Bugaboo Cameleon
The Bugaboo Cameleon is an iconic high-end urban stroller released in 2005. The seat and the carrycot textiles are attached to the same frame which is simply attached to a chassis. The bucket seat can be tilted to a fully reclined position. The Bugaboo Cameleon can be customized by changing the hoods. Summer variations with ventilation are also available. The Cameleon is available as a 2in1 stroller system, but you can also purchase a separate chassis. With the optional car seat with adapters, you can create a 3in1 stroller system.
The Cameleon is based on the Bugaboo Frog. The snap-on system is the same for both strollers, so you can connect the original Frog parts to the Cameleon chassis (and vice versa). At first glance, you can identify the Cameleon by its front wheels with added springs. The shape of the brake on the new adjustable handlebar has also changed. The shopping basket is a little bigger and can be closed. The seat of the newer model is more spacious as well as comfortable and has a higher backrest. The footmuff is now attached to the carrycot with a zipper.
The Bugaboo Cameleon was also released in an exclusive limited edition, a second collaboration with fashion designer Bas Kosters. Bugaboo no. 2 by Bas Kosters Studio is all in white including the chassis, the wheels, and the textiles with playful prints.
The Bugaboo Cameleon is an iconic high-end urban stroller released in 2005. The seat and the carrycot textiles are attached to the same frame which is simply attached to a chassis. The bucket seat can be tilted to a fully reclined position. The Bugaboo Cameleon can be customized by changing the hoods. Summer variations with ventilation are also available. The Cameleon is available as a 2in1 stroller system, but you can also purchase a separate chassis. With the optional car seat with adapters, you can create a 3in1 stroller system.
The Cameleon is based on the Bugaboo Frog. The snap-on system is the same for both strollers, so you can connect the original Frog parts to the Cameleon chassis (and vice versa). At first glance, you can identify the Cameleon by its front wheels with added springs. The shape of the brake on the new adjustable handlebar has also changed. The shopping basket is a little bigger and can be closed. The seat of the newer model is more spacious as well as comfortable and has a higher backrest. The footmuff is now attached to the carrycot with a zipper.
The Bugaboo Cameleon was also released in an exclusive limited edition, a second collaboration with fashion designer Bas Kosters. Bugaboo no. 2 by Bas Kosters Studio is all in white including the chassis, the wheels, and the textiles with playful prints.
Bugaboo Cameleon Features & Specifications
The Basics
- Type
- 2in1 stroller system, 3in1 stroller system, Chassis-only
- Stroller weight
- 9.6 kg
- Unfolded dimensions (h×w×l)
- 113 cm x 60 cm x 91.5-104 cm
- Folded dimensions (h×w×l)
- 90 cm x 60 cm x 30.5 cm frame only
- Chassis material
- Aluminum
- Country of origin
- Netherlands
- Only available as a stroller system
- Yes
The Seat unit
- Maximum weight capacity - seat load
- 17 kg
- Recommended age range (best to use with a child of)
- 0-36 months
- Reversible seat unit
- Yes
- Easy-release memory button(s) on the seat or the carrycot
- Yes
- L-shaped, bucket-type seat unit
- Yes
- Reclining backrest
- Yes, 3 positions
- Full-recline backrest (a bigger-than-a-150-degree-angle to a lie-flat)
- Yes
- Backrest recline type
- Side-buttons-operated recline mechanism
- One-hand backrest recline system
- No
- Extendable backrest
- No
- Legrest positioning
- No
- Extendable leg rest
- No
- Wipe-clean layer on the leg rest
- Yes
- Footrest
- Yes
- Backrest height
- 52 cm
- Width and depth of the sitting surface
- 33 x 24 cm
- Total length of the seat unit
- 99 cm
- A higher seat unit's position on the chassis
- No
- Height-adjustable seat
- No
- Seat unit's proper attachment indicator
- No
- 2in1 convertible carrycot/seat unit (pramette travel system)
- Yes
- Fabrics removable for cleaning
- Yes
- Seat fabrics cleaning
- Machine washable
- Safety harness type
- 5-point
- Harness padding
- No
- Height-adjustable harness belts
- Yes
- Ventilation integrated into the seat
- No
- Second seat can be attached (single-to-double convertibility)
- No
The Canopy (Hood)
- Seat unit equipped with a canopy/hood
- Yes
- Extendable canopy/hood
- Yes
- The canopy/hood features a sun visor
- No
- Floating, follow-the-sun canopy
- No
- Height-adjustable canopy
- No
- Removable canopy
- Yes
- UV protection in the (canopy) fabrics
- Yes
- Ventilation integrated into the canopy
- No
- A pocket integrated into the canopy
- No
- Peek-a-boo viewing window present on the canopy
- No
- Reinforcing side clasps present on the canopy
- No
The Bumper bar
- Bumper bar
- Yes
- Bumper bar type (style)
- Bar
- Removable bumper bar
- Yes
- Gate-opening (swing-away) bumper bar
- No
- Height-adjustable bumper bar
- No
- Bumper bar features a fabric (non-wipe-clean) cover
- No
- Bumper bar features an extra crotch strap
- No
The Wheels
- Number of wheels
- 4
- Front wheel(s) type
- EVA foam-coated wheels
- Rear wheels type
- Air-filled (inflatable) tires
- Front wheels diameter
- 15 cm
- Rear wheels diameter
- 30 cm
- Swivel wheels
- Yes
- Lockable wheels
- Yes
- Removable wheels
- Yes
- All wheels are double wheels
- No
- All-terrain version of wheels available to purchase separately
- Yes
- Wheels equipped with mudguards
- No,
- Two-wheel mode
- Yes
The Suspension
- Suspension
- Yes
- Wheels with suspension
- Front
- Suspension type
- Open springs
- Adjustable suspension softness
- Yes
- Rocking chassis
- No
The Brake
- Central brake system/type
- Hand-operated
- Deceleration handbrake
- No,
The Fold
- Folding system
- Flat (compact) fold
- One-hand fold
- No
- Plane-travel-friendly stroller with an ultra-compact fold (suitable as carry-on luggage)
- No
- Folds with the (forward-facing) seat attached
- No
- Folds with the rearward-facing seat attached
- n/a
- Self-standing fold
- Yes
- Auto-lock feature of the folded chassis
- Yes
- Folded stroller can be pulled behind like luggage
- No
- Stroller folds and/or unfolds by itself
- No
- Equipped with a carry strap/carry handle
- No
The Handlebar
- Handle height adjustment
- Telescopic
- Handlebar material
- Foam
- Handlebar height
- 97-113 cm
- Reversible handlebar (handle can be flipped to the other side)
- Yes
- Safety wrist strap
- Yes
The Basket
- Shopping basket
- Yes
- Large shopping basket
- Yes
- Basket's weight capacity
- 4 kg
- Closable basket
- Yes
- An extra basket can be attached to the frame
- No
- A pocket integrated into the seat/elsewhere on the stroller frame
- No
The Carrycot
- Carrycot compatible
- Yes (without adapters)
- Internal dimensions of the carrycot - mattress measurement
- 76 x 32 cm
- Carry handle on the carrycot
- Yes,
- Inclining carrycot mattress
- No,
- Foldable carrycot
- Yes,
- Rocking-base carrycot
- No
- Ventilatilated carrycot base (bottom ventilation system)
- Yes,
- Carrycot installable in the car instead of a group 0+ car seat (Auto carrycot)
- No,
- Carrycot positioned high on the frame
- No
The Car seat
- Car seat compatible
- Yes (with adapters)
- Car seat sold separately
- Yes
- Maxi-Cosi/Cybex car seat attachment-type adapters available
- Yes
- Britax Römer car seat attachment-type adapters available
- Yes
The Accessories & Extra features
- Parent tray/organizer on the handlebar (included)
- No
- Cup holder can be attached
- Yes
- Reflective elements
- No
- No pushchair mode/seat-unit configuration available
- No
- Rain cover included
- Yes
- Mosquito net included
- No
- Leg cover (apron) included with the seat unit
- No
- Seat liner/insert included
- No
- Changing bag included
- No
- Carry bag/transport cover for the folded stroller included
- No
- Motorized/Baterry-powered
- No
- LED light(s)
- No
- Built-in audio speakers
- No
- A storage/bag can be attached instead of a seat
- No
Parent reviews of the Bugaboo Cameleon
- the stroller is lightweight, but for me use only as an overpriced buggy
- not to be too harsh about it, it's got a lot of nice gadgets, but even those can't save it
- big carry cot
- the cot is at your knees (you can't even see the baby when you walk, you have to bend down to the baby - your back will take it)
- catastrophically small front wheels (practical only for the airport and malls)
- it's not good to ride with the wheels, neither to the playground nor in the city, it's a problem when the sidewalks are sprinkled with salt in the winter, it's a problem when the leaves fall, not to mention the snow...
- very impractical pushchair
- the seat is rubbish
- the quality is nowhere near what the Bugaboo brand presents
I completely misstepped with the stroller. It left our house really fast. It might suit some people, but I would think very carefully about buying one! It's incredibly overpriced, it's use is very limited - not enough for the normal needs of children and parents.
- light
- collapsible
- beautiful
- many accessories available
- servicing
- keeps the price
- one-handed steering
- the ability to flip the handle over
- extension canopy
- suspension
- design - it's my sweetheart
- folding in two pieces
- small front wheels (can get stuck in cobblestones)
I have a third child and again got a Bugaboo Cameleon for the third time, which is a clear proof that it is my clear favourite.
- Very comfortable in both carrycot and seat mode. Both my children have been happy in it. The seat unit is bigger and will last until the child is 3 (or even 4 with my first child!)
- Fabrics can be easily replaced at minimal cost.
- Tried lots of prams and none come close to it’s one-hand 360 deg turn manoeuvrability
- Fits in a standard boot (May just have to take parcel shelf off in smaller cars)
- Can fit a weekly shop in the basket which can then be unclipped and carried into house with no need or plastic bags!! Massive plus for me
- Wheels can be easily clipped off for washing (and storing if have a small car)
- Fabrics are durable (avoid black or navy as these fade more)
- Much smaller than the Fox so easier to travel with and store but seat unit no different in size for child
- Lasts forever and can easily buy replacement parts. I am still using a 2006 model and it is perfect!
- Reversible handlebar is great for pulling up to a table for child to eat without having to use a high chair
- Seat unit can be lifted off with child in it and can be used as a chair on the floor (e.g. picnics)
- Can buy new fabrics and update an old model to look like new
- Can add handle covers for a more stylish look
- High quality frame and parts that stand the test of time
- Have to pivot up the front wheels when using on very bumpy terrain e.g woodlands. Prams that don’t have these wheels are not as easy to push on flat surfaces though so happy to accept this. The positives of the front smaller wheels outweigh the negative for the fewer times it is used on bumpy terrain
- The suspension holds well on very bumpy terrain though
Brilliant pram and stroller that my children have both loved. Can not find a smoother ride.
Mommies, I so recomment this pram!!! My two angels were using it and it still looks like new! A more expensive model but well worth that investment. 😁
- lightweight
- compact
- practical
- very long, wide carrycot (80 cm)
- easy to manipulate
- many accessories available - summer canopies to suit any of your moods, warm footmuffs…
- suitable for the mountains as well as for the city (we make trips, even to the mountains, all the time)
- difficult to get in the shopping basket while using the carrycot, otherwise nothing to complain about
Love at first sight 🙂 The best stroller for a stroll to a coffee shop, strolling downtown, but also for trips to the mountains.
Awesome design and canopy replacement.
- lightweight
- reversible seat unit
- spacious bucket-type seat
- weak central joint (the joint has quite a give)
- problems with attaching a bag
- two-piece fold (not so practical for loading in the car boot)
I only had this stroller for a while - because it didn't meet my expectations. The seat unit is extremely spacious, and my lil’ one loves the bucket from, so he was fully satisfied with the stroller. However, I was afraid that if using it on a daily basis on our not-so-great sidewalks, I will break the front wheels or the central joint structure that, with use, developed quite some give. I even bought off-road wheels, but then, when I realized they either wouldn’t swivel at all or only partially (and very reluctantly), I felt even worse. Also, hanging a bag on the handlebar was a big problem. I was also angry that I could not put it in the car in one piece.
- difficulties with getting in the basket when using the stroller in the carrycot mode - that was its only shortcoming for me (it was ok when passing to the seat unit configuration)
Incredibly easy manipulation. Great wheels that even managed snow. Adjustable seat unit while the baby doesn’t sit by itself - I mostly used the half-reclined position. Spacious carrycot.
The BGB Cameleon is great, for me :-)
- rubber wheels with suspension
- large carrycot
- variability of the canopies
- summer canopy with UPF50
- a big disadvantage - a bucket seat of a smaller size, uncomfortable for sleeping
- size of a folded stroller
Best carrycot, wheels with suspension - no rattling. We used the carrycot up to my son’s 8 months. The seat unit is smaller though, which is why we change the stroller shortly after starting to use it.
Your questions about the Bugaboo Cameleon
Is it safe for overnight sleeping in the bassinette?
Hey, Zee,
The newer, very well-ventilated Bugaboo carrycots (e.g. the Fox's) are already suitable for overnight sleeping, but this older version never was tested to that and doesn't have enough airflow to truly be sure it will be safe. So my answer here will be no, don't use this for overnight sleeping of your baby.
Can the Bugaboo Cameleon be used from birth using the seat?
Hey, Becks,
No, not really. The seat is shaped and a newborn needs firm, level surface for longer periods of time. In theory, you could be using only the seat IF you got a V-shaped insert, something leveling the seat - e.g. like the Quinny Newborn-Insert (From-Birth Cocoon) which does that.
If you were putting a newborn in such a bucket seat without it, you would be damaging their neck and spine and obstructing their breathing.