Mockingbird Stroller Hands-on Review: Better than UPPAbaby Vista V2

Mockingbird Stroller How We Test: Features & Ratings

When reviewing different products at Baby Gear Essentials we follow a set of review guidelines as well as rate and compare a set of different specific features. When testing strollers at Baby Gear Essentials, each family is asked to use the stroller for a few weeks to be able to analyze the following categories:

Each of these areas is thoroughly tested, thought through, and compared with other strollers in order to identify how this stroller ranks. Each section highlights additional features we like to see such as handlebar adjustability, off-road ability, parent organizer, and more.

Safety and Sturdiness

On November 10, 2022 Mockingbird single-to-double strollers were recalled due to the potential fall risk if the lower side of the stroller frame cracked. On March 17, 2023 this recall was extended to their single strollers as well. We don’t love this, but appreciated the steps the company took: the recall was voluntary and Mockingbird provided a free Frame Reinforcement Kit to all customers.

To remedy the issue moving forward, Mockingbird updated the internal construction of the stroller frame to make it stronger and safer. The Mockingbird stroller frame is made from lightweight aluminum, which is great for helping it weigh less but we have found that it can get a little scratched up.

Similar to the UPPAbaby Vista V2, the Mockingbird Stroller has larger back wheels to support the weight of an additional person. As with all the strollers we have tested, the maneuverability and performance go down with the added weight, especially if it isn’t spread out well over the wheel base.

Ease of Use

Attaching and removing the different seats and accessories is quite easy in general and we have not had an issue with things getting stuck or being difficult to remove. We love that the Mockingbird stroller includes a one-handed fold, but don’t love where they put the button to collapse — it feels like it is in the way and gets annoying. Plus, pushing the button to collapse was a little finicky at first.

Also, we don’t recommend this stroller if you are constantly needing to fold it because you have to basically take apart both seats in order to fold the stroller completely, which can be stressful! Like when your kids are crying to get out of the car, you have to finagle and reassemble the stroller, toddler seat, and either the seat, carriage/bassinet, or car seat attachment.

Durability and Quality

The Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller promises not just versatility but also durability and quality. As we used the stroller we were impressed with each essential component including the frame, wheels, seat, canopy, and storage basket.

1. Frame: The Backbone of Durability

The Mockingbird stroller frame is made from anodized aluminum, it strikes an excellent balance between being lightweight and exceptionally sturdy. We found it easy to maneuver but also robust enough to handle the wear and tear of everyday use. We like how the frame’s design allows it to seamlessly transition from a single to a double stroller, allowing it to be versatile as our family grows.

2. Wheels: Smooth Rides Ahead

One of the standout features of the Mockingbird stroller is its wheels. We love the smooth ride from the all-wheel suspension and shock-absorbing tires… which are guaranteed to never go flat! Plus there is a one-step footbrake in the back and a swivel-lock mechanism on the front wheels in case you are trudging through some mud, sand, or snow.

The Mockingbird stroller’s wheels feel like they are solid foam and are made from Polyurethane and are very durable. The rear wheels are larger than the front wheels to support additional weight. However, we don’t feel the ride is as smooth as some of the jogging strollers we’ve tested that have air-filled tires (keep in mind air-filled tires also include the headache of filling and replacing them if punctured).

3. Seat: Comfort Meets Durability

Comfort is key when it comes to stroller seats, and the Mockingbird doesn’t disappoint. The seat padding is plush yet firm, providing the right amount of support for your child. The fabric feels high-quality and is super easy to clean — whether I am wiping it off or unzipping it for a machine-wash. The fabric also feels strong, like it can withstand a lot of wear and tear.

The 5-point harness was recently updated to be easier to adjust. The seat also has multiple recline positions; however it does not go completely flat nor completely upright, for those pickier kids we all know we have. However, the infant insert is designed for just this, allowing your little one to lay more flat and secure in the seat.

4. Canopy: Protection with a Purpose

The canopy of the Mockingbird stroller is made from durable, water-resistant, UPF 50+ protection material, it offers ample coverage to shield your child from the elements. We love the magnetic peek-a-boo window and the extra section of the canopy that can be unzipped to expose a mesh panel to increase airflow .

5. Storage Basket: Spacious and Sturdy

Last but not least, the enormous storage basket of the Mockingbird stroller is a true game-changer for parents and can support up to 30 pounds. That means it can hold my diaper bag and groceries! The material can easily be wiped off, or you can remove the Mockingbird stroller storage basket with its snaps.

Comfort

We love the added comfort from Mockingbird strollers adjustability in the seats, footrests, and handlebar. The seats have high-quality fabric with a good amount of padding, plus the multi-position reclining mentioned previously. The footrests are also adjustable and have three different positions, plus it unzips for easy clean up. The handlebar has a faux-leather grip and can be adjusted to 6 different positions (but it doesn’t telescope out).

Several parents complain about the height, but I have a cousin who is 6″2 and his wife is 5″5 and both of them love using their Mockingbird stroller and have no complaints about the handlebar or accidentally kicking the rear-brake when walking. Although I imagine it is more about stride length.

We love Mockingbird’s large canopy and sunshade to protect from the elements, as well as the extra mesh panel which can zip open to provide additional airflow, great for warmer days!

Weight and Bulkiness

Being a convertible stroller, the Mockingbird Stroller is larger and heavier than many basic strollers and weighs 26.5 pounds. It’s a little tricky to fold and requires removing all attachments to fold flat, and once folded still measures 25.5″ wide (wheel to wheel) x 34″ tall (footrest to floor) x 18″ deep (see additional specifications).

The Mockingbird stroller is bulky and we definitely recommend measuring your trunk space and storage area to ensure it will fit. We also don’t recommend the Mockingbird stroller for flying, since some airlines have a weight limit on items checked in at the gate and would make you check it in at the counter.

Flexibility

Perhaps the best feature about the Mockingbird stroller is all the different configurations, making it the most flexible stroller option for growing families. In fact with the riding board and two seats attached, the Mockingbird stroller can support up to three kids!

To support infants, the Mockingbird Stroller has three different configurations to choose from: the Bassinet (aka “carriage”), car seat (with the Car Seat Adapter), and an Infant Seat Insert to be used with the included seat. When using the car seat adapter, the following car seats are compatible with the Mockingbird Stroller:

• Baby Jogger City GO 2
• Britax (B-Safe 35, B-Safe Ultra)
• Chicco KeyFit and Fit2 (all infant car seat models)
• Clek (Liing, Liingo)
• Cybex Cloud Q
• Cybex Aton M
• Evenflo (Embrace, Nurture)
• Graco SnugRide (all infant car seat models)
• Maxi-Cosi Mico (30, Max 30, Max Plus)
• Nuna (Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite R, Lite LX, Lite RX, and RX)
• UPPAbaby Mesa (2020 model or newer)
• Uppababy Mesa Max

Capacity and Storage

The Mockingbird Stroller storage underneath is massive, which is ideal as a mother of a busy toddler and newborn baby. It can even hold up to 30 pounds! Additionally a parent organizer and child tray can be purchased to add even more storage to the stroller!

Design

We think the Mockingbird stroller itself is beautiful with its black sleek fabric and eye-catching brown “leatherette” grip handlebar. We often get compliments on how cute and stylish it is, especially when using the bassinet.

We highly recommend purchasing the bassinet or the infant insert if you go walking often or plan on having your younger baby in the stroller often. Not to mention, it is safer for your little one since they really shouldn’t be in the car seat for too long.

**Note that the “leatherette” grip is actually faux-leather as all Mockingbird products contain no animal by-products.

Price

Among the convertible stroller competitors, one of the biggest differentiators for the Mockingbird stroller is price. Compared to UPPAbaby or Bugaboo, the Mockingbird stroller has many of the same features at a lower price point. One thing to point out though is that certain accessories may not be included (like the bassinet), so make sure you do a final price check and consider the different items included.

Buy the Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller