Bugaboo bee vs chameleon

[lovelylaura]

I'm trying to decide which one is better so would like some opinions from people that have actually used them for a while and not been given them to review for free. I like that the bee is just a really good stroller which is probably better for us as I hate huge pushchairs but I prefer the look of the chameleon and it looks a bit more sturdy and snug so if you could post your pros and cons it would be really helpful. Thanks

 

[sue_88]

I have the bee3. (The latest model) I've had it for a few months now, my LO is 17m.

Pros:
Super easy to push
Can manoeuvre one handed (if LO is walking)
Large shopping basket
Lovely hood colours
Folds in one piece and fits in most boots
Handle extends really long easy for tall people and short people
Lovely think footmuff, keeps LO really warm and zips up nice and high.
Harness is really easy to loosen and tighten

Cons:
(For me) very fiddly to switch between parent and world facing
Harness buckle a little fiddly and straps twist quite easy, but pretty quick to undo, just annoying
The hood is quite large so can't see LO when it's full up, and there's no window for when world facing which I like to have to see in (previous pram did)
Not really lightweight when folded so I struggle to lift it in my car, but I am fairly weak when it comes to lifting things.
Small wheels sometimes get stuck in pavement gaps, down curbs etc.

Haven't used the Cam but my friend has it and I'd choose my 'one piece' bee now for an older child definitely, but the cam looked lovely for a newborn.

 

[embo216]

I've had bugaboos for six years now and I've had them all! The chameleon is lovely but doesn't last much longer than 18 months due to the hood height. I currently have the bee3 with the black frame and it's wonderful, before this one I had a originally bee which I wouldn't recommend, again due to the hood height. x

 

[felix555]

I've not had the chameleon as I'd never buy a pushchair that doesn't fold down in one piece that's a massive con that put me off it straight away.

But I have the Bee plus (the one after the original but before the Bee3) and I loved it.

I won't repeat the pros and cons Sue listed, I agree with them all.

It's a great pushchair and I'd buy it again, I've had it 21 months now and it's the only pushchair I've had (except for a fold down one we used when flying which I only got so the bugaboo doesn't get ruined when chucked on the plane) while friends that have had babies at the same time as me have changed pushchair at least once since their babies were born.

Also, if you are considering one check out Pramworld they do really good deals on bundles (I got everything including car seat, foot muff, cocoon, car seat adaptors, rain cover etc. For a really good price) and their customer service is excellent.

 

[felix555]

Also, if I was OK with a pushchair that folds down into two I'd have a Buffalo over a Chameleon

 

[Natasha2605]

Does anyone know if the bugaboo bee plus hoods fits on the bee3. Can't find any definite answers online.

 

[sue_88]

Does anyone know if the bugaboo bee plus hoods fits on the bee3. Can't find any definite answers online.

They do yes.

 

[felix555]

Does anyone know if the bugaboo bee plus hoods fits on the bee3. Can't find any definite answers online.

I'd be shocked if it didn't as they look identical to me. Apart from the fact the Bee 3 fabric is much nicer IMO.

 

[Natasha2605]

Thanks ladies.

 

[embo216]

Also, if I was OK with a pushchair that folds down into two I'd have a Buffalo over a Chameleon

I've had a Buffalo and chameleon and although they look lovely the Buffalo's are incredibly heavy to push, unless you really need a offroading pram I wouldn't recommend them all. x

 

[QueenMummyToBe]

Cameleon every time!
We got ours for alma and I use it everyday! I easily walk 30 miles a week with it and I walk up a lot of hills and it is still so light and easy to push even though she is getting rather heavy and I use the buggy board when Tristan comes on long walks

xx

 

[lola_90]

We had the cameleon for my son when he was born. It took me a while to be able to fold it! Apart from that it is a lot sturdier than the bee. Goes over rough terrain well and looks quite snug with a footmuff in. Beyond 18 months the lifespan isn't great as the seat isn't that spacious compared to other pushchairs I've had.

I had the plus and now have the bee3. I have a love hate relationship with it, it is good for smooth walks around a shopping centre but I find it very low down as I am used to Stokke height. The harness isn't brilliant and my son at 2 1/4 looks very big in it as he is so tall. It is fully extended etc.

Have you thought about the new Stokke Scoot V2? I have this and the bee3. The scoot is heavy around 11kg but I only lift it in and out of the car so hasn't mch of an issue. The seat size is very roomy and my son looks more comfortable in the scoot. The wheels are larger and go over kerbs and little bumps with ease compared to the bee.

I found my son was more comfortable in the bee once he was a toddler as I think it's ok with the cocoon fir a newborn but that stage I between he didn't sit right in it.

I'm not helping but they are both very different. If you want something that will last through to toddlerhood and beyond get the bee. If you walk a lot on different terrains and prefer the dam then get that.

Have you tried your daughter in both in a shop?

 

[lovelylaura]

I think I've settled on the bee. I don't need the newborn part of it because emily is almost 6 months now and because I've always worn her in the sling I think i would find it difficult having quite a large pushchair. Thank you for your help! Most of the cons are kind what I'm expecting really. Now just to find the right colours

 

[lovelylaura]

I did look at the scoot and was originally going to get that as it looked perfect but I read a lot of bad reviews and it's really put me off. The seat looks so much more comfortable and the seat looks higher than the bee. I did look at both the bugaboos but didn't try her in them which I'm regretting now.

 

[felix555]

I think I've settled on the bee. I don't need the newborn part of it because emily is almost 6 months now and because I've always worn her in the sling I think i would find it difficult having quite a large pushchair. Thank you for your help! Most of the cons are kind what I'm expecting really. Now just to find the right colours

Good choice I think the Bee is better for a toddler.

 

[lola_90]

The seat is a lot higher on the scoot. The original scoot was crap but they brought a new one out in September and the new wheels made such a difference. It's still heavy I would go into Mothercare if you have one locally as they will stock the scoot and the bee.

I'm happy to pm you pics of my son in them xx

 

[lovelylaura]

I just googled the scoot again lol I'm going to stick with the bugaboo. Thank you though! I've found the bee3 for 485 in the silver frame which seems like the cheapest I'll get it.

 

[EcoMama]

I've had both and prefer the bee. I think the wobbly handle and seat unit on the cam makes it feel flimsy. I also have a mountain buggy as my off-road pram so the bee is my stroller for school run. I like how with the bee a toddler can climb in and out of it freely without help. I have the old 07 version as got it for my son 2nd hand in 09, I think it's great and he fitted in to that one until 2.5yrs x

 

[highhopes19]

I had a bee plus with Isabelle and was the best pram I've had.... I've gone through a few hehe

Sooo gutted when she outgrew it x