REASONS TO BUY
Nice materials
Easy recline
Good customer service
REASONS TO AVOID
Stupid heavy
Brakes require special attention
Mockingbird Stroller Review
While it might be a good price and loaded with features, the heavier weight is disappointing
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Wendy Schmitz ⋅ Senior Review Editor ⋅ March 31, 2024
Contributions From: Juliet Spurrier, MD
RELATED: The Best Full-Size Strollers
Our Verdict
The Mockingbird is an intriguing full-size stroller. It performed okay against options that were nearly twice the price, and we think you get a lot for what you spend. The Mockingbird has a comfortable seating area, a canopy with a zip-open mesh panel, and a super-large storage bin with a higher-than-average capacity. It moves smoothly on flat surfaces and manages not to be a challenge in the grass despite being somewhat of a workout. When folded, the Mockingbird is large and heavy, making it a deal-breaker for those with limited space. Its weight also makes it harder to push and lift, which is something to consider depending on your physical prowess. In the end, the Mockingbird might fill a niche for some city dwellers who plan to grow their families and carry loads of supplies. However, for those with only one child to push, there are better choices with fewer hassles and better maneuverability.
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Mockingbird has several features that are easy to use. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Mockingbird is easy enough to use, with a score just above the average.
Folding the Mocking bird is a one-hand operation and if you adjust the handlebar, it can self-stand. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Fold and Unfold
The Mockingbird has a one-hand fold and will stand on its own when folded. We had to adjust the handlebar to the lowest position to achieve the self-stand. To make the stroller smaller, we had to fold the seat legrest. It takes two hands to unfold. Unfolding is also straightforward, but the size means it could get away from you and be awkward if you only have one hand.
Despite the crossbar on the MOckingbird, the bin is large and can fit our large and medium bags inside. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 runs from side to side across the frame, which somewhat blocks access, but we didn't experience any issues during testing.
The Mockingbird harness has removable shoulder straps and a stiff buckle. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Harness
The harness on the Mockingbird has stiff webbing and is much 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 fit.
We like the padding on the shoulder straps and the padding behind the buckle that helps prevent pinching when using the bucket. Credit: Matt Lighthart
It is a 5-point harness that requires only two points to be buckled, which is better than nested buckles. The shoulder straps and crotch buckle are slide buckles with soft, padded sleeves that can get in the way of adjustment, but the buckle is simple and works well.
The brake pedal on the Mockingbird is a centrally located rocking pedal that is foot-friendly. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 it is fully 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 that the brake is properly set before entrusting it won't move.
Car Seat Compatibility
The Mockingbird does not come 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.
The Mockingbird doesn't require any tools and the assembly is largely snapping on components. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 the stroller arrives with a video showing exactly how to set it up. What could be better than that? It takes 1-5 minutes to assemble.
The front wheels on the Mockingbird can be locked in place if you need more control on uneven terrain. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Maneuverability
The Mockingbird is easier to maneuver than we expected, given its size, and it is about average in our tests.
The Mockingbird is surprisingly easy to turn in tight spaces. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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.
Some shock absorption is built into the frame and wheel junction on the Mockingbird. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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.
The Mockingbird Stroller is big boy who takes up a lot of space in a small SUV. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 buying. If you are thinking of getting it onto a bus, think again.
This stroller weighs 30.19 lbs with one seat, making it one of the heaviest, 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 largest in the group and could be a deal-breaker depending on your home, car, abilities, or lifestyle. Most won't be able to lift it one-handed while holding a child in the other.
The wheels on the Mockingbird are a step up from the plastic wheels we typically see on inexpensive strollers. Credit: Matt Lighthart
While the Mockingbird has a lot of exposed fasteners and plastic components, it still looks higher-end than most in its price range. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Quality
The Mockingbird quality is about average, definitely 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 Mockingbird has thoughtful leatherette-wrapped components that give it the look of a higher-end option. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The Mockingbird canopy has a flap cover to look through the peek-a-boo window. Credit: Matt Lighthart
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 it might scratch and look worn over time. There is a lot of play in the seat interface and the leg rest adjustment joint. It has many exposed fasteners, but they are integrated and look smoother than those of the 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 sleeker or cleaner. The leatherette-wrapped components give it a more stylish appearance, but there is some play in the seating interface and leg-rest adjustment.
The fabric and padding in the Mockingbird seat provide a comfortable seating space for little ones. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The belly bar on the Mockingbird seat swings aside to make it easier for children to get into the seat. Credit: Matt Lighthart
Kid's Comfort
The Mockingbird performed better in our tests for kid comfort than the average stroller. The seat and legrest are a single unit with one-handed recline, 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 lies nearly flat. The leg rest is well-padded.
The Mockingbird seat lays flat when fully reclined. Credit: Matt Lighthart
The canopy is large and offers UPF 50+ protection. It isn't the largest in the group, but it can offer coverage in most situations. However, as you tilt 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 at blocking the sun, 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.
Continuous Sleeping Comfort
Sleeping travelers equal peaceful strolls, and when tested on average terrain for possible wake-up passenger events, the Mockingbird was about average. The all-wheel suspension and rubber tires helped absorb impacts from going over bumps and cracks, but the frame is built to absorb impacts for more than one seat as a multi-seat stroller, so with only one passenger, we experienced six potential wake-up events due to stiffer shocks and smaller wheels.
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 some of 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. However, it is not the highest-scoring option in this price range. While it might potentially fill a niche for growing families, we don't think it is the best for everyone.
What Other Full-Size Strollers Should You Consider?
If your budget is tight and you don't need seating for more than one, the Joie Ginger dlx could be a better fit in the same price range. This stroller seats one, makes better tight turns, and offers a lighter and smaller design. If you want to head off-road with one passenger, we think the Baby Trend Expedition is a viable choice. 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. It scores higher overall than 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.
Manufacturer Video
Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Mockingbird Stroller versus top competing products:
| Awards | |
|---|---|
| Price | $450 List |
Overall Score  |
|
| Star Rating | |
| Bottom Line | While it might be a good price and loaded with features, the heavier weight is disappointing |
| Pros | Nice materials, easy recline, good customer service |
| Cons | Stupid heavy, brakes require special attention |
| Rating Categories | Mockingbird |
| Ease of Use (40%) | |
| Maneuverability (25%) | |
| Transport & Storing (15%) | |
| Quality (10%) | |
| Kid's Comfort (10%) | |
| Specifications | Mockingbird |
| Capacity Limits | Minimum: 6 months Maximum: 50 lb/ 42 in |
| Measured Weight | 30.2 lb |
| Measured Folded Dimensions | 25.4"W x 41"H x 22.5"L |
| Folded Volume | 23,432 cu in |
| Handlebar Height Min/Max | 33"/43" |
| Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight | 25 lb |
| Wheel Type | Foam Filled Rubber |
| Brake Type | Single |
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