Hi again,

I'm back with yet ANOTHER stroller review!  :)

Well, the long-anticipated wait is over... we are now proud owners of our third Bugaboo stroller, the Bugaboo Bee!

Purchased in October of 2007, we were lucky to get our hands on this one just about 2 months after its debut in the United States.  The new Bee combines a lighter, more compact stroller with the same quality and innovation we have come to expect from Bugaboo.

The MAJOR pro of this stroller compared to others in the Bugaboo family is the ability to fold with one hand and it folds as ONE part.  All other bugaboo strollers store in two parts, so this was a major breakthrough in technology as far as the company was concerned.

The Bee combines the same features we have grown to love and some new.  Here's a rundown of what I feel is the most important:

SUSPENSION:  Although this 'bug' does not come with the bigger "all-terrain" air wheels in the back, the suspension is the same if not better.  Front wheels swivel for extra-smooth turns on a dime.  Again, this stroller is the BEST to turn/maneuver.  It's a cakewalk and you could literally do it with one finger.

HANDLEBAR:  A major upgrade in this department.  Similar to the Chameleon (it's $900 counterpart), the stroller not only pushes and turns on a dime, but the telescopic handlebar allow for NO back pain or strain whatsoever.  The handlebar adjusts in height which is absolutely one of the best features next to how the stroller moves/pushes.   In between the time we sold our Frog on ebay and the time the new Bee arrived, we were using another stroller and I will tell you that my back suffered the consequences!  I will ONLY use a Bugaboo from now on!

PRICE:  This stroller, although cheaper in price is definitely NOT lacking!  Priced at only $529, this is much cheaper than the other Bugaboos that are being offered and honestly, I don't see much difference.  Not to mention that it is totally worth the ability to store it all in once piece instead of having to break it down in the car into two pieces, which I was happy to do with our Frog because there is just no better stroller on the market today.  Having this new one-piece option is really a nice change, though! 

UNDERSTORAGE:  I think that the understorage basket, altho a tad bit smaller in depth, is actually able to hold MORE because there is a bigger space between the chassis (body of stroller) where it meets the bottom of the seat and the underseat basket.  We have a Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag which is a fairly good size, 4 kids who put their jackets under there, etc. and it all seems to just fit.

SAFETY HARNESS:  This is the OTHER major selling factor for me.  They have definitely improved the strength and durability of the 5-point harness offered on this stroller.  My 2 year old was able to get out of our old Frog which was another reason I decided to part with it.  Even at the snuggest setting, she was able to get out of it.  She can't in the bee.  Extra shoulder pads provide for a comfortable ride as well as adjustable options that allow your child to be restrained in a more secure fashion.  ***UPDATE***  I'm a tad bit disappointed with this restraint system as well.  My 2 year old is small if not average and after pulling out the harness as far as it will go, it became way too tight for her and leaves red marks on her shoulders and neck.  She has become quite uncomfortable in this stroller and I'm sad I spent so much money on something that she outgrew in less than a year.

There are also these appealing specs. to the Bee:

* "Bee" like ventilation system on the back of the seat to keep baby cool ***UPDATE*** This is also a tad bit of a disappointment as I don't see much of a difference in ventilation, but truthfully not that big of a deal. We took it to Disney and she did just fine.

* Two-position seat option-you can put it facing you or away from you.

* Three position seat recline in either sitting position.

*DVD/complete instructions from Bugaboo along with a two year warranty

*Choice of canopy (which covers ALL of baby!) in Yellow, Blue, Red, Black or Khaki.  We went with the yellow..after all, it IS called the BEE! :)

Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this stroller as much as we did.   Because my daughter outgrew this, we recently sold it and now own a QUINNY ZAPP.  Please be on the lookout for a guide/review soon.  Its' a must have and will definitely get you noticed.  It's sleek, innovative Euro-design is definitely like nothing else out there.  Lots of companies are starting to make cheaper, heavier knock-off's of the Gecko and Frog, but trust me, the money is WELL spent.  Please contact me through eBay if you have any additional questions....thanks!