Parenting requires you to shell out a lot of money for all kinds of products, so you want to be sure you make smart decisions when purchasing high-ticket items like your baby's convertible crib or baby stroller. For strollers, there's a lot to consider, from durability to car-seat compatibility (hello, car seat and stroller combos!) to ease of fold and, of course, budget.
Enter: Mockingbird. This direct-to-consumer (DTC) stroller company's goal is to provide a high-end product at a more affordable price than some similar competitors. Mockingbird originally distributed everything themselves, which allowed them to control the price pretty tightly. Now Mockingbird's popular single-to-double is also sold at Target, which is great if you have your baby registry there.
What is the Mockingbird stroller?
The Mockingbird stroller comes in two versions, the original single stroller ($395) for those pushing one kid and the newer single-to-double version ($450), which can accommodate up to three kids when you snap on the second seat and add a riding board for good measure. Keep in mind, if you purchase the original single stroller (not the single-to-double), you won't be able to add a second seat later — though you can add on a riding board. The single stroller's seat holds a child up to 50 pounds, and it folds down a bit smaller than the double version.
Mockingbird Single Stroller
Pros
- Luxe-looking stroller under $400
- Stroller seat faces front or rear
- Use from birth with car-seat adaptor, sold separately
Cons
- Cannot convert the single model to single-to-double later
| Weight | 26 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 31" x 26" x 41" |
| Dimensions folded | 33.5" x 25.5" x 16" |
| Seat weight capacity | 50 lbs |
| Basket capacity | 25 lbs |
If you're looking at the single-to-double stroller, each seat can accommodate 45 pounds if there are two kids in there, or if you're pushing only one child, they can weigh up to 50 pounds. The single-to-double is a hugely popular product — families like that they can add an additional seat later if they have a second child, then remove it when their eldest is walking and they only need to push their youngest.
Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller
Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller
Pros
- Can become a double stroller
- Can even become a triple with a riding board
- Works from birth with car-seat adaptor
Cons
- Each accessory — second seat, riding board, car-seat adaptor — is sold separately
| Weight | 26.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 40" x 25.5" x 33" |
| Dimensions folded | 34" x 25.5" x 18" |
| Seat weight capacity | 45 lbs per seat; 50 lbs if you use only one seat |
| Basket capacity | 25 lbs |
The stroller frame on both versions have been updated after earlier recalls; more on that below.
Mockingbird single vs. single-to-double models
Our Parenting Lab experts have tested the Mockingbird single stroller extensively, and while we haven't tested the single-to-double for as long, we've done substantial research. The clearest difference is the ability to add on a second seat for an additional child with the single-to-double stroller. While both the single and single-to-double arrive with only one seat and all the same basic features, the single-to-double has the ability and space to work with the second seat kit to create room for an additional child. Be careful not to purchase the single stroller with the intention of adding on the second seat kit though, as that isn't possible.
There's a lot we love about both strollers. For one, there's the leatherette trim on the parent's handlebar and the baby's bumper bar, which is normally a luxury-stroller touch. You can hang toys from the bumper bar or remove it and add on the snack tray, sold separately. The handlebar adjusts to six positions to accommodate caregivers of different heights. Our experts also appreciate that the harness is designed to be super simple to adjust (no rethreading through the back!) and release when you’re ready to pop your child out.
The fold takes a minute to learn but then becomes intuitive (more on that below), and these strollers lock and stand upright when folded. The updated canopy now has a sunshade extension built in, and the high-walled basket holds up to 25 pounds of cargo. The durable rubberized wheels work well on most common surfaces whether you're in a store or on the sidewalk or even grass. However, we wouldn't take this on a rocky trail, as it's not as rugged as a jogging stroller.
On the downside, both strollers weigh a little more than 25 pounds without a child, so these are fairly hefty, full-size strollers. And while we love all the accessories, they add to the price.
Configurations for the Mockingbird double stroller
Time to talk seating arrangements! The single stroller's seat can face either direction and recline for a baby or toddler, and you can use the bassinet accessory or a car-seat adaptor in the early days.
But the single-to-double can really be set up a lot of ways. To accommodate a potential extra seat, the single-to-double is a few inches longer. All told, the single-to-double has some 19 possible configurations to fit two infants, an infant and a toddler, or two toddlers — you get the idea, but we show many of them below. With either the single or the single-to-double, you can snap on a riding board that lets an older kid join in on the fun.
Customize with all the Mockingbird stroller accessories
The ability to customize is a big part of the appeal of buying from Mockingbird. If you purchase from the brand's site, both strollers come in five canopy colors plus, at press time, two limited-edition colors. You can choose a silver frame with brown faux leather or silver with black faux leather. The main seat is designed for kids 6 months old and up, unless you use it with a car seat and car seat adapter, which can be used with any of 10 compatible car-seat brands. (It's easy to check on that link to be sure that your exact car seat will fit.)
If you're looking to use your Mockingbird stroller as soon as you welcome your baby home, you can purchase the companion bassinet paired with its bassinet stand, plus the infant seat insert.
Mockingbird Bassinet
Mockingbird Seat Liner
Mockingbird Hand Muff
Mockingbird Parent Organizer
Mockingbird Mosquito Net
Mockingbird Rain Cover
Other available accessories from Mockingbird include a machine washable seat liner ($25), touchscreen-friendly hand muff ($40), footmuff ($60), a parent organizer ($25) and mosquito netting ($15). We also love the fitted rain cover for stormy days. Meanwhile, the sunshade (which offers a clever stay-put design) is included with purchase, but you can buy a replacement, whenever needed.
How to fold a Mockingbird stroller
The stroller can be folded with one hand, so you don't have to set your baby down. And it folds with the seat attached or removed. During testing, we found that it may take a trial or two to acclimate to the folding method. You squeeze a white button on the bottom of the handlebar and, at the same time, slide the lever at the top with your thumb. Then you guide the handlebar down so it all folds up and then latches on the side. It can all be done one-handed — the mechanisms are close together. Mockingbird has a short video explainer too.
As a bonus, the stroller can stand upright on its own in the folded position so you don't have to hold it up. To open it again, you need to unlock the latch on the side and guide the handlebar up toward you.
What happened with the Mockingbird stroller recall?
On the safety front, Mockingbird voluntarily recalled its single-to-double strollers on November 10, 2022, due to cracking that could develop on the lower side of the stroller frame. It was followed by a recall of its single strollers on March 17, 2023. The brand has since retooled its stroller frames, so our recommendation is to buy a new one rather than accept a hand-me-down.
If you think your stroller may be part of the recall, contact Mockingbird at its toll-free number, 877-274-3240, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday, or by email at recall@hellomockingbird.com or online at www.hellomockingbird.com/recall to receive a free frame reinforcement kit.
The company has met all necessary industry standards set forth by the ASTM and underwent the JPMA (Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association) safety certification program. All new Mockingbird strollers currently being sold at hellomockingbird.com, Babylist and Target are not affected by the 2022 voluntary recall.
How do similar stroller brands stack up?
The Mockingbird is often compared to the UppaBaby Vista V2 Stroller, another versatile choice for single-to-double strollers that features a no-rethread harness, accessories for a third kid to hop on and reversible seats. But unlike the Mockingbird, it can be a bit more cumbersome to fold and comes with a far heftier price tag.
As for a single stroller, the Nuna Mixx Next Stroller is very similar to the Mockingbird single but about twice the price and even a little heavier. We are fans of how the Nuna Mixx Next handles, though.
Is the Mockingbird stroller worth it?
We say yes. Even though these are both fairly heavy strollers, we recognize that new parents will love the Mockingbird's features, from the durable wheels to the large canopy to the roomy storage basket. And while all the add-ons drive up the price, it is nice to be able to customize your stroller so it has exactly what you want and need, and nothing that you don't want.
The single-to-double is especially attractive for parents who expect their family to grow, and who hope to stick to one stroller frame but just add and subtract seats.
Testers have loved the Mockingbird too. "It handles really smoothly and it's very easy to set up, fold and use the foot brake. It just feels like it's made of higher-quality materials than the other two strollers we have at home," one mom told us. "The only downside is it's a bit bulkier than a lightweight stroller, but it's perfect for a day out when you need a lot of space to carry stuff with you."
Mockingbird provides free delivery of all products and a month-long at-home trial period to ensure you are happy with your purchase. Even more, the company is offering a lifetime limited warranty on the product. (Save your receipts.)
Why trust Good Housekeeping?
For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a new parent needs from infant car seats to baby bassinets.
For more than 15 years, former Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering Rachel Rothman put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about parenting products. A mom of three, Rothman led our testing efforts in most juvenile products, including strollers.
In her role as former Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brought years of journalism experience, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping from toys to baby humidifiers.
This latest update to this review was done by contributing writer Jessica Hartshorn, who has covered the juvenile-product industry for 25 years, previously for American Baby magazine and Parents magazine. See her reviews of stroller wagons and travel strollers, too.
