Introduction to Travel Strollers
Travel strollers have become an essential companion for parents who want to explore the world with their babies without sacrificing convenience or comfort. Designed to be lightweight and compact, these strollers are perfect for navigating airports, hopping on public transport, or weaving through busy city streets. When choosing a travel stroller, parents should pay close attention to the folded size, overall weight, and how easily the stroller folds—especially if you’ll be carrying it through airports or storing it in an overhead bin.
The Bugaboo Butterfly, Babyzen Yoyo, and Joolz Aer are standout options in the world of travel strollers, each offering unique features to suit different lifestyles. Whether you need a stroller that works seamlessly with car seat adapters, prioritise a quick folding mechanism, or want a model with a wide range of accessories like buggy boards and bumper bars, there’s something for every family. In this comparison, we’ll break down how each stroller performs in real-life situations, from folding and carrying to maneuverability and newborn compatibility, helping parents find the perfect fit for their travel needs.
Head-to-Head: Babyzen YOYO² vs Bugaboo Butterfly vs Joolz Aer+
If you’re in the market for a premium travel stroller, you’ve inevitably narrowed your search down to these three titans: the original Babyzen YOYO², the super-practical Bugaboo Butterfly, and the lightning-fast Joolz Aer+. All three are cabin-friendly, stylish, beautifully designed, and command a premium price tag. But which one is right for you? It all comes down to the details and the difference in features, comfort, and accessories compared to other strollers on the market, including the wider Bugaboo stroller lineup, Bugaboo's accessories, and the Stokke Yoyo. Notably, the Butterfly was the only stroller in Bugaboo's range that, for a time, lacked a compatible buggy board, setting it apart from other Bugaboo models.
We’ve compared them on the features that matter most to travelling parents: the fold, folding mechanisms, portability, comfort, storage, and of course, newborn suitability. The Joolz Aer+ is the lighter option among the three, making it easier to carry, especially when traveling with airlines. All three strollers are suitable for travel with airlines, and their folded stroller size is designed to fit in most plane overhead bins, meeting common airline cabin requirements. Let’s find your perfect match.
Note: All three strollers are designed to be cabin-friendly and their folded stroller size is compatible with most plane overhead bins, making them ideal for travel with airlines. The folding mechanisms differ: the YOYO² requires two hands to fold, while the Bugaboo Butterfly and Joolz Aer+ can be folded with one hand, making them more convenient when you need to carry your child or luggage at the same time. The Joolz Aer+ is the lightest, which makes it easier to carry through airports or onto a plane.
| Feature | Babyzen YOYO² | Bugaboo Butterfly | Joolz Aer+ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 7.3 kg | 6.0 kg |
| Folded Dimensions | 52 x 44 x 18 cm | 54 x 45 x 23 cm | 53.5 x 45 x 21.5 cm |
| Age Range | From birth with bassinet | From 6 months (or birth with car seat) | From 6 months (or birth with bassinet) |
| Basket Capacity | 5 kg | 8 kg | 5 kg |
| Unique Selling Point | Huge range of accessories | Massive, accessible basket | Fastest one-second fold |
| Price Guide | ~£450 | ~£419 | ~£449 |
The Fold: Speed vs. Size
This is where the biggest differences lie. The Joolz Aer+ is the undisputed champion of speed with its genuine one-hand, one-second fold. Its folding mechanism is smooth and reliable, making it easy to operate even when holding your child. The Bugaboo Butterfly also has a fantastic, easy one-hand fold that collapses in a single piece. The Babyzen YOYO² requires a two-step, two-hand process which, while still quick, is the most complex of the three. However, it folds down into the smallest package, making it the king of compact dimensions.
When folded, all three strollers are compact, but the folded stroller of the YOYO² is especially notable for fitting in most airline overhead bins. Carrying the folded stroller is made easier thanks to features like the carry strap and shoulder strap, which help with transport and prevent the stroller from being awkward to carry. The Joolz Aer+ is lighter than the others, making it more convenient to carry for travel and daily use.
Storage Space: No Contest
If you're an over-packer, the choice is simple: the Bugaboo Butterfly wins by a landslide. Its 8kg basket is enormous for a travel stroller and can be accessed from both the front and back. It easily fits a large changing backpack with room to spare. The YOYO² and Aer+ both have smaller 5kg baskets which are perfectly adequate for essentials but can feel cramped on a long day out.
Comfort and Naps
All three offer a reclining feature, but the Bugaboo Butterfly has the deepest and most comfortable recline, allowing the seat to be fully reclined, which is especially beneficial for kids who need to nap on the go. Its large pop-out leg rest further enhances comfort, making it the best for napping toddlers. The Joolz Aer+ has a unique, patented ergonomic seat that provides excellent support for kids as they sit, including older children—my older son found the seat supportive and comfortable during longer outings—though its recline is slightly less deep. The YOYO² offers a decent recline but lacks an integrated leg rest, which is available as an optional extra, and the seat provides less space, which may affect comfort for older or taller kids.
For comfort, all three strollers feature adjustable straps, including shoulder straps, to ensure a secure and comfortable fit for kids of various sizes. The harness strap systems are easy to adjust, though some may find the straps on certain models a bit short for taller children. The fabric quality on each stroller is durable and soft, contributing to overall comfort and long-term use.
Maneuverability and Steering
When it comes to maneuverability, all three strollers—Bugaboo Butterfly, Babyzen Yoyo, and Joolz Aer—are designed to make life easier for parents on the move. The Joolz Aer stands out for its incredibly responsive steering, allowing you to navigate tight corners and crowded pavements with just one hand, even when the stroller is fully loaded. Its compact frame and high-quality wheels make it a favourite for city dwellers and frequent travellers alike.
The Babyzen Yoyo is also renowned for its smooth ride and compact design, making it easy to push through narrow aisles or busy streets. Its lightweight frame and agile wheels mean you can steer with minimal effort, and the one hand fold mechanism adds to its convenience when you need to quickly collapse the stroller.
The Bugaboo Butterfly, while slightly larger in frame, doesn’t compromise on maneuverability. Thanks to its premium wheels and advanced suspension system, the Butterfly glides effortlessly over different terrains, from cobblestones to smooth pavements. The one hand fold feature is a bonus for parents who need to juggle bags, babies, and strollers all at once. Overall, each stroller offers excellent maneuverability, but the Joolz Aer’s steering is particularly impressive for parents who value effortless handling.
Sibling Compatibility
For families with more than one child, having a travel stroller that can accommodate older siblings is a game-changer. All three models—the Bugaboo Butterfly, Babyzen Yoyo, and Joolz Aer—offer buggy board accessories, allowing older siblings to hop on and ride along when their legs get tired.
The Babyzen Yoyo and Joolz Aer buggy boards are especially popular for their user-friendly design and comfort, making it easy for older siblings to join the ride without fuss. The boards attach securely and provide a stable platform, so your older child can stand comfortably while you push the stroller.
The Bugaboo Butterfly also offers a buggy board, but some parents have found its design less intuitive compared to the competition. While it still provides a practical solution for families with multiple children, it may not be as comfortable or easy to use as the options from Babyzen Yoyo and Joolz Aer. When choosing a travel stroller, it’s worth considering how often your older child will want to ride along and selecting a buggy board that best fits your family’s needs.
Newborn Compatibility and Safety
Ensuring your travel stroller is suitable for newborns is a top priority for many parents. The Babyzen Yoyo and Joolz Aer both offer dedicated bassinet options, allowing your baby to lie flat in a safe and supportive environment from birth. These bassinets are designed to provide maximum comfort and security, making them ideal for newborns on the go.
The Bugaboo Butterfly takes a different approach, offering compatibility with car seat adapters instead of a bassinet. This means you can attach your infant car seat directly to the stroller frame, creating a convenient travel system for your newborn. All three strollers are compatible with a range of car seats, giving parents flexibility when it comes to travel and everyday use.
Safety is paramount, and each stroller meets or exceeds international safety standards for car seat compatibility and overall stability. When selecting a travel stroller, parents should consider factors such as weight capacity, folding mechanism, and how securely the car seat or bassinet attaches to the frame. By choosing a stroller that fits your newborn’s needs and prioritises safety, you can enjoy peace of mind and a smoother travel experience from day one.
The Final Verdict: Which One Should You Buy?
There is no single “best” stroller—the right choice depends entirely on your priorities and which features you prefer:
- Choose the Babyzen YOYO² if… you want the most compact fold and the widest ecosystem of official accessories (from car seats to buggy boards). It’s the proven original for a reason.
- Choose the Bugaboo Butterfly if… storage is your number one priority. Its massive basket, premium feel, and superior comfort make it the best all-around workhorse for daily use and travel.
- Choose the Joolz Aer+ if… speed and ease of use are everything. Its lightning-fast fold, light weight, and tall handlebar make it a dream for public transport and for taller parents.
Compare Prices and Find More Reviews
Ready to buy? These resources can help you find the best deals and read more reviews:
John Lewis Pushchairs – Wide range with detailed specifications
Which? Pushchair Reviews – Independent testing and ratings
Mumsnet Pushchairs Forum – Parent discussions and recommendations