Best compact travel stroller in 2025 for parents: Bugaboo Butterfly 2

Reading time 5 minutes Date Jan 26, 2026

Bugaboo

What sets travel strollers apart?

Traveling with a child is an adventure, but also a logistical puzzle. Among the must-have gear, a travel-friendly stroller is essential. This guide is for parents and soon-to-be parents navigating the world of baby gear. We’ll explore what makes a travel stroller essential, which features to prioritize, and why the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 stands out as a top pick in 2025.

While full-size strollers offer storage and everyday durability, they tend to be too bulky for busy airports, compact cars, and crowded sidewalks. That’s where the travel stroller shines. They’re lightweight, portable, and easy to fold within seconds. Designed with convenience in mind, a good travel stroller is purpose-built for life on the move.

a compactly folded Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is stowed in the backseat of a car alongside two other pieces of luggage.

Spotlight: Bugaboo Butterfly 2

From world trips to local strolls, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 makes every journey effortless. It folds into an ultra-compact, cabin-approved stroller — for smooth journeys, near or far. Pushing the boundaries for innovative design, it even took home the highest distinction at the prestigious Red Dot Award: Best of the Best.

A collage of two photos. On the left, a dad carries his child in one arm and the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 travel stroller over his shoulder, while standing on a moving escalator. On the right, a compactly folded Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is stowed in the backseat of a car alongside two other pieces of luggage.

Step 1: Know your needs

Where and how you travel matters. Frequent flyers need compact folds and airline-approved sizes. Road-trippers may prioritize trunk space. Consider how often you travel, your child’s age, and if you need car seat compatibility.

Most travel strollers are for babies 6 months and older, until they reach 22 kg (50 lbs). The Bugaboo Butterfly 2, with its lay-flat recline, can accommodate newborn babies from birth.

Step 2: Key features to prioritize

Fold size and ease: Look for a one-hand fold. Make sure dimensions fit your airline’s carry-on policies. The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 fits most overhead bins. Do check with your airline before you fly, as policies might vary.

Weight: Under 9 kg (20 lbs) is ideal for lifting into cars or carrying through airports.

Comfort and safety: Look for padded seats, 5-point harnesses, recline options, and an adjustable footrest. UPF canopies and peek-a-boo windows are big pluses.

Wheels and suspension: Quality suspension and durable, puncture-proof wheels ensure a smooth ride over different terrains, protecting your child from bumps and jolts. Four wheels generally provide better stability than three.

Storage: Even compact models should offer practical storage. A roomy underseat basket is ideal for essentials like diaper bags, jackets, or small purchases.

Build quality: Travel strollers take a beating. Choose one with a strong frame and durable, easy-clean fabrics.

Car seat compatibility: If using from birth, check for compatibility with infant car seat adapters. This allows for quick, seamless transfers without waking your baby.

Brakes: Brakes should be simple to engage and hold the stroller securely in place, which is an important safety feature for busy travel environments.

Step 3: Balance features and budget

Travel strollers range widely in price. Higher-end models like the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 typically offer better materials, advanced features, and greater durability. However, there are also solid mid-range options. Focus on the features you truly need and how long you expect to use the stroller. In many cases, spending a bit more upfront on a well-built, reliable stroller can save you money and frustration over time.

Step 4: Compare and read reviews

Once you've identified your must-have features, explore reviews from other parents. Real-world insights on ease of use, durability, and performance can help you better understand how a stroller performs in everyday life and on longer trips.

Step 5: Try before you buy

If possible, visit a store to test out your top picks. Fold and unfold the stroller, lift it to feel the weight, and push it to assess maneuverability. Pay attention to material quality, harness ease, and brake function. This hands-on experience can reveal practical details that may not come through in online descriptions.

Key features of the Bugaboo Butterfly 2

One-second, ultra-compact fold

With its one-second compact fold, the air-travel approved Bugaboo Butterfly 2 collapses fast and stows easily in overhead compartments, taxis, or the car boot. It folds into a compact package at 17.6 x 9.6 x 21.8 inches, making it easy to store or carry anywhere.

Spacious reclinable seat

The roomy seat lets your baby sit upright to enjoy the view or relax back for more restful naps. The sun canopy offers UPF 50+ protection, with a peek-a-boo window for quick check-ins. For ultimate comfort at any angle, adjust the integrated footrest with one hand.

Lightweight and sturdy

At just 16 lbs, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is easy to carry by hand or by the integrated shoulder strap. Despite its light frame, it feels sturdy and secure, perfect for airports, taxis, or everyday errands.

Bigger wheels, smoother rides

The larger wheels with full suspension offer better maneuverability, grip, and resistance on urban terrains. They’re made with durable material and tested to travel over 4,000 km (2,485 miles) without showing much wear and tear. Twist, turn, and navigate your way through favorite cities, busy streets, or the excitement of the airport.

Spacious storage

Despite its size, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 includes a generous underseat basket that holds up to 17.6 lbs. Access is easy from both the front and back, ideal for diapers, toys, or shopping bags. It also has an additional storage pocket on the back of the seat, so you can keep your essentials close by.

Travel-system ready

You can attach select infant car seats to the stroller using adapters (sold separately). This flexibility makes it an excellent travel system, letting you move a sleeping baby from car to stroller without disrupting their rest. For a full list of compatible car seats, have a look at the Bugaboo Butterfly 2’s product page.

Sustainable materials

The boundary-pushing design has the lowest environmental footprint in Bugaboo’s stroller lineup to date. It’s built to last with durable bio-based material and recycled aluminum. This has reduced its CO2 footprint by 37% compared to the original Bugaboo Butterfly model.

Built to last

A long-lasting product is a more sustainable choice. The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is crafted with premium materials under safe and fair conditions in our award-winning factory. It’s then tested beyond industry standards for superior safety and durability. The stroller also has a modular design, so it’s easy to repair and replace parts, if ever needed.

Bugaboo Butterfly vs. Bugaboo Butterfly 2: What’s new?

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 builds upon the quality of the first Bugaboo Butterfly and adds important thoughtful upgrades designed to maximize comfort:

Fully upright and deeper recline: For exploring or napping
Larger wheels: Give you a smoother ride
More spacious, ergonomic seat: Better for growing toddlers
One-hand operation footrest: Added support for little legs
Backseat pocket: For even more storage
Detachable sun canopy: Lets you easily switch up your style later
More sustainably crafted: With durable bio-based material and recycled aluminum.

Travel tips for using a travel stroller

Along with choosing the right travel stroller, a few practical strategies can help you get the most out of it while you're on the move.

Gate-check vs. carry-on: If your stroller fits in the overhead bin, carry it on. If not, gate-check it. This lets you use it right up until you board and have it returned after landing.
Use a stroller bag: A durable travel bag protects your stroller against dirt and damage, while making it easier to transport.
Use it through the airport: Even if you plan to carry it on, using your stroller while navigating the airport makes walking between terminals much easier.

Final thoughts

Choosing the right travel stroller can make all the difference on the road. A good one saves time and effort, letting you focus on enjoying the journey with your child.

The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 rises above the rest with its fast fold, smart design, and durable build. It’s not just a stroller — it’s a reliable companion that helps turn the hassle of traveling with your kids into an adventure to remember.