Is it worth getting a bugaboo for Dubai? Or just a hassle? | ExpatWoman.com
 

Is it worth getting a bugaboo for Dubai? Or just a hassle?

412
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 15:50

Up until now - bugaboo cameleon was my pram of choice...but have been hearing a few dubians complain about it - that it such a hassle to open and close and given we are in cars the whole time here (altho i do walk lol!) - that the cameleon is more for city life where people just walk and take public transport etc.
Thoughts?

651
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 13:35
Isnt the Bee though like a typical maclaren stroller? I would not say so! Most Maclarens are umbrella fold, the Bee is slightly different but still only requires one hand to collapse it. And way more "plush" ;)
412
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 13:29
Isnt the Bee though like a typical maclaren stroller?
651
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EW GURU
Latest post on 11 June 2012 - 13:21
Love the Chameleon, but in hindsight should've gone for the Bee! Way easier to use, load in the car and much more compact! I use the Bee when I London and it's a breeze, love it! With all that said, the Chameloen is one of the lightest strollers on the market and comes out tops for practicality and maneuverability :)
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 10 June 2012 - 20:03
Having had the chameleon whilst in the UK, and the Bee for my second DS in Dubai, I would highly recommend the Bee, particularly if you are planning to go on lots of flights. The chameleon was great for going on long walks in the UK, but for pure convenience, ease of getting it up and down, and in and out of the car in the hotter months, I would go with the Bee!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 09 June 2012 - 09:29
i love mine!!
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 05 June 2012 - 18:04
I love my cameleon, have recently mastered how to properly unfold it thouh took a few trips before i got the hang of it ;) Still only used it a few times since my baby is only 8 weeks old she was also premature so have keept her home for a while as well before we expose her to the outside world of germs.
412
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 04 June 2012 - 12:25
thanks everyone! went to just kidding and test drove it this weekend - think we will get the chameleon for now - fingers crossed!
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EW GURU
Latest post on 03 June 2012 - 18:11
Bought Chameleon for DD1's arrival after 6 months bought a bee much easier, DD2 has just arrived and back to the chameleon. Depends on you and your bubs preference.
504
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EW GURU
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 22:09
We got the chameleon as a gift from my in laws. I think it looks lovely, and our LO used it as a crib beside our bed, but I would never recommend it for Dubai. I'm so sorry I didn't ask for the bee instead. It takes up way too much boot space, is a pain to put together to just pop to the shops, especially if you are in an apartment, so you'll need to get it out at both ends of your trip. I'm too embarrassed to tell them I want to sell it, but we only use it for a stroll around the block & use our small folding stroller everywhere else. Just my opinion, but for Dubai, a Bee is best :)
1403
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EW OLDHAND
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:56
I love my Chameleon! So much so I bought another one to keep in Oz for my trips home. We have traveled so much with it and it travels well, handles so well anywhere we've been, and most of all, its super comfortable for DD and she loves it. Taking the seat off to fold it up to put in the car is no big deal for me whatsoever. I'm all about whats most comfy for DD and since she loves it I can put up with an extra couple of seconds it takes to put in the car. Even when i was recovering from my c-section it wasn't an issue. Just my opinion though. ;)
33
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 19:38
Can't speak from experience on that one just yet. Having the carrycot was useful for DS for those first couple of months but he hated it from 3/4 months as couldn't see out (I assume that was why as he was happy enough in the maxi cosi). My second baby is due v.soon so not sure how the bee will stack up for the newborn phase, but I've bought a sheepskin which fits nicely, so it certainly looks like a nice comfy place to sleep! I decided against the cocoon they make for the bee as i figured it'd be far too hot over the next few months. I'm sure there must be some ladies who can speak from experience on using a bee with a newborn though. Good luck with your quest :)
412
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 11:36
thanks mockingbird - but what about the bee for newborns? arent you better off with the carrycot?
33
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EW NEWBIE
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 11:21
I had a Bugaboo Chameleon when DS was a newborn. Was ok for the first month or two as i'd had a c-section and couldn't drive for the first 6 weeks, and as it was spring, we walked to the shops everyday and around the nearby lakes. We then went back to the UK for a month, which was also great and perfect buggy for walks etc. After that initial period though i sold it, I found it irritating in shops on my return to Dubai as the two rear wheels are wider and would frequently get stuck. Plus you have to take the seat off the chassis to fold it. It was also annoying having to choose between using the maxi cosi or the seat, as if a quick trip out turned into an all day thing i didn't have the seat and wasn't keen to leave him in the Maxi Cosi all day as they advise you not to for prolonged periods. Anyway, long story short, i sold it and bought a Bugaboo Bee. Far more practical for Dubai in my opinion. Light and easy to lift in and out of the car, folds quickly, and my maxi cosi can sit on top of the seat so i won't have the same problem with my new arrival as can swap at will and let DS have a sit/sleep in it if needs be.
412
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 31 May 2012 - 10:33
Thanks Sydeygal - thats very comforting! Its such a difficult decision!
488
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EW EXPLORER
Latest post on 30 May 2012 - 20:40
I love my chameleon and find it very easy to open/close/get in car...although after a year of having it I only just worked out a super easy way to flick the base open (in Just Kidding they told me to "kick" it open but it's much easier to kick open once you step down on it, if that makes sense). My only gripe is the basket - not very big and stuff always falls out when I fold it up. But apart from that it's a great pram and I love it.
 
 

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