Best compact travel pushchair in 2025 for parents: Bugaboo Butterfly 2
What sets travel pushchairs apart?
Traveling with a child is an adventure, but also a logistical puzzle. Among the must-have gear, a travel-friendly pushchair 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 pushchair essential, which features to prioritize, and why the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 stands out as a top pick in 2025.
While full-size pushchairs offer storage and everyday durability, they tend to be too bulky for busy airports, compact cars, and crowded pavements. That’s where the travel pushchair shines. They’re lightweight, portable, and easy to fold within seconds. Designed with convenience in mind, a good travel pushchair is purpose-built for life on the move.
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 pushchair — 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.
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 44.8 x 24.5 x 55.5 cm, making it easy to store or carry anywhere.
Spacious reclinable seat
The roomy seat lets your baby sit upright to enjoy the view or lay flat 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. And if you’re travelling with a newborn, turn the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 into a more cosy space from birth with the Bugaboo baby nest accessory.
Lightweight and sturdy
At just 7.3 kg, 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 manoeuvrability, grip, and resistance on urban terrains. They’re made with durable material and tested to travel over 4,000 km without showing much wear and tear. Twist, turn, and navigate your way through favourite 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 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Access is easy from both the front and back, ideal for nappies, 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 pushchair using adapters (sold separately). This flexibility makes it an excellent travel system, letting you move a sleeping baby from car to pushchair 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 pushchair lineup to date. It’s built to last with durable bio-based material and recycled aluminium. 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 pushchair 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 maximise comfort:
- Fully upright and lay-flat 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 aluminium.
Travel tips for using a travel pushchair
Along with choosing the right travel pushchair, 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 pushchair 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 pushchair bag: A durable travel bag protects your pushchair 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 pushchair while navigating the airport makes walking between terminals much easier.
Final thoughts
Choosing the right travel pushchair 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 pushchair — it’s a reliable companion that helps turn the hassle of travelling with your kids into an adventure to remember.
Butterfly 2 travel pram
Butterfly transport bag
