Bugaboo Cameleon or Uppababy Cruz - which is easier to steer?

[Indigobloo25]

Hi all,

I’d be really grateful for your advice! I have been using an uppababy cruz extensively since 2013 (2 children over 4 years). I’ve always loved this pram, and have been using it again for my newborn who is a few weeks old.

Not sure if the pram is worn out, but I’m having really bad back and arm pain every time I go out with my baby, and am now considering upgrading either to a Bugaboo Cameleon or a 2015 Uppababy Cruz (which are heavily discounted on various websites). I am prone to problems with my back and pelvis (and had really bad SPD during my pregnancy), so I really need a pram that will not exacerbate these symptoms...

I’d be really grateful for any thoughts on whether it is true that Bugaboos are much easier to steer? Is there a big enough difference in suspension/steering to justify the very high price?

Also, how annoying/cumbersome do you find the hand brake on the Cameleon?

Many thanks for your thoughts!

Cameleon is A LOT heavier to push and lift than Cruz. We did this mistake. Don't do it!

Ive got all sorts of back problems, and went for the Cameleon
It's very easy to steer, and the suspension adjusts every 6 months as the baby grows to compensate for them getting bigger, so it remains easy to steer

The carrycot for the Cameleon is bigger and therefore heavier than the Uppababy, so it feels heavy for the last few months they are in it (heavy carrycot plus bigger baby!) but we moved DC over to the pushchair seat at 4.5-5 months when they were fed up lying flat on their back

I usually walk the dog while pushing the pram, so am usually pushing one handed, and it's absolutely fine

Thanks so much Ellybo and tenbob for your responses! I think I will probably have to go to a store to test both prams...

And remember to try them with something in it and on uneven surface. We got starry-eyed for Bugaboo in the store but it was a different story when taking it out and about, trying to fit anywhere, bulky fold...

Make sure too that the kerb pop works for you. Sometimes the handle will only give the best performance in the certain position. So if you are taller or shorter than average, then it won't be as great. Make sure your hands are just above hip height and you can still comfortably get the buggy over curbs even if there is a heavy load inside.

And lastly, the shops get a better return from more expensive prams. They will always recommend more expensive brands as they will get better profit. Do they wanna sell one bugaboo or 3 philandteds/baby joggers? It's an easy choice for them. Don't trust their verdict but test if it actually works for you and suits your lifestyle. Happy hunting! :)

I find my Cameleon super easy to steer and often do so one handed. It's such an amazing pushchair - i love it. Don't find it heavy at all and loads of space in the carrycot for my tall baby.

Hi all,

Thank you so much for your responses, and apologies for taking so long to get back to you. Have had my hands full with a newborn and her two older siblings!

Many thanks for your advice, I opted for the Cameleon in the end, and am loving it so far... No back problems yet!