In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The Mockingbird is a top-ranked full-size stroller. It performed well during testing against options that were almost twice the price, and we think you get a lot for what you are spending. The Mockingbird has a comfortable seating area, a canopy with a zip-open mesh panel, and a super large storage bin with a larger-than-average maximum capacity. It moves smoothly on flat surfaces and managed not to be a challenge in the grass despite being somewhat of a workout. When folded, the Mockingbird is heavy and large, 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 just missed winning an award, but we think it might fill a niche for some city dwellers who are planning to grow their family and carry loads of supplies.
REASONS TO BUY
Nice materials
Easy recline
Good customer service
REASONS TO AVOID
Stupid heavy
Brakes require special attention to full-pressure
New Mockingbird 2
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.
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%)
8.1
7.8
8.0
6.5
5.9
Maneuverability(25%)
8.3
7.1
5.4
7.8
7.6
Transport/Storing(15%)
4.0
6.8
4.2
5.4
7.0
Quality(10%)
7.3
8.0
6.7
4.0
2.7
Kid's Comfort(10%)
8.1
7.6
7.3
5.4
3.5
Specs
Mockingbird Stroller
Cybex Balios S Lux
Evenflo Pivot Xpand
Baby Trend Expediti...
Baby Trend Expedition
Weight
30.2
25.3
30.0
28.1
24.0
BGL Folded Dims.
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
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
Mfr. Max Allowable Total Storage Weight
25
24
11
11
15
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)
Min./Max. Handle Height
33"/43"
39.5"/43"
33"/44.7"
41.5"
41"
Wheel Type
Foam Filled Rubber
Foam Filled Plastic
Foam Filled Plastic
Pneumatic
Pneumatic
Brake type
Single
Single
Single
Double
Double
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
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
The Mockingbird has several features that are easy to use.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Mockingbird is easy to use and has one of the higher scores in the group for this metric.
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. 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.
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 goes from side to side across the frame that 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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 you'd think, given the size, and it performed well in this metric.
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 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.
The wheels on the Mockingbird are a step up from the plastic wheels we typically see on inexpensive strollers.
While the Mockingbird has a lot of exposed fasteners and plastic components, it still looks higher-end than most in its price range.
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 Mockingbird has thoughtful leatherette-wrapped components that give it the look of a higher-end option.
The Mockingbird canopy has a flap cover to look through the peek-a-boo window.
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.
The fabric and padding in the Mockingbird seat provide a comfortable seating space for little ones.
The belly bar on the Mockingbird seat swings aside to make it easier for children to get into the seat.
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 Mockingbird seat lays flat when fully reclined.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
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.
