Are you looking for a versatile and comfortable stroller that can grow with your family? The Bugaboo Donkey5 and Nuna Demi Grow are two strollers that will last from infancy to outings with two little ones (or three in the Donkey’s case)!

The Bugaboo Donkey5 and Nuna Demi Grow are two of the highest-quality strollers that can grow with your family. Both models have hearty tires that will smoothly roll across any terrain, reversible seats, great storage, and beautiful fabrics including amazing sun canopies.

However, the Donkey5 and Demi Grow do have a number of key differences—especially in how they convert from single to double (and beyond).

The Donkey is one of the only strollers that expands side-by-side, which allows for better weight distribution, easier access to your kids, and more legroom and recline options for toddlers. The stroller has an included bassinet, four large all-terrain tires, and lots of carrying capacity thanks to a side luggage basket.

The Demi Grow converts to a double by adding a second seat below the first one, by the back wheels for a stacked style. This makes the stroller more narrow, but still allows it to push easily because the weight is distributed over the back bigger wheels.

Let’s see how the Donkey5 and Demi Grow compare.

 

Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow Video

See our review on the Donkey5 single to double stroller here!

 

See our review for the Demi Grow at the video below!

Bugaboo Donkey5

As one of the only strollers that converts from a single to a side-by-side double, the Donkey5 is easier to push, turn, and get over curbs than many tandem style convertible strollers.

New for the Donkey5 model, a higher seat position brings your child closer to you, while a ventilated bassinet and updated fabrics keep your child cozy at every age. These and more updates add convenience, comfort, and style!

Parents will enjoy an easier fold, dozens of color combinations, and a handy quick click harness. Plus with just a few clicks the Donkey5 can become a single stroller with a handy side basket for more storage!

 

Nuna Demi Grow

The Demi Grow is Nuna's first stroller that can accommodate a second seat for siblings or twins. The Demi Grow offers a sleek design, 2-year warranty, sturdy all-terrain wheels with adjustable suspension, and compatibility with the Nuna PIPA series of infant car seats considered to be among the safest on the market.

The stroller includes a zip-out seat lining for an all-weather mesh seat and custom dual suspension that changes the ride for smooth and rough surfaces. A magnetic buckle makes it even easier to help your child in and out of the stroller, while brown leatherette detailing on the handle and bumper bar add a contemporary look.

In 2022, Nuna added a new feature not seen on their strollers before - a built in mosquito net! With the included Aire Protect canopy, a spare canopy included in addition to the original Classic canopy, parents can choose to add more ventilation and protection from bugs and sun with the Aire Protect canopy or go for full coverage with the Classic canopy.

 

Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow Price

There are a few different ways to purchase the Bugaboo Donkey5. You can purchase it as a Mono - for one child - and expand it to a double later on by purchasing the Duo Extension Set Complete. Or you can purchase it as a double right from the start by purchasing the Donkey5 Duo (for two children of different ages) or Donkey5 Twin (for twins from birth).

The Nuna Demi Grow can be purchased as a single or a double with the second seat.

For current pricing please see the respective product pages linked above.

BUGABOO DONKEY5

Bugaboo Donkey5 Mono (single):

• Base materials: stroller chassis with wheels, seat/bassinet frame, sun canopy wires, carry handle, underseat basket, rain cover
• Base fabrics: seat fabric, bassinet fabric and apron, side luggage basket
• Extendable sun canopy

Bugaboo Donkey5 Duo (two riders):

• Base materials: stroller chassis with wheels, seat/bassinet frame, sun canopy wires, carry handle, underseat basket, rain cover
• Base fabrics: seat fabric, bassinet fabric and apron, side luggage basket
• Extendable sun canopy (2)
• Duo extension set: second seat/bassinet frame, sun canopy wires, carry handle, rain cover
• Second seat fabric

Bugaboo Donkey5 Twin (twins):

• Base materials: stroller chassis with wheels, seat/bassinet frame, sun canopy wires, carry handle, underseat basket, rain cover
• Base fabrics: seat fabric, bassinet fabric and apron, side luggage basket
• Extendable sun canopy (2)
• Duo extension set: second seat/bassinet frame, sun canopy wires, carry handle, rain cover
• Second seat fabric
• Second bassinet fabric

NUNA DEMI GROW

Nuna Demi Grow:

• Nuna Demi Grow stroller with one seat
• Classic canopy
• Aire Protect canopy
• Ring car seat adapter
• Set of traditional car seat adapters
• Fenders
• Rain cover

Nuna Demi Grow Double:

• Nuna Demi Grow stroller with two seats (primary seat and sibling seat)
• 2 Classic canopies
• 1 Aire Protect canopy
• Ring car seat adapter
• Set of traditional car seat adapters
• Fenders
• Rain cover (2) 

The Donkey5 is significantly more expensive than the Demi Grow, whether purchased as a single or double or twin. However, it does come with a bassinet, unlike the Demi Grow.

 

Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow Weight and Specifications 

In single mode, the Bugaboo Donkey5 and Nuna Demi Grow are very similar in size and weight. In double mode, the Donkey5 is about 4 pounds lighter, but 5 inches wider due to expanding width wise. However, the Demi Grow is a good amount longer than the Donkey5.

Single Stroller Weight

• Donkey5: 26.9 pounds
• Demi Grow: 27.4 pounds

Double Stroller Weight

• Donkey5: 31.5 pounds
• Demi Grow: 35.4 pounds

Open Dimensions

• Donkey5: 31.5"L x 23.6"W x 33-41.7"H
• Demi Grow: 39.5”L x 24”W x 43.5”H

Folded Dimensions

• Donkey5: 35.4"L x 23.6"W x 20.4"H
• Demi Grow: 23.5”L x 24”W x 35”H

Stroller Width in Single mode

• Donkey5: 23.6”
• Demi Grow: 24”

Stroller Width in Double mode

• Donkey5: 29”
• Demi Grow: 24”

Basket Capacity

• Donkey5: 44 pounds
• 22 pounds underseat basket, 22 pounds side luggage basket when in Mono (single mode)
• Demi Grow: 10 pounds

Wheel Size

• Donkey5: 10” front tires; 12” rear tires
• Demi Grow: 7” front tires; 11” rear tires

Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow Weight and Height Limit

When you turn the Donkey5 and Demi Grow into a double stroller, both of them have two identical seats. Your children can sit in whichever seat they prefer as long they’re within the 50 pound weight capacity of ether seat. This is unique, as many double strollers have two different sized seats with different weight capacities.

Weight Capacity

• Donkey5: 50 pounds per seat
• Demi Grow: 50 pounds per seat

Seat Back Height

• Donkey5: 19"
• Demi Grow: 18.5"

Seat to Canopy Height

• Donkey5 Duo: 21"
• Demi Grow: 20.5"

Seat Width

• Donkey5: 10.5"
• Demi Grow: 10.5" with wider insert and 12" without insert in

Seat Depth

• Donkey5: 9"
• Demi Grow: 10.5"

Calf Support Length

• Donkey5: 10"
• Demi Grow: 9.5"

Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow Configurations

Both the Donkey and Demi Grow can expand from a single to a double stroller and can accommodate any combination of 1-2 stroller seats, bassinets, or infant car seats. The Donkey5 can actually accommodate up to THREE children with an optional ride along board for an older child to sit or stand on.

On the Bugaboo Donkey5, the second seat attaches next to the first seat - side by side. On the Nuna Demi Grow, the second seat attaches to connectors in the back of the basket so that the seat is positioned behind and beneath the primary seat.

Both designs offer pros and cons.

Seat Positioning

Besides ease of push, the advantage of the side by side seating of the Donkey is that it has seemingly limitless configurations and recline options. Toddlers can face parent, forward, or opposite directions and be as reclined back as much as they'd like without running into their sibling's seat. Side-by-side configurations mean parents can easily keep an eye on both children at once, from napping newborns to inquisitive toddlers. The seats are also identical - no fighting over who has what seat as no seat is “better” than the other!

The advantage of the Nuna Demi Grow is that when it becomes a double the width of the stroller remains that of a single stroller. It’s easy to maneuver in tight spaces, and the weight of both children is placed on the strongest part of the stroller, the rear axle.

The downsides of the Demi Grow design: The child essentially rides inside the stroller basket, which limits their view and movement—as well as your storage options. The second seat for the Demi Grow is also more difficult to access for the parent (although your child might think it's fun to climb in).

The second seat on the Donkey5 is as easy to access as the first seat since they are side by side, however, it does make the stroller 29” wide compared to 24” of the Demi Grow. Although, the Donkey5 does fit thru standard size doors, and is approved for Disney!

Configurations

Both strollers offer numerous configurations for siblings or twins: You can add a second stroller seat, car seat or bassinet to either stroller.

But unlike the Donkey5 seats, both of which are reversible, the Demi Grow sibling seat (bottom seat) can only face forward.

Ride-Along Board

Another difference: The Donkey5 can be a ride for three kids when you attach the Comfort Wheeled Board to the stroller. The child can sit or stand, making it easy to cart around 3 children! Nuna does not make a ride-along board, although third-party brands may fit.

 

How to Fold Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow

To fold the Donkey5, tilt the stroller seat so it is parallel to the stroller frame, and lower the handlebar. On either side of the handlebar, press the black button and lift up on the white lever then lower the handle toward your feet.

To unfold, simply lift the handlebar up, push down to extend the front wheels, and raise the seat upright.

See the Donkey5 fold demonstrated in this video at minute mark 3:21. 

While the Nuna Demi Grow can be folded with one seat attached, it's best to remove the seat before folding to ensure access to a convenient, leather-wrapped carry handle integrated into the frame. 

To fold the Demi Grow, lock the stroller, remove the seats, and pull up on the triggers (on the sides by the handlebars) to fold it down. The Demi Grow is self standing and has a convenient carry handle to lift it.

See the Nuna Demi Grow fold demonstrated in this video at minute mark 2:41.

Car Seats Compatible with Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow

Bugaboo offers their own infant car seat, as well as offering adapters for other brands.

Nuna is well-known for their Nuna PIPA model car seats. The Nuna Demi Grow is compatible with the Nuna PIPA series of car seats, and the necessary car seat adapters are included with your stroller purchase. No other brand car seat will work with the Demi Grow.

CAR SEATS COMPATIBLE WITH BUGABOO DONKEY5

CAR SEATS COMPATIBLE WITH NUNA DEMI GROW

Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow Accessories

The Donkey comes with a bassinet, stroller or bassinet rain cover, and side luggage basket for storage. Other Donkey accessories are sold separately and include:

• Car seat adapter (numerous brands)
• Comfort wheeled ride-along board
• Snack tray
• Cup holder
• Phone holder
• Travel bag
• Changing clutch
• Changing bag
• Organizer
• Mosquito net
• Newborn inlay
• Bassinet stand (adapters needed for Donkey bassinet)
• Footmuff

The Demi Grow comes with a classic canopy, an aire protect canopy, ring car seat adapter, traditional car seat adapters, fenders, and a rain cover. Other Demi Grow accessories sold separately include:

• Bassinet and stand
• Parent cup holder
• Travel bag
• Sling bag

 

Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow Colors and Fabrics

The Bugaboo Donkey5 is highly customizable because you can choose the color of the frame, seat fabrics and canopy, and you can buy spare canopies separately to change the look or offer more ventilation.

As part of Bugaboo’s ongoing sustainability targets, they’ll start using 100% recycled fabrics for their strollers by the end of 2023. They’re trying to push down to zero CO2 emissions by 2035.

For current colors of the Donkey5, click here.

 

The Nuna Demi Grow does not have as many color options, and tends to come in only neutral color ways.

Nuna products meet the standards for GREENGUARD GOLD certification. This means that they have been thoroughly tested and certified to meet stringent emissions standards for over 360 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and chemical emissions.

For current colors of the Demi Grow, click here.

 

Bugaboo Donkey 5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow Pros and Cons

So which is better: the Bugaboo Donkey5 or the Nuna Demi Grow? Only you can decide which stroller best fits your family's needs, but here are the benefits and drawbacks we see.

Bugaboo Donkey5

Benefits

• Seats can face forward, parent, or opposite directions with unrestricted legroom and recline angles
• Bassinet comes with the stroller and has added ventilation
• Can go into two-wheel mode for sand and snow
• Stroller seats can come off stroller and can stand independently on the ground
• Huge canopy coverage
• Steers easily with weight distributed towards rear wheels
• Higher storage weight capacity in single configurations (44lbs)
• Highly customizable and more accessories offered
• Ride along board option for 3rd child
• Lighter than the Demi Grow (in double mode) by about 4 pounds

Drawbacks

• Requires purchase of adapters for any compatible car seat, including Bugaboo Turtle One and Turtle Air
• More steps to achieve a compact fold
• With car seats attached, may be too wide to fit through some doorways
• Costs more than the Demi Grow

 

Nuna Demi Grow

Benefits

• Stacked design of double stroller offers improved maneuverability over tandem doubles, and a reduced width over side-by-side doubles like the Donkey5
• Costs less than the Donkey5
• Seat includes insert that can be unzipped for a mesh seatback for hotter weather
• Spare Aire Protect canopy has built in bug cover and more mesh windows
• Sky Drape cover extends from the canopy for full sun coverage over the seat
• Harness buckle is magnetic, making it easier to help your child in and out
• Adapters for Nuna PIPA series car seats comes with the purchase of the stroller

Drawbacks

• Basket space is minimized when child is riding in lower position
• Some toddlers may not like riding underneath the upper seat
• Seat in lower position is not reversible and can only face forward
• Stroller is larger and heavier than the Donkey5
• Not compatible with car seats other than Nuna brand
• Does not have a ride-along option for a third child
• Less accessories and color choices offered

 

QUESTIONS?

Strolleria is an authorized retailer of Bugaboo and Nuna products dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents.

If you have more questions about the Bugaboo Donkey5 vs. Nuna Demi Grow debate, feel free to contact us at 480-442-9433 or customercare@strolleria.com.