The Bugaboo Donkey 5 Stroller is one of the top high-end double convertible strollers on the market. It’s marketed as a high-end luxury stroller that’s versatile and easy to use. You can purchase the Bugaboo Donkey mono, Bugaboo Donkey duo, or Bugaboo Donkey twin.
The Bugaboo Donkey Mono is made for one child and a large shopping basket.
The Bugaboo Donkey 5 Complete Duo is made for two children at staggered ages.
The Bugaboo Donkey Twin, well, is for twins! This one is made for two children of the same age.
The best part? Whichever model you buy, you can modify it with a conversion kit to customize it for additional children. This is great because then you’ll be prepared no matter what surprises life has in store!
Overall, this stroller stands out from the crowd with its ability to expand from carrying one infant to two toddler twins and its ability to pack in storage. It also was one of the first convertible strollers to expand sideways instead of lengthwise.
This newest version stacks up against the previous, now offering peekaboo windows on the canopy, more storage with a side luggage basket, and higher maneuverability, plus it’s one pound lighter.
Pros
- One piece and self-standing when folded
- Spacious storage
- Versatile
- Car seat adapters (sold separately)
- You can start small and upgrade as needed
- Fits through standard doorways
Cons
- Add-ons for additional costs, not a lot included with original purchase
- Expensive
- Clunky to carry and fold
- Heavy (28 lbs as a single)
- Narrow seats (11” wide)
Things to consider before buying a Bugaboo Donkey
The quality of this stroller is basically unparalleled. It solves the problem about committing to a single stroller when you’re not sure if your family might expand. It is ideal for anyone looking for a luxury stroller that’s convertible and versatile and that prioritizes fashion.
Now, that said, it is a bit of a crazy price point! There’s a reason why you see mostly celebrities walking around with the Bugaboo stroller; only they can afford it!
All jokes aside though, it is an amazing stroller. But if you’re not looking to spend that much money there are other great options. Make sure to think about how much you are looking to spend, and if you are expecting your family to grow, before purchasing.
If you’re looking for a convertible stroller that is still of high quality but at a mid-range price, look at the Baby Jogger City Select.
Features & Benefits
Storage
As a single version, the storage space is seemingly endless. With a large shopping basket on the Mono, it’s easy to run errands, store snacks and toys, and organize your things. A huge plus is that this space then can hold the second seat, so it’s put to good use.
It also features a large basket underneath that’s great for a diaper bag.
Seats
The seats are equipped with a five-point harness, a sun hood, and a footrest. The seat is also reclinable and adjustable, which you can do easily with the lever on the top. The seats overall are a bit small, considering the need to fit side-by-side through a doorway.
The canopy over the seat features a mesh peekaboo window to keep an eye on your baby. This canopy is height adjustable, so you can raise it as your child grows. You can also replace the standard canopy with a different color, making it customizable.
The seat configurations are endless. You can rotate the seats to face whichever way you choose. The handle on the seat is also convenient as it swivels 360 degrees, making it easy to carry.
The Donkey is one of the very few strollers that can accommodate two infant car seats. You do need to purchase the adaptors, but this is a huge plus for anyone with twins!
Folding
The folding can be tricky. Although it’s easy once you get the hang of it, it definitely requires practice and looking through the instruction manual. Once you get it, though, it folds up nicely. It is quite large though once folded, so make sure it fits into your car if needed!
Handlebar
The adjustable handlebar is great for anyone sharing stroller-pushing responsibilities. It has a leather look to it, adding to the overall luxury style.
Wheels
The wheels on this stroller are foam filled and made to endure all types of terrain. The front wheels are made to swivel, making it easier to maneuver. The front wheels also lock in place, so you can make it more steady over bumpy ground.
Extensions
Like mentioned before, one of the biggest pluses to this stroller is that you can extend it to a double or twin. If you purchase the mono but wish to extend, you have to purchase the duo extension set.
Once you purchase that, they make it pretty easy. You just click the white clips, press the white button, and remove the side luggage basket and replace it with the second seat of your choice. This is an amazing feature for growing families.
Social Proof
The Bugaboo Donkey reviews are in, and they are all quite positive. The glowing reviews all highlight the ease of use, maneuverability, and quality. Many also praise the Bugaboo Donkey for its ability to transition with family size, and the many add-on features that you are able to purchase.
“The Bugaboo Donkey stroller has been a GAME CHANGER!!! First, I love how light the frame is to load in the car and to push. The stroller easily turns and is quick and simple to breakdown. Also – one of the things I struggled to find in a twin stroller was options for which way the babies could face and also a stroller that would be a good transition from the baby bassinet/car seat to just being seated in the stroller. I love that this stroller has the option for the babies to face me in their seats but also face out so as they grow …” – Kyle Evan, Amazon.com Review
“I feel like every mom needs to know how amazing this stroller is. I just had my second child, and I did a ton of research on strollers for 2 kids … When I found the Donkey 3 was coming out, I waited patiently, and then purchased. Seriously, moms, this is the easiest and best stroller to push. It feels perfectly balanced, like it is gliding when it is loaded up with my kids and all their stuff. The difference is so unbelievable I can’t imagine why this isn’t the stroller you see everywhere. I know its pricey, but if you actually plan on using your stroller, you will be thanking yourself later for buying yourself a Donkey. Very happy with my decision.” – Solomon, Amazon.com review
“As a mom of twins, this stroller included everything I ever could have wanted. Both of my twins prefer to face me on walks which was made possible with the bugaboo donkey 3 and the extension set. It’s very easy to push – even one-handed – fits through every door I’ve encountered, and has a large and easily accessible basket. The canopies are large enough to block the sun from any angle. It was a breeze to set up and immediately became our most used and go to stroller – as someone who has owned 8 prior strollers, this says a lot. We couldn’t be happier with the stroller and its now our recommended stroller for all new parents.” – Dustin A. Kinny, Amazon.com Review
Alternatives
Now, if you’re sitting there in love with this stroller, but just can’t justify the price, I get it. The stroller is amazing, but for myself I prefer to sacrifice certain features for a similar quality at a lower price.
Here are some alternatives you can try out:
Baby Jogger City Select
Mentioned above, the Baby Jogger City Select offers the convertible feature of going from a single to double stroller easily. Its other main benefit is how it glides easily over any terrain. It doesn’t quite match up to the material quality of the Bugaboo, but it is a few hundred dollars cheaper.
The BOB Gear Revolution Flex 3.0 Duallie Double Jogging Stroller
The BOB Gear Revolution Flex Stroller is that same side-by-side model as the Bugaboo and has the same premium storage capacity. It does not have the conversation ability, but if you are a parent of two or have twins it is perfect. It also features adjustable handlebars and compacts nicely.
The Jeep Destination Ultralight Side x Side Double Stroller
The Jeep Destination is another side-by-side stroller. Although it doesn’t have the convertible ability, it does feature the same front wheel swivel and lock ability, adjustable seats, and is lightweight. The large storage bin at the bottom is also a definite plus, as well as the significantly lower price.
Parents that are looking for a high-end stroller, and love to customize and feel fashionable, will be extremely happy with the Bugaboo. It is definitely one of the best on the market and solves the problem of expanding your family without purchasing a whole other stroller. It has all of the most important features and makes it easy for you to use and adjust.
Click here to take a look at the Bugaboo Donkey!