We tested the original Mockingbird stroller as the new version had not been announced. The OG has now been replaced with the Mockingbird 2, which has minimal but perhaps significant changes, and we look forward to testing it in a future update.
Mockingbird Stroller Review
Our Verdict
We tested the original Mockingbird stroller as the new version had not been announced. The OG has now been replaced with the Mockingbird 2, which has minimal but perhaps significant changes, and we look forward to testing it in a future update.
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Mockingbird Stroller | |||||
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Awards | Lower Price Impressive Full-Size Stroller | Budget Full-Size For Growing Families | Best Tightest Budget Stroller | ||
Price | $450 List | $650 List $649.95 at Amazon | $350 List $282.88 at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon | $150 List |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | The looks, features, and ease of use are compelling, but the weight makes this one a workout | While it performs well on flat surfaces, this high-quality option struggles off-road if those are your goals | A budget-friendly expandable stroller with good storage but limited other features and a heavier weight | Budget-friendly jogger with off-road capabilities, but the quality is on par with the price | The lower price makes the flaws of this jogger easier to accept |
Rating Categories | Mockingbird Stroller | Cybex Balios S Lux | Evenflo Pivot Xpand | Baby Trend Expediti... | Baby Trend Expedition |
Ease of Use (40%) | |||||
Maneuverability (25%) | |||||
Transport/Storing (15%) | |||||
Quality (10%) | |||||
Kid's Comfort (10%) | |||||
Specs | Mockingbird Stroller | Cybex Balios S Lux | Evenflo Pivot Xpand | Baby Trend Expediti... | Baby Trend Expedition |
Capacity Limits | Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 50 lbs/ 42 in |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 55 lbs |
Minimum: Birth Maximum: 55 lbs/43" |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in |
Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in |
Measured Weight | 30 lbs | 25 lbs | 30 lbs | 28 lbs | 24 lbs |
Measured Folded Dimensions | 25.4"W x 41"H x 22.5"L | 24"W x 16"H x 31"L | 26.7"W x 19.23"H x 32.7"L | 24.5"W x 16"H x 36.5"L | 23.1"W x 33.1"H x 16.3"L |
Folded Volume | 23,432 cu in | 11,904 cu in | 16,790 cu in | 14,308 cu in | 12,463 cu in |
Handlebar Height Min/Max | 33"/43" | 39.5"/43" | 33"/44.7" | 41.5" | 41" |
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight | 25 lbs | 24 lbs | 11 lbs | 11 lbs | 15 lbs |
Car Seat Compatibility | 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, 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), Mesa Max |
Cybex (All) Maxi Cosi Mico 30, Maxi Cosi Mico Max, Maxi Cosi Coral XP Nuna Pipa lite |
Chicco KeyFit/KeyFit 30 Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax Graco all with SnugRide, SnugLock 30/35 Peg-Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35 |
Baby Trend (All) | Baby Trend (All) |
Wheel Type | Foam Filled Rubber | Foam Filled Plastic | Foam Filled Plastic | Pneumatic | Pneumatic |
Brake Type | Single | Single | Single | Double | Double |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Mockingbird appears to be a fairly new company with only the Mockingbird stroller in their lineup. They aim to empower parents with innovative products that make life easier at a lower price.
Performance Comparison
Ease of Use
The Mockingbird is easy to use and has one of the higher scores in the group for this metric.
Fold and Unfold
The Mockingbird has a one-hand fold and will stand on its own when folded. You must adjust the handlebar to the lowest position to achieve the self-stand. To make the stroller smaller, you must fold the seat legrest. It takes two hands to unfold.
Storage
The storage bin on the Mockingbird is large and has good access from most sides. We fit a large and medium bag inside the bin, and the 25 lb weight limit is great for those who might get groceries or need extra supplies. There is a metal bar that goes from side to side across the frame that somewhat blocks access, but we didn't experience any issues during testing.
Harness
The harness on the Mockingbird has stiff webbing and is more challenging to adjust than it needs to be. The lap belt doubles back on itself like a climbing harness, making it even more challenging to adjust the size.
It requires only two points to be buckled, which is better than nested buckles, but it is still 5-points. The shoulder straps and crotch buckle have soft padded sleeves, and the buckle is simple and works well.
Brakes
The Mockingbird brakes are single-action and require an average amount of pressure. The center-placed pedal is easy to set and release, but it requires two clicks before they are really engaged. This caused a flag during testing that gave us pause. We otherwise liked them, but we think parents should make sure they hear the two clicks and double check the brake is properly set before entrusting it isn't going to move.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Mockingbird is not compatible with any infant car seat. Still, they do offer adapters for sale for some seats from the following brands: Graco, Evenflo, Cybex, Chicco, Britax, UPPAbaby, Nuna, and Maxi-Cosi. We recommend checking the manufacturer's website for details before buying.
Ease of Setup
The Mockingbird is super easy to assemble, and the instructions make the already easy experience more enjoyable. The company also sends an email the day before your stroller arrives with a video showing you exactly how to set it up. What could be better than that? It takes 1-5 minutes to assemble.
Maneuverability
The Mockingbird is easier to maneuver than you'd think, given the size, and it performed well in this metric.
This stroller pushes and turns equally well on flat and off-road surfaces. It feels smooth and doesn't rattle. The wheels are grippier than we thought they'd be, and they turn well in tight spaces.
It does take more oompf to push, given the weight and size, but if you're ready for the workout, it at least didn't get slogged down in the grass and gravel. It also navigates moving up and over curbs well, but we experienced a weird squishy feeling under the pressure.
Transporting and Storing
The Mockingbird is heavy and ridiculously large when folded. If you have a small car and need to transport it, you will want to measure and test it before you buy.
This stroller weighs 30.19 lbs with one seat, making it one of the heaviest in the group, surpassing several jogging strollers that are traditionally heavier. It measures 23,432 cubic inches when folded. If your brain just went, “What?” you aren't alone. This size makes it one of the biggest in the group and could be a deal breaker depending on your home, car, or lifestyle.
Quality
The Mockingbird quality is better than average but not in the upper echelon of high-quality strollers. The fabric on this stroller is above average. It is a soft canvas fabric that wipes clean. The material is soft and cozy for napping.
The wheels are foam-filled rubber, giving them an edge over plastic wheels in both functionality and quality. They are grippy, roll well, and are average in size. The aluminum frame is solid with no rattle or flex. The coating looks like but might scratch and look worn over time. It has a lot of exposed fasteners, but they are integrated and look smoother than those of its competitors.
The Mockingbird has a similar overall look to higher-ranking options in the review, but it has extra knobs and bars that stop it from looking sleekier or cleaner. The leatherette-wrapped components give it a more stylish appearance, but there is play in the seating interface and leg rest adjustment.
Kid's Comfort
The Mockingbird performed better in our tests for kid comfort than most of the rest of the group. The seat and legrest are one unit with one hand reclined, and the entire seat tilts back. The leg rest can then be adjusted for comfort in three potential positions, and the frame can help keep the legs contained. The recline is easy with a lever and lays nearly flat. The leg rest is well padded.
The canopy is large with a UPF 50+ protection rating. It isn't the largest in the group but can offer coverage in most situations. However, as you title the seat back, the canopy goes with it, resulting in less coverage when reclined. There is a mesh zip-out panel, but the mesh isn't the best sun protection, and the increased ventilation could be a no-go if it's cold or windy outside. There is also a mesh window for checking on seat dwellers.
Should You Buy the Mockingbird Stroller?
Mockingbird is a popular stroller online and on social media. This option has a lot to like, and it performed well compared to the competition. We also get why the price could make it an attractive option to families looking to save money on gear wherever they can. It is the highest-scoring option in this price range, potentially filling a niche for parents, especially if your family is growing and you might need to push more than one. While not a favorite, we do think it might be an option for some families. However, it is really heavy, which could be a deal-breaker for some.
What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?
If your budget is tight and you don't need seating for more than one, we think many might prefer the ease of a jogging stroller like the Baby trend Expedition Race Tec. This option is easy to push and turn, can roll over most things, and is good for everyday tasks and moving quickly or off-road. While it doesn't score as high as the Mockingbird, it is half the price, and if you stroll infrequently or enjoy moving off flat surfaces, it is one to consider. If you like the look or style of the Mockingbird but its price gives you pause, or you hope to save more, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand is less expensive and has seating for two with accessories. This option might not have scored as high as the Mockingbird, but it is very similar, and we suspect parents who have never pushed a Mockingbird won't know what they are missing.