Why I’m Upgrading to the Bugaboo Butterfly 2: A Travel-Loving Parent’s Honest Review
As a constantly travelling parent, I’ve taken my little one through airport security in Tokyo, strolled cobblestone streets in Lisbon, and braved the Paris Metro—all with the original Bugaboo Butterfly stroller as our trusty sidekick. It’s been my ride-or-die for travel with a toddler: lightweight, compact, and stylish enough to not scream “tourist” in every photo. But after two years and 12 countries, I’m finally making the switch to the Bugaboo Butterfly 2—and here’s why.
The OG Bugaboo Butterfly: A Frequent Flyer’s Best Friend
When I first bought the Bugaboo Butterfly, I was looking for three things:
- Cabin-approved stroller dimensions
- One-hand fold mechanism
- Durability for daily use abroad
It checked every box. The Butterfly fits into most airplane overhead compartments (yes, even on Ryanair), which made navigating layovers and boarding gates a breeze. I could collapse it with one hand while holding a sleepy child and a boarding pass with the other. The suspension handled cobbled paths in Prague better than some full-sized strollers I’ve tried. And honestly? It still looks great after all those miles.
But now that Bugaboo has launched the Butterfly 2, curiosity got the better of me. I had to find out if the upgrade is worth it.
What’s New with the Bugaboo Butterfly 2?
After getting hands-on with the Butterfly 2, here are the standout improvements that caught my attention:
1. Improved Canopy and Ventilation
Traveling through tropical climates like Bali or humid summer cities like Rome can make a kid cranky fast. The Butterfly 2’s new mesh ventilation panel keeps airflow consistent, which is a game-changer for keeping cool.
2. Recycled Materials & Eco-Friendly Design
As a conscious traveller, I appreciate the switch to more sustainable fabrics. It’s nice to know I’m choosing a stroller that’s lighter on the planet—even if my suitcase still isn’t.
3. Better Shoulder Harness System
The updated buckle design makes it easier to secure a squirmy toddler fast, which is essential when you’re boarding a train with 30 seconds to spare.
4. Smoother Suspension
I thought the original was great, but the Butterfly 2 feels even smoother on uneven terrain. It handled a recent trip to Edinburgh’s hilly streets like a dream.
Should You Upgrade?
If you already own the original Bugaboo Butterfly and it’s serving you well, you don’t need to replace it. But if you travel often and want the latest travel stroller with upgraded comfort, eco-conscious materials, and a sleeker fold, then the Butterfly 2 is absolutely worth the upgrade.
For parents who haven’t made the leap to a travel stroller yet, I can’t recommend the Butterfly line enough. From navigating tight museum corridors to snoozing under Mediterranean sun, it’s saved my sanity more times than I can count.
Final Thoughts from a Jet-Setting Parent
Traveling internationally with a child isn’t easy—but the right stroller can make it a whole lot smoother. The Bugaboo Butterfly gave me freedom, flexibility, and fewer tantrums (from both of us). The Butterfly 2 improves on a great thing, and I’m excited to make new memories with it—next stop: Copenhagen.
