Bugaboo Donkey 3

Honestly not happy with it – So I bought this pram in 2021 as a duo, and was instantly disappointed in the under seat basket space. It barely fits anything! After 2 years of use, I honestly wish I never bought it. It's perfectly fine for babies, but once they're in the seats (not bassinets) that is when the problems really get noticeable. • The front wheels constantly… Read more

feel locked, regardless of using both seats or just one with the side basket.

• The canopy frame is wonky and the canopy (hood) now constantly unclips from the side of the frame. It also likes to sway to one side and is annoying to try to readjust as it doesn't want to sit in the centre.

• the canopy hood is a pain to pull completely down, it often needs 2 hands which is a pain when I'm trying to juggle my other twin at the same time.

• The rain covers feel cheap and is flimsy plastic, not thick like other prams I've had.

• Folding & unfolding the pram is a huge pain.

• You can't lie down both seats in a reclined position at the same time, it's just impossible.

I don't recommend this pram.

Love this pram! – I love this pram because it's so functional! It gives us the option to extend to a duo (should we decide have another bub soon) instead of having to buy a whole new double/ twin pram. The side basket is so handy for when I take my bub out for a walk to the grocery store and I can fit so much in there! I love the fabrics are machine washable… Read more ·  1

and water resistant- the rain beads off the pram fabrics!

The big wheels are great as we have a lot of old bumpy footpaths and gravel paths in our area so this makes it a comfortable and sturdy ride for our bub.

The only con would be that it is a pretty bulky pram so if you have a small car it's hard to fit it in. Also some shops/ stores have narrow aisles which makes it difficult to navigate through with the Bugaboo donkey.

Other than that I love it and am so happy with it

I wish Silvercross made side by side twin prams :( – We bought the Bugaboo Donkey 3 Twin Pram new from Baby Bunting and managed to get $600 off the full price because Baby Bunting price-matched (which was great!). We have been using this pram for 4 months now. If I never had experience with another pram, I would give this 5/5, but I used a Silvercross for 5 years before having twins so I can't help… Read more

but compare.

Silvercross is infinitely better than Bugaboo in quality and functionality. It's worth going instore and comparing the features I mention below in the cons/comparison list.

Bugaboo Donkey 3 Twin

PROS: 1. It's the only side-by-side twin pram with proper back support in the seats (unlike the jogger prams that have zips on the sides that allow you to move the back of the seat up and down) and has bassinets side-by-side. 2. Fits through standard doorways (like the ones in older houses) with both bassinets in use. 3. It's relatively lightweight. 4. Easy maneuverability. 5. The sun canopy extends when unzipped so it can block out light. 6. Suncanopy has a peekaboo window with mesh so you can see your baby and let in some air. 7. Looks nice.

CONS/comparison to Silvercross: 1. Folding and unfolding the pram is a pain. You cannot have any tension on the pram as it will not fold/unfold if you do. Compare this to the Silvercross which is so easy and does not have this issue. When instore, I would suggest testing this yourself- don't just watch the employees do it. 2. The sun canopy is flimsy, you put it together yourself and it is never straight, it goes off to the sides and you have to constantly correct this. Also when pulling it up and down it is wonky- sometimes it goes half-down/half-up unless you pull/push it with two hands (not ideal if you're holding a twin in one arm). And yes, I have put it together correctly- even followed youtube videos. Again, just compare the canopy for the Silvercross- it's sturdy, fully assembled, and the parts are far stronger than the Bugaboo. 3. The storage compartment of the Bugaboo is crap compared to the Silvercross in terms of space and durability. When my daughter was too tired to walk and my son was sitting in the seat of our Silvercross she used to sit in the storage compartment of our Silvercross because it's so big and sturdy. Or she would hold on and ride on the front step of the pram. 4. The sliding mechanism for the handlebar on the Bugaboo is outdated. On the Silvercross it's one button at the top that you can push one-handed to move it up or down, with the Bugaboo you have to undo clasps on both sides, move it to the desired height, then clasp again. 5. Bugaboo rain cover is thin and flimsy plastic. If it gets a tiny tear in it, I imagine it will rip all the way very quickly. Compare this to the thick PVC on the Silvercross and the Bugaboo doesn't even come close. 6. The Bugaboo is not a sturdy pram like the Silvercross. My kids have put the Silvercross pram through hell and it's still fully functional and undamaged. If they played with the Bugaboo in the same way (and yes prams aren't for playing but kids are kids and they like playing make-believe) then the Bugaboo wouldn't last a year. 7. The bassinet and seat covers are attached with velcro. Silvercross builds their prams, everything is sewn in and well made.

Comparing Bugaboo to Silvercross is like comparing furniture from an IKEA flatpack to a piece built by a craftsman.

I'm happy I bought the Bugaboo because my twins can be side-by-side and that was most important to me (and the pram does what it should). But, I wish Silvercross made side-by-side twin prams because it wouldn't be a question as to which I'd choose if that were the case. As I said, if I'd never used another pram I'd probably give the Bugaboo a 5/5; I can't help but compare.

EDIT: JAN 2022 We have now been using this pram for over 12 months. The biggest issue I have with this pram (now that we're using the seats) is that you CANNOT lie down both seats (all the way) side by side at the same time. This is a huge pain with twins as they often sleep at the same time while walking and one of them cannot be in the fully reclined position. My previous cons are all still valid and replacing the attachment clasps did nothing for the stability of the canopies, they are not sturdy and they are constantly skewed on the pram.

Bugaboo needs to make a bigger basket under the pram for twin prams. It has only become more and more annoying having such a small carry compartment under the pram (at least if you have twins and cannot use the side basket because you have two seats in the pram).