In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician

Mockingbird Double Review

Less expensive, intriguing option that looks similar to strollers we love, but this option pales in comparison for quality, maneuverability, and more
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Mockingbird Double Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $515 List
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Manufacturer:   Mockingbird
By Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team  ⋅  May 8, 2023
55
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 18
  • Ease of Use - 40% 6.2
  • Maneuverability - 25% 4.4
  • Transporting/ Storing - 15% 2.2
  • Quality - 10% 7.0
  • Kid Ride - 10% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Mockingbird Double is a versatile stroller with various seating configurations to meet almost any need of the multiple-child family. The company claims 19+ seating configurations, including the ability to push three little ones if you buy the right accessories. It is compatible with various infant car seats (adapters sold separately), making it one of the few double strollers suitable for infant twins. While we can see why some parents will be drawn to this stroller, it failed to match the quality of the competition, and some of the features make it harder to manage. This stroller is heavy, and the folded stroller is huge. It is also hard to push and turn. Overall, we think there are better options in our best strollers review for most families, even those with twins, and if saving and spending a little more makes every day easier, we believe it is worthwhile for the sake of your sanity.
REASONS TO BUY
Less expensive
Easy to connect seats
REASONS TO AVOID
Heavy
Large fold
Seats rub together
Hard to maneuver
Important
The Mockingbird was recalled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). For more information follow the link or contact the company.

Editor's Note: On April 20, 2023, we updated this review as a result of a five-stroller update to the review.

Compare to Similar Products

 
mockingbird double
This Product
Mockingbird Double
Awards  Best Value Award
Best Bang for the Buck
 Best Value Award
Great Value on a Budget
 
Price $515 List$400 List
$285.36 at Amazon
$330 List$250 List
$212.49 at Amazon
$250 List
$229.99 at Amazon
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Bottom Line Cheaper choice to similarly styled strollers, but this one fails to live up to the competition for weight, folded size, and moreBudget-minded option with versatile seating and features on par with higher-end optionsA lot of stroller for the price with nice features that are easy to useGreat budget-friendly stroller that works well in small spacesHeavy and hard to use stroller, but it does offer nice maneuverability for the price
Rating Categories Mockingbird Double Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Joovy ScooterX2 wit... Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Navigator
Ease of Use (40%)
6.2
8.3
7.2
5.7
5.8
Maneuverability (25%)
4.4
6.0
4.8
8.2
7.2
Transporting/ Storing (15%)
2.2
3.4
4.2
3.8
2.8
Quality (10%)
7.0
6.0
6.0
4.0
5.0
Kid Ride (10%)
9.0
7.8
6.6
4.4
4.6
Specs Mockingbird Double Evenflo Pivot Xpand... Joovy ScooterX2 wit... Baby Trend Expediti... Baby Trend Navigator
Measured Weight 35.3 lbs 34.6 lbs 31.4 lbs 30.6 lbs 39.7 lbs
Capacity Limits Minimum: 4 months
Maximum: 45 lbs
Minimum: Birth
Maximum: 55 lbs/38 in
Minimum: 3 months
Maximum: 45 lbs/44 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Minimum: 6 months
Maximum: 50 lbs/42 in
Measured Folded Dimensions 25.5"W x 38.3"H x 34"L 26.7"W x 25"H x 32.7"L 29.5"W x 15"H x 38.3"L 32.8"W x 16.5"H x 34"L 32.9"W x 19"H x 34.8"L
Folded Volume 33,206 cu in 21,827 cu in 16,948 cu in 18,401 cu in 21,753 cu in
Number of Car Seats Accepted 2 2 0 0 2
Included Car Seat Compatibility None Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax None None Any Baby Trend Infant Car Seat
Click-in Car Seat Adapters Graco
SnugRide SnugFit 35, SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX, SnugRide SnugFit 35 DLX, SnugRide SnugLock 35 (all models), SnugRide SnugLock 30, SnugRide 35 Lite, SnugRide 35 Lite LX, SnugRide SnugLock Extend2Fit (infant models)
EvenFLo
Nurture, Embrace
Cybex
Cloud Q
Chicco
KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 30 Zip, KeyFit 30 Zip Air, KeyFit 35, Fit2, Fit2 Air, Fit2 LE
Britax
B-Safe 35, B-Safe Ultra, B-Safe Gen2, B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit, B-Safe Gen2 FlexFit+
Baby Jogger
City GO 2
Uppababy
Mesa
Nuna
Pipa, Pipa Lite, Pipa Lite LX, Pipa rx
Maxi-Cosi
Mico 30
Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30
Evenflo SafeMax, LiteMax
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 30, 35, SnugRide SnugLock 30, 35
Peg Perego Primo Viaggio
None None None
Strap-In Car Seat Adapters None None None None None
Handlebar Height - Min/Max 33"/43" 33"/44.7" 41.9" 40.6" 41"
Recline Front/Left Seat Deep Deep Deep Deep Deep
Recline Rear/Right Seat Deep Deep Deep Deep Deep
Storage Basket Size Very Large Extra Large Very Large Large Large
Sun Shade Size Large Medium Large Small Small
One-handed Fold No No Yes No No
Locking Fold Auto Auto Manual Manual Manual
Self-standing Fold Yes Yes No Yes Yes
Sandal-friendly Brake Yes Yes Yes No No
Included Accessories None None None MP3 Speakers MP3 Speakers
Average Setup Time 10-15 min 10-15 min 10-15 min 10-15 min 20-25 min

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Mockingbird company hasn't been around very long, and their main product is the single-passenger version they call the Mockingbird Single-to-Double stroller. Their company mission is to empower parents with innovative products for a lower price.

Performance Comparison



mockingbird double - while easier to use than some of the competition, some of the...
While easier to use than some of the competition, some of the features on the Mockingbird are poorly planned.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Ease of Use


The Mockingbird is reasonably easy to use, with a performance in this metric better than average. Unfortunately, while the features might be easy to use, some are poorly designed and don't interact well.

mockingbird double - the mockingbird stroller has a button on the handlebar to initiate...
The Mockingbird stroller has a button on the handlebar to initiate the fold.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Fold and Unfold


Folding this stroller requires two hands. It self-stands and automatically locks in place. You don't need to remove the seats, but you might want to, depending on where it needs to fit. While it could be a single-hand operation, the size requires both hands to balance it, and we repeatedly smashed the stroller into our knees when finishing the fold. The folding lock is very stiff and not very hand-friendly.

mockingbird double - the mockingbird storage bin is large and has a maximum weight limit...
The Mockingbird storage bin is large and has a maximum weight limit of 25 lbs. Access is good, but depending on seat positions, it can be more challenging to squeeze past large bags.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Storage


The storage bin on the Mockingbird is large and has an interior closable pocket, which helps with organization. The weight limit for the bin is 25 lbs, which is good when carrying supplies for two. Access is good, but fitting a giant diaper bag inside can be challenging, depending on seat configurations. It also has a pocket on the back of each seat, but you won't fit much more than a smartphone inside.

mockingbird double - the shoulder straps on the mockingbird clip onto the side waist...
The shoulder straps on the Mockingbird clip onto the side waist straps so you can use it as a 5 or 3-point harness.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Harness


The harness on this stroller has soft padding on the straps and the crotch strap. They are easy to adjust, even with the padding in place. The buckle on each seat is stiffer than the average button, but the individual straps are easy to insert into the buckle.

mockingbird double - the brake pedal on the mockingbird is a large press pedal in the...
The brake pedal on the Mockingbird is a large press pedal in the middle of the rear axle. It is easy to set and release, but it is close to the storage bin.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Brakes


The single-action brake pedal on the Mockingbird is a press-to-set and release style that is easy on the feet. The brake is stiff, and it takes two clicks before being fully set, so there is a chance you might think you've set it when you haven't.

mockingbird double - the front wheels on the mockingbird can be locked in place to help...
The front wheels on the Mockingbird can be locked in place to help keep it on track over uneven surfaces, but they don't offer much support and we still struggled.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Maneuverability


Pushing the Mockingbird is pretty straightforward as long as you go in a straight line on a nice flat surface. Turning on flat surfaces takes a lof muscle, as the stroller is long and heavy. This issue gets worse as you put more weight in the stroller. So, it can get challenging to maneuver in crowded or tight spaces with two passengers and supplies for two. You will need to plan and take your time as you move about.

mockingbird double - the longer wheel base and frame flex on the mockingbird make turning...
The longer wheel base and frame flex on the Mockingbird make turning an even that requires muscle and planning.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Pushing through the grass and gravel feels like a workout and not a fun one. Our stroller got caught on a slight dip in the grass, and it almost caused the entire stroller to tip over. Locking the front wheels in the forward position did not help much. Moving it up onto curbs or over small bumps was practically impossible, taking all our body weight to lift it even slightly.

mockingbird double - the folded mockingbird is stupidly large with two seats in place...
The folded Mockingbird is stupidly large with two seats in place. You can take the seats off before folding, but this isn't a useful solution away from home.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Transporting and Storing


If a stroller doesn't fit where you need it to go or you can't lift it, then it isn't the right stroller for your family, no matter how much you love it.

Weight and Folded Size


The Mockingbird is big and heavy, and we find it interesting that the manufacturer doesn't advertise a weight with both seats in place.


This stroller is 35.3 lbs. This weight puts it on par with the double jogging strollers. Only a few strollers in this review weigh more. Many side-by-side options are lighter with a quick fold. This stroller is also large when folded. It was one of the largest in our full-size stroller review as a single stroller. Here it is the largest, measuring 33,163 cubic inches when folded. The size can be reduced if you remove the seats, but this is a hassle to do anywhere but at home. So, if you need compact or lightweight, this is not for you.

mockingbird double
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Kid Ride


Choosing a stroller with comfort and convenience features for kids is a smart idea.

mockingbird double - the seat back on the mockingbird easily reclines by lifting a lever...
The seat back on the Mockingbird easily reclines by lifting a lever at the top of the seat.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Seat


Each toddler seat on the Mockingbird can recline easily with a lift lever on the back, and the seats can recline flat for sleeping or younger passengers. The leg rest is somewhat adjustable, but there is a point where longer legs will struggle to find comfort with the leg rest.

mockingbird double - you can see how the mockingbird seat sits far too close to one...
You can see how the Mockingbird seat sits far too close to one another and if a child was in the top seat or either seat was reclined, there would be an opportunity for kicking the passenger in front.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This stroller can accept two infant car seats (check out our best infant car seat review) or two toddler seats or one of each. Connecting two car seats works pretty well, but the two toddler seats are problematic depending on which way they face. When the two toddler seats are facing forward, it is very easy for the higher passenger to kick the lower seat or torment them with hands if the lower seat is reclined. Without separators that distance the seats like those found on some of the similar competition, these two seats are too close to one another to prevent the eventual, “Mom! He's touching me!

mockingbird double - the toddler seating arrangement on the mockingbird inhibits truly...
The toddler seating arrangement on the Mockingbird inhibits truly useful adjustments for the comfort of both passengers.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Also, when the toddler seats face opposite directions, they will hit each other when simultaneously in recline mode.

The Mockingbird canopy is nice looking and the peek-a-boo covers has...
The Mockingbird canopy is nice looking and the peek-a-boo covers has a magnetic closure.
The handlebar on the Mockingbird is adjustable via a rotation method...
The handlebar on the Mockingbird is adjustable via a rotation method which puts taller pushes closer to the rear axle, increasing the potential for accidental kicking of the stroller.

Sunshade


The sunshades on the two toddler seats are virtually identical. Each has a mesh peek-a-boo window with a cover that closes with a magnet. It is UPF 50+ and has an extendable panel that helps create quite a large shade, reaching past passengers' knees. The only problem is when the canopies are fully open, the peek-a-boo window is in the front, so if the seat isn't facing the pusher, they will need to stop pushing and walk around the stroller to see inside. However, you can then look directly at the child without the window. So the window is only useful when the canopy is open but at its smallest size. The front is detachable for better access, but it leaves it open for dirt or supplies to fall out.

mockingbird double - the mockingbird is higher quality than the average stroller in this...
The Mockingbird is higher quality than the average stroller in this review, but it still can't compete with the higher ranking options.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Quality


The quality of this stroller can't compare to the higher-end strollers that look very similar. However, its quality is arguably on par with its price tag. It earned a higher-than-average score for this metric.

This stroller's fabric is a tightly woven nylon that fits the seat frames and canopy nicely. It wipes to clean and is somewhat liquid-resistant. The sunshade looks nice and stays taut when open. The passenger bumper and the pushing handles are well-wrapped in leatherette, with only a few errant threads.

mockingbird double - the mockingbird looks nice on its own but side-by-side with the...
The Mockingbird looks nice on its own but side-by-side with the competition it suffered somewhat in comparison with an overall more cluttered look.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The silver frame has a cluttered look with tons of exposed rivets and joints, giving it a messy and involved look that is unnecessary. The wheels are foam-filled plastic with a rubbery material coating them to help prevent slipping.

The overall fit and finish are good, but it struggles to keep up and pales when compared side-by-side with some of the competition. Some of the differences can make owning and using it frustrating.

mockingbird double - we tested our mockingbird with the chicco keyfit 30 and 35 infant...
We tested our Mockingbird with the Chicco Keyfit 30 and 35 infant car seats. Both require a frame adapter and have strange instructions for Velcro straps we couldn't figure out.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Car Seat Compatibility


This stroller is compatible with some Graco models, including the Graco SnugRide SnugLock 35 and the Graco SnugRide 35 Lite LX, and Graco Extend2Fit (infant models); some Evenflo seats, Cybex Cloud Q, some Chicco brand seats including the Chicco KeyFit 30, Chicco KeyFit 35, and Chicco Fit2; some Britax infant seats, Baby Jogger, Nuna, Maxi-Cosi and the UPPAbaby Mesa. We tested ours with the Chicco Keyfit 30, Chicco Keyfit 35, and the Graco SnugRide SnugFit 35 LX.

This stroller can accept two infant car seats with the right accessories, making it suitable for infant twins. There are two locations for attachment, and the toddler's seats easily disconnect, so you can put on the adapter where the toddler seat connects. All the adapters in our tests did not require assembly and were easy to connect. The Chicco seats were the hardest to attach to the adapter but felt the most stable once installed. In our experience, the seat can sit too far forward or back, preventing it from properly latching. The adapter includes Velcro straps and says you “may attach” them for additional security. This phrase and design doNOT instill great confidence in the installation methodology. The photo shows the straps pushing through loops in the car seat fabric, but we didn't find where this was located on the seats we tested. The Graco seat is easier to connect, but it doesn't feel as stable once connected, and we still couldn't sort out where to put the Velcro straps.

Ease of Setup


The Mockingbird assembly is easy, and the manual provides the necessary pictures and information.



We were able to do it almost without the manual on hand. All that is required is attaching the seats and wheels.

Twins


Because this stroller accepts two infant car seats simultaneously and similar toddler seats, we believe it is a potential contender for those expecting twins. To be considered suitable for twins, we like a stroller that allows for infant car seat connection, some lay-flat seats or bassinet, and toddler seats with similar features, comfort, and adjustability. These design choices allow for fewer complications, fewer sibling arguments, and a similar experience for each child.

Should You Buy the Mockingbird?


This inline stroller might look similar to other inline options, but it struggled during testing to keep up with the higher-priced competition and even some of the lower-priced options. With poor test results for maneuverability and weight and folded size, this stroller can be a pain to use in crowded or tight spaces. It is also so large when folded that it is hard to find a place to put this, and you might have to remove the seats even to fit it in your trunk. Given the higher price and disappointing functionality, we do not recommend the Mockingbird.

What Other Double Stroller Should You Consider?


The UPPAbaby Vista v2 Double is an impressive option we'd recommend to anyone. With impressive test results in almost every metric, it is hard to find a better stroller for multiples. However, the Vista is also almost twice the price of the Mockingbird, making it a potential no-go for those with tighter budgets. If your budget is smaller and you want an inline double, the Evenflo Pivot Xpand Double is a good alternative. It has a similar design, is less expensive, and performs better in critical metrics like maneuverability and weight.

Manufacturer Video



Wendy Schmitz and the BabyGearLab Review Team