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Pushchairs

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Original poster

Have you used Bugaboo Bee from birth?

23 replies

AlwaysDancing1234 · 04/05/2014 21:49

Anyone used the Bee & cocoon from birth - with a summer baby- and would you recommend?

After much deliberation we've narrowed it down to either the Bugaboo Chameleon or the Bee.

Prefer the Bee as it's smaller, and all in one rather than chassis and separate carrycot/seat and will still leave room in our (small) car boot for a few bags! And easier to get on & off buses which I'll be doing a lot.

The Bee has a Cocoon instead of carrycot but as we are having a summer baby would it just be too hot for a newborn? Also I feel like the cocoon doesn't seem as secure or as contained for a little one as a proper carry cot. Any advice?

Thanks

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PourquoiPas · 04/05/2014 22:02

I used a bee plus for my June baby, and it was fab. It doesn't feel as contained as the chameleon but it is just as safe really as they are strapped in. You can zip off the top of the cocoon to keep them cool.

I love the bee for the size and lightness and it still feels very robust with a smooth ride for a newborn. Brilliant buggy.

MummyWeatherwax · 04/05/2014 22:10

We have a bee - its a great buggy, so little and maneuverable.
I can fit a half trolley load of shopping around it in the boot of our fiesta, and it's brill on the bus -nothing but Maclaren types can touch it for size, but it's so easy to steer compared to those. The chameleon is a lot more chunky in those circumstances.

We used it from day one with the cocoon, and DD looked so snuggled up and comfy. If you're worried about the heat, you can buy a summer weight cocoon on the bugaboo website, but the top of it zips off anyway. The cocoon lasted us 8 months I'd guess, then we got a footmuff custom made, for less than the bugaboo footmuff!

I'd definitely recommend it.

bonzo77 · 04/05/2014 22:22

DS1 was a march baby, but summer was early and hot in 2010. I used the cocoon with the top zipped off, or a sheepskin liner. If I had my time again I might have just gone straight for the foot muff, which I have too, and not bought the cocoon.

I am a massive fan of the bee. All my friends had chameleons, and all had bought a maclaren by the time the babies were 6 months. I used mine right up till DS2 came (DS1 was 2.9 then), then attached a buggy board. Also, their babies seemed so vulnerable, like they could fall out if the buggy tipped over. In the Bee they are strapped in nice and safe. Mine is the old Bee, 4 years old and still going strong. It's a bit battered, and I've had to replace some of the wheels. I love the bloody thing so much I'm thinking about having another baby to extend it's life!

StepfauxWife · 04/05/2014 22:24

I used a Bee for my July newborn and it was, and still is, brilliant. As others have said, the cocoon top comes off or you can fold it down. No problems keeping my baby cool or warm. Now that my baby is older, I use a sheepskin footmuff.

As for security, I was worried about this too but it really wasn't a problem. There's a newborn insert in the cocoon and the straps feed through. There's really no chance of baby going anywhere!

Agree with what others have said about it being very easy to push. I use mine loads on buses, it's narrow enough.

Can't praise it enough! I really love mine. Just don't buy any wanky limited edition printed fabric for it

Parietal · 04/05/2014 22:28

bee is a great buggy. I didn't like the cocoon as the straps were enormous on my tiny (5lb12) baby. So I put the phil&teds carry cot on top of the bee seat to get a proper carry cot. that is not 100% secure but if you watch out it won't fall down. And now we are past the baby stage, the bee has done a great job for 6 years & 2 children.

Ihateparties · 04/05/2014 22:47

I have heard things about the micralite and britax carrycots being used on the bee with the respective car seat adapters.. Unapproved of course. There are a lot of pics here.

Original poster

AlwaysDancing1234 · 04/05/2014 22:48

Thank you for all the comments and sensible advice.
Don't worry Stepfauxwife we only intend on getting the normal covers, whether we go for the bee or chameleon!
Bonzo77 is the only difference with the cocoon is that it has the newborn hugger which you don't get with the cocoon?

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Ihateparties · 04/05/2014 22:50

I think the cocoon has a bit of a wedge to flatten the seat a little more and it's a lot shorter (the footmuff can flap around quite a bit in parent facing mode).

Original poster

AlwaysDancing1234 · 04/05/2014 22:53

Thanks Ihateparties
I think we will go to our nearby John Lewis (again!) and have a proper look at the different options

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scottishmummy · 04/05/2014 22:56

Yes

Steelojames · 06/05/2014 21:36

I had this same dilemma and opted for the cameleon.
The bee didn't look secure enough for me and also didn't look too warm.
My baby was due in August, and as winter wasn't too far behind I didn't think the cocoon would be warm enough for those chilly winter walks so the carry cot with the cameleon was perfect.
I have the cameleon 3 and have never looked back!!
Either way your choice!

Steelojames · 06/05/2014 21:39

The carry cot is def secure & was also great for overnight visits!!
Def the cameleon!! It's light also, and easy for cars and buses!! A lot more money but worth the investment!

Potol · 06/05/2014 21:45

Bee. Live in London and super easy on public transport etc. I am the only one in the NCT group who hasn't had to buy a second stroller type buggy because the Bee is so light. The cocoon is very very secure indeed. The footmuff is for when they are older. My baby was only 5lbs 5oz and was very snug in the cocoon and didn't look/feel insecure at all. And it is in super shape 2.3 years later. Probably the best baby investment I have ever made.

Artandco · 06/05/2014 21:55

Another advantage with bee is if you fly. You can't take a two piece fold buggy to plane door but can a one piece. So cameleon would have to be checked in with luggage but bee can be used throughout airport until plane door

Original poster

AlwaysDancing1234 · 06/05/2014 22:06

Thanks everyone, I think we are gonna go for the Bee (will try not to change my mind completely when we see others in the shop!)

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Original poster

AlwaysDancing1234 · 06/05/2014 22:10

Thanks everyone, I think we are gonna go for the Bee (will try not to change my mind completely when we see others in the shop!)

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Potol · 08/05/2014 00:13

Don't know if you have already bought it but I took a 6 week old prem baby for a walk in a Bee. Very snug and secure in the cocoon. So I wouldn't worry about that one bit.

ShelaghTurner · 08/05/2014 02:42

Used a bee from birth with my two January babies and lived it. No more babies for me but I would use it again in a heartbeat. It was perfect.

Original poster

AlwaysDancing1234 · 08/05/2014 07:01

Thanks Potol and Shelagh I've committed and ordered the Bee to be delivered this weekend. I ordered the light version of the cocoon which is especially designed for summer/warmer weather so very happy with my decision
At my last scan the estimated weight for our baby is over 8lb so I don't think have to worry about her being too small and getting lost in the cocoon!

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StepfauxWife · 08/05/2014 14:42

Hurray! It's an exciting moment when your pushchair arrives. What fabric did you go for? You won't be disappointed, I'm sure.

All the best!

Original poster

AlwaysDancing1234 · 08/05/2014 17:30

Thanks Stepfauxwife I'm actually stupidly excited! Getting a 'baby stuff' delivery of bugaboo, Moses basket and car seat on the weekend!
This is DC2 , we have waited a long time for her and had lots of problems early pregnancy so this feels like an important milestone, can't wait to use it all in a few weeks
(We went for the sand colour hood and cocoon, I didn't want to go mad with pink and thought a neutral colour would be easier to sell on when we are finished with it)

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icanmakeyouicecream · 09/05/2014 11:13

Yes we've used the bee for 13 months now since birth. With a buggy board for my older child. We are even still using the cocoon! Although I appreciate my daughter is dwarf like . Honestly, it's faultless. I love it. It's nippy, one piece fold, good storage. I actually can't complain! We have the all black one, nobody else seems to have it round here ... Yet!

Original poster

AlwaysDancing1234 · 09/05/2014 13:55

Thanks icecream now that I've bought one I see them everywhere!

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