We Compare the Mockingbird Single to the Mockingbird Single-to-Double

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Parenting often requires you to shell out a lot of money for all kinds of products, and your little one may grow out of some, like their baby stroller, quicker than you'd like — whether that's because you're ready to move on to a lightweight stroller or your family is growing and you need a double stroller. When it comes to picking the right stroller for your family, there's a lot to consider, from the design to car compatibility (hello, car seat and stroller combos!) to convertibility 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. They distribute everything themselves and aren't at the mercy of retail stores, which allows them to control the price pretty tightly. They have a nice regular single stroller, and if you have two kids (or are planning on it), the brand's single-to-double stroller allows you to add on a second seat with minimal effort.

What is the Mockingbird stroller?

The Mockingbird stroller comes in two versions, the single stroller ($395) for those pushing one kid and the single-to-double version ($450) which costs a bit more but 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 single stroller (not the single-to-double), you won't be able to convert it into a double later.

The seat configuration that the strollers are sold with is designed for kids 6 months and up who weigh less than 50 pounds (or 45 pounds each if there's two). But, if you're looking to use it as soon as baby gets home from the hospital, you can purchase the companion bassinet, infant seat insert or car seat adapter which can be used with one of 30 compatible infant car seats.

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). Meanwhile, the sunshade (which offers a clever stay-put design) is included with purchase.

Seat Liner

Hand Muff

Parent Organizer

Mosquito Net

Is the Mockingbird stroller worth it?

In testing the Mockingbird strollers, our pros loved that it boasts a wide wheelbase for stability, multiple see-through pieces in the canopy (both a see-through peekaboo window and a zippered mesh section when opened further) and an extra pocket behind the seat for smaller items. We also love that the rain cover is designed to not only protect the child, but the contents of the underseat basket, as well.

For busy parents that seem to never have enough hands, the stroller can easily be folded down with one hand with the seat attached or removed, so you don't have to set baby down while doing so. While testing, we found that it may take a trial or two to acclimate to the method, but it’s simple once you do, and as a bonus the stroller can stand upright on its own in the folded position so you don't have to hold it up. 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. We found the under carriage to provide ample storage space, and like that it can be opened from the front to allow for easy access in and out for baby necessities (or groceries!).

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 warranty on the product. Like many other DTC companies, Mockingbird is dedicated to making charitable contributions, and at their launch they have partnered with Baby2Baby, an organization dedicated to providing family’s in need basics for survival.

Design-wise, we also appreciate that you can mix and match components: The canopy comes in one of five colors, the under-canopy lining is available in two patterned designs (both black and white to help support visual development with contrast) and handlebar leather in black or brown.

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 between the single and single-to-double stroller is the ability to add on a second seat for an additional child. While both the single and single-to-double arrive with only one seat and all the same extra features, the single-to-double has the ability and space to work with the second seat kit to create room for a second kid. Be careful not to purchase the single stroller with the intention of adding on the second seat kit though, as that isn't possible.

According to Mockingbird, both the single and the single-to-double strollers feature a one-handed fold, spill-resistant canopy, adjustable handlebar (great for tall or short parents), seats that reverse and recline, extra-large storage space and more. We have found this to be true in our assessments as well. To accommodate the potential extra seat, the single-to-double is a few inches longer. The single stroller has three infant style arrangements and two toddler ones, while the single-to-double has 14 different arrangements to fit two infants, an infant and a toddler or two toddlers. Both can snap on a riding board that lets slightly older kids join in on the fun.

What happened with the Mockingbird stroller recall?

On the safety front, the Mockingbird single-to-double was recently recalled on November 10th due to cracking that can develop on the lower side of the stroller frame. This can pose a risk as children could fall while sitting in the stroller, or be subject to cuts and bruising.

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 of two frame clamps to help reinforce the frame.

In general, the company has met all necessary industry standards set forth by the ASTM and underwent the JPMA (Juvenile Product Manufacturers Association) safety certification program, and all Mockingbird strollers currently being sold through its own website, Babylist and Target are not affected by November's voluntary recall of certain Single-to-Double Strollers.

How do similar stroller brands stack up?

The UppaBaby Vista V2 Stroller is a similar versatile choice for single-to-double strollers that features a no-rethread harness, accessories for a third kid to hop on the kickstand and reversible seats that our testers loved could let you switch baby from parent-facing to outward-facing in a pinch, but unlike the Mockingbird it can be a bit more cumbersome to fold and comes with a far heftier price tag.

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 educational apps for learning new things.

For more than 15 years, Chief Technologist & Director of Engineering Rachel Rothman has put her training in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics to work by researching, testing and writing about parenting products. She leads our testing efforts in most juvenile products, including strollers. Plus, as a mom to three kids under 6, she's personally used many of the products we recommend in real life for longer-term testing with her own children. In her role as Parenting & Pets Reviews Analyst, Jamie Spain brings years of journalism experience, having reviewed products for Good Housekeeping from toys to baby humidifiers.

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