Bugaboo

Donkey5 Mono Complete Stroller

I currently own two other strollers in addition to the Donkey 5 Mono, which I received through the Stellar Product Testing Panel. I also have the Butterfly, which I love, and a front-to-back double stroller. The Donkey 5 has a sleek, luxurious design. The adjustable handlebar fits me very well at 5'8" and would fit a person over 6' very easily. The way in which it extends outward prevents accidentally kicking the stroller. I find the durable seat material easy to clean, though it’s not particularly soft. The canopy provides extensive sun coverage with a zippered extension and a peek-a-boo mesh window. However, the toddler seat lacks an adjustable footrest, has a low seat back, and isn’t ideal for taller kids. My 36” son’s head already touches the canopy. I do appreciate the fully flat recline capability of the toddler seat. Large wheels make for a smooth ride on various surfaces (hardwood, cement, asphalt), and the stroller easily fits through standard doorways. The brake system is easy to use, though its placement could be improved to avoid getting your shoes dirty.
The large under-seat basket accommodates more than essentials (diaper bag, water bottles, jackets, and my purse), while the side carry basket is especially conveinient for people that live in a walkable city. The stroller folds easily but is bulky, making it difficult to fit into my midsize SUV.
Overall: The Donkey 5 is durable and versatile, with great storage and side-by-side seating. However, I prefer a front-to-back configuration for 2 toddlers and expect more included accessories at this price (2 toddler seats + 2 canopies). A taller seat back, adjustable footrest, and easier-to-clean seat insert would make it more practical for growing toddlers. If you prefer fully reclining seats, parent-facing toddler seat options, and a side-by-side setup, this stroller could be a great fit!

I love our new stroller! 10/10 for safety in my opinion. My child is secure and the wrist strap comforts me that I wont lose control of the stroller. Easy to push and easy to convert from infant to child or forward facing to backwards facing. It even has a bag, which I just cant get enough of- all strollers should have this!

This stroller is not for you if you are looking for something compact to easily put into your trunk. It is large and doesnt fold up to be tiny for the trunk. But for someone who needs a stroller to get around the neighborhood and nearby shops, you can't go wrong.

It has so many options for growing too- additional seats and other fun ways for older kids to be included. I will have this stroller for many many years.

Also my daughter is loving the bag that sits right next to her seat. I've used several strollers that have no room for storage or even a simple diaper bag. But that is not the case here. I can't wait to use this in the summer because it will fit everything I need to get to the pool.

Thank you Stellar Panel for this stroller!

This stroller is really innovative, and perfect for families that plan to grow, even if you only have one kiddo currently. I'm a mom of 6 and have been through more strollers than I can count as I'm a bit of a "baby product junkie". I see new baby technology and I want to try it! My oldest was born in 2011 and the changes in strollers over the past 13 years has been awesome to watch and experience, with this Bugaboo being one of the cooler ones I've tried. Previously I have defaulted to the tandem style of double stroller, thinking they would be more convenient and easier to push around since they're more narrow. The biggest issue here? They are HARD to steer and have zero turn radius. Think of trying to drive a bus versus a mini van. With the Bugaboo Donkey5, you can have the kiddos side by side in the double mode OR you can slim it down to single mode with a small basket next to it. Let me tell you, it is super easy to expand or slim down the stroller as it just requires you to flip a couple switches, pull/push, and then close them back up. While the stroller only comes with the capability to handle one child right out of the box, I was able to expand the stroller out and push it around to see how wide it would get with two seats side by side. I was pleasantly surprised that it still fit through doorways, my hallway, and other areas I perceived as narrow. It also was much easier to steer and handle that a tandem double stroller.

When I took it out, however, I only used it in single-mode as I have not yet purchased the second seat or wheeled-board. I used this with both my 7-month old and my 2-year old. The seat was super easy to adjust the harness to fit between them and my 2-year old made it very clear that this seat was comfortable. He pulled it into my living room, climbed into the seat, and sat in the stroller rather than on the couch while watching his show. He made excellent use of the side basket as well. I bet you thought this was for placing shopping bags, diaper bags, etc? Nope, turns out it is an excellent place for your toddler to stash all his toy trains and snacks while relaxing in the seat.

I appreciated how easy it was to flip between parent facing and outward facing as well. My 2-year old prefers to outward face, but I use the parent-facing with my 7-month old since I love watching him take in the surroundings as we go on our walks. It was also incredibly easy to adjust the recline of the seat, it took no time or effort at all.

There were only a few things I didn't like about this stroller.

First, the assembly was quite an undertaking. At first I appreciated the QR code right upon opening the box with the video, but I didn't realize that was the ONLY assembly information. There was no instruction booklet, quickstart guide, or anything else. I had to pause and rewind and rewatch that video so many times. It took me about 40 minutes to set up this stroller- when typically I can get them put together in 15 minutes or less. (I've set up quite a few).

Second, you cannot use both the bassinet and the seat right out of the box. You have to pick one. It comes with the items needed to set them up, but they both use some mutual pieces and you have to pick which one will get them. This means that in order to use the second seat I have to purchase a whole new seat. This feels a little wasteful as I'll still need to store the pieces of the seat I received, even if I am using the bassinet at the time, or vice versa. However, it's not the end of the world, and I love that it comes with the items to use the bassinet and then grow to the seat for one kiddo, but I wish it just came with everything for the bassinet and everything for the seat and allowed you to use them interchangeably, or even together (that'd be ideal).

Third, this is probably my biggest gripe, and it feels very silly but it drove me absolutely crazy-- this stroller does not lock shut when folded. It's already a pretty big stroller when folded, but that made sense to me since it has a lot behind it, but putting it up for storage (whether against the wall, in my closet, or in my car) was a bit of a nightmare as it would just open back up since nothing keeps it shut. It would just start to reopen, not fully, but spread back apart while it rested against the wall or when I would lift it to put it in my trunk. I see where it makes reopening it more convenient when you're pulling it out to go on your way, but I would much rather have a quick latch, or something I need to pull than just have it slide right back open all the time.

Thanks to the Stellar Product Testing Panel for giving me the opportunity to try this stroller in exchange for my review. It's definitely going to get it's use in my home!

I was selected to review this product as part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel. The first thing I loved about this product right away was how smoothly it rolled. The stroller is lightweight but also manages to feel durable, and the extra storage is a nice bonus. Switching up which way our child faces comes in handy. We face him toward us during trips to the store or just normal walks, but he loved being switched to front facing so he could see all of the Christmas lights. The only things we didn't really like at first is that there is so much you can do with it, how to do fold it up or extend the handles is confusing at first and not very intuitive. Overall, it feels like a quality product that is made to last.

The Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono Complete Stroller is a must have for parents with two kids, or for parents just starting out but planning to have more kids. I received this stroller as a part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel, and I only wish I had received it with my first child because this is really the only stroller I would ever need.

I can use it as a mono stroller and put my baby in the bassinet, and fit my large diaper bag in the side luggage basket or I can expand it out and swap the side basket for a seat so my toddler can jump in when he is tired of walking. It is very easy to expand it out to a double stroller, or collapse it into a mono stroller.
The stroller is very versatile. I especially love that I can change the seat position of my children very easily. I want to make sure I can see when my baby falls asleep, so I like to position her seat facing me, while my toddler likes to have his seat facing out so he can see everything on our walks. As my baby gets older, I’m sure she will want to face outward like her brother and I can easily switch this with just a push of two buttons to flip the seat around. I love that I have the option and each child can face different directions!

When my little baby girl falls asleep, I can easily have her recline back when she is in the seat and I can pull down the shade for her. The shade screen provides amazing coverage. There is a peekaboo window on the one side which is great if the child is facing outward, but a little hard to get to if the child is facing toward you. However, it is easy enough to pull up the shade and peek through. I also find that it is quiet to maneuver- which is essential with a sleeping baby!

One of my absolute favorite features is the side-by-side seating which is narrow enough to fit through doorways! I love that I can see both children at the same time, and they are both high off the ground.

My only complaint is that it does take awhile to set up and it is a little heavy to pick up and put into the car. But with how versatile this stroller is, it is well worth the extra effort.

My children are very comfortable in this stroller and it maneuvers beautifully allowing for a quiet, comfortable ride, while still feeling lightweight to push. I’m very happy with this stroller and can see it growing with my children. Thank you to the Stellar Product Testing Panel for providing me with this stroller.

I was given this stroller to try as part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel. I absolutely loved it! It is the perfect urban stroller. The fact that it can easily convert into a double stroller is huge. I found the side luggage basket fantastic for being out and about in the city and needing to grab groceries or run any other errands. It meant I wasn’t trying to squish things in next to a bulky diaper bag.

I found the stroller easy to maneuver, and it had the same glide no matter how much weight was in there.

I didn’t use the bassinet as my babies are too big, but they love both rear and front facing depending on the mood and how much they feel like interacting with me vs. the outside world. They also loved the recline when it came to napping

The stroller itself looks sleek and high end and seems as though it would be easy to clean.

I received the Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono Complete Stroller through the Stellar Product Testing Panel. I was completely elated to have the opportunity to try this stroller out after reading about it! The assembly was super user friendly and one small but fantastic feature was the little indentions on the bars for each strap to sit! Once I finished putting it together, we took it on our first adventure. The stroller was so easy to maneuver with just one hand and was such an incredibly smooth ride. The Bugaboo Donkey5 is top notch and competes with the the other top of the line strollers in my opinion. It has an easily adjustable leather handle. The stroller also comes with ALL the pieces to convert it from a single to a double side by side stroller for a toddler seat and bassinet or two of the same. I love this feature for so many reasons. It can simply be unclipped and expanded. I love that the two child stroller is side by side, giving you the ability to see both your children while walking rather than having to stop to check them if they were stacked. I love that the toddler seat turns into a bassinet with the change of a few pieces of equipment (which are included in the set) depending on what stage of life your baby is in. This would make taking a small baby places so much easier! It also has a very secure 5 point harness with a very cushy seat. Overall, this stroller is a no brainer. It would be at the top of my must have list for its amazing features and easy ability to become a double stroller. I also love the storage bag right beside the seat if you have the stroller set to single. It is easy for you or your toddler to use.

As parents who already owned a luxury stroller, we were unsure how much better another high-end option could be. But after using the Bugaboo Donkey 5 Mono Complete Stroller, we can confidently say it has exceeded our expectations in nearly every way. The build quality of the Bugaboo Donkey 5 is outstanding. It feels sturdy and durable without being overly heavy, it glides smoothly in all directions, and the ability to expand from a single to a double stroller is a game-changer for growing families.

We’ve primarily used the toddler seat, which is well-padded and comfortable for our little one, though I wish it were a bit deeper. The bassinet is also a lovely option for families with younger babies, providing a cozy space for naps on the go. While the front-facing configuration is our toddler’s favorite (they love seeing the world ahead), our only gripe is that the seat sits slightly farther away from the parent compared to other strollers.

Living in an urban environment with historic cobblestone streets, we’ve put the Donkey 5’s wheels to the test. It handles our uneven sidewalks with ease, effortlessly gliding over areas where our other stroller struggled. Whether lightly packed or loaded with groceries and a toddler, the stroller maintains a smooth, balanced ride. Steering is intuitive and responsive, even one-handed, making it ideal for navigating crowded farmers' markets or tight spaces.

The expandable design is one of this stroller’s standout features. We’re planning to purchase a second seat when we welcome our next child, but for now, the side storage basket has been a lifesaver. It’s perfect for city living—we can load it with groceries, market finds, or other essentials, eliminating the need to lug multiple bags around. The side luggage basket and oversized sun canopy tie for our favorite features. The basket is incredibly practical for urban families, while the canopy provides unparalleled coverage—perfect for sunny strolls or shielding our toddler from chilly winds. The adjustable handlebars have also been a hit, making it comfortable for both me and my husband to use despite our height differences.

The only real drawback is the stroller’s bulkiness. It’s not the most car-friendly option, as folding tightly means you have to remove the seat, and even then, it takes up significant trunk space. While manageable, this makes it less ideal for families who need to frequently load it in and out of a car.

The Bugaboo Donkey 5 Mono is a dream stroller for city dwellers. Its sturdy design, adaptability, and thoughtful features make it well worth the investment if you rely on your stroller as a primary mode of transport. While it’s less suited for car-heavy lifestyles, the everyday convenience it offers far outweighs this drawback. For urban parents like us, it’s hard to imagine a better choice. Note: This product was received as a part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel.

My husband and I were beyond excited to receive the Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono stroller from the Stellar Product Testing Panel.

I have always been a fan of Bugaboo products, and the Donkey surely lives up to the hype. The stroller glides like a dream across many different terrains even when packed to the nines. We have taken the stroller to the park, Disneyland, mall, and of course for many walks around the block - it has now become our go to!

The textiles used from the fabric and leather handlebars are surely made to last! We love the overall design - it’s clean, functional, and overall stylish. It’s also much more compact than one may think.

My favorite feature of the stroller has to be the side basket and underneath storage. There is more then enough storage for a Target run or to store everything needed for a day with a toddler (or two) at Disneyland or your local park.

My daughter loves to sit in the Donkey facing the world and will happily take a nap reclined. The amazingly large canopy sure is a help with on the go naps as well!

And finally, I can’t stress how nice it is that the Donkey has the ability to fit two children. We are thankful to now have a stroller that will grow with our family with the included bassinet. In my husband’s own words “this is the stroller we should’ve bought in the first place!”

I was given this stroller to try as part of the Stellar Product Testing Panel and what a treat it is! The stroller is very sleek and stylish, plus it handles amazingly! It glides effortlessly and handles our uneven sidewalks, off-roading, and traversing curbs easily. It is a little wider than your average stroller but that provides some extra stability and it has an insane turning radius, which makes navigating tight spaces a breeze. My daughter is 16 months and loves facing outward so she can take in her surroundings. It's easy to adjust the seat to recline which is great for on-the-go naps. Plus, the side bag is great for extra storage - snacks, water bottles, extra coats, the scooter my older child abandoned halfway through the walk... it really is versatile! You can tell the stroller is made from premium materials that are built to last. I wish we had this stroller when both of my kids were still using a stroller as I love the option to have two kids side-by-side. My only complaint about the stroller is that it is pretty large and heavy when folded so is not the best stroller for schlepping in and out of the car but it can't be beat for everyday use straight from your home.