One of the absolute best baby purchases I’ve made: the Bugaboo Butterfly travel stroller. Originally I wanted this stroller for our first big trip to Los Angeles when my daughter was just four and a half months old, but it quickly became my everyday stroller—and honestly, I’m obsessed! By the end of 2024, my little travel buddy had been on eight flights and explored seven cities, giving me plenty of chances to really put this stroller to the test.
In this post, I’ll share what makes the Bugaboo Butterfly so amazing, share all its standout features, and even throw in a couple of other great options for travel strollers. Let’s dive in!
Why I Chose the Bugaboo Butterfly
When I say I researched travel strollers for months, I’m not kidding. My Instagram feed was basically all stroller posts and reviews at one point. Anyone else get totally hooked on finding the perfect baby gear? 😅 Here’s what was on my wish list:
- Lightweight design and an easy one-handed fold
- Smooth usability (because no one has time to wrestle with straps or a tiny under-basket)
- Comfortable for baby, with a good recline for nap on the go
- A roomy under-basket that fit our backpack and carrier
- Compact size to fit in airplane overhead compartments (though we later figured out gate-checking is the way to go)
- High-quality materials and—let’s be real—it has to look nice too!
After narrowing it down to the Bugaboo Butterfly and Joolz Aer, I went with the Butterfly for its slightly larger under-basket, easier recline mechanism, and the built-in footrest was a big bonus (many travel strollers have the footrest as an added accessory). Oh, and let’s not forget the pretty blushy beige color that had me swooning. 😍
After months of research, my top two choices for travel strollers were the Bugaboo Butterfly and the Joolz Aer. I know a few people who have either one of these strollers and have nothing bad to say about them so it really was a tough decision. They’re both very similar in quality, ease of use, and functionality.
In the end, my main reasons for choosing the Bugoboo Butterfly were for the slightly larger under basket and because I preferred the recline mechanism on the Butterfly over the zipper recline of the Joolz Aer. I also liked how the Butterfly came with a built in footrest, where as many of the travel strollers don’t have one or have it as an added accessory. The Bugaboo Butterfly just felt durable and high quality with a sleek design and super cute new blushy beige color that I could not resist!
bugaboo butterfly features and specs
This stroller’s thoughtful design combines function and style, making it amazing for travel, as well as everyday use. Here’s the rundown on its key features:
- Weight: 16.09 lbs (7.3 kg)
- Fold Mechanism: One-second, one-handed fold (yes, it’s as easy as it sounds!)
- Under-Basket Storage: Holds up to 17.6 lbs (8 kg) and is super accessible from both sides
- Seat Recline: 143 degrees—perfect for naps on the go
- Seat Size: Extra-large with a comfy padded seat included
- Sun Canopy: Extendable for great coverage
- Carrying Strap: Built-in for easy portability
- Wheels: Four-wheel suspension with puncture-proof tires
- Dimensions:
- Unfolded: 36.42″ x 17.72″ x 40.31″
- Folded: 21.26″ x 17.72″ x 9.06″
- Age Range: Designed for babies 6 months+ (up to 50 lbs), though I used it with my daughter at 4.5 months without issues
- Accessories: Many add-ons available for purchase including car seat adapters, mesh bug cover, and more
- Bonus points for easy cleaning! The fabrics are hand washable, and the padded seat is machine washable.
There are a bunch of accessories and add-ons available for the Bugaboo Butterfly. I didn’t purchase any add-ons until I was sure that I loved the stroller itself. The accessories that I’ve added are the Butterfly Bumper Bar, the Organizer, and the Transport Bag (to protect the stroller when we gate check it on airplanes). My daughter seems to really appreciate the Bumper Bar now that she’s older and is constantly gripping on to it like I’m a crazy stroller driver lol. The Organizer has been really awesome as sort of a diaper bag on-the-go with many small pockets for organization. It fits a ton of stuff, including a couple diapers and wipes, snacks, an extra sleeper, my wallet/keys, and much more. I’m debating on adding a cup holder, but so far we haven’t been dying without one. It’s clear that Bugaboo’s designers really keep in mind functionality, while still managing to keep everything sleek and quite aesthetically pleasing – love it!
Although the Bugaboo Butterfly is just slightly heavier than the Joolz Aer, the difference isn’t big enough to make an impact on whether I can lift it easily on my own. However, I have not had to lift it over my head at all for plane rides as we realized quickly that it’s much more convenient to gate check the stroller before boarding any flight. That way you’re carrying one less thing on to the plane, and trust me, there are MANY other things keeping your hands full. I welcome anything that will help keep the load lighter!
accessories & Add-ons
Let’s talk accessories! These are the add-ons that have made my Bugaboo Butterfly even more amazing:
- Bumper Bar: Our most recent addition. My daughter loves holding onto it—she thinks I’m some kind of wild driver. 😂
- Organizer: Perfect for keeping diapers, snacks, and my wallet all within easy reach. It’s surprisingly roomy and fits everything we need!
- Transport Bag: A must-have for gate-checking and protecting the stroller during flights.
I’m still debating the cup holder, but honestly, we’ve managed just fine without it so far.
why the bugaboo butterfly is a game changer
After taking the Bugaboo Butterfly on countless adventures, I’ve fallen head over heels for it. Here’s what makes it stand out:
- Smooth Maneuverability: Whether I’m navigating airport terminals or bumpy cobblestone streets, it glides effortlessly.
- Comfort for Baby: The wide, cushioned seat and near-flat recline are perfect for on-the-go naps (and even quick diaper changes).
- Ample Storage: The under-basket holds everything I need—and then some.
- One-Hand Fold: This feature has saved me so many times when juggling a baby and a million other things.
- Built to Last: Even after months of heavy use, it’s still in amazing condition.
Honourable mentions
If you’re still shopping around, here are two more great options that stood out for different reasons:
If portability is your top priority : gb Pockit+ All-City
This, by far, is the most compact travel stroller I came across with many great reviews. It folds up so small, you could pack it into your carry-on suitcase or duffel. There are a couple Pockit models, but I liked this one best because it has a more substantial sun canopy compared to the All Terrain, which has sort of a small flap as a canopy.
If getting the most bang for your buck is a priority: Colugo Compact Stroller
I was VERY close to purchasing the Colugo Compact Stroller. It’s biggest highlights are that it comes with ALL the accessories, including a cup holder and bumper bar. It folds up pretty compact, but may be too large for some overhead bins, depending on the airplane. Just note that it’s only sold in the US, so if you’re in Canada like I am, this might be a small hurdle.
final thoughts
The Bugaboo Butterfly combines style, quality, and practicality, making it worth every penny. Whether you’re jet-setting around the globe or running daily errands, this stroller is going to be your best friend. Its durable design, ease of use, and comfort have made it a game-changer for our family.
If you’re on the fence about investing in a travel stroller, trust me: the Bugaboo Butterfly is worth it – you won’t regret it! Happy strolling and safe travels!
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