My Perfect Double Pushchair - Bugaboo Donkey Review

Double pushchair, bugaboo donkey, perfect double pushchair
When we found out we were having a second little baby boy, I started thinking about double pushchairs.  I knew that my perfect double pushchair would have a lovely spacious carrycot for my newborn with a soft mattress and it would be nice and long so that the baby could stay snug and cosy for longer.  I knew that the toddler seat would be able to face me as Dylan loves to have a chat as we walk.  I knew it would work as a single so that we could use it still once Dylan was walking more and would be easy to attach a buggy board to.  I knew that the basket would be huge so that I didn't need to carry a nappy bag and it would be nice and accessible.  I knew that the buggy would have to fit on a bus as we don't drive and it would have to be light to steer as we walk a lot. It would need an adjustable handlebar as Ed and I are both tall and this would make life so much easier. Bugaboo donkey

 Turns out I am very demanding as I wanted a lot of things from my double pushchair and most of the ones on offer didn't tick very many of my boxes! 

Proudly showing off his ' bubba'

What I didn't expect was to find everything I was looking for in one pushchair.  I was expecting to have to compromise something as double buggies are notoriously difficult but it seems there is one that had everything I was looking for - The Bugaboo Donkey.

It may not be the cheapest on the market, but in my eyes it is more than worth it for such a beautiful pushchair.   Bugaboo have really thought of everything!  The Donkey has three options, Mono, duo and twin depending on how you wish to use it.  In single mode, there is a lovely basket that fits next to the seat or carrycot, which is perfect for shopping. With the help of three single catches, the pushchair transforms into a double and I can have a carrycot and seat, two carrycots or two seats, either parent facing or world facing.  Having Dylan parent facing is very important to me as he loves to talk as we walk and I love our little conversations, pointing out cars, flowers and doors!

The seat unit looks very comfortable and is lovely and spacious.  Dylan is by no means a small 20 month old (15kg)  and he has plenty of growing room left.  It has 3 recline positions, including lie flat which is perfect for nap time and a very upright one which I am really impressed with as Dylan loves to sit up straight and not a lot of pushchairs accommodate for this.  The 5 point harness is easily adjustable and the shoulder height can be changed without any hassle.

The carrycot is lovely and long and Archie looks like he will be in it for quite some time.  The interior is so soft it seems wrong to put a sheet on the mattress!  It has a lovely big hood (as does the seat unit) and an easily removable apron, which is zipped on at the end, making it easy to take off and put on when taking the baby out without having to hold it.  We have found the rain covers tough to get on, and it took a while to get the knack of it but once on they are on they are very secure even with strong winds.

We have really put the donkey to the test and as well as using it on all terrains (and always being impressed at how smooth it is), I have used it as a double on the bus, train and in taxis.  I can wheel it into a London cab without folding it down no problem, and it pushes straight onto the bus as well.  The adjustable handle bar can be pushed right down so the Donkey can fit in much smaller spaces than expected.  The handlebar has several positions including a lovely high one which is perfect for tall men like the bloke.

The biggest issue I have had with the pushchair is the amount of time I am stopped in the street! Every single time without fail that we are out, we get asked what it is and where they can get one.  I am constantly met with appreciative stares and everyone wants to get their hands on a Donkey once they have seen it in the flesh.  I have even had someone pull over their car on the side of the road to enquire where she could get such a pushchair!

In Mono mode

The donkey comes in several colour options and with Bugaboo recently announcing a partnership with the Andy Warhol Foundation, you will be able to customise to your hearts content with the new hood/apron designs they are releasing!

The bloke is currently refusing to use any other pushchair as he too shares my love of the Bugaboo Donkey, and he loves how light it is to push (even with both boys he can push it up a hill with one finger), how high the handlebar goes and that even with a long stride he is not treading on anything. He also loves how huge the underneath basket it - even my pink lining twins bag fits comfortably underneath, so he is not left with a girly nappy bag to carry around.

I cannot think of a single thing I would change with the Bugaboo donkey.  Bugaboo have clearly thought this one through as it has everything you look for in a pushchair, and then some more.  I cannot recommend it highly enough!

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Disclaimer:  I was loaned a Bugaboo Donkey for the purpose of this review but I have received no financial compensation for writing this post.  The love is completely my own!

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One of Each

When I was pregnant with Archie, people often asked me whether I wanted a little girl, so that I had 'one of each' and I answered them quite honestly, that I didn't mind as long as my baby was healthy.  I was secretly hoping for another little boy as I imagined Dylan with a brother to share and play with, and having only eighteen months between them, I hoped there would be less fighting over which TV programs they want to watch!

Turns out that I did end up with 'one of each', but not in the traditional sense.  I have one Dylan and one Archie, and although they are both little boys, they are both completely different and unique children.

Looking at photos of the boys at the same age, you can definitely tell they are brothers.  There are a lot of similarities in the way they look although I can really see the differences too.  Archie is only 8 weeks old though and I can already see that their personalities are miles apart.

Archie and Dylan at 6 weeks

Dylan hated being on his tummy from day one and I think this is part of the reason why he never really crawled.  As soon as he learnt to roll, he would point blank refuse to lie on his front, and would start rolling over before you even put him down.  He used to sleep like a starfish and often woke himself up with the startle reflex as he bashed his arms on the side of the crib.  This was a big factor in moving him to a big cot at 12 weeks as he was waking himself up as he bashed his hands!

Archie will not sleep on his back.  I have taken to lying him on his tummy even in the pram, as it is the only way he will settle and he loves to feel snug, tucking his arms and legs underneath him.  If he stays this curled up then I see him staying in the crib for quite some time as he takes up very little space.

Dylan would fall asleep as soon as you started pushing the buggy and loved lying in there, studying the label on the inside of his pram.  Archie is not a fan of the pushchair and will cry out to be picked up and put in the sling close to me
.

Dylan screamed and screamed in his first few baths, although luckily he is a huge fan now, whereas Archie hated getting undressed but calmed down the moment his toes touched the water and is at his most relaxed when in the tub.

I may have two gorgeous boys, but I definitely have one of each.  One little Dylan, and one little Archie.

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Spring

The start of spring brings new life, new colours and the return of my beloved flip flops.  With the weather finally warming up though, I have been remembering all the things I love about this new season:

Washing drying on the line.  There is something really satisfying about a line of clean washing drying in the breeze and it always smells so fresh and feels so soft.

Not wearing a coat! After picking out outfits all winter and then hiding them under a coat it is nice to have a bit more freedom and a lot less bulk finally.

Walks along the Prom.  Living so close to the sea, spring gives us the perfect excuse to stretch our legs as we can go for long strolls along the sea front with an ice cream as a reward when we get to the end.

Messy play in the garden.  I may not be the most house proud, but I am not confident getting messy inside, so with a bit less chill in the air, we can go outdoors for painting and getting dirty and I am much less worried!

Eating Al Fresco.  There is something about eating outdoors that makes me pick healthier options and this can only be a good thing! There is nothing quite like sitting outdoors and enjoying a lovely meal with a beautiful view.

Getting my flip flops back out.  I love being barefoot and the next best thing is simple sandals.  As soon as the risk of frostbite has gone, I am in my flip flops and the boots don't come back out until I really have no choice!

Painting my toenails.  With the return of sandals, comes the nail varnish.  I love painting my toenails in every shade of bright and showing them off.

Fresh flowers. Suddenly gardens and parks are awash with colour and it can't help but brighten my day to see the flowers blossoming.  Dylan is already getting excited when he spots a daffodil so I can't wait for more to bloom.

Not spending a Penny. With the beach within walking distance of my house, we don't need to spend any money to have a lovely day out and Dylan is entertained for hours with a bucket and spade and somewhere to run around!

The light. Earlier mornings and later evenings mean there is so much more natural light and this makes taking a good picture much easier. I rely on my smart phone for a camera and so sunlight is definitely my friend.

Picnics in the park. As a breastfeeding mummy,  there is only so long I can spend in the park when it is chilly but with the spring sunshine we can spend all day outside.



 It may not be as warm as I would like yet, but spring is definitely on the way, and I can't wait!  What do you love about spring?

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Win a Children's Table and Chairs

You may have seen in my post about the boy's playroom that they have a gorgeous little wooden table and chairs. Dylan has loved sitting up to his table to do puzzles and colouring and has even been allowed to eat his dinner at his own special table.  It has been a big hit in our house, and I have one to give away as well!

The table and chairs come in 3 colour options, pink, blue or white and would be the perfect accompaniament to any child's nursery or play room!  Entry couldn't be easier, just complete the rafflecopter below!

Good Luck!

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ThePrizeFinder - UK Competitions

Disclaimer:  This prize is provided by K&Co 

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A Simple Smile

Is there anything in life more infectious than a baby's smile?

Thought not!

Archie appears to be a pretty serious little man which makes the smiles even more worthwhile working for. This is the first time I have caught one on camera, and I couldn't resist sharing his gorgeous little face and that gummy grin.

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Dylan Right Now

Dylan is now 20 months - only four months until he turns 2!

Dylan recognises and can say lots of colours now, including green, red, blue, yellow, pink, orange, grey and white

Dylan would live on oranges given half the chance.

Dylan's favourite words to say are pushchair, kitchen, octopus and door.

Dylan is definitely a bit of a Grandma's boy.

Dylan is loving learning his numbers.

Dylan is enjoying big brotherhood and likes to hold Archie's hand and point out all of his facial features (especially while Archie is trying to enjoy some milk!).

Dylan's favourite books are 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' and 'The Gruffalo'

Dylan wakes up in the morning with the most ridiculous bed hair and always asking for Cheerios and Lego.

Dylan has recently started climbing onto the sofa and chairs, but he still likes help.

Dylan has size 6 feet and is wearing age 2-3 clothes.

Dylan loves to watch Jake and the Neverland Pirates (just for the songs), The Snowman and the Skeleton Dance.

Dylan sleeps with Duckie, an owl cushion, a dog and a bear in his cot.

Dylan is completely and utterly gorgeous.

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Jeanography Review

Having had a baby only seven weeks ago, I am certainly not feeling my best.  The bags under my eyes seem to have settled in for the long run and it is proving rather challenging finding time to get dressed every day let alone style myself a nice outfit!  As for going shopping, you clearly have not met my boys- they work as a tag team and the toddler has far too much energy to be let loose and far too long arms to be confined to the pushchair.  This has meant that since having Archie I have yet to hang up my maternity jeans!

Jeanography offer a service called Fit First Time, where you can shop online for jeans with a little help from their wonderful guides, and pick three pairs to be delivered to your house free of charge.  Once you have them, you can try them on in the peace of your own home once the children are in bed, and with all your own mirrors to see how they look.  Once you have chosen which pair are the right ones, you can return the other two completely free of charge, and then pay for your new jeans!

I have always struggled to find jeans that are a good fit on me and I find many high street brands cater for one particular shape - which I am very often not.  Jeanography has information about the fit and there seemed to be something for everyone.

I tested out the service this week and was so impressed.  I spent a while browsing the different styles, brands and designs before settling on three pairs that I really couldn't choose between, Hudson Jeans Signature Regular Rise Bootcut in Gower, James Jeans Twiggy Mid Rise Legging in Blue Black and Hudson Jeans Collin Signature Skinny in Stockport.  I picked out my size and ordered them for home delivery.  If you order before 4pm they should be with you next day but having a newborn, my hands are tied until the bloke is home and toddler in bed so I did my shopping with my feet up on the sofa and some trashy TV in the background.

I had an email early the next morning from the team, who noticed I had ordered a bigger size in one pair and letting me know they had a shipment just arrived with the smaller size in that pair if I wanted to swap - I was really impressed that they thought to do this and I decided to try the smaller size.  The jeans arrived the day after, nicely packaged and ready for me to try.  Not only did I have peace and quiet, I had the bloke to tell me which looked best and all my shoes and boots to hand to check that they were the right length for how I would want to wear them.

I loved all three pairs and thanks to the advice on the website, I had picked the perfect size in them all.  Making the decision was tough but there was one pair that seemed to fit perfectly and I fell in love.  Sending the other two pairs back was easy, and the courier collected them at a time convenient for me, free of charge.  The box that the jeans arrived in had a handy way of resealing, so there really was no hassle whatsoever!

The jeans I chose are the Hudson Jeans in Gower.  They have a bootcut which I love with my tiny heeled boots and even more with my flip flops in the summer (I am being optomistic, I know!)  Jeans are a staple part of my wardrobe as with two under two, I need something hardwearing and that goes with everything (including baby sick and tomato sauce!) and these are perfect.

I was so impressed with this service and would completely recommend it to any parents out there that just don't get to make time for themselves any more.  Shopping from the luxury of your own home with the easiest free delivery and returns I have ever come across!

Jeanography are running a fantastic competition for you to win your choice of jeans up to £250 so don't forget to enter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:  I have kept my chosen pair of jeans free of charge in exchange for writing this review but all thoughts and opinions are my own, and I honestly do love this idea so much!

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