Bugaboo Butterfly vs. Butterfly 2 Comparison

The Bugaboo Butterfly has fluttered its way into many parents’ hearts, and for good reason. It’s compact, lightweight, and folds faster than your toddler can say “snack.” But if you’ve been eyeing up the original Butterfly 1 or wondering whether the Butterfly 2 is worth the upgrade, we’re here to help break it all down.

Both compact stroller models still come in at a super-light 7.3kg, and they keep Bugaboo’s signature sleek design and ultra-quick fold (yes, one-second fold magic still included). But there are a few key differences between the two that might just tip the balance for you...

Seat + Recline

Butterfly 1: Offers a semi-recline seat, great for quick naps but not fully flat.

Butterfly 2: Upgrades to a fully upright and fully reclined seat, perfect if your little one likes to sit bolt upright to spot every squirrel on the school run or snooze in full comfort.

Wheels + Ride

Butterfly 1: Comes with smaller white wheels. Stylish, yes - but more suited to smooth paths.

Butterfly 2: Steps it up with larger black wheels, giving a smoother ride and a more premium finish.

Footrest

Butterfly 1: Adjusts with two hands (not ideal when one hand’s full of snacks).

Butterfly 2: One-hand footrest adjustment. Easy. Quick. No juggling required.

Storage Extras 

Butterfly 1: No back seat pocket, but comes with a roomy underseat basket that holds up to 40 litres - plenty for your changing bag, snacks, and that emergency spare outfit.

Butterfly 2: Adds a handy back seat pocket (perfect for wipes or your phone) plus a slightly roomier 45-litre under seat basket.

Sun Canopy 

Butterfly 1: Comes with a UPF 50+ sun canopy to help shield your little one from harmful rays. It’s fixed in place with no peekaboo panel.

Butterfly 2: Also features a UPF 50+ sun canopy, but it’s detachable and includes an optimised peekaboo panel, so you can sneak a look without disturbing naptime.

Buttons + Straps 

Butterfly 1: White functional buttons and a black harness, even on coloured models.

Butterfly 2: Black buttons for a sleeker look and matching colour harness for that head-to-toe aesthetic.

The Verdict

If you're all about style, smoother rides, and that next-level convenience, the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 is a beautiful evolution of a much-loved original. It’s made with modern parenting in mind with little details that make a big difference when you’re out and about.

Still, the Butterfly 1 holds its own as a lightweight, reliable choice with the same folding magic and compact genius that made it a favourite in the first place.

So... Butterfly 1 or Butterfly 2? Either way, you’ll be strolling in style.
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