Bugaboo Cameleon Case Study

I purchased the Bugaboo Cameleon for one main reason, it had a bassinet feature that my son could sleep in beside of my bed. My husband and I fell in love with the Ooba Nest bassinet; however, the company went out of business and we couldn’t get our hands on one. To be honest, the $600 price tag was also very difficult for me to swallow for a bassinet that my son would probably only use for a few months (it is now $1000 if you can locate it at a boutique). The Bugaboo Cameleon had the bassinet feature I needed and I felt it would be perfect to use until he transitioned to his crib. Also, I knew the stroller could be used until my son is almost 40 pounds.

For the most part, I am very happy with my decision to purchase the Bugaboo. It is a well constructed stroller and pushes with minimal effort. I found a terrific bargain online at Pampered Tot and was able to purchase the stroller with a discount and free shipping for a total cost of $700. I customized my colors too, I opted for sand and chocolate brown and was thrilled when my package arrived.

My negative experiences with the Bugaboo Cameleon:

  • The instruction booklet is not as intuitive as you would expect from a European product.
  • I have a BMW X3 (cross over SUV) and the collapsed stroller takes up the majority of my trunk space. I couldn’t imagine collapsing it in a car, it would leave no space whatsoever for shopping bags!
  • I had a very difficult time collapsing the stroller initially. The instruction booklet didn’t help much, I found an online video that showed me step-by-step how to do it.
  • I put the sun canopy on upside down because the instructions were not clear. Thankfully, I met a girlfriend for lunch who is also a Bugaboo owner and she let me know it was incorrect.
  • Bugaboo accessories are not cheap, but are a necessity. I had to purchase a cup holder which cost me $25! I also purchased the matching parasol for $40 which was a necessity living in Florida.
  • The straps are difficult to tighten. When my son was a baby, I was afraid he’d fall out! It took a lot of practice for me to get the hang of it.
  • The tires do not pump up very easily and constantly need air! Also, the caps that cover the tire valves do not fit tightly.
  • I wish there was a diaper bag hook accessory because my Kate Spade bag fills the entire underseat bag.
  • My son likes to chew on the foam covered carry handle so lately, I have been leaving it off (which is less convenient when trying to assemble the seat to the frame).
  • I am afraid to leave it parked unattended while at Disney World or the Zoo because I am afraid someone will steal it!

What I love about my stroller:

  • The bassinet feature was a lifesaver! My son slept in it for the first 3 months of his life. I was able to use standard bassinet fitted sheets to protect the mattress.
  • Toys can be strapped to the foam covered carry handle which proves entertaining for infants resting in the bassinet or toddlers sitting in the chair.
  • All the fabric is washable which comes in handy since my son likes to dump his sippy cup. I have washed it and am happy with the results.
  • I love the parasol accessory! If I had a penny for everyone who commented on this umbrella, I’d be rich!. It is very cute too! The only negative is the price tag.
  • I am tall and I love the fact I can adjust the handle to a comfortable pushing position.
  • The stroller can be pushed with minimal effort thanks to the adjustable swivel wheel suspension.
  • I can attach the seat so my son can face me or face the world (this is convenient because when he was an infant, I wanted to see what he was up to). Also, this comes in handy while walking in the Florida sunshine, I am able to switch positions so he is not blinded.
  • The 3-position seat is terrific. My son can sit up straight when awake, recline when relaxed, or lie flat when asleep.
  • This stroller is compatible with some infant car seats; however, I did not purchase the clip accessory (but this would have been helpful).
  • I enjoy pushing this stroller and my son likes riding in it too. He kicks back and gets extremely comfortable.

I have never tried the stroller in the 2 wheel position (recommended for snow or sand) so I cannot honestly review that feature. I also bought the transport bag (another $160) thinking I’d travel with it, but the stroller is a beast! Instead, I opted to purchase an “el cheapo” umbrella stroller for traveling because it is much more convenient than taking my Bugaboo apart and packing it.

As I typed this blog I realized I spent a small fortune on this stroller and WOULD NOT have made this decision if I wasn’t a DINK (Dual Income No Kids). Now that I am an unemployed mom, I’m sure I could have found a much more economical option and been very happy. But, I know Bugaboo products hold their value and I plan on reselling my Cameleon on eBay or Craigslist when I am finished with it (I am expecting to recoup at least half of my investment).

Bugaboo

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