Bugaboo Donkey Review – Is the Donkey 3 their best yet?
Last Updated on June 28, 2021
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- Features to Consider When Buying a Convertible Stroller
- Bugaboo Donkey Stroller Review
- Bugaboo Donkey Features & Benefits
- What’s new on the Bugaboo Donkey3 stroller?
- What’s the difference between the Bugaboo Donkey 1, 2, and 3?
- What comes with the Bugaboo Donkey 3?
- What's the difference between the Bugaboo Donkey Mono, Duo, and Twin?
- How to fold the Bugaboo Donkey3 stroller
- Alternative Convertible Strollers
- Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a top of the line or casual everyday stroller, there’s a lot that goes into finding the right fit for your family. The stroller needs to have a smooth ride, must be easy to use, accommodate children of different ages, and have the flexibility to handle anything the day throws at you.
Bugaboo is a well-known stroller brand because of its high quality and incredibly sleek looking strollers. There’s a reason it made our list of best strollers as being a more luxury option. Our Bugaboo Donkey review will help you decide if this really is the stroller of your dreams and worth the investments for your little one.
Features to Consider When Buying a Convertible Stroller
Size & Weight
Convertible strollers can often be on the heavier side since they offer the ability to convert from a single to a double. They also have more weight due to a thicker and more robust seat frame to be able to hold an additional child.
While most convertible and double strollers have a hard time fitting through doorways, the Donkey 3 is the exception. It is one of the few side-by-side strollers that will fit through most standard doorways.
Ease of Use
Convertible strollers are built to make the transition from one baby to two much easier. They’re also suitable from birth and will grow with your little one as they become a toddler.
When it comes to pushing the stroller, it should glide effortlessly and be able to be pushed with one hand if your other hand is full.
How the stroller folds up is another consideration. Some strollers have a one-hand close while most larger strollers require two hands, but it should take just a few steps to fold it up and toss it in the car trunk.
Seating Flexibility & Options
A convertible stroller provides many different seating options for your children. You can often attach a car seat, bassinet, or a second seat in several different configurations based on your family’s needs.
The seats are able to be either front-facing or parent-facing so you can keep a better eye on your little ones. This gives most parents all the flexibility with up to two seats that any parent could possibly need.
Durability
With the considerable investment you’re making in a Bugaboo stroller, they follow a high level of standards when it comes to the quality of material and construction. These strollers take a beating when you think about the number of times they are tossed into and dragged out of the trunk.
Some companies offer warranties for extra peace of mind. Bugaboo has a 3-year warranty for their Donkey strollers.
Bugaboo Donkey Stroller Review
The Bugaboo Donkey3 is a high-end stroller that provides the versatility, style, and quality design the Bugaboo brand is known for globally. The Donkey Mono is a flexible and spacious single stroller that can be easily converted into a double stroller with attachments. The functionality to convert the Donkey 3 stroller from a single to double stroller is ideal for families that are expecting to grow.
Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono
The Donkey 3 is a lightweight luxury stroller that looks and rides incredible. The spacious storage, self-standing folding, and compact design make this an excellent stroller for new parents. The stroller can also be extended effortlessly for two children using separate attachments for Duo mode as your family grows.
With all the storage room it offers, the Donkey is one of the few side-by-side double strollers that can fit through most standard doorways. You can use it as a single stroller or purchase the Duo extension kit to use it as a double or twin stroller.
This flexibility to use the bassinet and add seats makes this an excellent stroller that’s suitable from birth. It’s also capable of growing with your child as they turn into a toddler and possibly an older sibling.
Bugaboo has gone through several design iterations from the original version years ago to the Bugaboo Donkey2 and the latest Bugaboo Donkey3. The main changes have been on the aesthetics, material quality, size/width, and small enhancements to make the stroller more functional.
The Donkey is a great stroller for both new and growing families that want a smooth and stress-free experience. In terms of ideal families, the Donkey 3 is a perfect stroller for those living in cities, surrounding suburbs, or those searching for a stroller that provides the highest comfort, quality, and flexibility.
WHAT WE LOVE
- Large canopy has been improved with a peek-a-boo window and breezy panel
- Reversible seats for your child to face forward or backward
- Fits most standard doorways (at least 30 inches) at 23 inches wide as a single or 29 inches as a double/twin
- Converts from a single to double stroller with the Duo extension attachment
- A lot of space for storage with the side luggage basket and under-seat storage
- Super smooth and comfortable ride with puncture-proof foam wheels
- Stroller holds toddlers up to 48 lbs per seat
- Bassinet comes with the stroller and has a rotating handle for easier carrying
- Easy to adjust telescoping handlebar moves up and down to find the right height
- Parking foot brake that’s sandal friendly
WHAT COULD BE BETTER
- Takes up a decent amount of trunk space when folded up
- Must purchase attachments separately (e.g., parent cup holder, child tray)
Bugaboo Donkey Features & Benefits
Wheels & Maneuverability
The Bugaboo Donkey3 features 10-inch front and 12 inch rear wheels which are foam filled. This is a step up from the original Donkey which had air-filled tires that would occasionally need to be re-filled with air.
The all-wheel suspension also helps make this convertible stroller incredibly easy to push with one hand. Between the foam wheels and suspension, it basically feels like you’re pushing the stroller on a cloud.
The swivel front wheels help with tight turns; especially in crowded spaces like city streets or store aisles. The front wheels also lock if you need them stationary while pushing or when folding the stroller.
Car Seat Compatibility
If you prefer to use a car seat instead of a bassinet or regular seat, the Bugaboo Donkey3 is compatible with car seats with the purchase of an extra attachment.
This allows you to effectively turn the stroller into a travel system that’s ready for your family trips.
Seat Function
The Bugaboo Donkey Mono is ready to go from birth with the included bassinet that can be swapped out for the seat when your child is able to sit up on their own. The Donkey bassinet comes with the inner mattress, aerated mattress, and a mattress cover.
The seats are able to be front-facing or parent-facing depending on your preference. The stroller seats can recline for nap times and sit upright for regular use by making a simple adjustment on the back of the seat.
In terms of seating options, you can have just about any combination of bassinets, car seats, or stroller seats with the right attachments. The Duo configuration works with two seats when your children get a little bit older.
Setup & Ease of Use
The setup on the Bugaboo Donkey3 is simple with just a few assembly steps required. If you need extra help, Bugaboo has stroller installation videos to guide you through the process.
The seat fabric on the base seat, basket, side basket, and bassinet are removable. All fabrics are machine washable for easy cleaning.
If you need to swap out the bassinet for a seat, it quickly releases with the push of a couple of buttons. The process to change the seats so you can begin your busy day takes just a matter of minutes.
Folding, Weight, and Portability
The weight of the Bugaboo Donkey3 Mono (with one seat) comes in at around 30 pounds. This is about average for a convertible stroller and is manageable for most parents to lift into the trunk. The Bugaboo Donkey Twin and Duo configurations come in a few pounds heavier due to the extra seats.
The stroller width comes in at 23.6 inches for the Donkey Mono configuration and 29.1 inches with the Duo. This is ideal since most standard door frames are about 30 inches wide.
In terms of folding, the Bugaboo Donkey3 has a very compact fold when removing the seat which we really like for storage. You can also leave the seat attached if you prefer a one-piece fold that stands upright on its own.
Weight Capacity
The Donkey stroller is designed to hold up to 48.5 lbs for each of the seats. This means you’ll be able to use this convertible stroller until your little ones are 5 to 6 years old and able to handle walking during long days.
Both the under-seat basket and side luggage bag has a capacity of 22 lbs. This means you’ll have plenty of storage space for the diaper bag, purse, snacks, and really anything you may need during the day.
Storage
As mentioned, the Bugaboo Donkey3 is equipped with both the standard under seat basket and a unique side luggage basket. This side basket is perfect to hold your diaper bag to quickly access diapers, bottles, toys, or anything your baby needs.
This gives the stroller more storage space than just about any other stroller out there. It may be the main selling point for parents with many kids that require you to hold a lot of stuff.
Sun Shade & Protection
The Bugaboo Donkey3 provides ample protection with the sunshade for days out on the town or strolling through the park. The improved sun canopy is extra large to block out the sun from almost any angle to keep your baby safe.
The sunshade has a peek-a-boo window and breezy panel to allow you to keep your eye on your little one.
Extra Attachments
The Bugaboo Donkey, unfortunately, does not come with a parent cup holder, child snack tray, or cell phone holder. You can purchase these separately and quickly attach them to the stroller.
If your older child wants to hop on and off frequently, you may want to consider purchasing the Bugaboo Comfort Ride on Board. This is a ride onboard attachment that will mount between the rear wheels to allow your toddler to sit or stand in front of the handlebar.
The Duo Extension attachment is necessary to allow you to convert the Donkey from the Mono to Duo.
A unique extra you can purchase is the Bugaboo footmuff for your little one. Think of it like a sleeping bag that wraps around the stroller seat to cover and keep them warm during colder days.
What’s new on the Bugaboo Donkey3 stroller?
The most noticeable improvement on the Bugaboo Donkey3 from the Bugaboo Donkey 2 is the overall improved design and cleaner appearance. Bugaboo has also improved the bassinet to add extra pockets in the front and added a new rotating carry handle. The sun canopy has been updated with a peek-a-boo window and breezy panel for more comfort options.
Other notable differences with the Bugaboo Donkey3 vs. Donkey2 include the improved side luggage basket which is fully enclosed and zips closed, the storage basket is slightly bigger, and the wheels are more narrow to reduce the weight by about a pound and make it even slimmer.
What’s the difference between the Bugaboo Donkey 1, 2, and 3?
While most of the main features of the Bugaboo Donkey have remained similar across the three models, there are some notable upgrades. The original Donkey was groundbreaking in the intense attention to detail and quality, but the Bugaboo Donkey2 and Donkey3 have taken the stroller to a new level.
All three models have the ability to convert from a Mono to Duo or Twin with the necessary attachments. Most of the other attachments (cup holders, child trays, etc.) are compatible across all three.
Below are the main differences between the Bugaboo Donkey, Donkey2, and Donkey3.
Bugaboo Donkey | Bugaboo Donkey2 | Bugaboo Donkey3 | |
Release | 2017 | 2018 | 2020 |
Wheels | Air-Filled Tires | Foam-Filled Tires | Foam-Filled Tires |
Suspension | All-Wheel | All-Wheel (enhanced) | All-Wheel |
Color Options | One Color | Bi-Color (canopy/seat) | Bi-Color (canopy/seat) |
Side Luggage Basket | Mesh Sides with No Cover | Mesh Sides with Cover & Inner Pockets | Fully Enclosed with Zipper & Outside Pockets |
Foot Brake | Shoe Friendly | Shoe & Flip Flop Friendly | Shoe & Flip Flop Friendly |
Weight Capacity | 37.5 lbs | 48.5 lbs | 48.5 lbs |
While much has remained the same since the original Bugaboo Donkey hit the store shelves, the main enhancements include:
- Bassinet has been updated to make it fit better and improved aesthetics to blend with the rest of the stroller.
- Chassis material was upgraded for greater durability and longevity.
- Wheels went from air-filled tires to foam for a smoother ride.
- Side basket mesh fabric was replaced with a fully enclosed zipper design.
- Additional pockets on the bassinet for extra storage.
- More color options and the ability to customize your Donkey stroller.
- Brake system was improved to work better with flip-flops.
- Weight limit was increased from 37.5 lbs to 48.5 lbs.
The Bugaboo Donkey stroller is a quality investment and you’ll want to get the most for your money. This is a case where the latest model (Donkey3) is really the greatest.
What comes with the Bugaboo Donkey 3?
It depends on which model you purchase, but the Bugaboo Donkey Mono comes with the bassinet, stroller seat, rain cover, seat basket, and side luggage basket to hold all your baby products. The stroller comes with everything you’ll need since it’s suitable from birth up to a toddler (48 lbs).
However, it doesn’t come with a parent cup holder or child snack tray – so you’ll need to purchase those separately.
What’s the difference between the Bugaboo Donkey Mono, Duo, and Twin?
Bugaboo Donkey Mono
The Bugaboo Mono version is ideal for parents with one child that are thinking about having another baby in the future. This stroller works great with one baby and has a large amount of storage for baby gear, purses, or anything else you need for the day. If you decide to have another baby, the Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono converts into a double side-by-side, Duo or Twin stroller, using the separate Duo Extension Complete attachment.
Bugaboo Donkey Duo
The Bugaboo Donkey Duo comes ready to go as a double side-by-side stroller to hold an infant and toddler. The Duo is an ideal upgrade for parents with children of different ages or those expecting to have another baby.
Your other child will love the extra room the stroller provides and you’ll love it for all the gear it carries. You can purchase the stroller as a Duo or buy the Duo Extension Set to convert it from the Bugaboo Mono Donkey stroller.
Bugaboo Donkey Twin
The Bugaboo Donkey Twin is ideal for families with twins or two children around the same age (like Irish twins). You can use this twin stroller with two bassinets, car seats, or the regular stroller seats that are attached side-by-side. The Bugaboo Donkey Twin can be purchased as a twin stroller or can be converted to it from the Mono or Duo by purchasing the Duo Extension attachment and the Bassinet Fabric Complete.
How to fold the Bugaboo Donkey3 stroller
There are two options to fold the Bugaboo Donkey3 for storage or transport:
One-Piece Fold: Leave the seat attached as one-piece for a convenient self-standing fold that’s ideal for storage.
Two-Piece Fold: Remove the seat and the stroller has a super compact fold so you can put it in a car trunk.
Alternative Convertible Strollers
The Bugaboo Donkey3 Mono is an incredible stroller that has unmatched design and quality. However, the price tag may be a bit high for some families, so here are a few alternatives that also rank highly.
Graco Modes Travel System
The Grace Modes is one of the highest-rated travel systems that’s built to grow with your child. It comes with the Graco Snug Ride Snug Lock 35 Infant Car Seat, which is one of the best car seats on the market, and also has a toddler seat when your child gets old enough.
While it doesn’t convert to a double stroller, it has a lot of comfort features that you will love. The seat can be either forward or rear-facing, 4-position reclining seat, extra-large storage basket, and simple one-hand folding with the push of a button.
- Easy to get your child in and out with a removable tray and armrests
- Weight capacity of 50 lbs for use as your child grows from infant to toddler
- Simple one-hand fold with self-standing and automatic storage latch
- Comes with parent tray with cup holders and covered storage compartment
- Front swivel wheels can be locked to improve maneuverability
The Graco Modes Travel System is great for new parents that want a stroller that will grow with their child. It doesn’t have the ability to expand to a double stroller, so you may have to buy another stroller down the road if you plan on a second child. However, the stroller is easy to use and comes with the comfort features most parents will love.
Graco FastAction Fold Travel System
Famous for its fast-fold feature, Graco’s travel system can support your child up to 50 lbs. All systems come with a base and feature seats with multiple incline levels to provide maximum comfort for babies and toddlers.
It includes swiveling front wheels and an extra-large basket, typical features of all the strollers included on this list.
- Lightweight and portable
- Easily maneuvered
- Easy in, easy out of cars
- Convertible 3- and 5-point harness
As a more budget-friendly stroller, the Graco FastAction Fold Travel System is for families seeking the convenience of a high-quality travel system without spending too much of their money to do so.
Britax B-Agile B-Safe 35 Travel System
Perhaps the coolest feature of Britax’s system is that it features an integrated foot brake, one of those convenient little pieces to have that you wouldn’t usually think of.
It features all-wheel suspension and a “click and go” system that allows for easy transfer from car seat to stroller to house, in addition to multiple recline positions. It also features an extra-large storage compartment, which slightly edges out that of the Urbini.
- Much more expensive than Urbini Omni Plus
- One hand quick fold feature
- Auto level indicators
- Spring-inclined assist
Those interested in a more refined, sleeker-looking stroller should check out Britax’s travel system.
Conclusion
The Bugaboo Donkey 3 is a remarkable stroller that has gone through several iterations to improve upon the revolutionary original Donkey stroller. The wheels filled with soft foam and all-wheel suspension provides one of the smoothest rides you can find.
In our Bugaboo Donkey 3 stroller review, we covered all the features that make this stroller stand out. From the flexibility of the seating options, compact fold, massive amounts of storage space, and a one-piece fold that makes your day easier.
There are not many strollers that even come close to matching the versatility and incredibly high-quality design that the Bugaboo Donkey3 offers. While the price tag is higher, owners of this stroller will be proud to push their little ones around in this fantastic piece of baby gear.