Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller Review From Mom of Two
In a nutshell
The Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller is a great option for growing families. Giving it a total score of 4.5 out of 5, our product tester was a fan of the lightweight design, plentiful storage and multiple configuration options, but found it difficult to maneuver in tandem mode.
Compiling a list of must-have baby gear? A stroller will likely be one of your biggest, and most important, investments. After all, a stroller is often the main mode of transportation for walks with baby, trips to the grocery store and all the other minutiae of daily life. There are many types of strollers available—from flexible travel systems to lightweight umbrella strollers—but if you have multiple kids or hope to grow your family in the future, Mockingbird’s Single-to-Double Stroller is a safe bet.
To get a clear picture of how this stroller actually works for families, we asked a mom of two to test it out and tell us what she thought. Below, find her honest review—plus pros and cons to consider, technical specs and additional input from the editorial team and members of The Bump community.
About the Mockingbird
- Easy to fold and unfold
- Deep storage basket
- Multiple configurations
- Accessories sold separately
- Difficult to maneuver in double stroller mode
The Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller offers many of the features found on a premium stroller at a more affordable price point. Four rubberised wheels pivot and glide over any terrain, without running the risk of a flat that comes with air-filled tires. It can be folded with one hand—with or without the seat attached—and stands upright when folded for easy storage. An extendable UPF 50+ sun canopy shields your child from the elements, while a magnetic peek-a-boo window allows for easy check-ins. And an adjustable handlebar makes for a comfortable pushing experience.
But the real standout feature is its versatility. It functions as a single and double stroller, with over 19 configurations to choose from. Add a second seat to transport two children or attach the riding board so older tots can hitch a ride. The modular system even switches between forward-facing and parent-facing modes with the addition of a car-seat adaptor or bassinet, making it suitable for newborns too. One possible downside is that all accessories, including the second seat kit, are sold separately. However, we’ve done the math and can tell you that even with all of the accessories, this stroller is still considerably cheaper than other models with the same capabilities.
To note, in 2022 the brand issued a voluntary recall of certain strollers due to a number of reports of hairline cracks in the frame. Since the recall, Mockingbird has made improvements to the Single-to-Double stroller frame: It’s now engineered with reinforced frame tubing and a thicker inner core, making it stronger and more durable. An updated crossbar design and connection points have also added to the robustness of this stroller, and Mockingbird has developed 54 new processes to test products across a full range of activities, including maneuverability, wheel integrity, braking, folding and stability. All Mockingbird strollers currently for sale are not affected by the recall.
Dimensions (open): 33" (L) x 25.5" (W) x 40" (H) | Dimensions (folded): 18" (L) x 25.5" (W) x 34" (H) | Weight: 26.5 lbs. | Capacity: 45 lbs. per seat | One-handed fold: Yes | Car seat compatible: Yes
To find out how the Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller performed in a real family setting, we:
- Enlisted the help of Kimberly, an independent product tester and mom of a 4-month-old baby and 23-month-old toddler, to take the stroller for multiple test-drives. She tested the Mockingbird stroller in single and double format and with a stroller board across a number of different situations, including grocery shopping, uneven sidewalks, along the beach and up and down ramps.
- Asked Kimberley to rate the stroller across six categories—including ease of use, folding and unfolding, features, design and value—on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 being the worst possible score and 5 being the best. Her ratings have been combined with extensive research by our in-house editorial team to inform the in-depth product review below.
- Surveyed over 300 new and expectant parents in May of 2023, gathering feedback on the baby gear they used with their own families. We asked survey respondents to rate the Mockingbird stroller and tell us what they liked and disliked about it.
Editorial integrity is at the heart of everything we publish. Read about how The Bump develops and reviews all articles, including product reviews.
After using the Mockingbird in single and double mode with her children, our product tester, Kimberly, evaluated the stroller based on six categories: Ease of pushing and steering, folding and unfolding, ease of use, features, style and design and value for money. Here’s what she thought, in her own words.
Ease of pushing and steering
Pushing both my younger baby (4 months) and older child (almost 2) in this stroller in a single format was incredibly smooth, easy and comfortable. From morning walks around town (which involved occasionally encountering uneven sidewalks) to afternoons down at the beach, the single format pushed consistently on all terrains. It never felt heavy to push, even when weighed down with multiple diaper bags, toys and the occasional grocery bag. It was easy to make tight turns in narrow aisles when out shopping and the handlebar was comfortable on my hands, even on long walks around town.
Once the stroller was converted to the double format, it became much more difficult to maneuver. When encountering even the smallest of bumps in the sidewalk, I would have to lean almost all of my body weight on the bottom bar next to the wheel to essentially lift the stroller up and over the bump. I had to do my best to keep my eye out for bumps on our walks around town because if I did stop to help lift the stroller over them, the stroller would jam against them. The stroller also felt very heavy to push up the ramp to access our cabana down at the beach and it was nearly impossible to navigate the same narrow aisles that I had no problem with when using the Mockingbird in single format. It seemed that with the additional weight of the second seat and child the stroller’s tires and suspension were just not able to move as smoothly and seamlessly as they did with one.
Rating: 3 out of 5
Folding and unfolding
Folding, unfolding and getting this stroller set up was incredibly easy and honestly downright pleasant. I’ve had some really frustrating situations getting other strollers in and out of our car, sometimes leaving me out of breath, but not with the Mockingbird. In both the single and double format it was a breeze to get the stroller in and out of the car. The buttons to pop the seats and adapters in and out are super user-friendly and smooth. To fold the stroller, slide one button on the handlebar and push another—it can easily be done with one hand.
Unfolding is just as easy, and I could get the double format out of the car and set up within a minute, which was a huge plus for going out with both children on my own. My almost 70-year-old in-laws even remarked that they couldn’t believe how easily they were able to get the stroller in and out of their car, and that they figured out how to get the seats set up within just a few minutes.
Once folded, the stroller is a great size and easily fits in our trunk with both of the seats neatly stacked on top. It seemed to fold very narrowly for a stroller that opened up to be so spacious, and didn’t come close to taking up the whole trunk, which was great.
Storage-wise, we tend to keep the stroller either folded in the trunk or in the double format in our garage. It’s great to be able to keep it folded in the trunk, as we always have a stroller handy when out and about, without entirely sacrificing the use of our trunk.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Ease of use
The stroller, in both single and double format, was incredibly easy to use. The instructions were clear and included very helpful images. Because they were so easy to follow, I didn’t find it necessary to use video instructions. It took about 10 to 15 minutes to set up from start to finish, including opening up the pieces from their packaging.
Converting from single to double use was also extremely quick and simple, and can be achieved in about two to three minutes. The buttons are very easy to use. The adapters are simple to move and the seats click right in and out, but always feel very safe and secure once clicked in.
The stroller brake is located in the middle of the stroller and is a little difficult to access in the double format. Turning the brake off required an awkward lunge forward and a lot of physical force to release. However, it did feel safe and secure once on, and is much easier to access in the single format.
The accessories I tested were also very easy to install on the frame of the stroller. The cup holder and parent organizer installed within seconds and the ride-on board was extremely quick and simple to attach to the frame. It was also easy to switch the board from a standing to seated position while on the go: The small seat pops right out and switches with a plug to fill the hole. This was extremely helpful with a toddler who was not able to make up her mind! It’s also very easy to unhook and store the board in the basket beneath the stroller, once that same toddler decides she’d like to ride back in the stroller again while you’re waiting in line in the grocery store.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Features
The basket was a great size and easily held two diaper bags along with whatever we needed to carry with us that day (beach towels, baby carrier, groceries, etc.). It’s also wonderful that the basket is so deep, because you can feel confident that your belongings are securely sitting beneath the stroller. I felt no stress walking around town with my purse below the stroller, knowing it was sitting securely at the bottom of the basket.
The hoods on the seats were great and seemed to pull down farther in the front than other strollers I’ve used before. That was extremely helpful when trying to keep my girls out of the strong summer sun on our walks down at the beach. The hoods also have a flap that has a mesh window, which allows you to easily check on your children, while also providing additional ventilation on hot days. This was definitely a differentiating feature that we loved!
Both my toddler and infant were big fans of the seat, which offered a variety of reclines depending on the type of walk we were taking. On our first walk, my infant (who typically can’t get comfortable enough to fall asleep in the stroller, as she is a bit bigger for her age) was comfortably out cold within 10 to 15 minutes of starting our walk.
The seats are lined with a comfortable material that’s plush and supportive, while the depth of the seats make for a great ride for toddlers and infants alike. I absolutely loved that both the single and double seats are the same size, so there was no concern about my toddler being able to fit in one of the seats. I did have to add an infant headrest insert I had purchased separately in order for my 4-month-old daughter to ride safely in the reclined position, just until her neck is a bit stronger. It was very easy to insert the headrest seamlessly into the seat.
The bassinet was also great quality; however, my daughter was unfortunately a bit too big at this age to use it safely. I did note the vented hood, which was another great feature. It seemed to be made of the same comfortable fabric and material as the seats, so I’m sure had she fit in it, it would have been a great ride.
The parent organizer was awesome and included deep pockets with sturdy organizers in between. I was able to dedicate one pocket to my phone, wallet and keys, one to snacks and pouches and one to burp cloths with room to spare. It was easy to adjust when moving between single and double format and the Velcro felt very safe and sturdy. The cup holder was also very easy to get on and off, but was a bit small. It fit a 16-ounce water bottle easily, but anything larger or wider (like an iced coffee cup) was snug.
Last but not least: The ride-on board. This was a tremendous hit with my toddler! I really loved that unlike other boards I’ve seen or used, this board sits out to the side of the stroller rather than right in front of you as you push. It gave my toddler more room to ride comfortably and protected my feet from getting stubbed on the board, all while still allowing me to hold onto her hand and feel like she was riding safely and securely. It was great that we also had the option for her to ride standing up or seated on the small stool attachment. My one suggestion would be to add a hand loop or something for the child to hold onto when seated, because it was a little harder in that position to make sure she was secure, particularly when going around bumps or making turns.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Style and design
The stroller style is very clean and chic, and looks like many of the high-end strollers you see around town. I liked that the outside of the shades were black, but the inside had a simple pattern that has kept my baby’s attention at times. The metal frame seems to be of good quality, and it was really nice that it was not insanely heavy.
The leather-like handlebar is the only thing from a design perspective I think could use improvement. It looks a bit shiny and plastic-like, rather than the leather I believe it’s intended to mimic.
As mentioned in the section above, I’d love to see a safety feature added to allow for kids to ride more sturdily while using the ride-on board. Perhaps a hand loop or an additional handlebar could be considered in future models.
Rating: 4 out of 5
Value for money
Understanding that this stroller retails for about half the price of similar strollers, I think this is incredible value! Anything strollers at the higher price point have or can do, this stroller does.
The only thing it doesn’t do as easily is maneuver in the double format. But I expect this is an issue across all different types of strollers, due to weight distribution once you add a second child in a tandem riding format.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Summary
I would absolutely recommend this stroller to people on a budget or those simply on the hunt for a single to double stroller that’s lightweight, extremely comfortable and has accessories to fit your daily lifestyle. This stroller is stylish and functional, and I love that I can feel confident in my ability to quickly open and close it with one hand while navigating shopping trips with two babies on my own. While the wheels and suspension leave a bit to be desired in the double format, particularly over sidewalk bumps or in narrow spaces, the Mockingbird is a great option for growing families.
Average rating: 4.5 out of 5
In May of 2023, The Bump editors conducted a survey of 300 new and expectant parents from among our community, and asked what type of stroller they used and whether or not they liked it. Below, find a selection of feedback from survey respondents who have firsthand experience with the Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller:
Pros:
“Basket is huge and the seats are large enough to accommodate a big kid. Style and design are very nice, feels luxury without the price tag.” - parent of two and The Bump survey respondent
“Easy to fold, basket size is really big, option to recline seat to different positions. Worth the price.” - parent of one and The Bump survey respondent
Cons:
“Doesn’t fold very well, the front wheels get stuck on the basket.” - parent of two and The Bump survey respondent
Plus, more from The Bump:
The Bump survey of 300 parents and parents-to-be, May 2023
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