Honest Bugaboo Donkey 3 Review: Unsponsored Mom’s Opinion

I’m so excited to share our Bugaboo Donkey 3 review after 8 months of using this stroller!

We searched for the best stroller for a newborn and a 4-year-old for a while before trying out the Donkey and are so glad we did.

This stunning and versatile stroller was exactly what we wanted. 

This Bugaboo Donkey guide includes:

• Unboxing and first impressions
• Mono mode assembly
• Duo mode conversion
• Donkey Duo vs Twin stroller
• Our unsponsored Bugaboo Donkey 3 review
• What age is Bugaboo Donkey for?
• A comparison of configurations: mono vs duo modes
• Does Bugaboo Donkey fit through doors?
• Car seat compatibility and adapters
• Is Bugaboo Donkey worth it?

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links and I could earn a commission if you make a purchase using them. This comes at no additional cost to you and all opinions expressed are my own.

Honest Bugaboo Donkey 3 Review: Unsponsored Mom’s Opinion

We bought the Donkey 3 Mono stroller since there weren’t any Duo options available near us.

Upgrading to the Duo was easy though.

All we needed to do was purchase the Bugaboo Donkey 3 Duo Extension Set!

Unboxing and First Impressions

I ordered our Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono stroller online through Buy Buy Baby and had my husband pick it up on his way home from work.

This box fits inside the trunk of an Audi A4 (same body as a Volkswagen Jetta, which is very similar to other mid-size sedans).

What’s inside the box (Donkey 3 Mono):

• 1 extendable stroller base
• 1 seat/bassinet frame
• 1 seat fabric
• 1 bassinet fabric
• 1 side luggage basket
• 1 sun canopy
• 1 rain cover

Bugaboo Donkey 3 Assembly

I found the Donkey super easy to assemble and actually put the entire thing together myself!

Here’s the official Bugaboo video I followed:

I recommend watching it from start to finish once and then playing it one section at a time as you build your stroller.

It took me about 45 minutes to unbox and assemble the Donkey 3 with my little helper!

In my opinion, the most difficult part was getting the fabric onto the seat.

They make it look like everything just easily snaps into place in the video but in reality, there’s quite a bit of resistance to get it to close – at least that was my experience!

How to Convert Bugaboo Donkey to Duo Stroller

Changing your Donkey 3 Mono stroller to a double stroller is really easy:

1. Put the breaks on
2. Pull out the side cart basket
3. Unlock the 3 white clips on the (1) handlebar, (2) axle that connects two back tires, and (3) axle that connects the two front tires
4. Once all clips are unlocked, push the white square button in the middle of the stroller chasis (in the center between where the seats clips in)
5. As you are holding that square button, pull the right side of the stroller to extend it to the furthest position
6. If you’ve done it correctly, the three white clips you unlocked earlier should easily lock back into place
7. If they’re a bit sticky, you’ll want to go back to step 5 and extend the stroller a bit more – it took us a few tries to get this part right too!
8. Pop in your second Bugaboo Donkey bassinet or seat and you’re ready to go

You can have both seats facing toward you in “parent view”, both away from you in “world view”, or one in one direction and one in the other.

We usually have both seats facing us because it’s hard to hear our chatty four-year-old when she’s in “world view”.

Difference between Donkey 3 Duo vs Donkey 3 Twin

Deciding between the Donkey 3 Duo and Twin stroller?

This comes down to your kids’ ages.

If you have two brand new babies, go for the Twin setup.

It comes with configurations for:

• 2 seats
• 2 bassinets
• 1 seat and 1 bassinet

Have kids with an age difference? Or twins 6 months or older?

Choose the Donkey 3 Duo (or Mono and upgrade like we did).

The Duo comes with configurations for:

• 1 seat and 1 bassinet
• 2 seats

The only difference between the Duo and Twin setup is the number of bassinets it comes with and if you don’t have two babies, you don’t need to spend money on a second bassinet!

Bugaboo Donkey 3 Mono Review

In addition to being a great double stroller, the Donkey 3 is an incredible Mono stroller! 

When it’s not in Duo mode, the Bugaboo Donkey features a side cart that can be used for storing baby items, going grocery shopping, and more.  

In Mono mode, the Donkey’s width measures 29 inches and offers a generous amount of storage next to your child and in the underseat basket.

I’ve managed to do a mid-sized Costco shop with my baby in Mono mode.

Just attach a stroller hook and sturdy shopping bag like this Apolis one for even more storage up front!

The stroller is easy to set up, fold, and store in this mode and at just 23.6 inches wide, it’s actually on the slimmer side for such a high-end stroller.

I love that the seat and basket are both basically right above the wheels so you have a really good sense of spatial awareness when you’re pushing the stroller.

I frequently (and embarrassingly) found myself bumping into things with our old Vista because the wheels are so far out compared to the seat!

The biggest drawback of the Donkey is its girthy 29-pound weight and all-in-one fold setup.

The weight makes it pretty heavy to lift as one piece but it is convenient to store this way when you want to pop it back up again.

In terms of setting it up from that all-in-one storage position, it’s just a bit awkward!

The front axle doesn’t lock in place when you store the stroller because it’s just so darn heavy that apparently, Bugaboo didn’t see a need for this.

To set up the stroller from this position, you basically have to place it down using the center rod where the seats are attached.

But since the front axle doesn’t lock into place, the wheels will move when you put them down making it a bit difficult to drop them down without the stroller going forward.

Once it’s in the right position, the back wheels (which do have a lock) keep your stroller from moving while you pop it up.

This is more of an issue at the beginning than once you’ve figured out how to use this beast!

Bugaboo Donkey 3 Duo Review

I investigated double strollers for a VERY long time before investing in this one because let’s be honest – it’s expensive!

Spending time outdoors and going for long walks is a big part of our family’s life so we wanted a high-quality stroller that was good for kids with a big age difference.

I checked out the Veer Cruiser as well but at the time, Nadia was under 6 months old and we just didn’t have a need for something so rugged.

The Donkey checked every box:

• 50 pound weight limit for EACH seat
• Large 22 pound underseat weight capacity
• Ability to easily switch between Mono and Duo modes
• Side-by-side seating
• All-in-one folding option
• More compact folding option

This stroller makes day-to-day life with two kids so much easier!

I can keep both my four-year-old and baby close by as I run errands and the seats are so large and comfortable that even my preschooler takes naps in this thing.

That afternoon coffee is extra enjoyable when both kids are napping on the go, haha.

Again, the biggest drawback of the Donkey in Duo mode is the same as it is in Mono mode – the weight.

At 33 pounds, some parents may find that popping out the seats and storing them separately from the chassis is just more feasible than the all-in-one storage fold.

On the bright side, the seats are VERY easy to remove and put back into the chassis so if you end up doing a huge Costco shop (we’ve been guilty of this on several occasions), you’ll easily be able to make room for your groceries and stroller.

Here’s what it looks like in its more compact fold. I’ve lined the seats up against each other to the right.

Is the Bugaboo Donkey heavy?

Yes – I personally find the Bugaboo Donkey 3 heavy.

It weighs 29 pounds in mono mode and 33 pounds in duo mode (which I tend to leave it in). 

Even popping out both seats to load it into my trunk only brings the weight down to 26 pounds.

That’s really similar to the weight of our old UPPAbaby Vista (27.1 pounds).

I use the all-in-one fold for our Donkey most often since I’m out with the girls almost daily. 

It isn’t easy to lift or store this way but it’s up and ready to hold my babies in less than 2 minutes. 

I also prefer the seats to be side by side so I can see both girls at a time and they can interact with one another! 

Is Bugaboo Donkey suitable from birth?

Yes, it even comes with the Bugaboo carrycot (bassinet) when you purchase it. 

Our Bugaboo Bee 5 didn’t come with the carrycot – that would have been another $150!

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 also comes with an automatic lock/unlock button so once you attach the seat to the frame you can easily engage

Can Bugaboo Donkey accommodate an older child? 

Yes, it’s perfect for extra tall kids like my 4-year-old daughter (she wears size 6 clothing for height) and the seats have a weight capacity of 50 pounds each. 

Since my oldest is 42 pounds now, I’m relieved to know that we’ll be good for a while – phew! 

What age is Bugaboo Donkey for?

The Bugaboo Donkey is meant for newborn babies up to kids 50 pounds. 

For girls and boys, that’s about 5 to 6 years old. 

If you have a tall kid like we do, your child will most likely outgrow the stroller in height before they reach the recommended weight limit. 

Can you run with Bugaboo Donkey?

No, this stroller is meant for walking and at most, safely jogging across the street to make a light! 

The stroller is just too girthy and doesn’t maneuver quickly enough for running. 

I’d recommend the Thule Urban Glide for jogging and running. 

Is Bugaboo Donkey good for tall parents? 

YES – my 6″3 husband loves that the handlebar extends as much as it does!  

He’s not hunched over pushing our Bugaboo Donkey 3 and really enjoys taking the girls for walks in it.

I’m 5″6 and usually have the handlebar about halfway or 3/4 extended (depending on whether we’re out grocery shopping or on a walk) and he extends it fully.

Is Bugaboo Donkey good for two children?

Absolutely!

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 is not only PERFECT for two children but in my opinion, as someone who’s owned 4 different strollers, this is the ideal option for a 4-year-old and a baby.

I read a ton of amazing reviews about the UPPAbaby Vista before we decided to purchase it but I was actually really disappointed with this stroller.

The fact that the Vista only allows you to stack your big kid on top of your baby (if they’re over 35 pounds) just never sat right with me!

Instead, having my girls side-by-side gave me peace of mind.

Because let’s be honest, you’ll probably want to check up on your baby more frequently than your toddler or bigger kid – especially if you’re baby is still a newborn!

Does Bugaboo Donkey 3 fit through doors?

Yep and sometimes you’ll be blown away by how it fits through a standard doorway. 

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 is meant to be taken everywhere. 

The standard door width in the United States is 36 inches however, 30 and 32-inch door frames are also pretty common.

That said, the fully extended 29 inch Duo mode Donkey won’t give you any issues!

Does the Bugaboo Donkey seat lie flat?

Yes, it does. 

And it’s been perfect for Nadia’s naps when we’re on the go! 

I love how this stroller allows me to get the things I want to do done while keeping my kids contained and close to me. 

What is the latest Bugaboo Donkey?

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 is the most current Donkey model. 

I actually tried to find an older Donkey on Facebook Marketplace but they either sell REALLY fast or have had the life kicked out of them (and still have a hefty price tag)! 

Bugaboo Donkey 3 Weight Limit

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 has a total weight capacity of 100 pounds which means it can support two 50 pound children – now that’s impressive! 

My now 4 and a half-year-old weighs 42 pounds which is beyond the weight capacity of our old Bugaboo Bee 5 (37 pounds) and UPPAbaby Vista’s RumbleSeat (35 pounds).

Car Seat Compatibility

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 is compatible with several different brands and models of infant car seats.

Bugaboo Donkey Car Seat Adapter

There are two types of car seat adapters available for Bugaboo Donkey strollers:

• Mono Adapter
• Twin Adapter

The mono adapter holds one car seat while the twin accommodates two car seats.

Which car seats is the Bugaboo Donkey compatible with?

• Britax-Römer (NOT compatible with Britax B-Safe car seats)
• Bugaboo Turtle One by Nuna, Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna
• Chicco Keyfit, Chicco Keyfit 30
• Cybex Aton Q
• Maxi-Cosi Mico 30, Maxi-Cosi Mico AP, Maxi-Cosi Mico Max 30
• Nuna Pipa, Nuna Pipa Lite, Nuna Pipa Lite LX

Comparing the Donkey with Other Strollers

We owned two other stroller models before upgrading to the Bugaboo Donkey:

• Bugaboo Bee
• UPPAbaby Vista

Here’s a breakdown of the differences between them.

Bugaboo Donkey vs Bugaboo Bee

The Donkey and Bee could not be more different strollers.

Size

I’ve often had people tell me that the Donkey looks like a Cadillac and they’re right!

This stroller is much larger and more comfortable than other strollers on the market.

In Mono mode, the Donkey 3 has a width of 23.6 inches and weighs 27.6 pounds with the side cart shopping tote.

In Duo mode, the Donkey 3’s width is 29 inches and the second seat brings the weight up to 33 pounds.

I have yet to encounter a room I couldn’t wheel this thing into.

Now for the Bee 5.

The Bee is an amazingly compact little option for families requiring a stroller for just one child.

We loved this stroller for years before upgrading to the Donkey and loved how easy it was to pop up and fold on the go.

The Bee has a width of 21 inches and weighs just 19.6 pounds!

But the storage bin underneath only holds 8.8 pounds.

The Donkey’s underseat basket holds a massive 22 pounds – perfect for grocery store trips!

Purpose

When it was just me and my first baby, I spent most of the time using the Bee to take her on walks around the neighbourhood and to the park.

We also used it for day trips like the aquarium and zoo.

It’s a fantastic option for taking a little person to do something where they might get sleepy.

But the Donkey is a way more versatile stroller.

You can change it from Mono to Duo on the go (so long as you pack the shopping tote and extra seat in your car) and gauge your older child’s mood to see what route you should take.

Since my husband works long hours (film industry), it’s usually me and the girls most of the time which means we do most errands together.

This stroller has honestly made my life so much easier and I can’t recommend it to parents with two kids enough – I really think this is the best stroller for a newborn and 4-year-old!

We even purchased a sunshade for ours since I was taking Nadia on lots of walks over the summer.

Bugaboo Donkey vs UPPAbaby Vista

The Donkey and Vista are both double strollers but they’re actually quite different.

Size

While the UPPAbaby Vista measures in at 26.5 inches in its Mono and Duo modes, the Donkey changes from 23.6 to 29 inches wide depending on its configuration.

The Vista weighs 27.1 pounds in Mono mode while the Donkey is heavier at 29 pounds.

Purpose

I LOVED the UPPAbaby’s seamless car seat to stroller feature but I couldn’t get past the odd stacking seats.

When we bought this stroller, I was under the impression that the bigger kid would go on the bottom NOT the other way around.

And although they don’t cost much, you’ll need to purchase upper adapters, and for certain configurations, lower adapters to use the Vista as a double stroller.

The Donkey’s functionality as a Mono and Duo mode stroller is built-in, so you don’t have to worry about extra steps and clips every time you go out.

You can also change your mind on the go and switch between mono and duo in under 2 minutes.

Super handy when you’re big kid decides they are in fact too tired to walk another lap around the lake, haha.

Is Bugaboo Donkey worth it?

Yes – I can’t recommend another double stroller as much as I recommend this one!

It’s a truly one-of-a-kind stroller that delivers as much in quality as it does in functionality.

Where to Buy Bugaboo Donkey 3 in the United States

You can find Bugaboo strollers including the Donkey 3 at the following retailers:

• Amazon
• AlbeeBaby
• Buy Buy Baby
• Pish Posh Baby
• Nordstrom
• Saks Fifth Avenue
• Strolleria

Where to Buy Bugaboo Donkey 3 in Canada

You can find the Bugaboo Donkey 3 and other Bugaboo strollers at the following Canadian retailers:

• Amazon
• Active Baby
• Buy Buy Baby
• SnuggleBugz
• The Bay
• Well.ca
• WestCoastKids
• Little Canadian

The Bugaboo Donkey 3 offers incredible space, comfort, and convenience for both parents and their little ones. 

We love how the side-by-side seating lets our girls interact with one another and us.

But, in the odd event that it’s just me and baby on the go, I can easily switch our Donkey 3 Duo into Mono mode and head out to do a pretty decent grocery shop!

The Donkey is an excellent choice if you’re living in the city or suburbs with your babies or even a baby and preschooler like us.  

I hope this Bugaboo Donkey 3 review answered all of your lingering questions but if you have any others, please feel free to let me know in the comments below 🙂

Happy strolling, friend!