Skip to main content
Skip to main navigation
Skip to talk navigation

Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Saved Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Flip

Join our Pram forum for pram advice. Plus read our round up of the best pushchairs currently available.

Join our Pram forum for pram advice. Plus read our round up of the best pushchairs currently available.

Pushchairs

New bugaboo beee or Maclaren?

19 replies

daisydoggirl · 04/05/2010 21:24

I need some help deciding on something I've been dithering about for months.

I have a Phil and Ted's for my 6 month old and 2 year old (both big boys), but HATE it and want instead to use a single buggy and a baby sling for my daily drive to shops and then doing chores there.

I need a buggy that can be folded up easily/ quickly, and which folds down small, possibly with a buggy board attached (or one that comes off easily).

I am short (5 ft 2) and want something that is smooth to push - when I've tested macalarens before they seem quite tricky to push. However they do fold up small and with minimal fuss.

I am in love with the new Bugaboo bees. I like the way they push really easily and can face backwards but they are quite pricey and do they fold up small enough? And can you fold them up with one hand? (not crucial but quite useful...)

Suggestions would be very helpful...

Thank you

OP posts:

Report

MoneyNoPockets · 04/05/2010 21:56

Would go for the Bee over a Maclaren anyday. The bee is easy to fold with the seat facing either way.

jennifersofia · 04/05/2010 22:09

No, you cannot fold the bee with one hand. You can put them up with one hand. The ease of pushing and steering is good. Bags on handlebars is a bit of a pain 'cos you have to tie them on instead of sling them over. Having said that, the basket underneath is a bit more useful than a Maclaren. I dithered about a bee for months, finally went for it (ebay) and have been basically happy with it. However (12 months on) the handle has just frozen and cannot be raised or lowered, so must sort that.
The hood is fab on the bee, much better than the Maclaren ones, and dd sleeps really well in the bee (and 'tis lovely to be able to see her so well). We got it when she was 1, and she is still fine in it, but she is not an especially big child. Before handle froze, it suited both me (5ft3) and dh (6ft). The rain covers can be a bit pants, (tear at seams) so check that out. HTH

IsItMeOr · 04/05/2010 22:13

Have you tried looking at the BabyJogger City Mini? I'm not sure quite how it compares to a Bee, but it folds easily with one hand and is lovely and smooth to push one handed. You can't hang bags off the handle bars though, but there's a reasonable basket underneath. I've been really happy with mine bought to live in the boot of car for going out.

daisydoggirl · 04/05/2010 22:33

Thank you. That's all very useful...

OP posts:

faddle · 06/05/2010 21:59

you do need 2 hands to release the folding clips on bee, but then once released, it actually folds and locks itself, no hands at all. They have very cleverly designed it so that the weight of the chassis pulls it together and down. Putting up is a doddle too. One foot on brake, one hand on handle, pull will hand, push with foot. Hey presto its done. I love it.

It does fold down really small, and is very light, the new one has a very generous seat which can be small for tiny babies and then extends as child grows. Cant see why a buggy board wouldnt fit on it, they seem to fit to almost anything. Bugaboo do their own board, but I dont know if it goes on a bee.
Pushing wise, it is beautiful, you can push and steer with one finger, even with a big toddler in it. They do hold their value incredibly well too.

HinnyPet · 06/05/2010 22:02

Love my Maclaren!
Looks good, decent basket, comfy for DS, reclines well, easy to fold and unfold, just shake it!
Good resale too. I have an XT, was on special at Mothercare.

Tootlesmummy · 06/05/2010 22:05

I'd go with the XT, reasonably priced and folds up well. It lies flat and has a good sun shade on it. It has adjustable handles as well.
I looked at the Bee but decided against it and have never regretted it.

daisydoggirl · 07/05/2010 22:47

er.. a bit more confused again now! I wonder if I can hire a buggy from anywhere to test them out?

OP posts:

Lea76 · 08/05/2010 11:26

I would go with a Bugaboo Bee every time...absolutely love mine - it was my best baby purchase with number 1!

Number 2 about to arrive and am trying to decide between the P&T Dash or Sport!!!!!

Go with a Bugaboo Bee - soooooo much nicer and stylish!

x

Tootlesmummy · 08/05/2010 15:24

And so much more expensive!

HinnyPet · 08/05/2010 17:47

Bee looks too trendy and trying-too-hard IMO. Maclaren is classic and tried and tested and reassuringly safe.

daisydoggirl · 09/05/2010 15:19

Hmm! I don't really care what I look like - so for me it's not about style. It's about having something that doesn't "p" me off on a daily basis like the P and T does - struggling to the car with it, forgetting every time which button to press, then struggling with toggles, zips, clips and velcro etc.

I have wanted a bee for years. I think I may have to get a bee, and then also get a macalaren second hand for the odd times I go into the centre of town or visiting my mum in the car etc. We'd like a third baby at some stage, so I'd be able to use it then too...

OP posts:

DarrellRivers · 09/05/2010 15:30

Maclaren is like ronseal
does what it says on the packet
It never causes any hassle and does exactly what you would want a buggy to do

One handed release ie you can do it while holding a child
Have just bought my second
My mum still has my first slightly battered one

HinnyPet · 09/05/2010 18:42

Why get two pushchairs when you can get one brilliant Maclaren that does everything?

Liz79 · 09/05/2010 21:27

but Is there a parent facing maclaren? I want something from birth which is easily pushable with 1 hand (so can hold toddlers hand), and parent facing. I have the mamas and papas switch but impossible to push with one hand. Bee? Would like something cheaper ideally but can't see anything which meets my needs.

Rockbird · 09/05/2010 21:42

Maclaren is not good to push with one hand. It veers off to the side when I'm holding DD's hand. Also not parent facing.

iCandy Cherry is a nice little rear facing pushchair with one handlebar and it can probably be got second hand quite cheaply.

daisydoggirl · 10/05/2010 00:37

Yes it's the pushing thing I think that bothers me the most - when pushing other peoples' maclarens, they just don't seem that easy to push. I used to have a Quinny Zapp - very lightweight, easy to fold, not cool, a bit rickety, and mine was filthy and bright orange, but I loved it because it was lightweight and easy to push and manouvre, small when folded.

However I like your reply Hinnypet - very sensible - why get two pushchairs when one will do it all - indeed...my hubby would agree with you!

However my hubby has in fact conceded that I've been in love with the bees since when I was pregnant the first time - that's about 3 years!

OP posts:

IMoveTheStars · 10/05/2010 00:49

try babyjogger or M&P sola (which judging by the other pushchairs [herbie]) looks extremely easy to push.

daisydoggirl · 12/05/2010 13:49

Right. Does anyone know the cheapest place to get a bugaboo bee 2010? They all seem to be £460.

Also does anyone know which buggy boards fit on it?

Many thanks

OP posts:

Flip

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.