Bugaboo Butterfly 2 vs. Butterfly 2 Plus: What Changed and Is It Worth It?

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The Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus is the same Bugaboo Butterfly 2 that we know and love, but with a seat that lays fully flat, a built-in newborn foot cover, a padded headrest extension and a sturdier frame. Everything else parents love stayed put: the one-second fold, the carry-on friendly size, the big wheels with full suspension and the 17.6 lb basket.

So, if you're shopping for a newborn and want one stroller from day one, the Plus is the upgrade that matters. If your little one is already sitting up (or you're happy clicking in an infant car seat for the early months), the Butterfly 2 does everything the Plus does where it counts. And since the Butterfly 2 is getting harder to find new, shopping Bugaboo Open Box & Secondhand at GoodBuy Gear is one of the easiest ways to get one and save even more.

What's New on the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 Plus?

Bugaboo made four changes to the newer model:

• Lay-flat seat: The Plus reclines fully flat, so it can be used from birth. The Butterfly 2 goes from fully upright to a relaxed recline but not flat, so Bugaboo recommends an infant car seat for newborns. You'll click one in with adapters until your little one is ready for the seat.
• Built-in newborn foot cover: A cozy cover that encloses a newborn's legs and tucks away under the seat once you don't need it.
• Padded headrest extension: The seat inlay now has extra padding up top for comfier naps on the go.
• Sturdier frame: Bugaboo made it more robust for bumpier sidewalks and rougher rides.

What stayed the same

• One-second fold into a compact package
• IATA-compatible folded size that fits most overhead bins (always check your airline first)
• Large wheels with full suspension
• 17.6 lb underseat basket plus a pocket on the back of the seat
• 50 lb seat limit, good to about 4 years
• Fully upright seat position for curious toddlers who want to see everything
• About 16 lbs, so it's still easy to carry up subway stairs or onto a bus
• Infant car seat compatible with adapters (sold separately)

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 vs. Butterfly 2 Plus: At-a-Glance Comparison

Based on GoodBuy Gear's current average resale price across active listings; these numbers can fluctuate based on condition, color, and other factors.

The big difference comes down to the seat. The Plus lays flat with a foot cover, so a newborn can ride in the seat itself. With the Butterfly 2, most parents click in an infant car seat for the first few months, then switch to the seat once their little one has more head and neck control. Bugaboo still recommends a car seat for newborn comfort on both.

Bugaboo Butterfly 2 vs. Butterfly 2 Plus: Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Butterfly 2 Plus newborn ready without buying anything else?

Yes. The seat lays fully flat and the foot cover is built in, so you don't need a separate bassinet or newborn insert to use it from birth. Bugaboo still notes that an infant car seat is recommended for newborn comfort, and you'll need adapters if you want to click one in.

I have a toddler. Did I miss out by buying the Butterfly 2?

Not really. Both strollers have the same fully upright seat position, the same adjustable footrest and the same 50 lb limit, so a curious toddler gets the same view and legroom. The Plus mainly adds features for the newborn stage, plus the headrest padding and sturdier frame.

Should I upgrade if I already own a Butterfly 2?

Only if you have a new baby on the way and want to skip the car seat setup in the early months. If your Butterfly 2 is working for your family, the fold, wheels and storage you love are the same on the Plus.

Can the Bugaboo Butterfly seat face me?

No. The seat on both the Butterfly 2 and Butterfly 2 Plus faces forward only. If parent-facing matters to you in the early months, clicking in an infant car seat (which faces you) is the way to get it.

Is the Bugaboo Butterfly 2 discontinued?

The Butterfly 2 Plus is replacing the Butterfly 2, so new Butterfly 2 strollers are getting harder to find as retailers sell through their stock. You can still shop the Butterfly 2 open box & secondhand at GoodBuy Gear.

Is it worth buying a Bugaboo Butterfly 2 secondhand?

Yes, for a lot of families. As parents we know a travel stroller gets heavy use for a few short years, and the Butterfly 2 shares the same fold, wheels and basket as the newest model. Buying open box or secondhand gets you the stroller parents rave about without paying full retail. GoodBuy Gear shoppers save an average of 55% off retail.

Choosing Between the Butterfly 2 and Butterfly 2 Plus

If you're bringing home a newborn: The Butterfly 2 Plus wins. The lay-flat seat and built-in foot cover mean one compact stroller can cover you from the first walk around the block.

If your little one is already sitting up: Go with the Butterfly 2. Your toddler gets the same upright seat, footrest and smooth ride, and you skip paying for newborn features you won't use.

If you already have an infant car seat: The Butterfly 2 works as a travel system with adapters, so you're covered for the early months either way.

If budget is the deciding factor: The Butterfly 2 is your pick, especially open box or secondhand, where it costs well below the Plus at full retail.

At the end of the day, these two are far more alike than different. The Butterfly 2 is still the same travel stroller parents have loved for flights, city sidewalks and everything in between, and buying it open box or secondhand means getting that same fold and ride without paying full retail. Browse quality-checked travel strollers to find yours and save.