Bugaboo bee drawbacks?

[laydeebyrd]

At the weekend I went buggy window shopping/researching and really liked the look of the bee. I liked that it was small and compact as I don't want a bulky pram. But, there were a couple of things which made me wonder whether I should trade my own convenience of lugging around a small pram for a bigger one which is more comfortable for the baby. Does anyone have any advice on the following?

1. It looked small and like a baby/toddler might grow out of it fast. How soon did you find you needed to buy something bigger?
2. It's small wheels looked like they might give an uncomfortable ride for a baby. Would you recommend trading the convenience of small wheels for more comfortable bigger ones?
3. Are there any other drawbacks of the bee that I've overlooked?

[fattybumbum]

I too am currently eyeing up a bugaboo bee. Personally I think the wheels/suspension seem very smooth and comfy. I'm assuming I'll use it for a year then sell it on ebay and just use a light buggy. The resale value of them is good too.

Another query - can you attach a buggy board on to a bugaboo? I have a heavy 3 year old and he may need a lift occasionally if we're walking far.

[Tambajam]

The section for legs is very short and my 21 month old is already dangling awkwardly. I've just started to put her in her brother's old Maclaren. She's not that long for her age and still fits 12-18 month trousers.
The front wheel feels quite flimsy. You bash up against a rock/ paving stone and hold your breath when you think it's going to snap the wheel off. Hasn't happened yet but you do end up lifting it up a fair bit. I don't think the small wheels make it uncomfortable for them though as the suspension is good.
It's quite easy to extend the handle on one side without realizing you've done it and you can end up with a skew whiff frame especially when folding and unfolding.

On the positives - you can make an adorable little snug space for sleeping as the shade comes right down and the pram folds completely flat. Like they are in a little snail shell. It can be parent-facing and swaps round easily. Colours are great.

[JigglyPiggy]

Can any bee owners tell me if the crotch strap is attached to the seat cover fabric like other bugaboos or is it like the shoulder harness and removable?

To answer the OP (sorry for the thread crash) there have been issues with the bee brakes and the handle height adjustment either sticking or failing so its something to consider if looking at second hand versus new.

As with all bugaboos they sell quite well second hand so you could always trade it in at a later date if you have a rapidly growing toddler!

I have a frog which I love and will soon be able to compare it to the bee so can report back on my findings if you like?

[SparklyGothKat]

tamba have you extended the bum part? Underneath the seat is a white clip thing, push and pull out.

I had a Bee until recently. Ds2 is 2 this month and still fitted but he decided that he didn't like the size and would scream when in it, he likes to stretch out.

I wouldn't use the bee over bumpy or uneven ground, great for school run or around the shops but a nightmare at the farm.

[Tambajam]

SparklyGothKat - are you kidding me!!! Too funny. I have never extended the seat nor even knew it was a possibility. Off I toddle. Thanks!

[Tambajam]

I SparklyGothKat.

[allaboutme]

No problems with mine so far.
DS2 is 18 months and still fits fine. He sleeps in it laid flat too with plenty of room.
Brakes and handles all ok.
Very smooth ride. I love it!

DONT get the yellow one though - I attract bugs like crazy all summer

(Crotch strap is attached to the seat)

[AitchwonderswhoFruitCrumbleis]

lol. didn't you read the instructions at all, tamba?

i've used it for occasional longer walks with dd1 who's three and with one year old dd2, i really like it so far. i keep the handle as high as it will go (despite being of average heigth) as it does give better leverage when going up pavements. so i've never experienced any problems with thinking the wheels were going to snap.

re the handle being skewy, i was told by john lewis staff that when putting it up not to pull the handle but to pull the two frame parts at the side, below the handle adjusters, so as not to weaken the handle lock, iykwim?

the buggy board is due out in october, cannot come a minute too soon imo. apparently if you use a non bugaboo one you instantly void your guarantee... so when dd1 has been tired she's been fairly happy in the shopping basket with her legs sticking out.

[JigglyPiggy]

thanx allaboutme I was looking at the yellow but Im not sure if i prefer the cameleon yellow so it may require a custom hood

I have only had instructions with 2 out of the many pushchairs i've had and i didnt read them so i feel your pain tamba

where did you hear about the bee buggyboard? (asking cus im nosy, my 4yr old will use her legs by October!)

[AitchwonderswhoFruitCrumbleis]

it's on the website and John Lewis says so too. that's gospel in my book.

yellow attracts flies, apparently.

[SparklyGothKat]

lol np Tamba.

The yellow does attract flies, and is very very bright, certainly got people looking when I borrowed my sisters to see if I like it lol

[allaboutme]

Apart from the flies I do love my yellow one though, a little ray of sunshine on a dull day

I have had a seat2go buggy board on mine for the last 18 months and that fits fine!

[laydeebyrd]

What excellent feedback. Thanks all.

So glad that your 21 mth old now has a more comfortable seat now Tamba. I've no patience for instruction booklets myself!

Brilliant that they're bringing out a board for it too. That's pretty much sealed the deal for me now.

One last thing I want to check is whether the maxi cosi car seat will fit my Vauxhall Corsa. The Maxi Cosi website where you can check it doesn't seem to be working. Does anyone happen to know?

[laydeebyrd]

Just called maxi cosi and it does fit. Thanks.