In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Mockingbird Stroller Review

A reasonable price and high-end look are not enough to make up for a heavy and large stroller with some disappointing features
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mockingbird stroller full size stroller review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $395 List
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Manufacturer:   Mockingbird
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor  ⋅  Dec 29, 2021
60
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#16 of 17
  • Ease Of Use - 45% 6.8
  • Maneuverability - 30% 5.8
  • Weight/Folded Size - 15% 3.0
  • Quality - 10% 7.0

The Skinny

The Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller has a reasonable price and is easier to use than the average stroller in the competition. The seat is comfortable, reclines almost flat, and is well-padded. If you have a growing family, this stroller can expand to accommodate multiples and accessories (sold separately), which you can read more about in our best double stroller review. The stroller has slightly better wheels that make pushing somewhat more manageable, but the heft, width, and flex of the frame prevent it from being truly easy to push or turn. This stroller has a high-end look but fails to meet the mark of similarly styled strollers, and it doesn't function as well as more expensive options. While there are some features to love about this stroller, it struggles to keep up with the best strollers we've tested, and we think there are better top-ranked full-size strollers to consider.
REASONS TO BUY
Well-padded seat
Easy recline
Easier to use
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Seats hit when used as a double
Stiffer brakes
2-handed fold
Important
The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently recalled the Mockingbird Single-to-Double due to a potential fall hazard. Follow the link for more information.

Editor's Note: The Mockingbird was updated on December 21, 2021, to include more information, details, and our input on whether or not we would purchase this stroller.

Compare to Similar Products

 
mockingbird stroller full size stroller review
Awards  Editors' Choice Award   Best Value Award 
Price $395 List$400 List
$399.95 at Amazon
$400 List
$399.99 at Amazon
$250 List$150 List
$103.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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Pros Well-padded seat, easy recline, easier to useHigh-quality, compact fold, lighter weight, comfyLots of car seat compatibility, fairly lightweight, handbrakeBudget-friendly, light and easy to carry/stowEasy to navigate tight places, inexpensive
Cons Heavy, seats hit when used as a double, stiffer brakes, 2-handed foldSomewhat harder to pushLimited storage access, prop-up footrestNot the best mover, lower qualityLimited storage, lower quality materials
Bottom Line A reasonable price and high-end look are not enough to make up for a heavy and large stroller with some disappointing featuresA compact, full-size with impressive features for comfort and ease of use, but it is somewhat harder to push, especially one handAverage option that doesn't truly outshine the regular City MiniBasic stroller that is budget-friendly, lightweight and small for occasional strollingAn easy-to-maneuver and budget friendly option, but has limited functionality
Rating Categories Mockingbird Stroller Thule Spring Baby Jogger City Mi... Britax B-Lively Baby Trend Expedition
Ease Of Use (45%)
6.8
7.9
6.6
6.6
5.1
Maneuverability (30%)
5.8
6.6
9.0
6.6
8.2
Weight/Folded Size (15%)
3.0
7.5
7.0
9.0
5.5
Quality (10%)
7.0
8.0
6.0
5.0
4.0
Specs Mockingbird Stroller Thule Spring Baby Jogger City Mi... Britax B-Lively Baby Trend Expedition
Weight 27.5 lbs 22.7 lbs 21.6 lbs 18.9 lbs 23.7 lbs
Folded Dimensions 25.4"W x 41"H x 22.5"L 17"W x 15"H x 30"L 25.6"W x 11.2"H x 33"L 24"W x 9.5"H x 29"L 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L
Capacity Limits Minimum: 4 mo.
Maximum: 50 lbs/42"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 64 lbs/44"
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 65 lbs/44" Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/44"
Minimum: 6 mo.
Maximum: 50 lbs/42"
Included Car Seat Compatibility None Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2 Britax All Britax Seats Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend car seat
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Graco
SnugRide SnugFit 35, SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX, SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, SnugRide SnugLock 35 (all models), SnugRide SnugLock 30, SnugRide 35 Lite, SnugRide 35 Lite LX, SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit (infant models)
EvenFLo
Nurture, Embrace
Cybex
Q
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, KeyFit 35, Fit2, Fit2 Air, Fit2 LE
Britax
B-Safe 35, B-Safe Ultra, B-Safe Gen2, B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit, B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit+
Baby Jogger
City GO 2
Uppababy
Mesa
Nuna
Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite LX, Pipa rx
Maxi-Cosi
Mico 30
Chicco
KeyFit 30, KeyFit2
Cybex
Cloud Q, Aton M, Aron 2
Maxi-Cosi
Mico 30
Nuna
Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R
Baby Jogger City GO, City GO 2
Britax B-Safe 35, B-Safe 35 Elite
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 2, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip
Cybex Aton, Aton 2, Aton Q, Cloud Q
Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 Elite, Snugride 35 Platinum, Snugride Click Connect 35 LX
Maxi Cosi Mico AP, Mico Max 30, Mico NXT, Mico 30
Nuna Pipa
Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35
Uppababy Mesa
Clek Living
Britax All Britax Seats None
Strap-in Car Seat Adapters None None None Baby Trend
Any Baby Trend Car Seat
Recline Deep Deep Deep Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Very Large Large Large Large Large
Sun Shade Size Medium Large Large Large Small
One-handed Fold No Yes Yes Yes Yes
Locking Fold Auto Auto Auto Auto Auto
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 33"/43" 39"/43" 38.5"/45.7" 40" 41"
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Included Accessories Sun Shade Sun Shade City GO infant car seat adapter. None None
Setup Time 1-5 minmin:sec 1-5 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec 5-10 minmin:sec

Our Analysis and Test Results

Mockingbird appears to be a fairly new company with only the Mockingbird stroller in their lineup. They claim a mission of empowering parents with innovative products that make life easier at a lower price.

Performance Comparison



mockingbird stroller full size stroller review - the mockingbird is easier to use than the average full-size stroller.
The Mockingbird is easier to use than the average full-size stroller.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Mockingbird is easier to use than the average full-size stroller.

mockingbird stroller full size stroller review - the mockingbird fold initiates with the push of a button on the...
The Mockingbird fold initiates with the push of a button on the handlebar.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold


This stroller takes two hands to fold and unfold. It has an automatic lock to keep the frame closed, and it self-stands. It does not have any carry handle or strap, which is disappointing given its size and heft. To close, you push a lever and squeeze a button on the handle. Unfolding is more challenging, and the fold lock is very stiff and hard to undo.

mockingbird stroller full size stroller review - the brake pedal on the mockingbird is large and can be pressed to...
The brake pedal on the Mockingbird is large and can be pressed to set and release, making it sandal-foot friendly.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The Mockingbird has single-action brakes with a pedal located in the center of the rear axle. The pedal is stiff and harder to press than some of the competition, and it makes two click sounds before being properly set. We worry parents might think they've set it when it isn't fully engaged. The design is friendly for sandal-wearing feet.

mockingbird stroller full size stroller review - the under-seat storage basket on the mockingbird is a good size...
The under-seat storage basket on the Mockingbird is a good size, holds up to 25 lbs, and has open access on multiple sides.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The Mockingbird storage bin looks big and has good access from the back. It has a maximum capacity of 25 lbs, one of the highest in the group, and it fits an extra-large diaper bag easily inside. A metal bar goes across the back, but it didn't prevent us from easily using the bin.

The handlebar on the Mockingbird is adjustable via a rotation method...
The handlebar on the Mockingbird is adjustable via a rotation method which puts taller pushes closer to the rear axle, increasing the potential for accidental kicking of the stroller.
The cover on the Mockingbird cover does not have a closure mechanism...
The cover on the Mockingbird cover does not have a closure mechanism and sort of flaps in the wind.

Sunshade


The canopy on the Mockingbird is attached to the seat and rated as UPF 50+. It has a mesh peek-a-boo window for checking on your baby and ventilation and an additional zip-out mesh extension panel. Compared to the competition, it is only medium in size and doesn't come down far enough to cover the passenger's knees.

mockingbird stroller full size stroller review - the harness straps on the mockingbird are stiff and harder to adjust.
The harness straps on the Mockingbird are stiff and harder to adjust.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The harness on the Mockingbird is a 5-point harness. The strap webbing is stiff, making it harder to adjust than the average harness, but it doesn't slide loose over time, which is a plus. It has adequate padding for comfort, and the crotch strap is adjustable.

The Mockingbird seat reclines by lifting up on the back lever.
The Mockingbird seat reclines by lifting up on the back lever.
The Mockingbird seat lays flat for napping and younger passengers.
The Mockingbird seat lays flat for napping and younger passengers.

Seat


The Mockingbird seat is similar to some high-end seats in design and functionality. It does have an adjustable leg rest and reclines flat, but the seat maintains its shape. The lever on the back of the seat is easy to use and can be done one-handed to raise and lower. The entire thing is well padded and comfortable.

mockingbird stroller full size stroller review - we tested the chicco keyfit 30 infant car seat with the mocking bird...
We tested the Chicco Keyfit 30 infant car seat with the Mocking bird stroller
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Car Seat Compatibility


The Mockingbird is compatible with several infant car seats, including some in our best infant car seat review. These include the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35, Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX, Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 (all models), Graco SnugRide SnugLock 30, Graco SnugRide 35 Lite, Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, Graco SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit (infant models), Evenflo Nurture, Evenflo Embrace, Cybex Q, Chicco KeyFit, Chicco KeyFit 30, Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip, Chicco KeyFit 30 Zip Air, Chicco KeyFit 35, Chicco Fit2, Chicco Fit2 Air, Chicco Fit2 LE, some Britax models, Baby Jogger City GO 2, UPPAbaby Mesa, Nuna Pipa (and some other Nuna seats), and the Maxi-Cosi Mico 30. We tested ours with the Chicco Keyfit 30.

The Chicco required adapters that had no assembly. It was a click-in attachment frame that worked well. To attach the adapter, you need to remove the toddler seat/canopy combination, but this is easily done. Unfortunately, it requires the two side connection points to be attached simultaneously, which takes some practice, and you could potentially think you have both sides when you only have one. Removing the seat is easier, and it feels fairly stable once installed properly.



Ease of Setup


The Mockingbird takes about 1-5 minutes to assemble. The manual is clear, and it only requires snapping on the wheels and the seat.

mockingbird stroller full size stroller review - the mockingbird is a mixed bag when it comes to maneuverability with...
The Mockingbird is a mixed bag when it comes to maneuverability with better movement over uneven surfaces but so much flex in the frame it is harder to turn and doesn't navigate tight spots well at all.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


This stroller rolls smoothly with little resistance over flat surfaces. It doesn't rattle, but significant flexing in the frame worsens the more weight you have in the stroller. This flex means it isn't very responsive, and most maneuvers need to be planned ahead of time. The wheels are somewhat grippy and provide traction, but the turning radius is huge, and we struggled to get it around tight corners. It also takes more strength to push and turn, given its size and flex. The Mockingbird performed better than the average full-size stroller off-road, but given our difficulty moving through doorways and tight spaces, we aren't sure the trade-off is worth it. If maneuverability matters to you, the Thule Urban Glide 2 excels in this testing metric.

The Mockingbird has an adjustable height handlebar that rotates on a...
The Mockingbird has an adjustable height handlebar that rotates on a pivot point.
The front wheels on the Mockingbird can be locked in place to help...
The front wheels on the Mockingbird can be locked in place to help it traverse uneven surfaces without straying off-course.

The handlebar on the Mockingbird has a rotating adjustment (above left) to change the height. This feature is nice, but the handlebar is still somewhat low, and the rotation puts taller pushers closer to the rear axle where they might step on it. The front wheels on this stroller can be locked forward (above right) to make pushing over uneven terrain somewhat easier and prevent the stroller from veering off course.

mockingbird stroller full size stroller review - the mockingbird has a folded size that is bigger than some of the...
The Mockingbird has a folded size that is bigger than some of the bulky joggers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Weight and Folded Size


This stroller is fairly heavy for a non-jogging stroller. At 27.5 lbs, it is about a pound heavier than the manufacturer claims and above average for the test group of full-size strollers.


The Mockingbird is also one of the largest folded products in the group by over 10,000 cubic inches, measuring 23,432 cubic inches in our tests with one seat attached. Even if you remove the seat to make a smaller fold, you'll still need to do something with the seat. Whether you have one kid or two, it is significantly larger than the similarly designed competition that folds much smaller.

The Mockingbird can't compete with the more expensive similarly...
The Mockingbird can't compete with the more expensive similarly styled strollers that offer more attention to detail and higher-end materials. However, it is about on par for the price.
The Mockingbird has a nice fit and finish, but it isn't as nice as...
The Mockingbird has a nice fit and finish, but it isn't as nice as some of the competition with similar styles.

Quality


The Mockingbird has a similar look and style to other top-ranked strollers. While it looks close at first blush, it does not have the same level of craftsmanship or attention to detail with better materials than less expensive models but not as nice as some of the competition. The frame has some flex, and there are a lot of exposed rivets and connection points that make it look less finished. The fabric feels synthetic and easy to clean. It is soft enough for cozy napping, but it doesn't fit the frame as well as it could.

The overall fit and finish are okay but not as good as similarly styled competitors. For example, it has leatherette-wrapped bars, but there are loose threads on the Mockingbird, and there aren't on the competition.

Should You Buy the Mockingbird Stroller?


On paper, the Mockingbird Stroller seems compelling. It appears high-end, can expand to seat multiple children, and it can accommodate a long list of car seats (adapters purchased separately), so there's a good chance the car seat you use will work with this stroller. However, in our testing, and when compared to others, the Mockingbird did not impress us. Its heft and large frame don't offer any notable or striking features. Of course, it will get the job done, but we think others in our lineup do the same and are more enjoyable to use.

What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?


If price is not an issue, and you'll be pushing multiple children, the UPPAbaby Vista v2 is a significant step up from the Mockingbird. Although this stroller is one of the most expensive contenders in our lineup, it offers impressive quality and more features than the Mockingbird, as well as better maneuverability, easier fold, massive storage (you'll be thankful for this perk when packing for two), and a giant canopy to cover your littles on warm, sunny days. Plus, if you're already using the UPPAbaby Mesa, this car seat is compatible with this stroller. Alternatively, a money-saving backup is the Evenflo Pivot Xpand. Like the Mockingbird, this stroller accommodates multiples and offers seat versatility. But, it struggles with the same issues as the Mockingbird, such as maneuverability and quality. However, it's less money, which might make up for what it's lacking.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz
 

Honest, objective reviews. Led by a Pediatrician.

BabyGearLab was founded by a Pediatrician Mom with a mission to provide a reliable, independent, source of information to new parents. Our experts have tested thousands of baby and kids products to share key performance, health, and safety findings. We spend tens of thousands of dollars crash testing car seats to inform our ratings. And, we combine our review work with gobs of expert parenting advice. To assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves. No sponsored content. No ads. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing by people who care.

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