I’ve tested over 30 travel strollers, including the original Bugaboo Butterfly. In this review, I share everything you need to know about the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 and whether it is worth the high $600 price point. The Butterfly 2 is an IATA-compatible overhead-bin-friendly stroller with an easy fold, a tall seat back, premium materials, and a big basket, but it also has some downsides (especially if you are buying in the US) that you should be aware of before spending $600.
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Table of Contents
Shop the Bugaboo Butterfly 2:
- Buy the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 on Amazon
- Buy the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 on Nordstrom
- Buy the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 on Bugaboo
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If you prefer video, you can watch my full review on YouTube:
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Quick Summary
- Premium look and feel: Materials, colorways, and finishes feel upscale.
- Tall seat back: One of the main draws (though a little shorter than the previous version) — good for taller toddlers.
- Compact, IATA-friendly fold: Fits most overhead bins, one-handed fold.
- Pricey: $599 base price makes it one of the most expensive travel strollers on the market, accessories sold separately, and are expensive ($87 for a snack tray!).
- Canopy extension: Now includes a peekaboo window, but the canopy sits close to the upright child’s face when fully extended (you can pop it in)
- Recline concern: The Recline on the US version is not near-flat, at only 147 degrees, which is not ideal for use by newborns. Bugaboo says you can use it from birth in the US, but recommends using a car seat for newborn comfort and support…I feel like this says it all!
- Basket and brake: Large 17.6 lb basket and flip-flop friendly brake.
Price and What’s Included
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 retails for $599 and only comes with the stroller. That price gets you the frame, seat fabric, and the basic components you see in the photo above. It does not include a rain cover, dust bag, bumper bar, cup holder, or car seat adapter; those are all extras. When Bugaboo released the original Butterfly, it was one of the most affordable luxury travel strollers on the market, and with one of the tallest seatbacks, it quickly grew in popularity. Enter the Butterfly 2, and Bugaboo has priced it where your average family can no longer afford this stroller, and it seems Bugaboo is okay with that.
- Cup holder: about $50
- Snack tray: about $70 plus a $16 adapter
- Car seat adapters: about $70
This makes the actual cost of a travel-ready setup significantly higher than the sticker price (Plus it doesn’t really work well for newborns right out of the box without the recommended $70 car seat adapter). If you plan to use a car seat or want the bumper bar or snack tray, factor those costs into your decision, and it will sting a little.
Now, let’s dive into the features, and then I will compare it to some other great travel strollers!
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 from Top to Bottom
If you’re familiar with The Stroller Mom reviews, we go in-depth, top to bottom, on every stroller, covering the details that parents (and children) care about most.
Handlebar
The handlebar height is fine for most parents, but it’s not adjustable. It feels premium to the touch and looks high-end. The stroller has been widened compared to the original Butterfly, which reduces the tippiness you might have felt when turning fast or navigating around corners.
Real-life note: I occasionally kicked the wheels with my shoe when pushing because the rear wheels sit closer to the handlebar than some competitors. It’s a minor annoyance, but something taller parents or anyone with a long stride will notice.
I paired it here with one of my favorite parent organizers!
Canopy
Bugaboo fixed one of the biggest complaints from the first version: the Butterfly 2 now has a traditional peekaboo window. The window opens, has mesh, and you can actually see your kid without pulling the whole canopy back. This is a practical change I appreciated right away. It also stays open on windy days, unlike strollers like the Nuna TRVL.
However, if your child is in the most upright position when extending the canopy, the extension sits very close to their face. When I used the extension with my 18-month-old, it almost touched her face. You can push it in, which I show in the video below:
Seat: Recline, Weight Limit, Harness, Comfort
The seat is more upright than the original Butterfly and is more upright than the Minu V3. The seat back is slightly shorter compared to the original model, but still at a good height for tall toddlers. The seat also has a nice removable seat liner.
I love Bugaboo’s harnesses and buckles that stick out, so they don’t get lost under small kids. It has no-rethread harnesses, making it easy to adjust as your child grows or if you, like me, switch between multiple aged kiddos using the stroller. The buckles itself feel more premium and are not magnetic, which I actually prefer because magnets can be finicky. The seat can hold up to 50 pounds, which is pretty normal for most strollers.
Now let’s talk RECLINE because there is sooo much confusion around this, especially with the Butterfly 2 strollers sold in Australia and North America.
In Europe, you get a generous, near flat recline and a cool Baby Nest, while we get a 147-degree recline that is only a few inches deeper than the OG Butterfly. Bugaboo says you can use the North America/Australia one from birth, but recommends a car seat for child comfort… At $600, and with many competitors like the Joolz Aer2, Minu V3, Ergo Metro 3, and others offering a better near-flat recline, the Butterfly 2 is not as ideal for use from birth.
Bumper Bar
The stroller ships without a bumper bar, but one can purchased separately. When used with the stroller, it will fold with it, but it adds an extra step.
Footrest
The calf support is great, and the adjustment is one-handed. It is made of plastic, not metal, unlike the last version. Some parents prefer the old metal style for perceived durability, but the plastic mechanism is easier to use and allows a slightly smaller folded footprint. There is also space for your older child to rest their legs in the basket/on the front of the frame.
The footrest tucks under to make the stroller more compact when folded.
Brake
The brake is located at the back, making it easy to use and flip-flop friendly. It’s the kind of brake you can press down or lift up with your toes without hurting your foot.
Basket / Storage
The original Butterfly was known for a good basket, and the Butterfly 2 continues that trend. The basket capacity is about 17.6 pounds. Instead of a spring mechanism, the basket has a fabric panel that can be tucked under or pulled out. It comfortably fits a diaper bag, and I was able to carry more than I expected for a stroller of this size.
There is also an added pocket behind the seat, which is great for your phone and keys.
Infant and Car Seat Compatibility
Technically, Bugaboo states that the Butterfly 2 meets US safety standards for use from birth, but they recommend pairing it with a compatible infant car seat for “maximum comfort and support.” With the purchase of $70 adapters, you can pair your Butterfly 2 stroller with car seats from Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Clek, and the Bugaboo Turtle Air X Nuna.
As I mentioned above, if you’re looking for a travel stroller with a newborn-ready setup, including a near-flat recline or a dedicated newborn insert/bassinet, you may want to look at one of the options in my Newborn Stroller Guide.
Important note: The Butterfly 2 requires its own line of adapters. If you owned adapters for the original Butterfly, they will not fit the Butterfly 2. I made that mistake when I got mine and had to buy new adapters.
Folding, Unfolding, and Ease of Use
The Butterfly 2 has a one-handed fold and weighs around 16 lbs. Push a button on the handle and bring the stroller in, and it collapses. It’s not automatic, but you can easily fold it with one hand. When folded, it is pretty compact and meets the IATA overhead bin requirements. One small annoyance: a piece of fabric sticks out when folded (esp. if you do not snap it—see last image above).
There is an integrated carry strap in the basket that can be used to carry it. The carry strap is now stretchy and slightly improved over the previous model, but it is not dramatically longer. It can also be difficult to find. The footrest can either be tucked in or used as a quick-grab carry handle.
Maneuverability & Performance
The Butterfly 2 pushes better than the original. Bugaboo widened the wheelbase slightly and increased the wheel size, which helped reduce the tippiness on the first model. It feels sturdier out of the box and handles urban rough spots, such as cobblestone, better than its predecessor.
That said, it still uses small wheels typical for compact travel strollers. It’s great for city sidewalks, malls, and airports, and it will handle light uneven surfaces. However, an all-terrain stroller will perform better for heavy off-roading or long trail walks.
Specifications
- Price: $599 (stroller only)
- Weight: 16 lbs
- Seat weight limit: 50 lbs
- Basket capacity: 17.6 lbs
- Seat recline: up to 147 degrees (North America and Australia)
- Fold: one-handed, compact, IATA friendly
- Compatibility: adapters available for Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, Clek, Bugaboo Turtle Air
Accessories
- Car seat adapter (sold separately)
- Snack tray and snack tray adapter (sold separately)
- Cup holder (sold separately)
- Bumper bar (sold separately)
- Bugaboo companion pieces in their Butterfly 2 line (not compatible with original Butterfly adapters)
Since many accessories are expensive and sold separately, I recommend creating a full budget before making a purchase. The base stroller is only the start.
Shop the Bugaboo Butterfly 2:
- Buy the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 on Amazon
- Buy the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 on Nordstrom
- Buy the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 on Bugaboo
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bugaboo Butterfly 2
Is the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 safe for newborns?
Bugaboo increased the recline slightly, from 143 degrees to 147 degrees. That sounds small, but it’s the center of a controversy because parents want to know if the stroller is safe or comfortable for newborns without a car seat. Bugaboo’s statement is that the Butterfly 2 meets US safety standards and is safe for use from birth, but they also recommend pairing it with a compatible infant car seat for maximum comfort and support. That feels confusing when you’re shopping for a single-stroller solution for a newborn at this price point. What makes it more confusing is that other comparable travel strollers have deeper reclines and a “newborn nest mode,” which is an enclosure to keep your little one safe when fully reclined. The Butterfly 2 doesn’t have this either.
Does the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 fit in airplane overhead bins?
Yes, the Butterfly 2 is IATA compliant and fits in most airplane overhead bins. The one-handed compact fold and tuckable footrest make it easier to store in cabins.
What is the recline angle on the Butterfly 2?
The recline angle improves slightly over the original model, increasing from 143 degrees to approximately 147 degrees.
Can I use car seats with the Butterfly 2?
Yes, the Butterfly 2 supports car seat adapters for brands like Nuna, Maxi-Cosi, Cybex, and Clek. Keep in mind the adapters are sold specifically for the Butterfly 2.
How heavy is the Bugaboo Butterfly 2, and is it easy to carry?
The stroller weighs roughly 16 pounds, which is slightly heavier than some compact rivals but is still travel-friendly. The carry strap is stretchy and usable. The folded package is compact, making it easier to store in overhead bins.
Does the canopy have a peekaboo window?
Yes, the Butterfly 2 adds a proper peekaboo window with mesh, which was a welcome improvement.
Is the Butterfly 2 worth the $599 price tag?
That depends on what you value. If you want a premium-feeling travel stroller with a tall seatback, roomy basket, and a compact overhead-bin-friendly fold, it may be worth it. If you need a stroller that’s newborn-ready without a car seat, or you’re sensitive to accessory costs, the total investment will be higher and may not be worth it.
Who Is the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Best For?
The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is a luxe travel stroller that addresses some of the issues with the original Butterfly, including a tall upright seat, a peek-a-boo window, and a smoother push, but it also introduces trade-offs. If you like premium finishes, a tall seat, and a compact fold, it’s worth trying. If you need a ready-for-newborn, all-in-one stroller without spending extra on adapters, consider other options like the Joolz Aer2, Uppababy Minu V3, and Silver Cross Clic.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Comparisons
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 vs Joolz Aer2
- The Joolz Aer2 is slightly more affordable, and offers a better newborn set-up, including a bassinet, while still having a tall upright seat, compact fold, good push, and good sized basket.
- The Butterfly 2 has an easier recline mechanism and a peek-a-boo window, which the Joolz does not.
- Check out my Full Luxury Travel Stroller Comparison (Bugaboo Butterfly 2 VS Uppababy Minu V3 vs Joolz Aer2)
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 vs Uppababy Minu V3
- The Uppababy Minu V3 is slightly more affordable and offers a better newborn recline while still having a tall upright seat, compact fold (IATA fold), good push, and a good-sized basket. It is also GreenGuard Gold.
- The Butterfly 2 has a more upright seat and sleeker design/color options.
- Check out my Full Luxury Travel Stroller Comparison (Bugaboo Butterfly 2 VS Uppababy Minu V3 vs Joolz Aer2)
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 vs Silver Cross Clic
- The Silver Cross Clic has a similar elevated design and is slightly more affordable, including a bumper bar that can also double as a car seat adapter for Joie and Nuna car seats. It also offers a deeper recline for use from birth.
- The Butterfly 2 has a slightly more sturdy feel and a bigger basket.
- Check out my quick review of the Silver Cross Clic!
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