Bugaboo Bee - cocoon enough for newborn or carrycot needed?

[LASandOtto]

As title says... anyone can share their experience?

Finally went to see some prams in person today after doing extensive research online. Had it narrowed down to Babyzen Yoyo 2 or Bugaboo Bee 5.

Eventually opted for the Bugaboo after trying both in store, and weighing up pros and cons of each.

We didn't decide on whether to get the full carrycot, or just get the cocoon which can also be used from newborn from what the sales assistant said.

There's quite a price difference, so was wondering before we decide, are there any mums out there who have the Bee and used either the carrycot or cocoon with it, and what your experience were? Also from newborn? Would the cocoon suffice or would you advise getting the carrycot?

Thanks!

I got the full carry cot it's really good for naps too. It feels really secure and comfort.

I don't have experience with the cacoon but I'd say we moved my son to normal pram bit around 4 months as soon as he was holding his head well and he was so tall he filled the carrycot.

We were also torn between the two you said, but I needed to be able to carry my son to first floor so we liked that the bee had detachable carry cot and that it was baby facing.

We had both and I'd say carrycot is better as you can use it for daytime naps. So not completely necessary but is much better. Plus it depends when you're due, the cocoon is very warm as they're more snug so not great in summer. We actually used to put the cocoon in the carrycot in the middle of winter - made it very warm and cosy

Also, as above, the cocoon is handy when you move them to the pram as they can still sit up a bit but you can lie it flat and they're still warm and snug

I have the bugaboo, and agonised over exactly this at the time. Depends a little on timing of baby being born but I was very happy we got the carrycot. I think it also meant she got more sleep when she'd fallen asleep on the way home in the pram and we could lift the carrycot out and leave her sleep a bit longer, whereas you can't do that in the cocoon. She was an autumn baby, I can't remember how long you get in the carrycot, maybe for a spring baby you wouldn't need it but I remember thinking she was nicely protected against the wind and feeling the cocoon wouldn't have offered enough protection.

Basically, I really worried it would be a waste of money and I was v happy we went for it in the end. And I would also recommend the bugaboo over the babyzen, mostly because of the ability to stay parent-facing when you first make the switch over: have friends with the babyzen and its definitely more compact but there was a good five months where I felt she benefited from being parent-facing before we switched her around. The bugaboo is the one purchase I have absolutely no regrets over, after doing a ridiculous amount of research and agonising. My only advice would be to practice collapsing it before the baby arrives!

We didn't buy the carrycot. Just couldn't justify the price of it. The cocoon was fine, DD hated the pram for a good few months anyway and was sitting in the more upright position by 4 months so it would've been a total waste. They do look nice though!

Thanks - good points regarding moving baby when asleep...

Baby is due start of September so weather will (hopefully) still be pleasant.

Maybe a second hand carrycot is an option, as I do think they are expensive for how much 'use' you may (or may not) get out of it?

Bugaboo have an official online outlet with discounted items. They currently have a bee carrycot reduced to £161 if you wanted a new one at a lower price (depends if you like the colour!) It is worth checking the website every now and then as stock does change

www.bugaboo.com/gb-en/outlet/bugaboo-bee5-carrycot-complete-uk-track-520228MS01.html

We just used the cocoon, it was fine. We had a winter babies so it kept them snug. If they were still asleep when we got home we just wheeled the pushchair in.

Just want to say how bizarre your post is! We also went pram shopping for the first time today and we were choosing between the babyzen yoyo and the bee - and we're unsure about the carrycot vs the cocoon! How strange

We have decided to go for the bee as well as it just seems much more sturdy among other benefits. We are going to go with the cocoon as she'll still be able to lie flat in it and the sales assistant said that realistically she could only be in the carrycot for about 4 months before moving to the pushchair bit. However, she's also due in October so it will be cold for the bulk of that time.

I had an Oct baby and used the cocoon. They are small for such a small window and I felt that the carrycot would've been outgrown quickly for the price it was.

The cocoon was fab and I also used it for #2 who was a March baby. It pretty much lies flat and they napped in it just fine.

I love my bugaboo bee!

Don't forget you need to buy some connectors to use the carrycot (I think)?

Either is fine. I went with the carrycot because I didn’t want the faff of strapping a newborn in. I bought it second hand and it was in perfect condition as they only get used for a few months.

Thanks all! Really appreciate the advice!

@otterbaby that is a funny coincidence. I also felt we made the right choice with the Bee, the Babyzen Yoyo was great but didn't like the bars over the basket underneath the pram as it's already very compact, and my biggest issue was that it's not parent facing from 6 months.