Review · Travel stroller
Bugaboo Butterfly Review: Still Worth Buying Over the 2 Plus?
Short answer: The Bugaboo Butterfly is worth it used or on sale if your child is over 6 months. It was replaced by the Butterfly 2 and now the Butterfly 2 Plus. Bugaboo lists it at 16.09 lb, with a 17.64 lb basket and an IATA-compatible fold. It does not recline flat from birth. Check parts and recalls first.
Previous model. Bugaboo has replaced it with the Bugaboo Butterfly 2, now the Butterfly 2 Plus. Read our Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus review.
Our verdict
8.8out of 10
Excellent
Best for
- Families who fly often with a child over 6 months
- City parents who use buses, trains and taxis
- A second stroller to keep in the car
Skip if
- You need a stroller for a newborn without a car seat
- You walk on grass, gravel or high curbs a lot
- A used one costs close to a new Butterfly 2 Plus
Pros
- 16.09 lb and an IATA-compatible fold, per Bugaboo
- 17.64 lb basket, large for a travel stroller
- One-hand fold that stands and locks on its own
- 50 lb seat limit, to about 4 years
Cons
- Seat starts at 6 months; it does not recline flat
- Small 4.7 in front wheels struggled with taller curbs, per BabyGearLab
- BabyGearLab found the leg rest unpadded
$550List price, October 2026
See it at BugabooPrices change often. Check the retailer before you buy.
The original Butterfly is still a very good travel stroller. Bugaboo lists 16.09 lb, a one-second fold and a 17.64 lb basket, and BabyGearLab scored it 81 and praised its build quality. The Butterfly 2 Plus that now replaces it lists at $579, reclines fully flat from birth and has larger front wheels, at about the same weight and folded size. If your child is past 6 months, a well-kept original for clearly less money gives you most of the same stroller.
Who is the Bugaboo Butterfly for?
The Bugaboo Butterfly suits families who fly, take public transport or want a light second stroller. Bugaboo has replaced it, first with the Butterfly 2 and now with the Butterfly 2 Plus on its US site, and its old Butterfly page is marked 'No longer available'. BabyGearLab also says it was discontinued. Today you will mostly find it secondhand or as leftover stock. Bugaboo rates the seat from 6 months to about 4 years, up to 50 lb, so it works best once your baby can sit in a semi-upright seat. Before that, you can clip on an infant car seat with adapters. If you want one stroller from birth, the Butterfly 2 Plus reclines fully flat. If you walk on rough ground, a stroller with bigger wheels will suit you better.
How does the Butterfly ride and steer?
The Bugaboo Butterfly has small wheels, 4.7 in at the front and 6 in at the back, per Bugaboo. BabyGearLab found the rigid frame helps it push well on flat ground, but the small wheels struggled with taller curb lips, and grass and gravel are not its strength. The reviewers noted the wheels are among the hardest they measured, which suggests they will last. The Butterfly 2 Plus has larger 5.5 in front wheels, per Bugaboo, so it may roll a little more easily over cracks. BabyGearLab gave it 7.3 out of 10 for maneuverability, its lowest sub-score. Treat the original as a stroller for sidewalks, airports and shops. On a used one, check that the front wheels swivel freely and the brake holds.
- Maneuverability8.3 / 10
- Wheels4.7 in front and 6 in rear foam-filled wheels, per Bugaboo and BabyGearLab
How big is the Butterfly when folded?
Bugaboo lists the Bugaboo Butterfly at 16.09 lb fully assembled and says it folds in one second to 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 in, which it calls IATA-compatible. BabyGearLab measured about 3,355 cubic inches folded, smaller than most rivals, and found a swift one-handed fold that stands and locks on its own. A carry strap comes in the box, and BabyGearLab scored it 7.6 out of 10 for transport and storing. The Butterfly 2 Plus is almost the same, at 16 lb and 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 in, per Bugaboo. Airlines and crews make the final call, so check before you fly.
Is the Butterfly comfortable and safe?
Bugaboo rates the Bugaboo Butterfly seat from 6 months to about 4 years, up to 50 lb. It reclines with one hand from 111 to 145 degrees, so it is not flat. BabyGearLab found a good recline for naps, a large window and a harness that stays open while you load your child, but the leg rest is unpadded. BabyGearLab still rated kid comfort 9.0 out of 10. The canopy is rated UPF 50+. The Butterfly 2 Plus reclines fully flat and Bugaboo rates it from birth, which is the biggest difference for parents of young babies. On a used stroller, check the harness, buckle and canopy fabric.
How much storage does the Butterfly have?
Bugaboo rates the Bugaboo Butterfly basket at 17.64 lb, which is generous for a travel stroller. BabyGearLab managed to fit a large diaper bag, though it was a squeeze and nothing else fit. The basket opens from the back, with a spring-loaded back you can push down, and has limited front access. The Butterfly 2 Plus basket is rated at 17.6 lb, so storage does not change. Keep heavy bags in the basket rather than on the handlebar of a stroller this light.
How does the Butterfly grow with your baby?
Scroll through the stages below; the 3D stroller changes as you go. Drag it to turn it.
1 · Seat, reclined
-
01 · The early months
Seat, reclined
From 6 months to about 4 years (max 50 lb), per Bugaboo. One-hand recline from 111 to 145 degrees, per Bugaboo
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02 · Sitting up, through the toddler years
Seat, upright
The seat is rated to 50 lb, so most children can ride until they no longer need a stroller.
Should you buy an original Butterfly or the Butterfly 2 Plus?
Bugaboo's pages show what changed. The Butterfly 2 Plus lists at $579, reclines fully flat, is rated from birth and has 5.5 in front wheels against 4.7 in. Weight, fold and basket are close: 16 lb against 16.09 lb, and 17.6 lb against 17.64 lb in the basket. So the original makes sense when your child is past 6 months and the price is clearly lower. Before you pay, check the serial number with Bugaboo and on the CPSC recall site, and test the fold, brake and harness. A new Plus bought from Bugaboo.com comes with a 4-year warranty, per Bugaboo, which counts if you plan to use it for more than one child. If a wheel or fabric is worn, ask Bugaboo which replacement parts fit this model before you buy.
Bugaboo Butterfly vs Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus vs Stokke YOYO3
| Spec | Bugaboo Butterfly | Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus | Stokke YOYO3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Our rating | 8.8 | 8.7 | 8.6 |
| List price | $550 | $579 | $499 |
| Weight | 16.1 lb | 16 lb | 13.7 lb |
| Folded (L×W×H) | 9.1×17.7×21.3 in | 9.6×17.6×21.8 in | 20.5×17.3×7.1 in |
| Max child weight | 50 lb | 50 lb | 48.5 lb |
| Bassinet included | No | No | No |
| Seats two children | No | No | No |
| Type | Travel | Travel | Travel |
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus: The current version, flat from birth with bigger front wheels, at $579. Stokke YOYO3: An even smaller fold and a 22 lb basket, at $499.
How we rated the Bugaboo Butterfly
Six criteria, weighted by how much they shape everyday life. Read our methodology.
Weighted total8.8— Excellent
Bugaboo Butterfly full specifications
| Type | Travel |
|---|---|
| Weight | 16.1 lb (with seat, fully assembled, per Bugaboo's US page (7.3 kg)) |
| Folded size (L×W×H) | 9.1×17.7×21.3 in (most compact, IATA-compatible fold as Bugaboo lists it, 17.72 x 9.06 x 21.26 in; Bugaboo does not label the axes, so depth, width and height are inferred) |
| Open size (L×W×H) | 36.4×17.7×40.3 in |
| Max child weight | 50 lb |
| From birth | No; Bugaboo rates the seat from 6 months, so younger babies ride in an infant car seat on adapters |
| Seat age | From 6 months to about 4 years (max 50 lb), per Bugaboo |
| Recline | One-hand recline from 111 to 145 degrees, per Bugaboo |
| Basket | Up to 17.6 lb |
| Fold | One-second, one-hand fold that self-stands and auto-locks, with a carry strap |
| Wheels & suspension | 4.7 in front and 6 in rear foam-filled wheels, per Bugaboo and BabyGearLab |
| Car seat compatibility | Bugaboo Turtle Air by Nuna with adapters (sold separately); BabyGearLab lists Nuna, Clek, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi seats too |
| Converts | Single stroller only |
| Travel | Bugaboo calls the fold IATA-compatible; check with your airline |
| In the box | Chassis with wheels, Underseat basket, Fabric set with sun canopy, Integrated leg rest, Seat inlay, Carry strap, Rain cover, Car seat adapters (sold separately) |
| Safety | No product safety certification listed on Bugaboo's page; canopy rated UPF 50+ |
| List price | $550 (List price shown by BabyGearLab; Bugaboo's US page now marks the Butterfly 'No longer available' and shows no price) |
What to buy instead
The current version, flat from birth with bigger front wheels, at $579.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus
8.7 — Excellent. 16 lb, folds to 9.6×17.6×21.8 in, $579.
An even smaller fold and a 22 lb basket, at $499.
Stokke YOYO3
8.6 — Excellent. 13.7 lb, folds to 20.5×17.3×7.1 in, $499.
A self-folding travel stroller with a standing fold, at $575.
Nuna TRVL
8.4 — Very good. 13.6 lb, folds to 24×20.3×11 in, $575.
Bugaboo Butterfly FAQ
Is the Bugaboo Butterfly discontinued?
Yes. Bugaboo's US page marks the original Butterfly 'No longer available' and links to the Butterfly 2. Its US site now sells the Butterfly 2 Plus at $579. BabyGearLab also says the original was replaced. You can still find it secondhand or as leftover retailer stock.
What is the difference between the Butterfly and Butterfly 2 Plus?
Per Bugaboo, the Butterfly 2 Plus reclines fully flat and is rated from birth, while the original seat starts at 6 months and reclines from 111 to 145 degrees. The Plus has 5.5 in front wheels against 4.7 in. Weight, fold and basket are almost the same.
Can a newborn ride in the original Butterfly?
Not in the seat. Bugaboo rates it from 6 months, and it does not recline flat. For a younger baby, clip a compatible infant car seat on with adapters, sold separately. Bugaboo names the Turtle Air by Nuna, and BabyGearLab lists Nuna, Clek, Cybex and Maxi-Cosi seats as well.
Has the Bugaboo Butterfly been recalled?
We found no CPSC recall for the Bugaboo Butterfly in our searches. Recalls can be announced at any time, though, so look up the serial number on the CPSC recall site and ask Bugaboo before you buy a used one. Also ask the seller for the original receipt.