Bugaboo Cameleon
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Bugaboo Cameleon

DISCONTINUED in 2006
see 10 parent reviews

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

4.0/5
Add YOUR review
if you own(ed) it, own it ;-)
parents say thx^^
  • 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.

Can not find a smoother ride

5
  • 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. 😁

Love at first sight

5
  • 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

4

Awesome design and canopy replacement.

Didnt meet my expectations

3
  • 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.

Incredibly easy manipulation

5
  • 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.

Great for me :-)

4

The BGB Cameleon is great, for me :-)

Best carrycot

4
  • 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

1)

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.

.eli - 09 Oct 2023
2)

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.

.eli - 03 Aug 2023

This is your place to ask us a (quick) question about the Bugaboo Cameleon