I’ll be honest — this is our fourth stroller. Each time I thought carefully before buying, but between things that turned out to be inconvenient in practice and strollers our kids outgrew, we kept replacing them.
This time I was determined to get it right. I researched obsessively, drew on every past mistake, visited shops multiple times, and had the kids do test rides before deciding.
I use the original Butterfly, but the Butterfly 2 is now the main model available. The differences are minor but meaningful — I tried the Butterfly 2 in-store and I’ll share my thoughts on that too.
日本語版はこちら↓
The original Butterfly is now largely sold out and the Butterfly 2 is the current main model. If you’re buying new, the Butterfly 2 is what you’ll find. Links for both are included below for reference.
- Choosing a Stroller in Japan
- Why I Chose the Butterfly — Highlights & Reasons
- Cabin Baggage Approved
- Compact, but the Storage is Incredible
- Rock-Solid Stability — It Won’t Tip Back
- Handles Curbs and Crossings Smoothly
- One-Hand Fold
- Best-in-Class Sun Canopy
- Single-Point Lock — Surprisingly Secure
- Easy to Clean, Easy to Remove
- The Bumper Bar is Genuinely Useful
- Perfect for Siblings Close in Age — The Comfort Wheelsboard
- Butterfly 2 — Key Differences Worth Knowing
- My Hands-On Impression of the Butterfly 2 In-Store
- What the Kids Think
Choosing a Stroller in Japan
Japan has narrow streets, tight shop entrances, and busy train stations — so the size and maneuverability of your stroller really matters here. Overseas brands are wonderful, but some larger Western-style strollers can be tricky to navigate in crowded areas or smaller spaces.
One thing worth knowing about trains: most stations have wider ticket gates for strollers, but you’re required to use those specific gates — which can be less convenient during rush hour or when you’re in a hurry. A compact, easy-to-fold stroller makes daily life in Japan noticeably smoother.
The stroller I’m introducing here works brilliantly for life in Japan — and is just as useful when you travel abroad.
Why I Chose the Butterfly — Highlights & Reasons
Cabin Baggage Approved
This was the number one reason I switched strollers. There are other cabin-approved strollers on the market — I even owned the Cybex Libelle at one point — but when flying alone with two kids, storage space is essential.
I tested almost every cabin-approved stroller in shops, and when I factored in storage capacity, ride quality, and ease of folding, the Butterfly was in a league of its own.
I’ve actually taken it on board four times now. I went through security with the Comfort Wheelsboard attached — when staff asked if it would fit as cabin baggage, I said yes, and they let me through (with a skeptical look, I’ll admit !). It fit in the overhead compartment without any issues.
It meets IATA carry-on size standards, so it should be accepted on most airlines as cabin baggage.
That means you can use it right up to the gate — and again as soon as you land.
Compact, but the Storage is Incredible
As I mentioned, I compared it to the Yoyo and Cybex Libelle — and the Butterfly’s basket is in a completely different league.
At a push, you can fit an entire holdall in there 🙂
It opens from both front and back, which gives you more flexibility in how you load it.
With the Comfort Wheelsboard seat removed, there’s even more room to pack things in.
Rock-Solid Stability — It Won’t Tip Back
With previous strollers, even without bags hanging from the handles, the stroller would feel close to tipping when a child stood up or wriggled around. (My kids are experts at escaping their harnesses.)
Even when a sleeping child rolls toward the back, it doesn’t budge.
I’ve even rested a child’s bottom on it while carrying them in a baby carrier and pushing at the same time — still no tipping.
This photo has the Wheelsboard attached, but even without it the stability is excellent.
Handles Curbs and Crossings Smoothly
I was worried about the small wheels before buying — Japan has a lot of curbs, crossings, and uneven pavements. But it handles them surprisingly well. Level crossings and pedestrian crossings are no problem at all.
If you hesitate when pushing over a curb, the wheels can turn sideways and catch — but if you commit and push with confidence, it clears just fine.
The Butterfly 2 has even larger wheels, so if that’s a concern for you, the newer model addresses it.
One-Hand Fold
When I only had one child, this wasn’t something I thought much about. But with two kids, there are moments when one hand is holding a child and the other is holding someone else’s hand — and you still need to fold the stroller for a bus, train, or car park.
Being able to fold it one-handed is genuinely useful. It felt a little stiff at first, but after about two weeks of use it became smooth and effortless.
Best-in-Class Sun Canopy
The canopy has two positions. Zip closed and it covers the child while still leaving them a view forward. Unzip and it extends all the way down to the bumper bar for full coverage.
I’d previously used a stroller with a magnetic peek-a-boo window, and I was worried a zip would feel less convenient — but the visibility from above as a parent is actually better. I can see right down to my child’s feet while walking, which is reassuring.
Single-Point Lock — Surprisingly Secure
Most modern strollers use a single brake, but when my eldest was born, four-wheel brakes were common. Four-point braking was a real hassle when getting on and off trains quickly or stopping briefly on the street.
I was nervous about a single-point brake being enough — but it’s rock solid. On the train, even when the kids grab the frame and pull, it doesn’t move at all. Kind passengers who’ve tried to help me move it have been genuinely baffled by how immovable it is!
Easy to Clean, Easy to Remove
All fabric parts are machine washable. The seat also comes with a built-in memory foam cushion as standard — no need to buy extras — so it’s comfortable year-round without any add-ons.
The Bumper Bar is Genuinely Useful
It detaches easily, and you can move one side out of the way without removing it entirely. It also folds down toward the footrest, letting you push the stroller right under restaurant tables — much less intrusive than most.
Perfect for Siblings Close in Age — The Comfort Wheelsboard
I once gifted an aftermarket ride-on board to a friend for her second child. Watching her use it, it was clearly a struggle — the hook-on type kept detaching when getting on and off trains, and her toddler pulling on it nearly tipped the whole stroller backwards.
This photo shows my youngest at around 18 months on the board.
No worries about it detaching at kerbs or being wobbly to stand on.
One-touch attachment. Adjustable in two positions to align perfectly with the seat back.
Children can get on and off by themselves. With the seat removed, it can also be used as a luggage shelf — rated up to 20kg.
The one downside: you need to detach it before folding. Once you get the hang of it it’s quick, but there are days when I wish it folded with the stroller!
Comfort Wheelsboard (bugaboo Butterfly compatible)
Some reviews mentioned the Wheelsboard makes the stroller harder to push — I was worried about that too. In practice, you adapt quickly, and honestly even if it is slightly harder to steer, it more than makes up for it in convenience. The board is symmetrical and can be offset to either side. I attach mine toward the right, and in that case pushing from the left end of the handle keeps you going straight — give it a try!
The original Butterfly had a dedicated Wheelsboard, but there’s now a universal version compatible with both the Butterfly and Butterfly 2, as well as other bugaboo models. I couldn’t find it on Amazon, so I’ve linked the Rakuten listing below.
Universal Wheelsboard (fits Butterfly & Butterfly 2)
Butterfly 2 — Key Differences Worth Knowing
- Footrest: Two-hand operation → One-touch (genuinely envious of this!)
- Age from: 6 months → Newborn-ready with Baby Nest accessory
- Rain cover: Included as standard on Butterfly 1 → Sold separately on Butterfly 2 (¥6,600 / ~$41)
- Comfort Wheelsboard: Upgraded to dual wheels — more stable and now compatible with other bugaboo models
My Hands-On Impression of the Butterfly 2 In-Store
Trying both side by side, the first thing I noticed was that the Butterfly 2’s handlebar feels slightly higher. That said, if you start with the Butterfly 2, you’d never notice.
The bumper bar on the original Butterfly requires pressing the side buttons to adjust position; the Butterfly 2 lets you raise it without the side switch. The footrest is also one-touch one-handed now.
Bugaboo Butterfly 2 — What I Wish My Original Had
The larger wheels — the original handles everything fine, but on grass or uneven ground you do feel the difference.
The rear pocket — I thought I wouldn’t miss it, but when you’re at an aquarium or zoo and just want somewhere to slip a leaflet without bending down to the basket, it starts to feel like a genuinely small but meaningful addition.
And above all — the one-touch footrest. Being able to adjust it with one hand while holding a child or someone’s hand is something the original simply can’t do.
The Butterfly 2’s one-handed operation across the board is something I genuinely envy. The original Butterfly is now largely sold out, but whichever version you get, you really can’t go wrong with either.
What the Kids Think
My eldest refused to sit in any stroller until he was 2 — but once he hit that age, he started agreeing to sit when asked. He declared it “fluffy!” and started climbing in on his own. Now he and his little brother fight over the front seat, which I think is the best possible review!
Whatever way you use it, after more than a year I haven’t once thought about replacing it. Size, storage, features — it delivers on all fronts.
It’s not cheap, but if you’re considering it, I can recommend it wholeheartedly.
Hope this is helpful!
