Choosing a first pushchair can feel like a big decision, particularly when you need something that works just as well for everyday trips as it does for countryside adventures. For first-time mum Ellie, finding a pram that could handle rural walks while still being practical for trips into town was a key priority.
After testing several different pushchairs, Ellie and her boyfriend chose the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew, drawn to its sturdy all-terrain design, premium feel and practical features. Now that she’s had the chance to use it with her newborn, Ellie shares her first impressions and talks us through what she’s found most useful so far, from navigating uneven paths and folding the pram to the comfort of the bassinet, storage and the Fox 5 Renew’s use of recycled and bio-based materials.
Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew Review
What were your first impressions of the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew, and what stood out to you most?
What first stood out to me about the Bugaboo Fox 5 Renew was the overall quality and premium feel. From the fabric and stitching to the frame and general sturdiness, everything feels really well made and built to last. The materials feel soft and durable, while the chassis has a solid, robust feel without making the pram feel overly bulky.
As a first-time mum, what was the process of choosing your first pushchair like, and what were you looking for in the Fox 5 Renew?
As a first-time mum, choosing my first pushchair felt like a big decision, as I wanted something that would work well for both everyday life and where I live. Being in a rural area, having an all-terrain pram was really important to me, but I also wanted something versatile enough to use in town and when going to the shops.
My boyfriend and I tested several other prams, but we found they were either too flimsy and didn’t feel sturdy enough for rural walks, or they were so bulky that they weren’t practical for everyday use in the city. The Fox 5 Renew stood out because it offered the sturdiness and all-terrain capability we were looking for, without feeling too bulky or difficult to use.
What was it like unboxing and setting up the Fox 5 Renew for the first time? Did you find it straightforward?
The unboxing and setup of the Fox 5 Renew was really straightforward. It was easy to assemble, and I actually found I could put it together without needing to read the instructions. The packaging itself was clearly designed with assembly in mind, with everything well organised and easy to identify. It made the whole process feel simple which was particularly helpful when setting it up for the first time.
How does it perform across different surfaces, from pavements and roads to grass and uneven paths?
The Fox 5 Renew has performed really well across a range of different surfaces. We use it on pavements and roads for everyday trips, but also regularly take it across grass, gravel and more uneven rural paths. It feels really sturdy and stable, and the larger wheels and suspension make it easy to push over rougher ground without feeling like the pram is being thrown around.
What I particularly like is that it manages to handle these different terrains without compromising on how easy it is to use on pavements or when popping into shops. It feels like a genuinely versatile all-terrain pram that works just as well for everyday use as it does for countryside walks.
How straightforward do you find folding and unfolding it when you’re juggling a baby?
I find folding and unfolding the Fox 5 Renew really straightforward, which is especially important when you’re trying to do it while juggling a baby or carrying other things. Once you get used to the mechanism, it feels quick and intuitive, and I don’t need to think too much about the process.
It’s also reassuring that it feels sturdy and secure when folded, without being overly complicated or fiddly. For me, it’s one of those features that makes a real difference to everyday use, particularly when getting in and out of the car or when you’re out and about on your own with the baby.
How comfortable does your baby seem in the seat, particularly on longer journeys and when napping?
My baby is still a newborn, so we’re using the bassinet at the moment, and she seems really comfortable and settled in it. I love how spacious it feels, so she has plenty of room to stretch out, and the mattress feels really supportive and cosy.
She’s already had plenty of naps in it while we’re out, and I’ve found the smooth ride really helpful, especially when we’re walking on grass or uneven paths. She seems to stay settled even when we’re out for longer walks, which is really reassuring as a first-time mum.
How useful have you found the adjustability and different features as your baby has grown?
As our baby is still a newborn, we haven’t had the chance to use all of the Fox 5 Renew’s adjustability features yet. So far, though, I’ve really appreciated the adjustable handlebar and the flexibility of being able to adapt the pram as she grows. I’m looking forward to seeing how the different configurations work for us as she gets older, particularly the seat options.
What do you think of the storage basket and overall practicality for everyday life?
The storage basket has been really useful for everyday life. I’m definitely someone who overpacks for everything, so having a decent amount of storage underneath the pram is a huge bonus for me. Between the changing bag, blankets, spare clothes and all the other things I convince myself we might need, I can fit quite a lot in without it feeling cramped.
I’ve also found the Fox 5 Renew really practical for everyday life. Whether we’re heading out for a countryside walk, popping to the shops or going out for the day, it feels like it can handle everything I need to take with me without being bulky or difficult to manage.
Which features have you found yourself using most, and which have made the biggest difference day-to-day?
I’ve probably used the bassinet and the adjustable handlebar the most so far. With a newborn, the bassinet has been a huge part of our everyday walks, and I really like how spacious and comfortable it feels for her.
The adjustable handlebar has also made a bigger difference than I expected. My boyfriend and I are different heights, so being able to quickly adjust it makes the pram much more comfortable for both of us to push.
I’d also say the all-terrain wheels and suspension have made a big difference day-to-day. Because we live rurally, we’re often on grass, gravel or uneven paths, and knowing I can take the pram pretty much anywhere without worrying about how it will handle the terrain has been really useful.
What are your thoughts on the Fox 5 Renew’s use of recycled and bio-based materials? Does its sustainability appeal influence your choice?
Both my boyfriend and I are really conscious of the environmental impact of the decisions we make for our baby, from the nappies we use to the clothes we buy. Because of that, I honestly didn’t think I’d be able to buy a brand-new pram without compromising on those values.
The use of recycled and bio-based materials in the Fox 5 Renew really appealed to me for that reason. It feels good to know that sustainability has been considered in the design, while still getting a brand-new pram that has all the quality, durability and practicality we were looking for.
For us, it wasn’t the only reason we chose the Fox 5 Renew, but knowing that a more sustainable approach had been taken definitely made the decision feel better.
Overall, how would you sum up your experience of the Fox 5 Renew so far, and would you recommend it to other new parents?
We’re absolutely thrilled with the Fox 5 Renew so far. From the moment we unpacked it, we loved the look and premium design, but it’s the way it performs day-to-day that has really impressed us.
Our baby seems so comfortable and settled in the bassinet, which has made going out for walks much more enjoyable for all of us. I also love how sturdy and well-made it feels, especially as we live rurally and use it across lots of different terrains.
It feels like a really considered pram that works for our lifestyle, and we’ve genuinely loved using it so far. I’d definitely recommend it to other new parents looking for something that combines style, comfort, quality and practicality.
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