Concept: The Bugaboo Gecko is the Chameleon’s less well known little sister. It’s slightly smaller and significantly cheaper – about £150 less. Having road (and off road) tested it for six months I feel in a good position to wax lyrical about it.
Testers: Myself (chief pusher), my son (now six months but in it from birth).
In use: Because the Gecko’s so manoeuvrable it’s fantastic round the shops but you can also flip over the handle bars and have the big wheels at the front for more bumpy surfaces. I’ve not used it in this setting much but it’s good if you get in a tricky situation.
It can be used from birth in carrycot mode and my little chap slept so well in it that when we went away for the night we didn’t need to bother with a travel cot. When they’re a bit older you use the same frame to change it into push chair mode so there’s nothing bulky to store.
As a pushchair you can either have your little one facing you or facing out. Given all the recent publicity about the importance of talking to your baby while pushing this seems like a good option.
A feature I love is the brake up on the handle bar as it seems so easy and quick with no poking around on the ground. The basket underneath is a decent enough size but not massive. Like the Chameleon it can carry a Maxi-Cosi car seat but the adaptors are extra.
Appearance: It’s a really good looking push chair – I get tons of comments. You don’t get all the colour options you do with the Chameleon but mine is an eye catching bright green and it also comes in red and black. A brilliant extra is the footmuff. Like anything with the Bugaboo logo on it isn’t cheap (£70) but has a lovely fleecy back and thick duvet front.
Any negatives?: There is a knack to folding it up but once you’ve got it sussed it’s really not tricky. Although if you’ve got a small car the wheels might have to come off which I can see is irritating.
Verdict: A great option if you like the Chameleon but the balk at the price tag and want something a bit smaller and much lighter.
Price: Around £480 for the pram, adaptors
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