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Bugaboo Butterfly
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Bugaboo Butterfly

The Ant-successor
.eli
see 9 parent reviews

The Bugaboo Butterfly is, after the reversible ultra-compact Bugaboo Ant, another ultra-compact stroller that is even approved by IATA (Internationa Air Transport Association), which means fuss-free traveling with the Butterfly as a piece of cabin luggage. The Butterfly, unlike the Ant (and much more like the well-made Joolz Aer), is forward-facing only, which means you cannot make the child parent-face, but it also means much larger seat which a higher backrest that reclines partially, an adjustable leg rest, and a pivoting bumper bar as well. Lastly, the BGB Butterfly stands by its 22 kg weight capacity in the seat plus 8 kg in the basket, meaning a whopping 30 kg maximum capacity overall. The 56cm seatback is also the tallest on the market in the ultracompact category, and is not that slanted, meaning a quite upright seat for a travel pushchair.

The Butterfly, launched in April 2022, is, therefore, a quality travel buggy for parents of babies to toddlers, boasting not just an adjustable world-facing seat unit but also a car seat compatibility for use from birth as a travel system (using of this stroller without a car seat is best from about 8 months on). There's also the extendable hood with a ventilation mesh part, an all-wheel suspension, a carry strap, and a one-second, one-hand fold. The Butterfly was launched in three base colors and poses a real competition to very similarly-functioning Aer.

Bugaboo Butterfly Features & Specifications

The Basics

Type
Pushchair (seat and chassis only), Travel system
Stroller weight
7.3 kg
Unfolded dimensions (h×w×l)
102.4 cm x 45 cm x 92.5 cm
Folded dimensions (h×w×l)
54 cm x 45 cm x 23 cm
Chassis material
Aluminum
Country of origin
Netherlands
Stroller available as a pushchair (seat unit configuration) only; newborn accessories (like a carrycot) need to be purchased separately
Yes

The Seat unit

Maximum weight capacity - seat load
22 kg
Recommended age range (best to use with a child of)
0-42 months
Reversible seat unit
No
Easy-release memory button(s) on the seat or the carrycot
No
L-shaped, bucket-type seat unit
No
Reclining backrest
Yes, infinite recline
Full-recline backrest (a bigger-than-a-150-degree-angle to a lie-flat)
No
Backrest recline type
Strap-operated, Rear-located recline mechanism (e.g., lever-operated)
One-hand backrest recline system
Yes
Extendable backrest
No
Legrest positioning
Yes, 4 positions
Extendable leg rest
No
Wipe-clean layer on the leg rest
Yes
Footrest
Yes
Backrest height
56 cm
A higher seat unit's position on the chassis
No
Height-adjustable seat
No
Seat unit's proper attachment indicator
No
2in1 convertible carrycot/seat unit (pramette travel system)
No
Fabrics removable for cleaning
Yes
Seat fabrics cleaning
Machine washable
Safety harness type
5-point
Harness padding
Yes
Height-adjustable harness belts
Yes
Ventilation integrated into the seat
No
Second seat can be attached (single-to-double convertibility)
No

The Canopy (Hood)

Seat unit equipped with a canopy/hood
Yes
Extendable canopy/hood
Yes
The canopy/hood features a sun visor
Yes
Floating, follow-the-sun canopy
No
Height-adjustable canopy
No
Removable canopy
Yes
Waterproof canopy
Yes
UV protection in the (canopy) fabrics
Yes
Ventilation integrated into the canopy
Yes
A pocket integrated into the canopy
No
Peek-a-boo viewing window present on the canopy
Yes
Peek-a-boo window can be closed/covered
Yes
Quiet (magnetic/no velcro) peek-a-boo window
No
Reinforcing side clasps present on the canopy
No

The Bumper bar

Bumper bar
Yes
Bumper bar type (style)
Bar
Removable bumper bar
Yes
Gate-opening (swing-away) bumper bar
Yes
Height-adjustable bumper bar
No
Bumper bar features a fabric (non-wipe-clean) cover
No
Bumper bar features an extra crotch strap
No

The Wheels

Number of wheels
4
Front wheel(s) type
Rubber-coated wheels
Rear wheels type
Rubber-coated wheels
Front wheels diameter
11.9 cm
Rear wheels diameter
15.2 cm
Swivel wheels
Yes
Lockable wheels
No
Removable wheels
Yes
All wheels are double wheels
No
All-terrain version of wheels available to purchase separately
No
Wheels equipped with mudguards
No,
Two-wheel mode
No

The Suspension

Suspension
Yes
Wheels with suspension
All
Suspension type
Open springs, Mechanical (internal spring-loaded mechanism), Frame
Adjustable suspension softness
No
Rocking chassis
No

The Brake

Central brake system/type
Push down-lift up pedal brake
Deceleration handbrake
No,

The Fold

Folding system
Flat (compact) fold
One-hand fold
Yes
Plane-travel-friendly stroller with an ultra-compact fold (suitable as carry-on luggage)
Yes
Folds with the (forward-facing) seat attached
Yes
Folds with the rearward-facing seat attached
Yes
Self-standing fold
Yes
Auto-lock feature of the folded chassis
Yes
Folded stroller can be pulled behind like luggage
Yes
Stroller folds and/or unfolds by itself
No
Equipped with a carry strap/carry handle
No
Outward fold (the seat fabrics are on the outside after folding)
No

The Handlebar

Handle height adjustment
No
Handlebar material
Leatherette (PU/eco-leather)
Handlebar height
102.4 cm
Reversible handlebar (handle can be flipped to the other side)
No
Safety wrist strap
Yes

The Basket

Shopping basket
Yes
Large shopping basket
Yes
Basket's weight capacity
8 kg
Closable basket
No
An extra basket can be attached to the frame
No
A pocket integrated into the seat/elsewhere on the stroller frame
Yes

The Carrycot

Carrycot compatible
No

The Car seat

Car seat compatible
Yes (with adapters)
Car seat sold separately
Yes
Maxi-Cosi/Cybex car seat attachment-type adapters available
Yes
Britax Römer car seat attachment-type adapters available
No

The Accessories & Extra features

Parent tray/organizer on the handlebar (included)
No
Cup holder can be attached
Yes
Reflective elements
No
No pushchair mode/seat-unit configuration available
No
Rain cover included
Yes
Mosquito net included
No
Leg cover (apron) included with the seat unit
No
Seat liner/insert included
No
Changing bag included
No
Carry bag/transport cover for the folded stroller included
No
Motorized/Baterry-powered
No
LED light(s)
No
Built-in audio speakers
No
A storage/bag can be attached instead of a seat
No

Best Deals for Bugaboo Butterfly

Parent reviews of the Bugaboo Butterfly

3.8/5
Add YOUR review
if you own(ed) it, own it ;-)
parents say thx^^
  • Smooth push, even on slightly rougher ground
  • Giant hood
  • Roomy basket
  • Loads of growing room
  • Great compact fold
  • Can hear the slightest rattle sometimes but I'm nitpicking

Absolutely love it. The push is incredibly smooth and it's easy to push one handed. Have had no trouble on hills or even on woodland paths. Obviously it's not as smooth as an all terrain buggy but it didn't have any problem and toddler was perfectly happy.

  • wheels and wheelbase
  • flexibility
  • wight
  • agility on simple surfaces
  • design
  • newborn support missing
  • fixed seat direction
  • seat position adjustable in two levels only
  • price

Ant successor due to profitability/margin reasons: try getting an Ant.

In Short:

I bought a Babyzen Yoyo 2 (Air France style) inc. Newborn kit, a Bugaboo Butterfly, and as a lucky shot I got an unused Bugaboo Ant (spare stroller from an colleague). The Babyzen is a master of its own but very limited in terms of accessories and the materials felt kind of inexpensive (overall best ride and size). My wife is very skinny and needed something lighter for lifting it up the stairs. But the basket of the Yoyo was a kind of nothing and almost too deep for accessing. The Butterfly, well the basket is amazing and the built quality from outside is amazing - from outside mostly.

The suspension as such was a bit confusing as I expected to be better then the Yoyo but we were wrong. On flat surface it was perfect but the soon you change pavements or have a slight loose underground it felt for the small one like a roller coaster. Suddenly, a friend offered me his Ant and I was surprised like hell. Then we figured out the suspension built into the frame and the stiffness compared to the other two models when pushing and lifting it up the stairs. Wow - but it’s discontinued - why? IMO better not to think further, BUT we realized, the Butterfly wheels fit 1:1, really!

So, the build quality is better due to the combination of aluminum parts, frame construction and suspension. We finally sent back the Yoyo 2 and the Butterfly. as a preventive measure I bought some pair of Butterfly wheels inkl front base and some further spare parts of Ant from the Bugaboo store. Finally, we use the Ant with the white Butterfly wheels and it feels good, looks good, has the best folding mechanism and is our every day stroller. Hope we could help. Greetings from Frankfurt am Main.

Looks good, that’s about it

1
  • Looks nice
  • Basket size
  • Unstable
  • Rattles
  • Not suitable for anything other than indoor flat ground
  • Fold buttons are janky

The pram looks good. That’s about it.

We took this home hoping to use it as an everyday pram, we are lucky to get maybe an hour a day out of my daughter in the pram, so we wanted something small and easy to fold and store (we previously had the Bugaboo Fox 3, which was amazing but way too big to take anywhere). Our streets all have flat footpaths, but they do have slight slopes due to being in a hilly area.

This pram tips over.

Every time I attempted to course correct, the pram would tip on two wheels to the side and it would take my entire strength to keep it upright.

I believe this is due to the high centre of gravity and the back wheels being closer together than the front.

For something that holds an infant, there should be no tipping whatsoever and I shouldn’t have to use my upper body strength to keep it upright- I may as well carry my kid.

Minor notes: the pram rattles right out of the box. The fold-down buttons are stiff and require some jiggling. The fold-down motion is a little awkward. And the unfold requires you to push the pram together to you can “unstick” the buttons, but this may be just that it was new and needed some breaking in. If you are taller like me, your feet will hit the cross bar between the wheels as you walk.

But the pram does look good. The fabric is nice. If you’re only ever going to use this pram in a shopping centre or the airport, it’s for you. But anywhere outside of those two places, buy something else.

We returned and ended up buying Uppababy Minu V2, while a bit heavier I am in love with this pram and have no complaints so far.

I can only assume that all the good reviews are people who think it’s normal to assist a pram to stay on 4 wheels?

Great stroller

4
  • Smooth push
  • Great for toddlers and my 7.5 month old
  • Easy fold with one hand
  • Limited accessories

A great stroller.

Excellent but with some drawbacks

4
  • Smooth one handed steering, glides on flat terrain
  • Exceptional sun canopy coverage
  • Easy to fold
  • Compact for travel
  • Struggles on even slight curbs, need to tip buggy back to mount the pavement
  • Seat does not allow child to sit completely upright
  • Basket is large but items may slip out
  • Not all terrain but not advertised as such

Excellent but with some drawbacks.

  • fantastic quality
  • great looks
  • great to push 😍
  • compactness
  • tall seat back
  • price
  • not all the colors and accessories available

Sooo lovely. The fabrics are high-quality and very comfortable to touch. I was afraid of the half-lie-flat but the position is actually comfortable for my son.

I am sorry the mesh after prolonging the hood not being UPF protective, however. And, at the moment, only the black color was available, which makes me afraid it might fade after the summer - but they said they have spare fabric sets in the shop. My last niggle is the belly bar which I don't have as they did not have it in stock, so I have to wait (missing that!).

  • Design
  • Comfort
  • Compactness
  • Tall seatback
  • Price
  • You always wish for larger wheels with these small buggies

Totally waited for this travel pushchair, tall seatback being so rare in this folded size category. The stroller feels quality even if not the sturdiest, and it is comfortable for a taller (3.5 yo) toddler girl.

The Butterfly can fly with you ;-)

4
  • size
  • quality
  • suspensions
  • basket
  • maximum weight
  • materials
  • padding
  • cleaning
  • backrest
  • small front wheels
  • narrower seat

I am incredibly glad Bugaboo came with this one. I searched for something cabin-sized but with enough space for my 2.5 years old. So yeah, the Butterfly can fly with you ;-) and is the perfect solution for a toddler as well (not like the Ant which I gave up on after trying out in a shop). Not even talking about the quality.

The front wheels are, of course, very very small, so don't expect an all-terrain monster, but the suspension is nice enough for your regular bumpy sidewalks. Loving the basket, nice for the size of the buggy, and the canopy, too!

Super small, super high back rest. Loving it, the quality is superb, and you can bring it on pretty much any airline.

Your questions about the Bugaboo Butterfly

1)

Hi Eli,

I’m currently torn between the Bugaboo Butterfly (new) or and the Ergobaby Metro (first version, used) or the BJ City Tour 1 (used)… I’m looking for an airplane friendly, tall seat backed stroller with good wheels and a good sunshade - I know the Butterfly kinda ticks all these boxes, but I’m wondering is it really worth that very hefty price tag?

Would love to hear your thoughts. Thanks!

Hey, Fran,

The Butterfly truly is the tallest-seatbacked stroller here, and the other two are far from that. The Tour 1 I would not actually get, it is not bad but not that good either, nor it is too spacious. The Metro, if you'd be going for one of the two pre-owned ones, would IMHO be the better choice.

Try checking the Joolz Aer too, also used - it is also on the roomier side, comparable to the Butterfly. And the Recaro Lexa also has a nice space in the seat - and is not as expensive.

.eli - 13 Apr 2023
2)

Hi,

I’m considering buying the Butterfly as our traveling / holiday stroller. We tend to go to warm sunny places and I’m concerned about the canopy sun protection, it seems when opened there is a mesh part that will let the midday sun break through. I would love to know your opinion about this. Thanks!

Hey, Sara,

The mesh parts are always an advantage as well as a disadvantage. It will let some of the sun get through, yes, but also it will allow air to go in easier, which is a good thing. I think that adjusting that, opening or closing depending on the sun's angle, plus, in the summer, a UV-protection in the form of a cream or spray, plus, if needed, a universal sun shade accessory can solve this if all else about the stroller fits your needs.

Also good to note is that most ultra-compacts have small or, in some cases, even almost non-covering canopies so I think this one is actually decent compared to most, especially the cheaper alternatives.

.eli - 02 Apr 2023
3)

What is it like travelling on flights with the Bugaboo Butterfly and can we take on board like cabin luggage?

Hi, Dino,

The Butterfly is approved by IATA (Internationa Air Transport Association), which really means you can travel with the buggy as a piece of cabin luggage with pretty much any major airline. Some smaller, budget airlines can have different requirements, though, so be sure to check those.

And what's it like? Like any other regular traveling, though, you will have the folded stroller instead of the little piece of luggage. You might need to have checked luggage, though, if needing things of your own.

.eli - 16 Nov 2022
4)

Hi Eli, just wondering what travel bags fit the Butterfly?

Hiya, Livy,

There is no dedicated transport bag for the Butterfly yet. So you will need to get a universal one. Pretty much ANY will fit, as the buggy is airplane-compatible, and thus, very small. Just search for any universal cabin travel stroller / ultra-compact sized bag, and you'll be fine (e.g. the Ergobaby Metro's).

.eli - 26 Oct 2022
5)

Hi!

I’m in need of a travel stroller, cabin friendly! My concern is that I’m quite tall (5”10) and my husband is over 6ft so I’m worried how comfortable the Bugaboo Butterfly will be to push as the handlebar is not adjustable.

Any further info on comfort to push for tall people?

Thanks!

Hiya, Mags,

Unfortunately pretty much all travel strollers are a bit of a pain for really tall people, and there is not that much you can do. I honestly think that for that occasional and travel use you should be fine.

However, if it really would concern you, you can also check the Ergobaby Metro+ with an adjustable handle, OR you can search for 'stroller extension handles' on Amazon / eBay. You will, unfortunately, need to remove that prolongation accessory when folding.

.eli - 22 Oct 2022
6)

Hello Eli,

Does the seat on the Butterfly not move to a fully upright position like the Bee? It seems very reclined for my 2 year old to sit up straight and enjoy the view?

Thank you!

Hiya, Sam,

It will not go completely upright, no, I am sorry. As an ultracompact, thus a travel stroller meant for occasional and not demanding use (more about those here), this is a simple, as small as possible stroller, which has its price. I mean, just compare the Bee and this one's folded size ^_^ So, it is actually more upright than many in that category, but it is not completely upright, no.

.eli - 01 Oct 2022
7)

Hi Eli,

My boy is 2 years old, quite tall for his age. I still can’t decide between the EW Jackey or the Bugaboo Butterfly. We live in the Netherlands so eventually old/stone streets are very popular here. Could you please tell me which buggy could be the best choice for me knowing that my boys still naps twice per day?

Hi there,

From these two, definitely the Butterfly. I mean, a 2 years old is already a larger toddler, and he's going to just get bigger. The Butterfly has a MUCH taller backrest and a longer le rest, so even without the full lie flat, your boy will nap more comfortably and will have more space overall to grow in.

Remember, though, that BOTH are ultracompacts for OCCASIONAL use, meaning not really made for cobblestones, terrain, nor everyday multi-hour use and naps. I personally would go here for a bit larger stroller, not a travel stroller which both are. People seem to forget that you don't need, want the smallest thing possible for everyday use - it's use will always be limited - by the small wheels, the narrower seat, the less sturdy frame... Just food for thought, I personally would rather go for comfort of a larger seat of a mid-site pushchair (e.g. Oyster Zero with a nice wide seat).

.eli - 09 Sep 2022
8)

Are there any plans for a carrycot for the butterfly as there is with the Joolz Aer and Babyzen Yoyo?

Hi, Karen,

I cannot promise, as bugaboo did not mention anything like that so far, so nobody knows anything - but often it ends up like that, as customers demand that. I believe they just might, but if it even happens, it's going to take time as this pushchair is completely new. In the meantime, a reclinable car seat (like the Joie i-Level) or maybeee, just maybe the Cot To Go from GB (that fits the same adapters as the car seats) could be used for a newborn with the Butterfly adapters.

.eli - 20 Jul 2022
9)

Does the seat lie completely flat?

Hiya, Adelle,

No, the seat reclines only partially, so it is not suitable for newborns or children that don't sit by themselves just yet. For an older toddler, though, the recline is quite ok for a nap.

Btw this info is also under The Seat Unit part on the stroller's page ^_^

.eli - 19 Jul 2022
10)

Will there onky be 3 colours to the Butterfly, or will more colours get launched?

Heya,

For now, as it is totally new, there only will be three colors for a time. It is very possible that after a season or a year, multiple colors will be added, depending on the popularity of the pushchair. I cannot guarantee that, of course, but usually, Bugaboo adds colorways and configurability over time.

.eli - 14 Jul 2022
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