Mockingbird Stroller Review
Price $450
BUY NOWA couple of years back, a colleague in the business told me the Mockingbird Stroller is “the UPPABaby Vista, but for much less!” Naturally, we were intrigued and eager to give you our honest take of it (also: psssst, this Mockingbird stroller review is totally unsponsored!).
The company first made its grand debut in the baby aisle with the Mockingbird single stroller, which is now more like the UPPABaby Cruz v2, but they recently launched their new double stroller (which is technically a convertible stroller). Though very similar to its big sis’, the single to double stroller stole the spotlight with a few smart adjustments to allow for room and accommodate for expandability. Here’s what you should know about the Mockingbird double stroller.
Company Background
Stepping back for a second… Direct-to-consumer strollers are the talk of the parenting town. The value proposition is that you get a high quality product for a much lower price because there is no middleman (i.e. a retail store) marking it up by 2x.
We recently reviewed the Colugo Stroller, a compact direct-to-consumer stroller, and have now turned our sights to the DTC luxury stroller of the year, the Mockingbird stroller.
The founder of the company, Eric Osman, was working for the DTC shaving brand Harry’s when he observed his pregnant sister struggling with the registration and gearing up process for her first baby.
“New parents are going through such an overwhelming time, with a million products they’re supposed to buy — none of which they’ve ever really researched before,” Eric said. “And everything gets crazy expensive, and it seems like all the brands are yelling at you saying, ‘buy this $1,000 thing or you’re a bad parent.’”
That’s why Eric decided to quit his job at Harry’s and, using what he knew about DTC, launch Mockingbird Strollers — in hopes of providing new parents with more purchase control, a more direct line of communication, and an overall more relatable, approachable experience.
Overview
The UPPABaby Vista V2 has been THE top full-size/convertible stroller in the luxury stroller category for about 10+ years now, but does the more affordable direct-to-consumer version actually compete? We think it does! Especially now that both strollers can be used as doubles/convertibles.
The Mockingbird double stroller has all the basics of a high-end stroller: a suspension system with substantial wheels, a kick-ass canopy, a good brake, an adjustable handlebar, generous storage, and a high weight capacity. Plus, the single-to-double conversion process is as easy as it gets (more on that later). For a convertible stroller that only costs $395 (for comparison, the UPPAbaby Vista is $899), it’s an impressive accomplishment.
Let’s have a closer look…
The Frame
The single to double Mockingbird is a beefy, full-size stroller. Its frame, like that of the Vista, is substantial and built to last; I love that it looks sleek but feels rugged at the same time.
I also love the chic leatherette details on the handlebar and the removable bumper bar. Mine was the “penny leather,” which is a beautiful cognac brown that instantly elevates the look.
The single-to-double is 25.5” wide from wheel to wheel and is thus slightly narrower than the UPPAbaby Vista V2. This is great news since the single stroller, which measured 26’ wide, already felt narrow enough to maneuver around tight corners and crowded supermarket aisles with ease.
For the stroller to accommodate two children, the company elongated the frame by 2.5 inches, which turned out to be good news for taller parents, as it gives them more room to walk.
How to Fold The Mockingbird
I was very excited about the fold. You see, you can fold it with just one hand and it automatically locks and self stands. A parent’s dream come true! Plus, you can fold it with both seats attached — they just have to both be facing forward (same as the Vista).
The folding mechanism, which is located on the handlebar, does require some getting used to: in order to activate the fold, you need to push the big white button that’s at the bottom of the handlebar while simultaneously sliding the lever that’s at the top.
Like other full-sized strollers, the fold is not particularly compact. And remember, you cannot fold the stroller when either seat is facing rear (towards you). Like the UPPAbaby Vista, you’ll need to rotate the seats to face outward (or remove them altogether) to fold it (this is not uncommon among reversible strollers, but worth mentioning.)
If you want a flat fold, you’ll actually need to remove the seat(s). This brought me back to my Bugaboo Cameleon days, and I personally could have done without this extra step. You don’t have this issue with smaller strollers like the Baby Jogger City Mini2, which is the main trade-off when comparing full-sized or convertible strollers vs. more compact strollers.
Storing the seat and the frame separately felt like an incompatibility with city/apartment living, but again, it’s optional for those wanting a flatter fold.
All of that said, I found the folding and storing process to be much easier than for my Baby Jogger City Select (a comparable full-sized stroller); and once folded, it is comparable to the UPPAbaby Vista.
How much does the Mockingbird Weigh?
Weighing in at 26.5 lbs, the single-to-double version is comparable to the UPPAbaby Vista V2. Though it is not super heavy, like a jogging stroller… it’s definitely not a lightweight stroller.
Mockingbird Double Stroller Seat Configuration
The Mockingbird double is a reversible stroller: meaning, the seats can both face front or rear, and the stroller allows for 18 different seat arrangements.
Most recently, they added a seat configuration that allows for the infant car seat to be up top and facing the parent while the toddler seat is at the bottom facing forward. This additional arrangement came after a lot of parents and caregivers requested it — something that speaks volume about the brand’s commitment to its customers and their satisfaction.
Similar to the Baby Jogger City Select, the two stroller seats are identical and have the exact same weight capacity (45 lbs per seat). By comparison, the Vista’s main seat can hold up to 50 lbs while the Rumble Seat (toddler seat) has a 35 lbs limit. Having identical seats (vs. “big seat/little seat”) makes the Mockingbird a particularly good suitor for parents of twins.
Flipping the seats around is easy; just click the buttons on each side of the seat, lift the seat up and turn it around. This felt reminiscent of other reversible strollers, like my Bugaboo Cameleon3.
To add the second seat, you will need to move the top seat up the frame with the upper adapter and attach the lower adapters by wrapping them around the frame. Sounds confusing, but we were impressed at how easy and quick the process is.
Note that when you move the top seat up the frame to accommodate for the second seat, the stroller’s weight shifts back a bit, which is why the brand recommends moving the top seat back down when the lower seat is not in use (though you can keep the adapter on).
The seats on the Mockingbird fully recline — like legit horizontal position, which means you can use the stroller from birth (with infant inserts for head support — sold separately here). To make more room for the second seat, the brand also changed the angle of the seat attachment, which allows for a more upward seat position — those curious babes who are eager to sit upright to enjoy the view will appreciate the news.
The seats have a footrest with three different positions, but what I love the most is the zipper. Unzip it to clean the crumbs off easily. All parents agree this is genius!
Another cool add-on is the seat liner, which not only adds some padding for comfort, but also adds a layer of protection between the stroller and your messy babe. All you have to do is remove the pad and wash it separately. Your stroller will look as good as new!
The Mockingbird Single Stroller
Don’t need a convertible/double stroller? They still sell its single, modular pram. This is the one that we originally tested and that converted us to superfans.
The Mockingbird Single also got some upgrades and now has all the same awesome features as the convertible: car seat compatibility, extendable canopy with peek-a-boo window, an easy one-hand, self-standing fold, a generous underseat basket and much more. It rides smoothly on all sorts or terrain — even and uneven — and is just an overall great stroller for those who know they won’t need the option to expand. You can find out more here.
The Bassinet
It offers many different configurations suitable for newborns, which makes it a great baby stroller. Aside from reclining the seat flat with an infant insert, you can purchase a bassinet and use it in place of the stroller seat.
Note that Mockingbird also now offers a bassinet stand for $90 — or alternatively you can get the bassinet + stand bundle for $230 — making the bassinet not only perfect for strolls with baby, but also for at-home naps and overnight sleep as well.
By comparison, many upscale full size strollers (like the UPPAbaby and Bugaboo Cameleon) include the bassinet in their package, which could partly explain the price difference. If you want the bassinet you will need to add $140 to your stroller bill. While it’s a bummer it doesn’t come included, it’s nice to have the option to opt out of items that might not be needed. Think of it as an a la carte stroller menu.
Though the Mockingbird cannot support the use of two bassinets simultaneously, it does allow for two car seats at once! YAY twin parents!
Infant Car Seat Compatibility
With an optional car seat adapter, the stroller is compatible with various infant car seats, including Britax B-Safe 35 and B-Safe Ultra, various Chicco and Graco car seats, Evenflo Embrace and Nurture, Cybex Cloud Q and Aton M, and Nuna infant car seats. Go here for a full list (which is so clear and user friendly — little details like these make all the difference).
The Canopy
The Mockingbird canopy feels super luxurious. It comes in three evergreen colors — light blue (sky), teal (sea), and black — and one limited edition colorway (bloom). I love that you can customize your stroller so it doesn’t look like everyone else’s!
The canopies are thick and easily wipe clean. Here too, the brand paid attention to details. The canopy’s interior flaunts black and white patterns (either window panes or rounds) that are not only pretty to look at, but also captivating to infants.
The canopy itself, which is SPF 50, is a nice, average size, and is now expandable (a huge upgrade from the stroller’s first version).
You can also expose a full mesh panels in the back of the canopies to provide airflow when kiddos are napping (and to keep an eye on baby when the seat is facing out). This was particularly helpful in the summer months. My son was able to take naps without waking up in sweat. It also has a peekaboo window, which closes magnetically.
Wheels
The wheels on this stroller are next level. They feel like air-filled tires, but without the potential to pop or go flat. You can also lock the front wheels in place to ride on uneven terrain (think cobblestones, gravel and so on).
Overall, the Mockingbird offers a really smooth ride — for both baby and for whomever is pushing it. Though it weighs 26 lbs and felt heavy to carry, pushing it around was a different story: it’s light and breezy to steer, even slightly lighter than the UPPABaby Vista V2.
Really, it’s a dream to push. I was able to go over potholes and tall curbs without fearing it would flip over. In that sense, this full-size stroller feels like it’s borderline “all-terrain.”
When we tested the single stroller, we could really notice the difference that the seat suspension made to stabilize the ride, which is a nice touch for that little one of yours rolling all over town. My son isn’t a big stroller napper, but he did fall into the arms of Morpheus while out on the town — the bumpy city streets didn’t wake him. Major win for this mama!
Parents who have used the single-to-double confirm that it didn’t sacrifice maneuverability for convertibility. One parent said: “Very sturdy, smooth and stable to walk the streets and plenty of maneuverability to navigate grocery shops, pediatrician offices, or tight elevators.” Many other users pointed out how smooth the ride is and how easy it is to maneuver.
It has a one-step footbrake, which is flip-flop friendly. This has become a pretty standard feature of full-size strollers, so nothing crazy there.
Basket and Storage
Storage: another department where the Mockingbird shines! The underseat basket is… major! Much like that of the Vista, it is vast and spacious. I can fit my diaper bag and a couple of grocery bags down there. In fact, it can hold up to 25 lbs of stuff, which is impressive. This is great for city dwellers whose stroller also doubles as a shopping cart and car.
The basket also has a detachable cover, which is very smart. Put the cover on when you want to make sure your belongings stay put; pull it down to access them from either the back or the front.
Other Mockingbird Accessories
The brand also designed a snack tray with a built-in rubberized cup holder. The snack tray can detach from either side and stays leveled to the ground so as to avoid snack spills. Genius!
Mockingbird Stroller Review: Boiling it Down
The direct-to-consumer Mockingbird double stroller is a complete package for an awesome price. It’s got the looks and the smarts. We love the cleanable footrest, the giant, sturdy storage basket, and the breathable sunshade that provides full coverage (as well as a custom print). Being a sturdy, full-sized stroller, it’s not lightweight or compact, but neither are most convertible strollers. We feel this stroller is a bargain next to the UPPABaby Vista ($395 vs. $899). The company offers a 30-day return policy if you are not satisfied. In short: if you want a lux, full-featured stroller for a fraction of the price, yes — consider the Mockingbird.
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Just so you guys know…this is what mockingbird is telling customers on their FB page regarding infant carrier comparability. I almost didn’t look further because you said no Pipa Lite. Looks like they’ve expanded!
“Our Car Seat Adapter is compatible with Britax B-Safe (35, Ultra), Chicco (Keyfit 30, Fit2), Cybex (Cloud Q, Aton M), Evenflo (Embrace, Nurture), Graco SnugRide SnugLock (30, 35, 40), Maxi-Cosi Mico (30, Max 30, Max Plus), and Nuna PIPA (including the Lite, Lite LX, and rx) car seat models.”
Great review, merci Charlène!
As someone who bought the single to double in 2021 with our first baby with plans to have more kids, it was highly disappointing that this stroller literally cracked in half with 2 kids in it for multiple
parents and the best the company would do was offer a reinforcement kit but no refunds or returns before we even had our 2nd baby. This article doesn’t bother to mention that. Also, unless you have twins, you are going to put a 2 year old or bigger and their new sibling in this. With a normal size 2 year old and a new baby it is not at all easy to maneuver. That is complete BS. It is heavy and wakes up the baby on every single bump. You cannot drink from your water bottle or wipe your sweat or do anything with your other hand because it requires both hands, especially on any normal sidewalk or street and requires your full body engagement to push it on any kid of aliases surface or hill. The whole thing tipped forward as I tried to get it up on the sidewalk on a normal size curb amd thank God I was able to pull it back down and not tip all the way over. The brake is NOT flip flop friendly and in fact broke one of my Hoka slides (much sturdier than a regular flip flop). Definitely paying for some fake good news to be out there for them after the recall…
THANK YOU for this. I was reading this article expecting to see something about the nasty frame breaks and was shocked it wasn’t mentioned. I’m also highly disappointed in this stroller as a double, we had high hopes for it but it just feels rickety and cheap after only 10 months of use.