If you have been searching for a really great Bugaboo model to take your little one out in, then you can’t go wrong with the Bugaboo Bee. I personally prefer the Bee 3, which is the third generation of Bee models that happens to be a super lightweight stroller that comes with a reversible seat. Not to mention you can get even more use out of the Bee by turning into a pram by getting the bassinet that goes with the model. This is great for those parents who only want to purchase just one stroller. You are able to use the pram for the first 6 months, and then go straight into the seat, or you can even turn this model into a travel system by using an infant car seat instead of the regular seat. Another popular Bugaboo stroller is the Bugaboo Cameleon.
Bugaboo Bee Overview
The Bee 3 was designed for urban parents, where you are constantly on the go. It is perfect for traveling, just running a daily errand or even using on public transit.
I happen to love the fact that it comes with a really large basket that I can pack a lot of stuff in when I go out shopping. Since the frame is super narrow which lets you really navigate tight spaces such as doctors office, elevators, or even narrow store aisles. It has an extendable reversible seat that really grows with your little one and gives them plenty of comfort. It has a really deep recline that you can do with just one hand, so that means naps are more comfortable for your little one and they are super great for diaper changes on the go. The wheels are quite small, but you can really handle it on gravel, mulch, or grass. It also has all wheel suspension that really takes care of the bumps, so your little one can ride much more comfortably. You need to keep in mind that it isn’t an all terrain stroller, so uneven surfaces could be a bit bumpy for your little one.
The Bee 3 is a really improved model simply because of the bassinet and canopy. It is still missing that peek-a-boo window that I really love, plus the basket is hard to access and it can be a bit bulky to fold.
The BEE 3 is a great on the go stroller for those busy bee parents who just want a lightweight stroller that comes with a bassinet option and even a reversible seat. Even after the unique updates that was made, it still reminds me of a wheelchair. The price didn’t get any lower either. You can get the frame with the seat for about $600 and the canopy for around $80. It comes in 8 different colors. It is still a bit on the pricey side, but when you want quality, you could be expected to pay so much more.
Bugaboo Bee Features I liked
When it comes to the features, I was pleasantly surprised. It does have some unique upgrades and even some items that are considered a part of my baby arsenal.
Huge canopy
It has a huge canopy. The designers finally listened and really learned about all the complaints about how small the other Bee model canopies were. Since they increased the canopy size, I am no longer complaining at all. It even has an additional panel that you can unzip if you want to make it even bigger to give your little one so much more coverage from the sun. The canopy will go almost all the way down to the seat. Unfortunately, there is still no peek-a-boo window.
Adjustable handle bar
It also comes with an adjustable handle bar. I love the fact that it works for both me and my husband. I am more on the shorter side while he is quite tall. I can lower the handle bar down, and he can extend it to make it comfortable for either one of us to push. This is certainly one of the best features that you will never find on the cheaper umbrella strollers.
Runaway strap
I also love that it comes with a runaway strap. This is a unique strap that is normally found on a jogger stroller. It keeps the stroller from getting away from you, just in case you happen to let go of that handle bar.
Roomy seat
It comes with a super roomy seat. The seat is almost 15 inches wide and has a back that goes from 18 to 21 inches, which is quite tall at the back. It also allows the seat depth to be adjusted. This goes from 11 to 15 inches deep. It is perfect if you are wanting a stroller that will grow with your child. The fabric on the seat is much more breathable, so it will help to keep your little one cool during those hot summer days. It also has a one handed recline level that will take it to a flat position that makes it perfect for your newborn. You can also use the reversible seat. You will have to take your little one out before you change the seat around. It is a good stroller for newborns to 38 pounds.
5-Point harness
It also comes with a 5-point harness. The harness is now 4 pieces meaning that your shoulder straps aren’t attached to the waist straps, so you have to lock each strap in separately. This is where it because a problem. If the designers have kids, then they would know that when your toddler is screaming at the top of their lungs at the mall, the last thing you want to do is deal with 4 separate straps to lock them in. This is where speed actually matters. I am literally trying to strap my little one in and get out as fast as possible. Then you have the fact that they begin to fight you while you are trying to strap them in. The new buckle is quite easy to unlock, so that means that your toddler can escape without a lot of hassle. This doesn’t work with my little one at all.
The bigger basket
It has a larger basket now. The basket got a lot larger, but more complicated to access from the back. So you have to access it from the front. That crossbar in the back still is a pain.
The wheels
The wheels are great as well. They are made of 6-inch hard rubber wheels that have front swiveling wheels that you can lock to go straight for rough terrain. This stroller was mainly designed for flat surfaces and it doesn’t handle terrain to well, but it will work in a pinch. It also has all wheel suspension, which helps to absorb the bumps which make the ride a bit smoother for your sleeping little one. It has a parking brake that you can use simply by pressing on it. I learned the hard way that it isn’t flip flop friendly.
Easy to fold
It is easy to fold. The thing is that you actually need both hands to fold it up, but it easier to do now. You can even do it when the seat is attached. It is a bit bulky, so it will take up a bit of room in the trunk, but if you have a stroller that has a reversible or removable seat, then they are often bulky. Once it is folded, it has an automatic lock on the frame and you can roll it behind you just like you would luggage. It doesn’t do a standing fold.
What about a bassinet?
It can be used with a bassinet, but it isn’t included and you have to purchase it separately. This is great for those parents who want to use a pram. You just replace the seat with the bassinet. The bassinet does come without the canopy, because you can use the one that is on your stroller. It works from newborn to 20 pounds. The sides of the bassinet are quite soft, but the bottom is hard plastic, so you can also use it as a carrycot.
Travel system option
It also has a travel system option. You can convert it into a great travel system by replacing your seat with a car seat. Bugaboo Bee 3 will work with most popular car seats with the car seat adapter.
Warranty
Another thing is that it also has a 3-year warranty, so that is great especially for the price you are going to be paying for the stroller itself, as well as the adapter, and bassinet and even the canopy.
What I didn’t like
I don’t like that it is bulky when folded up, that there isn’t a peek-a-boo window, the basket is hard to access, and I really do not like the low weight limit. The seat only works for up to 38 pounds, which is a problem if you have larger children.
Overall, the Bugaboo Bee 3 needs some more improvements, but in the end it still is a great stroller that you can use in an urban setting.
