Bugaboo Donkey Review

What’s more adorable than a baby in a buggy? That’s right, it’s two babies in a buggy. Whether you have twins or two children of different ages, taking both of them with you on walks in the park or shopping at the market are guaranteed crowd-magnets. To do that safely and comfortably, you will need a double stroller. Or better yet, a flexible stroller that you can use as a single or a double.

The Bugaboo Donkey 2 is a luxury stroller that can transition from a single-child pram to any combination of infant/toddler. Since 1994, this company has created baby travel systems that are must-haves for the rich and famous. This model specifically marries style and pragmatism that are irresistible for any multi-children family. However, Bugaboo products are also known to cost a small fortune. Does this stroller earn its high price tag? Read on to find out.

Bugaboo Donkey 2 Pros and Cons

In a nutshell, the Donkey 2 is a unique and ingenious design that allows you to switch modes easily. It has some great features, but there are a few that could be improved. Here is an outline of the benefits and downsides of this product.

What We Love

As a premium stroller, the Bugaboo Donkey 2 has a lot of things going for it. Besides the lust-worthy appearance, it is also a practical item whether you are using it for one or two children. Its safety and durability are second to none, while the extra features like the gigantic wheels and sun canopy add to its desirability.

1. Stylish Design

Is there any other stroller that looks as elegant as a Bugaboo? The Donkey 2 in Twin mode, in particular, is the cutest thing on Instagram. Whether it is configured with two bassinets or as a double pushchair, it screams luxury and quality. Every detail adds to its timeless appearance.

This model comes in a wide range of color combinations. You could even get it in an Andy Warhol theme for a pop art twist.

2. Versatile Configurations

The Donkey 2 Mono kit comes with a bassinet for bringing your newborn straight home from the hospital. As they grow older, you can switch it up with the seat. With one baby, you can attach the water-repellent side basket on the stroller frame for extra storage. After a shopping trip, simply unclip it and carry all your groceries into the house in one go.

For two kids, you can expand this stroller by purchasing the Duo Extension Set for your Mono.Alternatively, just get the Donkey 2 Duo Bundle outright instead of the Mono. In Bugaboo lingo, Twin mode means children of the same age, while Duo means different ages. Either way, this stroller can be set up with two bassinets or seats side by side. You would have to sacrifice the side basket, although there is still some storage underneath the chassis.

Unlike other double buggies where the seats are positioned back to back, the Donkey 2 lets both of your babies face out into the world. You could also reverse one of the seats so that they can see (and entertain) each other.

3. Easy to Maneuver

In single mode, this stroller feels very light and can take sharp turns effortlessly. Even with the roomy side basket, its width is only 60 cm (23.6 inches)—the same as the Bugaboo Cameleon 3 that does not have that extra storage.

As a Duo/Twin, the Donkey 2 looks and feels like a beast with its 74 cm (29 inches) width. Nevertheless, it’s actually narrower than other double buggies in the market—usually 80 cm (31.5 inches).

On flat surfaces, the robust wheels, lightweight frame, and exceptional suspension make it a dream to push and steer. The foam-filled rubber tires can take on cobblestones, gravel, and snow without any worry. With the larger rear wheels, you can manage stairs and slopes effortlessly.

As for the handlebar, you can adjust it to eleven different heights. Just flick the white clips on either side of the handle open to extend it. To secure at your preferred height, close the white clips until you feel them click.

4. Adjustable Five-Point Harness

For baby’s security, the Donkey 2 features a five-point harness that is simple to adjust. Each of the straps locks independently into the central buckle, giving you more control when your toddler is being fidgety. To adjust the shoulder straps, just slide them up or down—no threading required. There is also a fixed bumper bar for your additional peace of mind.

Incidentally, the seat can recline to three levels when facing towards you or two levels facing forward. That means baby can nap in a fully horizontal position. And when the seat is upright, you can safely feed them without taking them out of the chair.

5. Hands-Free Brake

The Donkey 2 brake is conveniently foot-operated. To lock, push down on the white lever beside the left rear wheel. Releasing it is straightforward by either depressing the pedal again or flipping it up with your foot. This excellent brake system keeps the stroller in place even when it’s fully loaded on sloping ground.

6. Extendable Sun Canopy

The iconic Bugaboo sun canopy is a standard inclusion that adds to the Donkey 2’s charm. Made of machine-washable polyester, it is water-repellent and provides an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) of 50+. Although there aren’t any peepholes—a minor nuisance if you want to keep an eye on your passenger as you’re pushing—it’s large enough to fully cover your child and still have good airflow.

What We Don’t Love

Although the Bugaboo Donkey 2 will indeed please any parent, some features are not very satisfying. Given the astronomical price, you would think that it’s the perfect baby buggy. Unfortunately, there are a few things that could have been changed to make it better. These are:

1. High Price

The Donkey 2 is breathtakingly expensive. As a double stroller, it is undoubtedly at the high end of the market. And if you compare it to single pushchairs in its class, it’s even pricier. Granted, there are some extra inclusions like the side storage basket and the rain cover. Plus, you are paying for the Bugaboo name and construction. An extra accessory would have been nice, though, such as the Bugaboo Cup Holder.

2. Bulky When Folded

Unfortunately, this stroller takes up a lot of space when it’s not in use. The one-piece fold is not compact at all and is only good for quickly squeezing the unit through narrow doorways. To fold it more compactly, you have to remove the wheels. You could also remove the seats for a smaller profile, although it is possible to fold the stroller with the seats in place. The final package is free-standing which makes it perfect for storing upright in your hallway. Without this ability, you would have to lay it on the floor and the footprint is just as big as an unfolded unit.

Nonetheless, the Donkey 2 looks neat when it’s folded. If you’re planning to take it on a plane as check-in baggage, Bugaboo suggests packing it in the Compact Transport Bag to protect it from dirt and scratches. It’s made of durable, water-repellent fabric and has wheels and a carrying handle.

3. No Footrests

Strangely, the Donkey 2’s seat does not have any footrest—not even a plain plastic bar like the one on the Bugaboo Bee. This setup does not seem to affect comfort, but it is somewhat awkward to see a toddler’s legs and feet just dangling over the edge of the pushchair.

4. Difficult to Assemble

If you’re the type of person who likes clear-cut assembly instructions, then you might find this stroller’s manual frustrating. All the parts arrive in pieces and your only guide uses diagrams and symbols—no text. That’s understandable since Bugaboo wants to make the instruction manual accessible worldwide. Still, you will be better off watching a more helpful YouTube video, and it still takes over twenty minutes to put it together.

5. Hard to Access Under-Seat Basket

As mentioned earlier, there is a storage basket underneath the Donkey 2. However, accessing it can be problematic. With the seats in the rear-facing position, you have to go to the front of the stroller to reach into the basket. The opening is also larger in the front and narrower in the back. Furthermore, it is not very deep and your belongings can look like they’re always on the verge of falling out.

The Verdict

The Bugaboo Donkey 2 is a special and innovative stroller that is lovely to look at and easy to steer. Because of its stellar reputation as a luxury brand, it can be a good investment with high resale value. It’s excellent on all types of surfaces and has outstanding safety features like the five-point harness and foot brake. The handsome sun canopy and useful rain cover are also welcome inclusions.

On the other side of the coin, it’s a bulky item that is difficult to store. Putting it together can be challenging. The under-seat storage basket could benefit from a redesign and the lack of a footrest is confusing. Moreover, the $1,299 price tag will make you think twice. However, if owning a Bugaboo is your greatest wish, then the Donkey 2 can make up for the cost with its versatility and quality.