Bugaboo Donkey - the good, the bad, and the ugly? Post Reply

[MummyH]

I'm staring to look at double buggies as I'll soon be having twins (already have a 2.5 year old toddler). I'm finding the whole process on narrowing down which buggy to buy overwhelming.

I had thought I had decided on the Bugaboo Donkey due to the ability to have both babies face me (and all the other configs), use 2 carrycots, convert into a single when I just have my older daughter (or one of the babies), use of a buggy board, and how light it seems to push. However, I'm now starting to second guess this decision as worried it may be too wide to get through shops, on buses, etc.

Before I put down an insane amount of money for the Donkey, does anyone who owns/ed one have any feedback on using it in London? I know no double buggy will be perfect, but don't want to end up regretting my purchase after just a few months.

Thanks!

[Goldhawk]

Being realistic are you going to bother converting it into a single as and when?

Most people I've seen using it seem to use the other side as an extra basket

Have you considered the Mountain Buggy Duet?

[MummyH]

Thanks, Goldhawk… probably wouldn't be converting it that much, realistically. More of a "nice to have" option than a "must have". More than likely, I'll at least always have two with me if not three.

The Mountain Buggy Duet was my second choice behind the Donkey, but was worried about the narrowness of the seats. I have a feeling my twins (both boys) will take after their dad and not be the tiniest, so afraid that they'd grow out of the seats quick. Do you have that buggy? Would you recommend it?

[Bluebutterfly]

Hi sorry I can't help with your Donkey question but I have the Mountain Buggy Duet and it is brilliant. I can get it into all the shops, lifts, etc and most importantly it would go through the door of my older child's nursery which was critical as I was not allowed to (and would not have wanted to) leave the twins outside but could not have carried both in with me every day to drop him off. This is definitely something important to consider!!

I think the Duet is about 10cm narrower than the Donkey which is a lot! t also means that I can park the buggy in our narrow Victorian Terrace hallway and still squeeze past it to get to the front door. The narrowness of the seats was a concern for me too but my twin boys are on the 98th centile for height and weight and they are still fine in it at nearly 2 and a half. I think it will be a bit of a squash to get them into it this autumn/winter with bulky coats, footmuff etc (and it may be that I decide to sell it and get a cheap, old Phil and Teds for the last 6 months or so of buggy-time) but I do not regret buying the duet! Btw, we have a battered old Mclaren that I use when I am out with just one of the twins - I have used it about 5 times in two and a half years (only doctor/hospital appointments for one of them) so I wouldn't necessarily place too much importance on being able to convert from 2 seats to 1. Depending on the age of your daughter I would guess the ability to fit a buggy board may be more important? Hope that helps!

[Mummymummymummy]

I also have the duet and three children, two of whom are top of the charts massive the narrow seats have never been a problem. It is a great buggy and when I see Bugaboo donkey's out and about I always think they look so wide in comparison. That said, I expect the Bugaboo is more plush in terms of comfort but mine have never complained.

[MummyH]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I'm going back off to the store today for another look at the Duet.

[bumpontheway]

We have the duet and my 3.3/4 year old (okay slimish) still fits in it.

[Martina1]

I have a City Mini Double for my toddler (almost 3 now) and baby (now 1) and I wanted them both to be able to see out. And I always thought that the Phil and Teds looked very difficult to ram stroppy toddlers into!

I chose the City Mini because the seats are each, if I recall correctly, 2cm wider than the Mountain Buggy.

We have had it a year now and are really happy with it. There aren't many shops that it doesn't fit in. It also folds down really easily though we never bother.

It also has wheels that don't have air in them (no idea what that it called) so no punctures.

Oh, and the canopy on both seats can be pulled down really far to avoid the whole sun in eye thing.

A very big thumbs up from us!

[erinisle22]

Might be worth asking the Wandsworth Twins Club what their members recommend? I know a lady with twins and a 4 year old and she has a Donkey.

[MummyH]

Good idea! I'll do that too. Thanks!

[MummyH]

Good idea! I'll do that too. Thanks!

[tomsmum2008]

Would you consider an in-line double buggy such as the iCandy Pear?
I also found the http://www.buggypod.com/ a great option for tired older siblings.

[Doman]

We chose a Baby Jogger City Select when we knew we were expecting our second, and I think it's great. Definitely worth a look!
We had a Bugaboo Cameleon for our first and I found that bulky, heavy and impractical, so I can only imagine that the Donkey is even worse.

[MummyH]

Thanks for the tip on the buggy pod. The seat on the buggy board thing looks like a good idea.

I really like the idea of the City Select, but had ruled it out because I think the length with a buggy board added will just be a bit too long for me to navigate into buses, up kerbs, etc.

Who knew there were so many options for double buggies? I guess I should be grateful for all the choice!