Shopping for baby utilities is a beloved activity for many moms. Once you realize how much money you spend on stuff that your baby will soon outgrow, you start dreading the whole thing.
Why Trust Us?
Because my full-time job is being mom to 2 precious daughters, and I know a thing or two about strollers. Besides personal experience, I get feedback from other moms who use these strollers every day and put all that research into our unbiased stroller buying guides
- Kyli
This is especially true when it comes to baby strollers and car seats. Single strollers aren’t efficient for big families, and double strollers are bulky. Someone has to compromise!
Luckily, Bugaboo has blessed us with its convertible Donkey 3 stroller, a single stroller that expands into a double side-by-side one to accommodate your babies as your family grows. Isn’t that genius?
Table of Contents
How to Choose the Best Side-by-Side Stroller
Before we review the Bugaboo Donkey 3, let’s learn how to choose a convenient stroller.
If you have twins, two children who are close in age, or a baby with a possibility of a brother or sister on the way, then the convertible stroller is the one for you.
Here are the most critical factors that you should look for when buying a side-by-side stroller.
Wheels
You’ll be pushing two kids at a time. For this reason, you need wheels that provide you with proper balance and smooth maneuverability at the same time. Look for big-sized wide wheels to balance the two seats. We won’t recommend joggers here in the case of double strollers. The more wheels, the better.
Also, don’t mistake heavy wheels for sturdiness. Heavy wheels don’t take bumps well and require double the effort to push. In the scenario of having two kids to push, it’ll be a hellish experience!
Weight Capacity
There are a few numbers you need to consider here; the stroller’s weight while empty, the stroller’s maximum capacity, as well as its minimum capacity. Many parents overlook this last one, which is a huge mistake. If the stroller’s minimum capacity isn’t fulfilled, it might flip over. Beware!
Size
Well, well, well. A lot of parents think that going for a big or a double stroller even if they have one kid is the wise option so that they don’t need to buy another one when the second baby arrives. However, we aren’t so fond of this idea, because in most cases, parents get tired of pushing this cumbersome stroller down the streets, and they end up abandoning it altogether.
Looking at the average size of a double stroller, we can understand why they do that. Here’s when a side-by-side convertible proves to be an efficient option, where it occupies significantly less space. Can you imagine fitting a double stroller through a narrow door?
Even better, if you can get a single stroller with the potential of expanding into a double one, then you’ve got the real deal. That’s why we’re reviewing the Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono Convertible.
A Sneak Peek at the Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono
Bugaboo Donkey 3
This stroller takes everything you need on board, and is still small enough to fit easily into your family life, your apartment, and also through standard doorways – the Bugaboo Donkey3 Mono.
Known for their sleek designs, sturdy builds, and top-notch quality, Bugaboo strollers are considered to be among the best on the market and the most expensive too.
Bugaboo has multiple production lines for strollers that cater to different client needs. The Bugaboo Donkey series -to which Donkey 3 is the latest addition- is built to last. According to Bugaboo’s slogan, Donkey 3 strollers are meant to “grow with your family.” It comes in mono, dual, and twin options. The twin option is self-explanatory, while the dual is meant to be for a baby and a toddler.
Donkey 3 Mono, which we’ll be reviewing today, is a convertible stroller with the potential of expanding into a double side-by-side stroller thanks to its duo expansion set that you can purchase separately.
Things We Like
- The convertibility feature is to die for
- Plentiful storage
- Compatible with car seats
- You can push it single-handedly
Room for Improvement
- The stroller is still relatively bulky when folded
- The price tag is ridiculous
Bugaboo Donkey 3 Features
There are plenty of reasons why this product has caught our attention. From a sleek design, a rotating handle, and a reclined seat, all the way to roomy storage baskets and a sun canopy!
Versatile
The first word that comes to mind when you look at the design of Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono is versatility. The stroller offers multiple configurations; a regular single stroller for your baby with an option of expanding into a side-by-side double stroller to accommodate your growing family.
In our opinion, this is the point where we can justify the steep price, where getting this flexible convertible pram will save you from getting two separate strollers.
In a way, it’s also a better option than a dual stroller because it occupies less space and is more compact. You can push it one-handedly, unlike the double inline options that require both hands, or worse, two people, to push!
It seems like we’re not the only ones who think that. Design experts share the same view with us. That’s why they awarded the Bugaboo Donkey 3 the Bump’s Best Double Stroller of 2020.
When your kid outgrows the stroller, you can convert the Donkey 3’s included bassinet into a seat, which makes it a worthy long-term investment.
Sleek Design
Bugaboo Donkey 3 features large EVA foamy wheels that are significantly lighter than those of the Donkey 2. The large size of the wheels account for the smooth maneuverability of the stroller, and the light foam contributes to its overall lighter weight. The wheels are also puncture-free. The improved wheel design is in line with Bugaboo Fox. Definitely a win-win!
Speaking of maneuverability, you have to take a look at the handle. The Donkey 3 has an updated carry handle that pivots for a full 360 degrees. Can you imagine rotating your kid to face you so that you can lift him instead of you going around the stroller? Talk about convenience.
For an easier ride through snow and sand, there’s an option of converting the stroller into a two-wheel position. There was a reviewers’ consensus on how easy this stroller conquers all types of terrain. This is especially handy for mothers who go out alone to run errands or so.
Like all worthy strollers, Donkey 3’s seat reclines, allowing for sweet nap time for your little one. It also has the option of sitting up straight so that your kiddo can enjoy a nice view of the world.
Lightweight. Easy Push.
Pushing your baby -or “babies”- around in a stroller is tiring enough. The last thing you need is a bulky stroller that gets you sweating after a few yards. Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono comes at 27.5 lbs, which is lighter than the Donkey 2 Mono, which weighs 29.3 lbs.
The lightweight translates into easy pushing and smooth maneuverability, which are ranked highly on our stroller choice criteria.
Worthy to note is that this stroller is compact and easy to fold. You can effortlessly fold it and store it in your car trunk in a matter of seconds.
Don’t mistake lightweight for low capacity, though. This stroller can accommodate babies up to 48.5 lbs, which is a lot!
What’s New in the Bugaboo Donkey 3?
Well, there’s a bunch of modifications on the 3rd version of Bugaboo Donkey that we’ve come to appreciate. Besides a lighter weight, let’s take a look at the two modified components.
Side Luggage
It seems like Bugaboo has paid particular attention to storage. They know how a mom thinks and what a mom needs- an awful lot of accessories and luggage!
Through the Donkey 3, they’re providing you with an amazing side bassinet with a zipper and a separate handle. The zipper is there for a reason; it converts into a separate tote bag to keep your stuff away from your little kiddo’s wandering hands. There’s also a regular under seat basket.
Each of these can take up to 22 lbs of luggage. Pack your stuff, get your baby, and you’re ready to go!
Updated Canopies
Finally, Bugaboo has decided to bless us with the peek-a-boo window on the Donkey 3 sun canopy so that you can keep an eye on your little one. We’ve always wondered why they missed this feature on their previous models anyway.
Not only that, but the canopy also features a breezy air mesh window, which allows for proper ventilation for the baby.
Did we mention that the canopy has UPF 50+ sun protection?
Wrap Up
Bugaboo Donkey 3
This stroller takes everything you need on board, and is still small enough to fit easily into your family life, your apartment, and also through standard doorways – the Bugaboo Donkey3 Mono.
Ten years ago, Bugaboo was the first stroller manufacturer to introduce a convertible stroller that expands horizontally. While we were all used to tandem strollers, Bugaboo Donkey presented the side-by-side double stroller model that’s definitely more functional and space-saving.
Now, the Donkey 3 stroller is a dream for every family with twin babies or who are planning to expand. The stroller is sturdy, lightweight, with plenty of storage. The only pitfall -as we mentioned before- is its price.
If you find that Bogaboo’s strollers are way out of your budget, UPPA Baby’s double strollers are a strong contender for a fraction of the price. They’re known for their sturdy build, plush rides, and a handful of accessories.
Bugaboo Donkey 3 Review - Mono Convertible To Double Stroller
Bugaboo Donkey 3 Stroller is a single stroller that expands into a double side-by-side to accommodate your babies as your family grows.
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.9
