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EMILY’S TAKE
I was disappointed when the Butterfly 2 came out without the newborn recline I wanted. The Butterfly 2 Plus fixes that, and it keeps the upright seat, compact fold and premium feel that make this such a popular travel stroller. I really do love it. You are paying more for that elevated feel, though, and the accessories still come at a pretty steep price point.
This post contains affiliate links. If you shop through them, you do not pay anything extra, but my family may receive a commission.
I’ve tested over 30 travel strollers, including the original Bugaboo Butterfly. My earlier written review covered the Butterfly 2. Since then, I’ve used the Butterfly 2 Plus and tested its updated features.
I’m 5’5″ and my husband is 6 feet tall, and neither of us had issues pushing the Plus. I looked at child fit, the newborn setup, canopy coverage, fold, carrying and how it pushes. You can watch my luxury travel stroller lineup and other comparisons below.
The Butterfly 2 Plus has the premium look and feel I liked in the earlier model, but the extras still add up. If you plan to use a car seat or want the bumper bar or snack tray, factor those costs into your decision.
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.
You are paying for the premium materials, finish and compact design. Whether that premium is worth it comes down to your budget and the features you value.
The Butterfly 2 Plus has a very upright seat. It is a good option if you want a toddler seat that does not leave your child leaning back all the time.
The Butterfly has a 24-inch seatback and a padded headrest, making it a great option for taller toddlers.
I love Bugaboo’s harnesses and buckles that stick out, so they don’t get lost under small kids. It has a no-rethread harness, making it easyto adjust as your child grows or if you, like me, switch between multiple-aged kiddos using the stroller. The buckles are not magnetic.
The peekaboo window is easy to see through without pulling the canopy back, and it stays accessible when you unzip the extension. You can also pull out or tuck in the front canopy extension. There is mesh for airflow, an adjustable footrest and a lower place for an older child’s feet.
Select models from these brands:
Clek · Cybex · Maxi Cosi · Nuna · Other models
Clek
Cybex
Maxi Cosi
Nuna
Other models
Check your exact model and setup instructions with the manufacturer before use.
This is the update I was most excited about. I was disappointed when the Butterfly 2 came out because it did not include the newborn recline I wanted. The Plus now has a nice deep recline and a Newborn Cocoon enclosure, and I’ve been really happy with that change.
You can also use a compatible infant car seat with separately purchased adapters. Check your exact car seat against the current list above. Bugaboo lists the Butterfly 2 adapters as compatible with both the Butterfly 2 and Butterfly 2 Plus; the original Butterfly uses a different adapter.
Shopping for an older model? The newborn-recline criticism in my earlier US Butterfly 2 review referred to that version. The Plus is the version with the updated newborn setup. Make sure you know which one you are buying, especially secondhand.
STEERING & TURNING
Great
Ease of turning and navigating tight spaces, compared with other compact travel strollers.
UNEVEN SURFACES
Great
How it pushes over bumps, gravel, and uneven sidewalks, compared with other compact travel strollers.
The Butterfly is one of the best travel strollers on the market for steering and uneven surfaces. It is easy to maneuver and has a smooth push.
The handlebar is fixed. My husband and I were comfortable using it. If you have a particularly long stride, check the space behind the strollerbefore buying.
The basket is large and spacious for a compact stroller, and the brake is incredibly flip-flop friendly. There is also a small pocket behind the seat for your phone. Those are the everyday details I appreciate when I am out with my kids.
EASE OF FOLDING
Easy
One-handed fold
The Butterfly 2 Plus has a one-handed fold, but it is not automatic. Push the buttons on the handle, guide the stroller through until it latches, and tuck in the footrest for the more compact fold.
The carry strap can be a little difficult to find, but it is nice and stretchy. Once I have it, the stroller is comfortable to carry.
Bugaboo lists the Plus as IATA-compatible. Its published folded measurements are 17.6 × 9.6 ×21.8 inches, which fit within the 22 × 18 × 10-inch reference when oriented to fit. Airline and aircraft rules still determine whether it can go in the cabin.
My original article covered the US Butterfly 2. The Plus adds the deeper newborn recline, newborn foot cover and padded headrest extension. That changes my recommendation for families starting from birth. The original Butterfly, Butterfly 2 and Butterfly 2 Plus are different versions; check the model name when buying used.
THE DETAILS
Choose a section to see the details.
Stroller weight
16.4 lb
One-handed fold
Yes
Auto-fold
No
Stands when folded
Yes
The IATA reference uses 22 × 18 × 10 inches (approximately 56 × 45 × 25 cm). Airline and aircraft allowances vary.
Seatback height
24 in
Seat-to-canopy height
26.8 in
Seat width
11.8 in
Seat depth
9.4 in
Child weight limit
50 lb
Reversible seat
No
Most upright position
Upright
Maximum recline
Flat or near-flat
Adjustable footrest
Yes
No-rethread harness
Yes
Handlebar
Fixed
Handlebar height
40.3 in
Front wheels
5.5 in
Rear wheels
6 in
Suspension
All wheels
Flip-flop-friendly brake
Yes
Basket capacity
17.6 lb
Peekaboo window
Yes
Snack tray
Available separately
Included items
Stroller frame and wheels, seat and liner, harness, canopy, adjustable footrest and newborn foot cover. Bumper bar, cup holder, snack tray and car-seat adapters are sold separately.
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Price checked October 5, 2026. Check each retailer for its current price.
KEEP EXPLORING
See how it compares with other strollers.
Review by Emily Schultz, The Stroller Mom