Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus | Product Review and Comparison

Travel strollers have quickly become one of the most popular categories of baby gear, and for good reason. While they're ideal for vacations and air travel, they're also a favorite for everyday outings thanks to their lightweight designs, compact folds, and easy maneuverability. Whether you're running errands, grabbing lunch, strolling through the park, or navigating busy city streets, a travel stroller makes getting out and about with your little one simpler.

Since its debut, the Bugaboo Butterfly has earned a reputation as one of the best travel strollers on the market. Parents love its one-second fold, airplane-friendly size, generous seat, and smooth ride, making it a favorite for everything from weekend outings to international adventures.

Now, Bugaboo is expanding the collection with the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus. Building on the updates introduced with the Butterfly 2, the Plus model adds even more comfort-focused features, including a fully reclined seat, a padded seat inlay with an extendable headrest, a built-in newborn foot cover, and a sturdier chassis—all while maintaining the compact fold and travel-friendly design parents already know and love.

In this review, we'll take a closer look at everything the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus has to offer, compare it to the Bugaboo Butterfly 2, and see how it stacks up against other premium travel strollers, including the UPPAbaby Minu V3, Joolz Aer2, and Silver Cross Nia, to help you decide which travel stroller is the best fit for your family's adventures.

Key Features at a Glance

What's New on the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus?

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus builds on everything parents love about the Butterfly 2 while introducing thoughtful upgrades focused on comfort from the newborn stage through the toddler years. Here's what's new:

✓ Fully Upright to Fully Reclined Seat

One of the biggest updates to the Butterfly 2 Plus is its expanded seat recline. While the Butterfly 2 introduced a fully upright seating position, the Plus model adds a fully reclined seat, making it suitable from birth without sacrificing the upright ride older children enjoy.

Why parents will love it:

• Fully reclines for newborns and younger babies
• Creates a more comfortable position for naps on the go
• Gives children more flexibility to sit up, relax, or sleep

✓ Padded Seat Inlay with Extendable Headrest

The Butterfly 2 Plus upgrades the seating area with a plush padded seat inlay featuring an extendable headrest that grows with your child.

The added cushioning provides extra comfort during everyday strolls, while the adjustable headrest offers additional support as your little one gets taller.

Why parents will love it:

• More cushioning for everyday comfort
• Better head and neck support
• Designed to grow alongside your child

✓ Built-In Newborn Foot Cover

Unlike most travel strollers, the Butterfly 2 Plus includes an integrated newborn foot cover that's always ready when you need it.

The foot cover helps keep little legs warm and cozy during cooler weather and neatly tucks away when it's not in use, eliminating the need to pack an extra accessory.

Why parents will love it:

• Keeps newborns warm and protected
• Creates a cozier ride during naps
• Tucks away neatly when not needed
• No separate footmuff or accessory to remember

✓ Reinforced Chassis

The Butterfly 2 Plus features a sturdier chassis designed to provide an even more premium feel while pushing.

While maintaining the same compact footprint, the updated frame offers added rigidity for improved durability and a more confident ride over everyday terrain.

Why parents will love it:

• More durable construction
• Solid, premium feel while pushing
• Added confidence for everyday adventures

✓ Lightweight Enough for Every Adventure

Despite all of its added comfort features, the Butterfly 2 Plus weighs just 16.7 pounds—only about 0.3 pounds more than the Butterfly 2.

The slight increase is barely noticeable when carrying the stroller, making it an easy tradeoff for the added comfort and premium upgrades.

Why parents will love it:

• Still lightweight enough for travel
• Easy to carry and lift
• Minimal weight increase for meaningful comfort upgrades

Everyday Features Parents Will Appreciate

Beyond its premium comfort upgrades, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus is packed with thoughtful features that make traveling and everyday outings simpler.

• Newborn-ready from day one – With its fully reclined seat, integrated newborn foot cover, and padded seat inlay with an extendable headrest, the Butterfly 2 Plus is ready to use from birth without purchasing additional accessories.
• Travel system compatible – Pair the Butterfly 2 Plus with select infant car seats from leading brands using car seat adapters, making it easy to move from the car to the stroller without disturbing your little one.
• Room to grow – The Butterfly has long been known for its exceptionally tall seat back, giving toddlers and preschoolers plenty of room to ride comfortably all the way to the 50-pound weight limit.
• One-second fold – Fold the stroller with one hand in a single motion, making it easy to collapse while holding your child or juggling bags.
• Stands on its own when folded – The compact fold stands independently for convenient storage at home, in restaurants, or while waiting at the airport.
• Airplane-friendly folded size – Its ultra-compact fold meets IATA carry-on size recommendations, making it an excellent companion for family vacations and air travel.
• Spacious underseat basket – A generously sized storage basket provides room for diapers, snacks, jackets, and all of your everyday essentials.
• One-hand adjustable footrest – Easily adjust the footrest to provide extra leg support as your child grows or settles in for a nap.
• Extra-padded five-point harness – Soft harness padding helps keep little passengers secure and comfortable, even during longer outings.
• Detachable sun canopy – The removable canopy makes cleaning, replacing, or changing colors simple while providing excellent sun protection during strolls.
• Convenient seat back pocket – Keep your phone, wallet, travel documents, or other small essentials within easy reach without needing to dig through the storage basket.

Butterfly 2 Plus vs Butterfly 2 

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus builds upon the Butterfly 2 with a handful of thoughtful updates focused on comfort and everyday usability. While the overall design remains the same, including the ultra-compact one-second fold, airplane-friendly size, spacious storage basket, and lightweight frame, the Plus model introduces several premium features designed to make travel even more comfortable for both parents and little passengers.

Key Differences

• Fully reclined seat: The Butterfly 2 Plus adds a full recline, making it comfortable for newborns and ideal for naps on the go.
• More supportive seat: A padded seat inlay with an extendable headrest provides extra comfort and grows with your child.
• Built-in newborn foot cover: The integrated foot cover helps keep little ones warm and cozy without requiring a separate accessory.
• Reinforced chassis: An updated frame offers a sturdier feel and enhanced durability while maintaining the same compact footprint.
• Minimal weight increase: At just 16.7 pounds, the Butterfly 2 Plus is only 0.3 pounds heavier than the Butterfly 2, making the added comfort features a worthwhile tradeoff for most families.

What Stayed the Same

Despite the updates, the Butterfly 2 Plus retains everything that made the Butterfly lineup so popular:

• Ultra-compact, one-second fold
• Airplane-friendly folded size
• Lightweight design that's easy to carry
• 50-pound weight capacity
• Spacious underseat storage basket
• Smooth ride with advanced suspension
• Premium Bugaboo quality and maneuverability

Butterfly 2 Plus vs UPPAbaby Minu V3

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus and UPPAbaby Minu V3 are two of the most premium travel strollers available today. Both are lightweight, suitable from birth to 50 pounds, and compact enough to fit in most airplane overhead bins. They also feature one-hand folds, adjustable footrests, and travel system compatibility with leading infant car seat brands. Choosing between them comes down to which features best fit your family's lifestyle.

Quick Specs

• Weight: Butterfly 2 Plus (16.7 lbs) | Minu V3 (16.7 lbs)
• Recommended Use: Birth to 50 lbs | Birth to 50 lbs
• Carry-On Compatible: Yes | Yes
• Folded Size: Butterfly 2 Plus (21.3" × 17.7" × 9.1") | Minu V3 (21.5" × 18" × 10")

Choose the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus if you want:

• A fully upright and fully reclined seat
• A padded seat inlay with an extendable headrest
• A built-in newborn foot cover for added warmth and comfort
• Bugaboo's signature one-second fold and exceptionally smooth push
• A travel stroller designed with premium comfort in mind

Choose the UPPAbaby Minu V3 if you want:

• A larger 20-pound storage basket
• A built-in newborn foot barrier for from-birth strolling
• A hidden tracker pocket for added peace of mind
• Premium leather accents and UPPAbaby styling
• Compatibility with UPPAbaby infant car seats as well as other leading brands

Butterfly 2 Plus vs Joolz Aer2

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus and Joolz Aer2 are two of the most premium lightweight travel strollers available today. Both are designed for city adventures, travel, and everyday use, with compact folds, one-hand operation, and a birth-to-50-pound weight range. They also feature tall seat backs, making them great options for growing toddlers. The Butterfly 2 Plus offers a deeper, more padded seat with Bugaboo’s signature smooth ride, while the Joolz Aer2 stands out with its lighter weight and innovative accessories like a foldable bassinet and parent-facing options. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritize maximum comfort or a lighter, more flexible travel stroller.

Quick Specs

• Weight: Butterfly 2 Plus (16.7 lbs) | Joolz Aer2 (14.3 lbs)
• Recommended Use: Birth to 50 lbs | Birth to 50 lbs
• Carry-On Compatible: Yes | Yes
• Folded Size: Butterfly 2 Plus (21.3" × 17.7" × 9.1") | Joolz Aer2 ( 20.87" × 17.32" × 9.25")

Choose the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus if you want:

• A deeper seat 
• A padded seat inlay with an extendable headrest
• A built-in newborn foot cover for added warmth and comfort
• Bugaboo's signature one-second fold and exceptionally smooth push
• A travel stroller designed with premium comfort in mind

Choose the Joolz Aer2 if you want:

• A lighter-weight travel stroller at just 14.3 pounds
• An optional foldable bassinet or the nest-to-seat accessory that transforms the stroller to parent face
• A 10-year transferable warranty

Butterfly 2 Plus vs Silver Cross Nia

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus and Silver Cross Nia are two premium lightweight travel strollers designed for families who want a compact stroller without sacrificing everyday comfort. Both are lightweight, suitable from birth to 50 pounds, and compact enough for travel, with features like one-hand folds and travel system compatibility. The Butterfly 2 Plus stands out with its taller seat back, deeper padded seat, and signature smooth push, while the Silver Cross Nia offers thoughtful convenience features like magnetic buckles, a larger storage basket, and a higher weight limit. Choosing between them comes down to whether you prioritize premium comfort and longevity or added everyday features and value.

Quick Specs

• Weight: Butterfly 2 Plus (16.7 lbs) | Silver Cross Nia (15.7 lbs)
• Recommended Use: Birth to 50 lbs | Birth to 50 lbs
• Carry-On Compatible: Yes | Yes
• Folded Size: Butterfly 2 Plus (21.3" × 17.7" × 9.1") | Silver Cross Nia (21.5" x 17.5″ x 9.5″)

Choose the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus if you want:

• A taller seat back (22" vs. 20.5")
• A padded seat inlay with an extendable headrest
• A built-in newborn foot cover for added warmth and comfort
• Bugaboo's signature one-second fold and exceptionally smooth push
• A travel stroller designed with premium comfort in mind

Choose the Silver Cross Nia if you want:

• A larger 22-pound storage basket 
• A higher 55-pound weight limit
• A lighter weight travel stroller
• A compact folding bassinet option available 
• An included bumper bar and rain cover

Is the Butterfly 2 Plus Worth It?

Yes, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus is one of the best premium travel strollers available today. It combines the convenience of a compact, overhead-bin-friendly stroller with the comfort features parents usually expect from a full-size stroller, including a fully upright seat, near-flat recline, generous storage basket, padded seat inlay, and a smooth, sturdy push.

For families who travel frequently or want a lightweight stroller that can handle everyday adventures from the newborn stage through toddlerhood, the Butterfly 2 Plus is a standout choice. Its thoughtful design, premium materials, and easy one-second fold make it a stroller you’ll reach for again and again.

FAQ 

What's the difference between the Butterfly 2 Plus and Butterfly 2?

The Butterfly 2 Plus features several upgrades over the original Butterfly 2, including a fully upright seat and a full lay-flat recline that makes it suitable from birth. It also adds a plush padded seat inlay with an extendable headrest that grows with your child, along with a sturdier chassis designed for everyday adventures. Like the Butterfly 2, it includes a built-in newborn foot cover for added comfort and warmth.

Is the Butterfly 2 Plus newborn compatible?

Yes! The Butterfly 2 Plus is ready from day one with a fully lay-flat seat and built-in newborn foot cover. No additional accessories are needed to use the stroller from birth.

Can the Butterfly 2 Plus fit in an airplane overhead bin?

Yes! The Butterfly 2 Plus is IATA-compliant, meaning its folded dimensions meet the general size requirements for airplane overhead compartments. However, overhead bin space can vary by airline and aircraft.

Does the Butterfly 2 Plus fully recline?

Yes! New for the Butterfly 2 Plus is a fully lay-flat recline, allowing newborns to comfortably lie flat while strolling.

What is the weight limit?

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus has a weight capacity of 50 pounds.

Can you use a car seat with the Butterfly 2 Plus?

Yes, the Butterfly 2 Plus is compatible with select infant car seats using car seat adapters, which are sold separately. Compatible brands include Nuna, Cybex, Clek, and Maxi-Cosi. Click >>> here to see the full list of compatible car seats.

Does the Butterfly 2 Plus replace the Butterfly 2?

Yes, the Butterfly 2 Plus is replacing the original Butterfly 2. Once inventory of the Butterfly 2 sells out, it will no longer be available.

Is the Butterfly 2 Plus good for everyday use?

While the Butterfly 2 Plus is designed as a travel stroller, it can absolutely work as an everyday stroller depending on your lifestyle. It’s a great choice for quick errands, city adventures, travel, and navigating crowded spaces. For families who regularly take long walks, explore uneven terrain, or need more storage, a full-size stroller may be a better everyday companion.

Why Trust Strolleria?

Strolleria is a family-owned and operated business, and helping families is truly in our DNA. For decades, we’ve been guiding parents through the ever-evolving world of baby gear—from nursery furniture and strollers to car seats designed for both city sidewalks and suburban streets. No two families are the same, which is why our expert recommendations are thoughtfully curated to match your unique lifestyle and parenting journey.

Because we work with parents through every stage of parenthood, we stay closely in tune with the needs of today’s modern families and the innovations shaping the industry. We believe in relationships over transactions, taking the time to listen, educate, and support you every step of the way. Strolleria has been offering honest, unbiased product reviews and comparisons for years, and our goal is simple: to provide informative, educational guidance that helps you confidently choose the perfect products for your growing family.

Still Have Questions?

Strolleria is dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents. If you have more questions about the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus, feel free to contact us by emailing us at cs@strolleria.com or chat with us today!