Most Recommended Travel Strollers

Hey there, fellow Foreign Service families! Let's talk about one of the most-discussed, most-researched, and most-agonized-over pieces of baby equipment: the stroller. When you're constantly on the move, navigating airports, cobblestone streets, and the occasional city with "knee-high" sidewalks like in Amman, your stroller isn't just a stroller—it's your command center on wheels.

I've waded through countless forums and comment threads to bring you the real-world scoop from other FS families. So, before you start your PCS pack-out, let's break down the best strollers for our unique, wonderful, and sometimes chaotic life.

The All-in-Wonder: The Doona

If there's one stroller that comes up again and again for this lifestyle, it's the Doona. It's a car seat and stroller in one, which is a game-changer for frequent travelers.

• Pros:
  • It's a lifesaver for getting in and out of Ubers, taxis, and rental cars without a fuss. It's also certified for air travel, so you can roll your baby right onto the plane and use it as their seat.
  • The convenience of converting from car seat to stroller in seconds is a huge win, especially when dealing with a sleeping infant.
  • Many families praised it for being incredibly easy during medevacs and other unexpected travel.
• Cons:
  • This is the biggest drawback. Many parents report their kids outgrowing it quickly, sometimes in as little as 6-9 months, especially for taller or heavier babies.
  • It has virtually no storage space, so you'll likely need to purchase the branded accessories.
  • Rough Terrain? No Thanks: It doesn't handle cobblestones or uneven pavement well. ‍
  • It can be a bit tricky to install without the base.

The bottom line: The Doona is a fantastic investment for your baby's first year, especially if you anticipate a lot of travel or rely on taxis. The convenience is often worth the high price tag for many Foreign Service families.

The Globetrotter's Best Friend (Double): The Zoe Twin

For those of us juggling two little ones, the

Zoe Twin gets rave reviews for being a lightweight and airport-friendly double stroller.

• Pros:
  • It's described as a "lightweight double stroller that's great to navigate airports."
  • Easy to fold
  • Even when one child decides to walk, the extra seat is perfect for holding bags and other travel essentials.
• Cons:
  • While not explicitly mentioned as a con, as a side-by-side double, it could be wide for some narrow European doorways or crowded city streets.

The Compact City Dweller: UPPAbaby Minu & Cybex Libelle/Orfeo

When you're posted to a city like Tokyo where space is a premium, a compact, easy-to-fold stroller is essential. American-sized strollers can be too wide for things like train station gates.

• UPPAbaby Minu:
  • Pros: It's praised for its great fold and even has a newborn setting. One family preferred it over the Doona for its durability on uneven pavement and its ability to grow with the child (with car seat adapters).
  • Cons: The new version can be a tempting, but pricey, purchase.

• Cybex Libelle & Orfeo:
  • Pros: These strollers are celebrated for being incredibly compact and fitting in an overhead airplane bin. One mom even bought the Orfeo on the spot after her toddler, who had been fighting their other stroller, climbed in and refused to get out!
  • Cons: As with most umbrella strollers, they may not be as feature-rich as larger models.

Travel Strategies from the Pros

The collective wisdom of Foreign Service parents goes beyond just the stroller model. Here are some top tips:

• The Two-Stroller System: Many families recommend checking a larger, more robust stroller at the ticket counter and then using a smaller, lightweight stroller or travel system to get through the airport, which you can then gate-check or carry on. This gives you the best of both worlds upon arrival.

• Babywearing is Your Best Friend: The most common piece of advice, especially for families with two or more kids, is to wear the baby! This frees up a hand and makes navigating airports much simpler. You can put the older child in a single stroller and wear the infant.

• Ride-On Luggage & Stroller Boards: For toddlers who are too cool for a stroller, a ride-on suitcase (like the MiaMily) or a stroller board can be a great option. However, be warned, some parents find the ride-on boards annoying and a tripping hazard.

• Embrace Local Options: Especially in places like Japan, it might be worth waiting until you get to post to buy a stroller. Local brands like

• Aprica are designed for that specific environment and can make life much easier.

• Beat the Heat: For hot climates, don't forget accessories! Clip-on stroller fans, cooling packs for car seats, and sunshades are absolute musts.

Choosing the right stroller can feel overwhelming, but remember that you know your family best. Whether you go for the all-in-one Doona, a lightweight double, or a compact city stroller, the right choice is the one that makes your adventures a little bit easier.

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