Travel Strollers and Tips
• Packing Lists + Hacks
• Baby travel must haves
• Babywearing
• Destinations

• Trip Planning

Is the Bugaboo Dragonfly Worth It? My Honest Review

Everything to know about the Bugaboo Dragonfly stroller from a mom who has been using it for several months with her baby.

I couldn’t believe the overwhelming choices we had when it came the time to shop for a stroller for our baby, and it didn’t seem possible to find one that does it all.

After watching and reading countless stroller reviews, my husband and I decided that we wanted something something in the middle: sturdy yet lightweight, all-terrain yet not too bulky, one hand foldable, big storage, good looking, and one that we could use right from the newborn to toddler stage. We live in a suburb, move around mainly with a car, but love taking walks in our neighborhood parks, so a stroller that could almost do it all was the goal.

The Bugaboo Dragonfly seemed to fit the bill, and after two months of usage, here’s my honest review:

Why Invest in Bugaboo?

Similar to higher-end stroller brands like Nuna , UPPAbaby and Cybex, Bugaboo strollers are expensive, but for good reason.

I was first made intrigued by their 4-year warranty, whereas most stroller brands offer 1-2 years. This shows the company’s confidence in their product quality, and gives us a peace of mind. The warranty alone made me favor the company over Nuna , even though I was drawn to the latter initially. My husband and I are hoping to have two children , and having a stroller that will last for a while was important. In addition, with its modular design, repair and replacement are simple, if and when needed.

While I bought my Bugaboo Dragonfly new, I noticed that Bugaboo has great resale value, so I felt that even if I decided that the stroller was no longer a good fit for us, I could most probably sell it off at a good value.

Bugaboo is also B Crop certified, which means the company “meets high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency”. All of Bugaboo strollers are made with “mass-balanced bio-based material instead of fossil-based plastics”. The company even aims to be zero CO2 emissions by 2035. As a parent, I feel great supporting a company that prioritize sustainability.

Bugaboo Dragonfly Specs

What i love about bugaboo dragonfly, a sturdy one hand fold stroller with all-terrain wheels.

I often run errands by myself and wanted a one hand fold stroller, but find that most of the one hand fold strollers on the market to be travel strollers that are on the lightweight side and with smaller wheels. While those would be so great on holidays, I prefer something in better quality. My husband is European and we’ve seen many parents struggle with their lightweight strollers on cobblestone streets in Europe. Knowing that we spend a chunk of time in Europe every year, I’d much rather have a stroller with all-terrain wheels .

The Bugaboo Dragonfly is a true one hand fold stroller, and it only took a few tries to get accustomed to it. As for the wheels, while we mainly use the stroller in the city, we’ve also put it to test on cobblestone, dirt road, and grass with absolutely no problem. My baby stays asleep in it so I’d say the suspension is great, too!

The Bugaboo Dragonfly is comparable to the Nuna Mixx Next , another premium stroller with very similar setup, but Dragonfly is lighter weight than the Nuna Mixx Next, and every little pound counts when you are out with a baby, a stroller, and a diaper bag all by yourself!

Foldability

The Bugaboo Dragonfly has a patented design that allows the stroller to fold and unfold quickly and easily, no matter which way it’s facing, even with a bassinet. This has been a huge convenience for when I am alone with the baby and need to get moving quickly. It’s also super easy to change the seat’s direction. We are still at the newborn stage so we always push the stroller with the baby facing us, and when it comes time to sit down somewhere, we could quickly change the seat so that the handle bar is not in the way. The best part? It takes literally 3 seconds. We counted.

When folded, the stroller fits in our Subaru XV’s trunk nicely. I also like that it’s self standing and can be tucked away at home. That being said, even though the stroller is marked as a compact stroller, I wouldn’t consider it to be a lightweight stroller . If you live in a tiny apartment or has a small car, the stroller is going to take up substantial space.

The spacious storage can fit my beloved Dagne Dover diaper bag (which is almost always full – I am a paranoid first-time mom who always overpacks!), my personal handbag, a large water bottle and would still have space for more. There’s also a removable rear pocket that can be attached to the handle bar, which comes in handy when I take my baby out for a quick walk and only need a few things with me.

I love that the UPF 50+ canopy extends almost all the way and provides great coverage for when we are out in the sun, or when my baby is asleep in a bright place. The peekaboo window feature allows me to check on my baby without lifting the canopy. We have been able to dine in busy restaurants and walk through crowded streets with my baby sound asleep in it.

While the stroller comes with a canopy, I can also appreciate that breezier sun canopy is available for sale separately, which I am seriously considering given the tropical weather I live in.

The adjustable height, great suspension and sturdy steering makes driving the Bugaboo Dragonfly a great experience. As for the actual passenger, my baby seems to fall asleep in it – in fact, when she gets fussy in the evening, we sometimes put her in the stroller and drive her around the house to get her to sleep! We added a seat liner (sold separately) and it’s still very spacious for her at 2 month old.

We did not purchase the bassinet since the stroller does fully recline, and we would rather have a proper travel bassinet, like the Guava Lotus or Chicco LullaGo Nest for when we would go on family trips. But if you plan on traveling with a newborn, the bassinet would be a great add-on.

I went with a simple misty white sun canopy and black chasis, but there are 18 color combinations to choose from. I love that Bugaboo keeps stylish parents in mind.

Thanks to its modular design, you can add accessories like a wheeled board, attachable changing bag, organizer and seat liners, and make the stroller more personalized, which I feel other high-end stroller brands lack.

What I Wish Was Better

Carry strap.

The stroller’s built-in carry strap is so short, we never actually use it, and we are not tall at all. The few times I tried to carry the stroller using the carry strap, it was very uncomfortable and I wish a better material was used for it.

I like that it lies flat, which allows us to start using the stroller right from the newborn stage. However, it only comes with 3-position reclines. For my 2 month old baby who is on the smaller side, the mid recline is still too high up for her, and I wish we were able to have it just slightly higher than a full flat.

Retailing at $899, or $1168 if you want the travel system bundle, the Bugaboo Dragonfly is one of the more expensive strollers in the market. I’ve asked many parents with both high end and budget strollers, and almost nobody regrets investing in a high-quality stroller. If you like the setup of the Bugaboo Dragonfly but have a smaller budget, I think the Chicco Bravo Travel System comes very close, at just $520 for the travel system bundle.

Final Thoughts

The Bugaboo Dragonfly does the job for us – a good quality, all-terrain, almost full size stroller that is also relatively compact and it’s our only stroller for now. We use the stroller on a daily basis for different occasions, and have yet to have a single complain. Most importantly, my baby seems to enjoy being in it

*Some links in this post are affiliate links that support us at no extra cost to you when you purchase through them. We only recommend products we love and use ourselves. Your trust always comes first!

Ashley Yap is a first-time mom and the manager of one of the biggest solo female travel blogs in the world, bemytravelmuse.com. As a Chinese mother with a European partner, she navigates parenthood through both the east and west ways, often finding the best of both worlds.

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Bugaboo Ant Review – Is It the best Travel Stroller?

By: Author Hannah

Posted on Last updated: 6 March, 2024

The Bugaboo Ant was the first travel stroller we owned, and we still use it to date. It’s in the trunk of our SUV all the time, we use it at the park, store, festivals, etc. We’ve also flown with the Bugaboo Ant several times. On our yearly month-long trips to Playa del Carmen, Mexico it’s the stroller we bring. We’ve really put it to the test, this is an honest Bugaboo Ant review!

Bugaboo is a major player in the international world of strollers. So when they launched the Bugaboo Ant, their compact travel stroller, they once again delivered a product that is sleek, stylish and gives parents what they need.

They’ve really come through with great design features you’re not going to find with other travel strollers. Key things like the reversible seat, variable handle height, and the way it can be wheeled around like a compact carry-on luggage piece make the Ant stand out among the rest.

**Update 2023 – We no longer use our Bugaboo Ant. We have replaced it with newer, updated travel strollers. We currently LOVE our Joolz Aer , which is our main travel stroller. If we travel with two single strollers, we bring our Joolz Aer and our Babyzen Yoyo (I don’t mind this one, it just isn’t my favorite). If we bring a double stroller, we bring our Zoe Twin+; it is the best travel double stroller on the market now.

Let’s start off this Bugaboo Ant review with the pros and cons. There are some cons. Just like everything else in the world, nothing is perfect.

• Folds up small and compact to fit in the overhead bin (yes, it really fits – note on regional jets it will not fit)
• It can be wheeled like a small piece of luggage when folded
• Seat configuration: switches from forward to rear-facing
• Compatible with attachments (purchased separately- car seat attachment for select models or ride-along boards for older siblings)
• Adjustable handle height for parents of various heights (I am5’10 and Adan is 6’5 for reference)
• Grows with your child from newborn to 5 years old (up to 22kg/50lbs)

We started using the Ant with Atlas when he was 3 months old for our first international trip with him. We had him rear-facing then, and now at 2 years old, he is world-facing, and we still think the Ant is one of the best traveler strollers on the market.

It’s a big pro. The Ant holds up to 50 lbs, a lot of other travel strollers on the market max out at 40-45 lbs.

• Slightly heavier than other travel strollers
• Cost – at the higher end of the price range and add-ons make it pricey
• The folding process is a bit complicated and cannot be done with just one hand
• No cup holder, but one can be added
• Perfect for Urban Living and Travel

Even with the cons, the Bugaboo Ant is an ideal stroller for urban families and those who travel.

City living means constantly dealing with crowded places. Navigating the realities of narrow grocery aisles, busy sidewalks or the subway, and minimal storage space in small apartments means the smaller the stroller, the better.

Bugaboo’s Ant is compact and effective for all of these situations. When open, the narrow chassis means the width of the stroller is smaller than average, so you can maneuver tight spaces. Folded, it collapses on itself to take up little space. It even stands upright to reduce the hassle of having to only lay on its side. At moments when the elevator is not an option, the lightweight nature of the Ant makes it easy to carry up and down the stairs.

Traveling with your little one is easier with the Ant. Its smooth ride keeps the whole family calm when moving through the terminals. When it’s time to board, fold the stroller down at the end of the gateway and then roll it like a small trolley down the plane’s aisle.

Arriving at your seat, just collapse the handle and stow it away. Its compact fold is specifically designed to fit in the overhead bin of airplanes. There’s no need to check it in, which is a lifesaver when you arrive at your destination with a sleeping or (worse) cranky child. Trust us on this one!

The Bugaboo Ant is built for travel, but—don’t be mistaken— it’s not a travel system . A traditional travel system allows for an infant car seat to be used in a car (using a base), then transferred to a stroller with a built-in attachment for the car seat. Travel systems are built for families to use regularly with their own cars.

What ages can use the Bugaboo Ant?

The Bugaboo Ant, incredibly, can be used from birth until about five years old . When strolling the newest member of your family, there is no need to add anything to the Ant (unlike other compact strollers). The competition typically has a minimum age of three or six months or requires add-ons, which can be expensive.

The Ant’s inward-facing seat reclines until nearly flat and the five-point harness makes it perfectly supportive for a newborn. If you’d rather your baby was in an infant car seat, Bugaboo’s Ant Adapter for car seats (costs just under $50) is compatible with a number of popular European car seats, like Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna, Cybex Aton 2, and Nuna Pipa Lite.

Just make sure to check which ones work together before buying. Another option is to add the Bugaboo Cocoon Lite (priced at about $100) that gives newborns a snug and cozy ride.

Children can continue to ride in the Ant until they are 50lbs or 22kg (seated facing inward or out). This is middle of the road compared to other compact strollers: both the UppaBaby Minu and Summer Infant 3D Lite can support up to 50lbs, while the BabyZen Yoyo+ only is lower at only 40lbs, and the GB Pockit can hold up to 55lbs.

Although the Ant can support a child of this weight, keep in mind that it’s a compact stroller, so the narrow frame and seat may be a bit snug for riders as they grow.

• Unfolded: 38.19″ L x 16.06″ W x 40.16″ H
• Folded: 21.6″ L x 14.1″ W x 9.1″ H

Weighing only 15.8lbs , the Ant is definitely light compared to its older Bugaboo siblings—the Bugaboo Bee6 , Lynx , or Fox —which are all over 20lbs.

As a compact stroller, its appeal is the small yet sturdy frame. Folded, it takes up very little space: 21.6″ L x 14.1″ W x 9.1″ H, making it one of the smallest folded strollers on the market.

What does the Bugaboo Ant Cost?

Bugaboo is a high-end stroller brand that provides excellent quality. The Ant is no exception. Its initial price tag of $499 is on par with its rivals, like the Yoyo+ . But unlike others, the Ant can be used for newborns without add-ons. This is part of the reason we initially chose the Ant. We wanted a stroller to use when Atlas was a newborn and would grow with him.

And, if you choose to add the Cocoon, the cost is significantly lower than the newborn pack needed for the Yoyo+.

Related Article – Is the $1,500 SNOO Bassinet Really Worth It?

Bugaboo Ant Seat Configurations

Unique to the Ant, the seat can be facing forward or to the rear. Facing the seat inward lets you keep an eye on your child at all times, but when your little one is ready to greet the world, simply switch the seat around.

Okay, it’s not as simple as switching a dial, but with a few pushes here, and some clicks there, you’ll be set. (And let’s be honest, when it comes to baby strollers, I’d rather have a few clicks to make sure my baby is safe rather than a haphazard swivel chair.)

The Ant has a number of preset recline positions. In rear-facing mode, the three positions allow your child to sit up straight, slightly reclined, and nearly flat, which comes in handy during a naptime stroll. Many ask, can the Bugaboo Ant lie Flat? It can basically lie flat. Your child will have no issue sleeping in the Bugaboo Ant.

Facing forward, the seat can be upright or slightly reclined. If you’re worried about your little one dozing off when out and about, it’s best to begin the walk facing inwards so you have the option to recline all the way.

The height of the Ant’s seatback is adjustable, so it will grow with your child.

How to Fold the Bugaboo Ant

The fold is a great asset to the Bugaboo Ant, but it can also be its greatest frustration. There are a number of steps (about six) to complete in order to achieve its small compact fold. I am guilty of cursing at the stroller the first few times I folded it. This video helps show how to fold it; I must have watched this 20x…

Each step must be done in the correct order for the magic to happen (this is where I screwed up). It’s the same with the unfolding method which requires a number of steps before you’re ready to roll. It’s best to watch the instructional video a few times to get it right. I was always forgetting to fold the canopy inwards and then pushing the backrest down.

But don’t worry, with regular use. It becomes second nature. Before you know it, you’ll be folding and unfolding in a matter of seconds.

A downside to the fold is that the process can’t be done one-handed (to fold or unfold). So, make sure your child can stay somewhere safely while you take care of the stroller.

Two positive aspects of the Ant’s fold is that once collapsed, it stands on its own and can be wheeled like luggage. Items in the storage basket are also accessible when folded, which can be a lifesaver.

Bugaboo Ant Storage

The Ant boasts an incredible yet simple feature: the storage compartment is accessible when it’s folded. You can keep items in the storage while the stroller is folder and still access them. Granted, you can’t have it jam-packed full. We can, however, fit Adam’s entire camera bag in the Bugaboo Ant storage!

So when your child is having a meltdown, and you realize that you threw their favorite toy into the storage basket for safekeeping, you can swiftly retrieve it without unfolding the entire stroller. (Phew. Crisis averted.)

This is especially handy when you’ve already packed the stroller into the plane’s overhead compartment or in the trunk of your car.

The storage is divided into two sections: the under-seat and the rear luggage basket. This allows you to keep some items close to hand for convenience. The combined storage area can hold up to 17.6lbs (8kg).

One thing to note is that when the seat is facing inwards, it’s difficult to access the rear luggage basket because it’s blocked by the seat.

The Ride: Wheels and Frame System

The Ant is small but mighty. Its four-wheel advanced suspension system provides an easy push and a smooth ride. The wheels of the Ant are relatively small, measuring five inches in the front and six inches in the rear, but this is quite standard for compact strollers (the BabyZen’s Yoyo wheels are all 5.3 inches).

The small size and all-wheel suspension make the Ant great for navigating bumps in the street or sidewalk. But it’s not quite ideal for off-roading, so it’s best to steer clear of the trails and rugged terrain. We have had no issue with it on cobblestone streets.

The aluminum frame makes it sturdy and lightweight (only 15.8 lbs). Compared to others, the Ant is not the lightest stroller on the market (the GB pockit is only 10.5 lbs), but Bugaboo’s solid structure provides stability at the cost of being slightly heavier.

The Ant is Bugaboo’s compact travel stroller, so the chassis is designed to be narrow enough to fit into tight and crowded spaces, like the subway or an elevator. When folded, it’s perfect for those with small storage options, like the trunk of a compact car, urban apartment, or the overhead bin when traveling by air.

While having a narrow frame is a great space saver, it also means the seat is narrow. So, it does not give much room for little riders to move from side to side. It may even be a bit too snug as they get older. We have no problem with Atlas right now at two years old and 30 lbs.

Geniously, the handle on the Ant has a changeable height. This is a great feature for families that have parents and caretakers of various heights. Adjustable at either 95 cm (37.5 inches) or 104 cm (41 inches), this allows the ride to be more comfortable for those of us doing the pushing. Adam and I are tall people, Adam is 6’5, and I am 5’10, and we both feel pushing the stroller is

It also comes in handy when using the attached Comfort Wheeled Board – just increase the handle height so your big kid can have more headroom to ride along.

Can Bugaboo Ant go on the Plane?

The Bugaboo Ant fits in the overhead bins, trust us we have done this. Do note that some regional jets it will not fit, but neither will your rolling carry on suitcase…We have had no issues bring in the Bugaboo Ant on a plane. Sometimes you just have to tell the gate agent that it fits in the overhead bin and then they are fine with it.

Accessories for the Bugaboo Ant

In true Bugaboo style, the Ant has a sleek modern look. However, for those of us who desire a more personalized ride, Bugaboo sells different accessories to give you the additional comforts you want.

My #1 must-have accessory is a cupholder, I have this cheap one on Amazon . The one I have also has a cell phone holder attached to the cup holder, which is really convenient. With items, such as a cup holder or organizer that attach directly to the handle, you’ll have the things a parent on-the-go needs right at your fingertips.

As your family grows, Bugaboo’s Comfort Wheeled Board ($125) can be attached seamlessly so your little one can choose to ride like a big kid or take it easy in the seat. This feature is ideal for families with more than one baby on board. We have the wheeled board but haven’t used it yet, and Atlas is too little yet.

In colder climates, consider Bugaboo’s Cocoon Light for newborns up to six months or the Ant Footmuff to keep older riders cozy and warm. Each is priced at around $100.

For easy transitions from the car to the stroller, consider the Ant’s Adaptor for car seats. Marked at about $50 it will provide a simple click system to move the baby. This helps to reduce the hassle of taking the baby out of the car seat and putting them in the stroller or vice versa.

More importantly, it may just keep a sleeping baby asleep, which is priceless. The major thing to keep in mind is that it’s compatible with only a few car seat models, including Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna, Cybex Aton 2, Cybex Aton Q, Cybex Cloud Q, and Nuna Pipa Lite.

Want colors that suit your style? Bugaboo provides a few different color options for the Ant’s sun canopy ($65-75), wheel caps ($17), and seat fabric ($55-65).

Related Article: Must Have Baby Registry Items 2021

In Comparison

Compared to the competition, the Bugaboo Ant holds its own amongst other compact travel strollers. It’s not the cheapest (like the Summer Infant 3D Lite, which is under $100), but it’s definitely not the most expensive either. We also own the Doona, which we couldn’t live without. The Doona is good for newborns to about 18 months (depends on height/weight), read our detailed Doona car seat stroller review .

It has the longest shelf life, as it can be used from birth to 50lbs without any add-ons, unlike its rivals. It’s lightweight (at only 15.8lbs) but there are several other models that are lighter (but not by too much), including the BabyZen Yoyo, UppaBaby Minu, and the Summer Infant 3D Lite. It folds into a compact, squat form that is similar in size to the BabyZen Yoyo+.

What sets the Ant apart from the rest? The seat can be inward or outward-facing. It can be used at birth without add-ons. It can be wheeled around like a small suitcase when folded. The handle height is adjustable. If any of these features speak to you, then you’ve probably just found your next compact travel stroller.

Do you own an Ant? We’d love to hear your Bugaboo Ant review down in the comments. What do you love and hate about it?

Other Must Have Travel Products

We have several other reviews on our favorite travel products after putting them to the true test…TRAVELING with them. Here are a few other articles to check out:

• Doona car seat – The Best Car seat 
• Joolz Aer – Best Travel Stroller for one child
• SlumberPod – Blackout cover for pack’ N plays so you can have the lights on in the hotel room!
• Zoe Twin Double Stroller – The best travel double stroller
• Elvie Stride – Wearable hands-free breast pump 
• Best Wagon Strollers
• Best Strollers for Disney
• How to get a free breast pump through insurance
• Baby registry must-haves
• Willow Go – Wearable hands-free pump with no cords
• Best Bamboo Brands – Yes, the clothing is worth every penny

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Bugaboo Dragonfly review: the new innovative city pushchair with bags of storage

The Bugaboo Dragonfly is the latest offering from premium pushchair brand, Bugaboo. But how does this new city stroller compare to other Bugaboo buggies and is it worth the cost? MNHQ editor and parent, Laura, puts it to the test.

By Laura Westerman | Last updated Oct 25, 2023

Overall star rating: 4/5

Price: £695 (£945 with carrycot) | Buy now from Bugaboo

Suitable from: Birth to approx. four years old | Maximum load: 22kg (50lbs) on the seat; 10kg in the under seat basket plus extra 2.5kg when rear pocket is placed on handlebar | Orientation: Forward- and world-facing | Weight: 7.9-10.4kg | Unfolded dimensions: 106 x 52 x 104cm | Folded dimensions: One-piece self-standing fold with seat 36 x 52 x 90cm; one-piece self-standing fold with carrycot 32 x 52 x 90cm | Materials: 100% polyester fabric; 100% vegetarian leather handlebar grips | Included accessories: Carrycot (with bundle), bumper bar, carry strap, and Bugaboo Parasol+ attachment clip

What we like

Carrycot can be collapsed with the buggy

Generous amount of storage space

Rear storage pocket can be detached and hung on the handlebar

Freestanding when folded

Huge sun canopy with extra extension for sunny days

Sliding, easy-to-adjust five-point harness

Harness straps slide up and down

What we don’t like

Stiff and clunky recline

Tricky to fold and unfold (takes time to master)

No rain cover included

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Our verdict on the bugaboo dragonfly.

Safety: 4/5

Durability: 4.5/5

Comfort: 4.5/5

Ease of folding and unfolding: 3.5/5

Manoeuvrability: 4/5

Ease of assembly: 4.5/5

Ease of cleaning: 4/5

Design: 5/5

Value for money: 4/5

Released in June 2023, the Dragonfly offers the same superior quality that we’ve come to expect from Bugaboo. After two months of testing this pushchair out with my 15-month-old daughter and seven-week-old nephew, I have been impressed with its performance with both newborns and toddlers, especially when it comes to comfort. 

Made of high-quality fabrics with some great features that include a sliding harness, a huge extendable sun canopy and a rear storage pocket that detaches from the basket to be hung on the handlebars like a changing bag , the Bugaboo Dragonfly is as stylish as it is practical. 

Designed as a city stroller, the Bugaboo Dragonfly is more compact than other Bugaboo travel systems like the Bugaboo Fox 5 , but it’s not as lightweight as urban buggies like the popular Bugaboo Bee 6 or Babyzen Yoyo2 - although it is more expensive. 

While it does stand upright when folded, the one-handed fold and unfold take time to master, and I’ve found that the recline mechanism is still quite stiff even after two months of use. 

With that said, the Dragonfly is the ideal pushchair for city dwellers. Its carrycot is unique in that it can be folded down with the pram, rather than needing to be detached beforehand, which makes the Dragonfly the first of its kind. It’s also compatible with a baby car seat .

Bugaboo Dragonfly with carrycot and rain cover

How we tested the Bugaboo Dragonfly

Two months of using the Bugaboo Dragonfly

Used while on country walks and while visiting the local town and parks

Tested with a 15-month-old toddler and seven-week old newborn

As a mum to a toddler, I was able to thoroughly put the Bugaboo Dragonfly through its paces over the course of two months. I enlisted the help of my daughter’s grandmother, who used the pushchair when looking after her one afternoon a week. To check the reliability and performance of the buggy with a newborn, we also used the carrycot with my nephew, who was just seven weeks old at the time of testing. However, I didn’t test this travel system with an infant car seat. 

As I live on an estate just outside of town, I was in close proximity to the likes of gravel paths and grassy fields, so was able to test the Dragonfly on all types of terrain. It was used on grass, tarmac, gravel and bark, and taken to the local park, into town, to and from the grandparents’ house and on daily walks. Although I didn’t try this buggy on public transport, I did put it in my car boot to test how it fared on car journeys. 

Read next: Best pushchairs for newborns

Bugaboo Dragonfly: what’s in the box?

Bugaboo Dragonfly chassis with wheels

1x sun canopy

1 x under seat storage basket with rear detachable pocket

1 x integrated carry strap

1 x bumper bar

Parasol+ attachment clip

If you want to use the Dragonfly with a carrycot, you’ll need to buy it as part of a bundle for £945. You can also purchase a number of accessories, including a rain cover (one isn't included unfortunately), car seat adapters , footmuff , changing backpack , cup holder , breezy sun canopy (which features mesh side panels), parasol , buggy board and organiser .  I bought the rain cover to test out with the pushchair and, while it is pricey and does feel thin, it does its job well.

Bugaboo Dragonfly accessories

Bugaboo Bugaboo.com

How easy is the Bugaboo Dragonfly to assemble?

It took me around 20 minutes to set up the Bugaboo Dragonfly, but that mainly involved attaching the sun canopy as the pushchair comes mostly pre-assembled, with the wheels already in place.

You need to thread the two sun canopy wires through the fabric before attaching the two folding mechanisms, which was a bit fiddly, but all-in-all this pushchair is one of the easiest I’ve come across to assemble. The carrycot can also be unfolded straight out of the box and simply clicks onto the frame ready for use. You just need to attach the carrycot apron yourself. 

Bugaboo Dragonfly: how does it look?

As expected, the Dragonfly is extremely stylish. Bugaboo has chosen a more sustainable fabric for this buggy, claiming that “the pushchair has already reduced its CO2 footprint by 21%” thanks to the use of bio-based materials. 

You’ll find the recognisable Bugaboo logo on the hood, and a 100% polyester fabric has been used for the seat, sun canopy and carrycot. The bumper bar and faux leather handlebar are cushioned for comfort, and the carrycot and seat are both well padded to offer support to babies and toddlers. 

I tested out the Midnight Black colourway, with a black chassis, which I found to be very practical. But the Dragonfly is also available to buy with a Skyline Blue sun canopy, black fabrics and a graphite frame, a Forest Green sun canopy and fabrics with a black frame, or a Grey Mélange sun canopy and fabrics with graphite frame - all understated to suit different tastes. 

Read next: The best lightweight buggies for babies and toddlers

Five-point safety harness straps stay in position when unbuckled

Is the Bugaboo Dragonfly safe and sturdy?

Yes. The Bugaboo Dragonfly generally feels very robust, both with the seat unit and with the carrycot attached. There are no gaps where small fingers could get trapped and the lightweight frame and medium-sized wheels are sturdy and offer enough traction to handle the rigours of daily family life. The modular design also makes the pram simple to repair should that be needed. 

The seat has a five-point harness that’s easy to buckle and unbuckle, and the strap stays in position when open, which makes it easy to get a wriggly toddler in and out. 

One of the best features of this pram is that the twist straps can be adjusted without the need for rethreading, the same as on other Bugaboo prams like the Bugaboo Fox 5 . You simply slide the harness straps up and down to the desired position as your baby grows. 

The brake is one of the easiest I've used and holds effectively. You simply press the brake down with your foot to engage and disengage it, and this can even be done barefoot or with flip-flops.

Bugaboo have recently recalled the first edition of the seat unit as they identified that, if the product isn’t correctly unfolded, the backrest may move downwards when in parent-facing mode, which could pose an injury. While I personally haven’t experienced this, Bugaboo are sending users a new seat to eliminate the potential for incorrect use. 

Bugaboo Dragonfly rear pocket detaches to be hung on the handlebar

What's the Bugaboo Dragonfly like to use day-to-day?

Day-to-day, the Bugaboo Dragonfly ticks a lot of boxes. Designed as an urban pushchair, it’s the ideal size for city living. 

Compared to the Bugaboo Bee 6 , which is popular with city-dwellers, the Dragonfly has a higher seat that’s closer to you (50cm from floor to seat versus 40cm) and a much larger storage basket (10kg, plus an additional rear pocket, versus 4kg). The fact that it folds up with the carrycot - one of my favourite features of the Dragonfly! - only makes it the more attractive buggy of the two. 

While the Dragonfly does feel bulky compared to other, much smaller travel systems like the Babyzen Yoyo2 , the extra features it offers makes it a worthy contender. 

I love the expandable rear storage pocket that attaches to the basket and can be removed to hang from the handlebar, as well as the sun canopy that extends to offer complete coverage, but only if the seat is fully reclined. I would also have liked to have seen a more easily accessible peekaboo window in the sun canopy so that I could keep an eye on my toddler. The mesh window is only really accessible when the hood has been fully extended.

When it comes to the recline, this is controlled by a lever that sits at the back of the seat. It’s stiffer and clunkier than I would have liked and one of my least favourite parts of this buggy, but this is offset slightly by the fact that the seat reclines to fully lie flat for naps. 

I used the Dragonfly both in town on pavements when shopping, off-road on grass and gravel when on walks near my home, and over bark when in the local park. Thanks to the swivel front wheels, it has a tight turning circle to handle narrower spaces like supermarket aisles and it moves well on a variety of terrain. While the suspension is good, the pram doesn’t bump up kerbs easily, which is its only real downside in terms of movement.

I didn’t use the Dragonfly on public transport, but considering the space typically available on local buses and trains, the Dragonfly may be a bit bulky. However, it can be folded one-handed with the carrycot and seat in place, even while holding a baby (although this takes practice), so it’s one of the more versatile buggies in that regard. 

Read next: The best car sunshades for babies

Front-access storage basket holds 10kg

How comfortable is the Bugaboo Dragonfly?

Very! My daughter enjoys a ride in the Bugaboo Dragonfly and has fallen asleep in the toddler seat multiple times. 

She likes gripping onto the bumper bar when on the move, and the number of recline angles on the seat means she always sits or lays comfortably. The seat can also be used rear-facing for younger babies and forward-facing for toddlers wanting to look out at the world. 

The footrest can be tilted to different positions depending on preference and even tucks underneath the seat if you don’t want to use it. For parents, the Dragonfly has three handlebar heights, so it will suit multiple users well. 

I tested the Bugaboo Dragonfly out with the carrycot

What’s the Bugaboo Dragonfly like to use with a newborn?

We tested the Bugaboo Dragonfly carrycot out with my nephew, who was just seven weeks old at the time of testing. He fell asleep soundly for the entirety of our walk. The carrycot is spacious and the mattress is thick, firm and well padded for newborns. It also comes with an apron that is plush and stays in place perfectly. 

It’s easy to switch between the carrycot and seat when the time comes - you simply unclip the carrycot and seat on and off the frame using the two side buttons.   

The same sun hood, which features mesh panels for optimal airflow, is used for both the carrycot and seat unit, so will need to be switched between the two, but this is fairly simple to do. Realistically, you’ll only need to do this once. 

If you want to keep all your newborn essentials to hand, the detachable rear pocket is particularly useful in the newborn days. 

While I didn’t test the Dragonfly out with an infant car seat as I didn’t have a compatible one on hand, this travel system is compatible with car seats such as the Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna as well as Maxi-Cosi seats. 

Read next: The best baby carriers, wraps and slings

Bugaboo Dragonfly folded with carry strap

Bugaboo Dragonfly: how easy is it to fold?

The Bugaboo Dragonfly folds up about as small as but more easily than the Bugaboo Bee 6 (dimensions are 32 x 52 x 90cm versus the Bee 6’s 36 x 47 x 90cm).

While I still don’t think the fold is particularly compact, the fact that it can be collapsed with the carrycot (and, of course, the regular seat unit) still in place is, quite frankly, revolutionary. It also doesn’t matter which way the seat faces - the pushchair will fold regardless. 

Once folded, the Dragonfly is self-standing for easy storage, but it unfortunately doesn’t lay flat in small car boots, like my mum's Mini Cooper (you need to take the parcel shelf out or remove the pushchair wheels). It will, however, fit well in most medium-sized cars.

The Dragonfly is generally very lightweight. Its highest weight, depending on whether you have the seat or carrycot attached, is actually the same as the minimum weight on the Bugaboo Fox 5. The bumper bar also clips onto the carrycot for easy transportation (although we don’t recommend doing this with your baby inside) and there’s a built-in carry strap for transporting the Dragonfly once folded. This sits in the middle of the frame, however, which unfortunately makes the buggy uncomfortable and unbalanced to carry using the strap. I tend to carry the buggy using the frame itself.

In theory, the Dragonfly can be folded and unfolded in a matter of seconds with one hand, but I’ve yet to master this - it takes some jiggling of the frame to get it to fold. To fold, you need to adjust the handlebar to the correct height (you’ll find the word ‘fold’ on the handlebar to help you), then slide the fold/unfold lever to the left and hold down the button simultaneously (the lever and button can both be found in the middle of the handlebar), and pull the frame upwards so that it collapses down and the seat folds over, locking automatically once folded. You then lower the handlebar completely. 

To unfold, you first slide the fold/unfold lever to the right and then hold down the button at the same time, pull the handlebar up to its maximum height and then push outwards so that the frame unfolds. You then recline the seat back to your desired position, although I’ve generally found the recline mechanism to be a bit stiff.

Is the Bugaboo Dragonfly easy to clean?

While I haven’t actually used the washing machine to clean the Dragonfly seat fabric, it is machine-washable at 30°C. 

The carrycot fabric isn’t though so will need to be cleaned with a damp cloth alongside the faux leather handlebar. Any spills my daughter has had in the buggy have been wiped clean easily, although it goes without saying that the black colourway I tested naturally hides stains well. 

Read next: The best toddler car seats as tested by parents

Bugaboo Dragonfly versus Bugaboo Butterfly

What are the main differences between the Bugaboo Dragonfly and the Bugaboo Butterfly?

Released in mid-2022, the Bugaboo Butterfly is also one of the brand’s more recent models, scoring well in lab tests from the likes of consumer champion Which?. 

While lighter than the Bugaboo Dragonfly, the Butterfly has much smaller wheels and less storage space (8kg versus the Dragonfly’s 10kg) plus a lower handlebar height. 

The Butterfly is also only suitable for use from six months, although it’ll last up to 22kg or age four like its counterpart. Overall, the Butterfly has been designed as a travel buggy for older babies and toddlers rather than as a travel system from birth like the Dragonfly. As such, they both perform different functions depending on your needs. 

About the author

Laura Westerman is an editor, writer and Deputy Head of Editorial Content at Mumsnet, and mum to a one-year-old.

With over seven years' experience as a full-time editor, five of which have been spent writing, commissioning and editing product reviews and round-ups, Laura has a keen eye for what parents love and likes nothing more than putting together honest reviews to make parents' lives that little bit easier. 

In addition to her work as a writer and editor, she has also appeared in a number of baby product review videos for Mumsnet's YouTube channel.

About Mumsnet Reviews

All Mumsnet product reviews are written by real parents after weeks of research and testing. We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust. Sometimes, we earn revenue through affiliate (click-to-buy) links in our articles. However, we never allow this to influence our coverage.

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Reviews 4.1.

1,993 total

Most relevant

Very quick delivery of new Butterfly…

Very quick delivery of new Butterfly chassis to daughter and son-in-law who easily followed fitting instructions. Shame though that original chassis broke so easily and as bought second hand was not covered by warranty even though less than two years old.

Date of experience : August 27, 2024

Reply from Bugaboo

Hi Graham, Thank you for your review. We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your Bugaboo experience! Additionally, thank you for this feedback. Kind regards, The Bugaboo Team

Absolutely dire customer service

Absolutely dire customer service. Item didn’t arrive. Contacted bugaboo and asked them for a refund as item was no longer required. They’ve dispatched another and taken weeks to reply to my request. Avoid.

Date of experience : August 20, 2024

Dear Laura, We understand your frustration with the recent experience. We strive to provide excellent customer service and we appreciate you bringing this to our attention. We will use your feedback to improve our processes. Sincerely, The Bugaboo Team

I bought some adapters for my pram they…

I bought some adapters for my pram they arrived on time snd I ordered 2 packs which was not needed and it wascesdy to return and I received my refund very quickly

Date of experience : August 14, 2024

Hi Linda, Thanks for your review! We are so happy you enjoyed your Bugaboo experience! Kind regards, The Bugaboo Team

Easy to use website

Easy to use website, products packaged well and arrived quickly.

Hi Jenny! Thank you for sharing your positive experience. We're glad you found our website easy to use and that your order arrived quickly and in good condition. Sincerely, The Bugaboo team

Disappointing Experience - Wrong Product and No Response!

I recently purchased a Bugaboo Fox 5 stroller, but I received the wrong product variation. To make matters worse, I’ve tried contacting customer service, but I’ve received no response. This has been a frustrating experience, and I’m extremely disappointed with the lack of support. I expected much better for such a high-end product.

Dear Thibault, thank you for your honest feedback! we are sorry to hear about your experience. Our customer service agents have already reached out to you and are happy to assist you further! Kind regards, Bugaboo team

always guaranteed quality ❤️

the service is playing. perfect experience and the product comes into use.

Date of experience : August 26, 2024

We're so glad to hear you had a positive experience with our service and product. We strive to provide our customers with the best possible experience, and we're happy to hear that we met your expectations. Thanks for sharing it! Best regards, Bugaboo Team

Excellent quality like brand new. Quick delivery too.

Was easy to search for refurbished pieces on the website. It’s a great initiative.

Date of experience : August 19, 2024

Hi Alba! We appreciate you taking the time to share your positive experience. We're glad you found our website easy to use and that you appreciate our initiative to offer refurbished pieces. Wishing you wonderful strolls with your children in your Bugaboo pushchair! Sincerely, The Bugaboo team

Service fine, price unethical

Adapters arrived in good condition and timely fashion. Feel like they are overpriced for something that probably cost pennies to manufacture and seems to penalise tired parents who have mislaid the many small parts that make up the pram.

Date of experience : July 25, 2024

Dear Francesca, thank you for your honest feedback! Our products are crafted with high quality materials and designed to provide lasting durability. However we understand that pricing is an important factor when making a purchase decision. We appreciate your feedback and will share it with our team. Kind regards, Bugaboo

Excellent customer service!

After almost 3 years of using the basket of my Bugabbo Fox2 incorrectly due to wrongly placed attachments, I contacted Bugaboo. They helped me right away and even offered to send me a replacement attachment for free since one got damaged from being incorrectly placed for so long. Excellent customer service!

Date of experience : July 19, 2024

Hi Noelia, Thanks for your review. We are very sorry to hear that you are having this experience with our Bugaboo Fox 2. If you could please contact our Service Team via the form below and they will be happy to help you sort this out as soon as possible: https://service.bugaboo.com/s/consumer-contact?language=en_GB Thanks again for notifying us about this and we will await your email. Kind regards, The Bugaboo team

Quick delivery, great product

Quick delivery, items arrived well packaged. Child loves the high performance sleeping bag and is fear to get into it. The peep hole in the sub canopy is a great addition missing from our last travel system and the frame feels sturdy and lightweight. Have not yet tested out the all terrain feature yet of the Donkey

Date of experience : February 29, 2024

Hi [email protected], Thank you so much for your review! We are so happy to hear you are enjoying your new Bugaboo products! We wish you many more happy strolls with your family. Regards, The Bugaboo Team

Poor product and even worst customer service

I spent £1115 on the bugaboo fox 5 in March 2024 and I spend a further £360 on accessories. The front wheel mechanise broke after using it twice. After weeks of trying to get in touch with bugaboo and sending emails back and forth (no one bothered to call me) they eventually sent out a spare part. I have had to change the spare part myself and it’s still not working. I shouldn't have replace parts after using the pram twice when I’ve spent so much on it in the first place. They clear weren’t interested in replacing the pram despite it being faulty in the first place. From their emails I get the impression that they think everyone is lying and you have to prove to them that the item is faulty before they will even try to help you. I haven’t got the time or patients to deal with their poor customer services so I have now bought a second pram for a fraction of the price. Stay well away from bugaboo..

Date of experience : August 01, 2024

Hi Aman, Thank you for your review. Bugaboo is a green company, and under our warranty we aim to replace any parts needed rather than the full stroller when possible. Bugaboo will always make sure your stroller is up and running under this warranty policy, and we require information about the fault in order to provide the most accurate solution to your needs. Thank you for this feedback! Kind Regards, The Bugaboo Team

Great service!

After ordering our pram when I was 20 weeks pregnant we didn’t notice the rain cover was missing until our little boy arrived a couple of weeks ago. After emailing Bugaboo a replacement was immediately sent without charge. Ledina sorted this easily and replied to any emails quickly. Excellent service! Thank you!

Date of experience : November 02, 2023

Dear Mrs. Romano, Thank you for your kind review! We are very happy to hear you are pleased with our customer service and we wish you and your family many amazing moments with your Bugaboo products. Kind regards, Your Bugaboo Team

Very floppy

I needed a summer canopy for our chameleon 3 as the baby can get quite hot under the original hood during the summer months. However, I'm not too impressed with the summer canopy. It's quite floppy amd doesn't stay open. You have to fully open it by unzipping the extra part at the back otherwise it'll just fall closed. Not impressed amd will not recommend.

Date of experience : March 22, 2024

Hi Kelly, Thanks so much for providing this feedback. We can assure you it's being properly recorded. As for your issue, we will be getting into touch over e-mail to investigate this for you further. We want to make sure you love your Bugaboo product! Regards, The Bugaboo Team

Very easy ordering this travel cot and…

Very easy ordering this travel cot and fast free delivery. It's an absolutely fantastic travel cot, so much easier to fold down and put up compared to the one I currently have. However it's a lot smaller than the average travel cot, width and length. My tall toddler did not fit in it so that's why I had to return it.

Date of experience : February 26, 2024

Dear Ellie, Thank you for you kind review! We appreciate your feedback and will use it to improve our products in the future. It is great to hear you were pleased with our quick shipping process and the quality of the travel cot. Kind regards, Your Bugaboo Team

Great customer service.

Great customer service. I have 2 pushchairs still under warranty for 2 years and I love them both. With one there was a minor issue with wheels and it was resolved within a day. They also shipped my other order the next day which was great

Date of experience : June 04, 2024

Hi Polina, We are so happy to hear you have been enjoying your service from Bugaboo! Many thanks for your kind review. Regards, The Bugaboo Team

Absolutely LOVE this pram

Absolutely LOVE this pram! It's easy to put together, great quality and exactly what was described on the description. It's not too big, by comparison to some of the other prams we have trialed and will fit in the car nicely! Not to mention the next day delivery was a real sweetener! Can't wait to start using the pram once my baby has arrived! Definitely recommend.

Date of experience : July 02, 2023

Hi, We appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts and experience in assemblying your Bugaboo product! We are truly glad that the quality and service has met your expectations! We wish you and your family lots of wonderful memories with it! Sincerely, Bugaboo team

Stardust travel cot

This was our first purchase with Bugaboo and it has been an excellent experience so far. The grey travel cot was dispatched promptly and arrived with no problem. A good price and a lovely quality. So easy to unfold and put away again in it's own storage bag.

Dear Cathy, Thank you so much for taking the time to write this kind review! We are happy to hear you are pleased with our quick shipping process and the quality of our products and we wish you and your family many amazing moments with your new Bugaboo products! Kind regards, Your Bugaboo Team

Amazing Bugaboo Dragonfly

Ordered the Bugaboo Dragonfly on line and luckily it arrived 48hours later....my newest grandson arrived the day after, 10 days early!! Great service and an exceptional design enabling the bassinet to fold with the chassis and it fits into the boot of a Fiat 500....brilliant

Date of experience : November 10, 2023

Firstly, congratulations on the new arrival of your grandson! Secondly, thank you very much for the lovely feedback...we greatly appreciate it :) We wish you lots of enjoyment with your new baby grandson and the Bugaboo Dragonfly! Regards, Bugaboo Team

Lovely strollers and great customer support

I originally went for the Bugaboo Fox 3 but decided it’s too big for my needs and changed to Dragonfly instead. Lovely luxury strollers. Seamless purchase and refund. Great customer service and experience. The only thing I didn’t like is that the actual parasol is not included with the Dragonfly, just the attachment clip which is a little bit misleading on the description as it says parasol + clip.

Date of experience : August 24, 2023

Dear Miss Karamanoleva, We are very happy to hear that you are loving your Bugaboo Dragonfly pushchair and that you had a great customer experience. We understand the information on the What's in the Box items lacked clarity and we will forward this information to the relevant team for you. We greatly appreciate your time sharing your experience and thoughts with us and we wish you many wonderful strolls with your pushchair! Sincerely, The Bugaboo Team

The Cosy Bugaboo rain cover!

After ordering the Bugaboo cover for my newly acquired bugaboo buggy the weather changed! So I was thrilled the bugaboo cover arrived so quickly! My 2 month old Granddaughter looks very cosy in her Bugaboo! It’s so easy and smooth to control! The rain cover fits perfectly and my Granddaughter can still see us because of the transparent window!

Date of experience : September 20, 2023

Dear LizRig, We appreciate your positive feedback! We are delighted to hear that your order was delivered quickly and that our Bugaboo product has met your expectations. We wish you more dry and comfortable walks to come with your granddaughter in your Bugaboo pushchair! Sincerely, The Bugaboo team

Bugaboo Cameleon 3 All-Terrain Stroller Review

The Bugaboo Cameleon 3 is a luxury all-terrain stroller that has a reversible seat, and reversible handlebar and comes with a matching bassinet. It is a 3rd generation model of the Bugaboo Cameleon designed for everyday life.

You can take it to the park, shopping center, or for a walk in the neighborhood. Since the seat is removable, you can use it as a frame with an included matching bassinet or with an infant car seat (purchased separately). This buggy grows with your baby!

For this year, the handlebar and the bumper bar were upgraded to vegan leather which makes this stroller even more elegant.

The maneuverability is absolutely great! The all-terrain foam-filled 12″ rear wheels and adjustable front-wheel suspension will provide your child with a smooth ride. 

What is interesting about Cameleon 3 is that when you reverse the handlebar, the large rear wheels will become your front wheels allowing you to get through the rougher terrain like grass, mulch, or even snow.

One very unique feature of Cameleon 3 is its ability to transform into a TWO-WHEEL mode by removing the smaller front wheels. I’ve never seen a stroller do that! Supposedly, it will make it easier to go over sand or snow.

I have not tried it myself, but it does look very unstable to me. Other features that parents enjoy are a large canopy, a roomy seat, and a large basket. With all these great features Cameleon 3 weighs ONLY 21 lbs.

I gave it  5 out of 5 stars  because I absolutely love the design and the high quality of all the materials. This buggy will last you for years and multiple kids. Love the included bassinet for the newborn.

Since the all-terrain wheels are foam-filled I don’t have to worry about a flat. The canopy is the best! The weight is also important for me because I have a bad back so throwing heavy strollers around is not my thing.

Of course, it does have some drawbacks like bulky fold, lack of adjustable footrest (like on most luxury strollers), and lack of peekaboo window.  But the main problem I have with Cameleon 3 is the super high price of $1,219. What?! I know…

I would never be able to spend that much money on a stroller. It’s more like a down payment for a car for my child. LOL. It comes in eight colors and retails for around $1,299 .  It does include a bassinet, bumper bar, and rain cover. I also would like to see a cup holder included for that price.

Buy Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Stroller »

The canopy used to be large. Now it has a zipped-in extra penal that makes it absolutely HUGE. It goes all the way down past the bumper bar.

Unfortunately just like all Bugaboo models it still does not have a peekaboo window. I also would like to see a mesh somewhere for better air circulation on a hot summer day.

I absolutely love this handlebar! It’s not only telescoping, but is also reversible which is a very rare feature. It goes from 39″ up to 44″ from the ground. Great for shorter and taller parents. 

To get over rougher terrain, you can reverse the handle so that the rear wheels are in the front. That way, it will be much easier to get over grass, mulch, or gravel. They say it can go over even snow (I have not tried that). Since 2017 the handle has been covered with vegan leather instead of foam.

To avoid tipping the stroller backward when the seat is fully reclined, hang your diaper bag on the frame using stroller hooks. You can also use it to hang your water bottle or shopping bags.

There is a strap attached to the handlebar that prevents the stroller from running away from you (not like you are going to jog with it, but I guess some people use it).

In a previous model, the hand brake made multiple clicking sounds when you lift it, now it’s just one click.

The seat is very roomy. It is 13″ wide and 23″ high from the back of the seat to the top of the canopy. The depth of the seat is 11″. It can hold a child from 6 months and up to 37.5 lbs.

Since the seat is one molded piece, it will keep its ‘V’ shape when reclined, so your child is ALWAYS in a sitting position even when he is sleeping. It has 3 recline positions that are adjusted by pushing two white buttons on both sides of the frame. You will need both hands.

I am not sure why wouldn’t they do a one-hand lever recline like on the Bugaboo Donkey model. The seat is also removable and reversible. All you need to do is push two buttons on both sides and swing it around.

Easy! Now, your child will be facing you. The seat is made out of durable material that is also machine washable.

The footrest has a 9″ leg drop with plenty of room for a growing child.

INCLUDED! It is a removable swing-away bumper bar that is now covered with vegan leather.

It has a padded adjustable 5-point harness with a center release buckle. The straps slide up and down without re-threading!

It has a large easy-to-access basket that can fit a lot of stuff. It’s attached to the frame with snap straps instead of velcro. And what I REALLY like about it is that you don’t have to remove all the stuff from the basket before folding the stroller. There is a material that you can cinch up to keep all the stuff from falling out.

I can’t count how many times I folded my stroller forgetting there was stuff in the basket. One time, I forgot a bottle of sunscreen. Of course, it fell out when I folded the stroller AND I ran it over with my car when I was backing up. I thought my tire got flat when I heard a popping noise. LOL.

For even more storage I would recommend getting a universal stroller organizer. That way you can take not only your coffee cup, but also a LOT of stuff including keys, phone, water, wallet, snacks, diapers, toys, and more. The amount of stuff it can fit is unbelievable.

It rolls on four all-terrain foam-filled rubber wheels with 12″ wheels in the back and 6″ in the front. To remove the rear wheels, you just need to push a white button and the wheels pop right off. The front wheels are swivel but can be locked straight for more stability. These wheels can tackle ANYTHING!

The front wheels have an adjustable suspension system with four positions.

TWO-WHEEL MODE

Now this is a unique function that I’ve not seen yet. You can actually remove the small wheels and reconfigure the frame to transform it into a two-wheel mode.

While in this mode it will be easier to get over snow and sand on the beach, it is not very stable, so I wouldn’t go very far. You will need to remove your child from the stroller before converting it.

FOLD/UNFOLD

The fold has been updated to make it easier. Thank God! There were SOO many complaints from parents who said the frame would lock up sometimes driving them crazy.

Have you ever seen a crazy-looking parent kicking and hitting a stroller out in the parking lot? That was probably a lucky owner of a Cameleon. LOL.

We (the parents) are pretty stressed out as it is, and a little stroller malfunction can push us right over the edge. Anyways, it’s still a two-piece two-hands fold. You need to remove the seat before folding the frame. To fold the frame, push two white buttons located on both sides of the frame and fold the frame down.

The new fold has a little less steps than the old one. The folded dimensions without the wheels are 35″L x 20″W x 12″H. Bulky! I also wish there would be something preventing the handlebar and the basket from scrapping the floor every time you fold and unfold it.

INCLUDED! One of the selling points of the Cameleon 3 is the included bassinet. You can easily convert your stroller into a fab pram by replacing the seat with the bassinet.

TRAVEL SYSTEM

You can convert it into a travel system by replacing the seat with an infant car seat. It works with the most popular brands like Peg Perego, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna, Britax, Cybex, and Chicco. Check out my list of the top 10 safest car seats .

It comes with a rain cover.

-No peekaboo window. For such a large canopy there should be a peekaboo window. What luxury stroller doesn’t have one? I don’t know why none of the Bugaboo strollers have a peekaboo window.

-Bulky. It will take a LOT of room in your trunk. That big one-piece seat and the frame will not fit in a smaller car.

-No adjustable footrest . Since the seat is one molded piece, it does not have an adjustable footrest that many other similar luxury strollers have.

-Little storage. Except for the basket, there is no additional storage for small items like keys or cell phone. I would like to see a zipper pocket in the back of the canopy or the seat.

-High price.  It retails for $1,219 which is one of the most expensive strollers on the market.

-Low weight limit. The seat can accommodate a child only up to 37.5 lbs which is on a lower side compared to most of the stroller that has a weight limit around 50 lbs.

-Two-hand recline. I am not sure why they did this two-hand recline instead of a one-hand lever recline in the back of the seat like Bugaboo Donkey has. You need both hands to push buttons on both sides. Why?

Video Review

Here is another great video from BabyGizmo that goes over some of the accessories.

Stroller weight: 21 lbs Weight limit: 37.5 lbs Folded dimensions: 35″L x 20″W x 12″H Handlebar height: 39″ – 44″ Seat to canopy height: 23″ Rear wheels: 12″ Front wheels: 6″ Overall length: 34″ Overall width: 24″

Bugaboo provides a 3-year warranty from the original date of purchase and you have to be an original owner.

Available colors

The Bugaboo Cameleon 3 has 8 different colors for the canopy and two seat colors plus 7 special collections that have different color combinations of the seat, canopy, and bumper bar.

Where to buy it

You can get Bugaboo Cameleon 3 in one of the eight beautiful colors for around $1,299 . The price can vary depending on the color and the collection.

This is an expensive luxury stroller that doesn’t have any good sales. It does include a bassinet, bumper bar, and rain cover.

5 thoughts on “Bugaboo Cameleon 3 All-Terrain Stroller Review”

This stroller is SUCH a disappointment! It is bulky, a hassle to fold up and takes up too much space in your car, the board for your older child to clip on the back is such a poor design! You have to walk on the side so your foot does not hit the board with every step! It also gets caught on curbs and you have to bend down to lift it, usually with your purse sliding off your shoulder because there is NO storage for keys or coffee or anything. Of course you can purchase those things separately for hundreds more! The storage basket underneath is useless because you cannot get anything in or out of it because the bassinet sits too low on top of it. For the amount of money this stroller costs it should be perfect!. Think twice before you buy this designer stroller. The ONLY thing it is good for is a leisure afternoon stroll and status symbol. I am so upset that I have spent over $1600.00 after all the add-ons. I wouldn’t mind it if it served every purpose but it does not even come close.

Hi Patty. I think the main features of Cameleon 3 are the all-terrain wheels and reversible seat. Everything else is about fashion and status. This is definitely not very practical stroller. I would recommend getting UPPAbaby Vista over Cameleon 3 any day of the week.

We had considered buying this stroller for a long time before our baby appeared. Finally, we decided to spend over 1,000 USD and truly believed it was a good decision and the stroller would serve at least 2 children. Initially, we were super happy with the purchase: light, easy to drive, stable, with so many practical functions! We absolutely loved it! It was a pleasure to go for walks, no matter the season or terrain as it was so easy and quick to reverse the handle bar and be able to chose the wheels that suited best. Also, we had no problems with folding the stroller into the car trunk. However, our love and admiration of the stroller dissipated some weeks ago when it appeared that one of the hinges in the frame got broken and it’s no longer possible to reverse the handlebar or to fold the stroller altogether. We contacted the manufacturer (through the supplier who was very concerned and helpful) and got the answer that the stroller is no longer under warranty so we have to bear the cost of repair. I am very disappointed for many reasons: first of all that the stroller has only a 2-year-warranty (although I have noticed on bugaboo.com that now the warranty can be extended by an extra year – a pity that it was not possible when we bought our stroller) even though it cost almost 1,200 USD. Secondly, that it got broken after such a short time. We won’t be able to use it properly and fully with the second baby (being on the way). Thirdly, that it is impossible to conduct any repair on your own as the stroller has only rivets, not screws, which can’t be mended. In general: I don’t recommend investing so much money in the stroller that breaks relatively quickly. We bought it almost 2 and half years ago but have used it less than that as we frequently travel for extensive periods of time and during those times are using a different stroller. For this money one can buy either a stroller that has a life-time warranty or two cheaper ones and then don’t feel bad when one breaks down. Shame!

I have a set of twins as well as a single baby that followed so I have a lot of experience with strollers—both single and double.

There are numerous issues with the Cameleon that make it not only ridiculously overpriced, but frankly not even as useful as the $200 Babytrend Snap’N’Go. If you are a new mom, please understand that your biggest priorities are: (1) safety (2) ease and usability and (3) ability to carry a lot of stuff at once. The Cameleon fails on all accounts.

So first– convertibility: Bugaboo does not make a carseat which means that any carseat you purchase will require a converter piece to fit on to the Cameleon and allow the carseat to work with the stroller. Maxicosi is supposed to be the best conversion for Bugaboo so I purchased the Maxicosi carseat and $60 corresponding converter. The converter sucks. It holds the car seat at a strange upright angle. It’s very difficult to get the carseat on and off of the converter and I’m often nervous that it’s not properly attached which means my baby is at risk of falling. If Maxicosi is indeed the best conversion, I cannot imagine how difficult and awkward it would be to fit a different manufacturer’s car seat into the Cameleon. Attention new moms: when your child is under about one year of age, you will not want to take him in and out of his car seat so that you can put him in his stroller. You will want to put his carseat directly into the stroller so that you don’t have to wake up him when he’s napping and also just because it’s way, way easier. So convertibility is a big issue not just for safety but for usability.

While we’re on the safety issue– the handle that controls the brakes on the Cameleon is a massive fail. It was a good idea in theory. In practice, it’s liable to injure a little hand and has indeed bruised my adult hand more than once. It is extremely tight—meaning that there’s a lot of tension involved in pulling and releasing the brake. So when I push the button to release the brake, the handle snaps violently back. Again—good idea in theory. In practice, it hurts. Literally.

The next issue is the underseat basket and it has made me want to kick and scream on a regular basis. It is a freaking joke. For one thing, it is absolutely tiny. For another, it rocks back and forth such that anything stored inside is in constant danger of falling out. Finally, because of the size and angle, I cannot reach anything that I store inside of it while the seat is on top. I have to remove the seat to put anything in it or take anything out of it which is a massive hassle—not to mention dangerous because I have no place to put the car seat when I do take it on and off which means my baby is sitting in his carseat on the ground in a parking lot while I attempt to cram the simplest of things into that sad basket. Perhaps the underseat basket is not a priority for other moms but for me—this alone is a deal breaker.

Now—on to the fold. When a carseat adapter is in place, the only thing that folds on the Cameleon is the handlebar, which means it remains giant an awkward and barely fits into the trunk of my Honda Odyssey.

In sum—I know Bugaboo is a status symbol and I will admit that the appearance is quite chic. But the aesthetics, as great as they may be, just aren’t worth the massive hassle. Unfortunately, I found the same to be true of the Donkey when I bought it five years ago for my twins.

The Bugaboo Comfort Board in my opinion RELATIVE to every other board on the market is hands down the BEST. I agree, it has every single problem in your comments, unfortunately no other board on the market has solved it nor has any manufacturer sorted out how to carry 2 children on a stroller when one child is too heavy to sit in the seat and too young to walk the distances.

I think the reason the Bugaboo Board is the best, comes down to mechanics; it is the only board I know with one wheel, not 2. Geometrically, it is very difficult to turn 6 wheels, which is every other board setup (4 wheels on the stroller and 2 wheels on the board). 6 wheels equals 3 axles (2 wheels per axle). Bugaboo has a total of 5 wheels (4 wheels on the stroller and 1 wheel on the board). 5 wheels equals 2 axles plus 1 swivel or a rotational point. Geometrically, this setup seems to make it much easier to steer as the 1 swivel wheel is much freer than an axle.

The way the single wheel typically gains lateral stability, meaning, keeping the board from see-sawing left or right vs. a 2 wheel board setup is by relying on the strength of the Bugaboo rear stroller axle & to some degree, weight. Effectively, the rear stroller axle acts as 2 axels in one. The reason I am guessing Bugaboo can do this is because it has not made its board universal; probably due to the fact there are so many Bugaboos sold that its ecosystem is big enough not to have to generate additional profit by making it fit other manufacturers.

Any board attached to the back of a stroller will get kicked, there is no way around this. A lot of people walk slightly back from the board but this results in back hunching which is quite uncomfortable for some. UPPAbaby’s PiggyBack tries to address this by making what seem to be a very shallow board but even the average stride, one still seems to end up kicking it. Lascal seems to address the kicking by making a high board with reasonably spread apart wheels so one can get their feet under the board; this is better but on occasion, one still kicks it. The old Bugaboo board seemingly addressed this by saying, rather than getting your 2 feet between the 2 wheels like other boards, we want you to get your feet to either side of the 1 wheel on centre; additionally, they tapered the back of the board to a round point to allow additional foot clearance. Unfortunately, one still on occasion kicks the board when turning since the wheel is wider rotated on its side than frontal.

Bugaboo’s new board probably took the view that most standard strollers are wide enough to accommodate a parent and child side by side. This resulted in their flip-able (left handed or right handed) solution where the parent can walk on the left or on the right of the child so one does not end up kicking the board. Obviously, as the push is now asymmetrically loaded, the stroller needs to be extremely nimble and frictionless (Bugaboo seems to market the one-hand on handle push and one hand to hold other child a lot) to turn which the Bugaboo is quite good at, at least based on the strollers we have tried.

The one caveat about all boards is that due to the extra axle or wheel, the overall wheelbase is longer making it harder to turn. Our experience is that it is best to stick to U-handle strollers vs. 2 individual handles one often finds on umbrella type strollers. A U-handle is wide making it easy to turn, a bit like wide handlebars on a bike. The 2 individual handles on umbrella strollers are harder to grasp and requires one to use a twisting action when a push and pull is all that is needed to turn. Additionally, most umbrella strollers seem due to their inherent geometry are softer than their full size counterparts which incidentally gain stability via the U-handle; in mechanics, a closed loop is more stable than an open loop.

As for the curbs, the Bugaboo board has a reasonably large wheel so I would not say it is better or worse than some other large wheel boards for curb hopping.

Believe me, we resisted the Bugaboo for 4 years because of the status symbol thing (we have a Maclaren) but when we had our second child, we needed a solution. We bought what we thought was the best board, unfortunately, the stroller came attached.

As a side note, the board turns slightly better with the Cameleon than the Bee. The Bee is designed to be light and narrow for the city and with that comes a loss of rigidity. A lot of the energy used to turn the Bee ends up going into counteracting its floppiness compared to the Cameleon. Kind of like moving a brick with a bamboo stick vs a 2×4 stud. The weight of the Cameleon also seems to help as the board is light in comparison. With a Bee, the board is relatively much heavier making it harder to keep your jumping child from laterally tipping over the entire assembly.

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