Mockingbird

Mockingbird started as a direct-to-consumer stroller brand that focuses on modular strollers, much like the UPPAbaby Vista.

Even though Mockingbird started as an online-only brand, it expanded its distribution to Target in recent years.

Mockingbird founder Eric Osman said the direct-to-consumer model enables lower prices. "We bypass the markup – often 40 percent or more – that traditional retailers place on baby products," Osman told AlleyWatch.com when the brand launched in 2018.

Osman worked at Harry's (the men's grooming company) before launching Mockingbird. He explained in an interview that the direct-to-consumer model allows more customization of the stroller:

"Mockingbird allows shoppers to customize their baby strollers. They can choose the canopy color, the pattern on the inside of the canopy and the color of the leather on the handlebar. Consumers are essentially buying made-to-order strollers via the company’s web interface, which is traditionally only available on more expensive strollers."

As of this writing, the price of the Mockingbird's flagship model (plus bassinet sold separately) is about 41% less than the UPPAbaby Vista (which includes a bassinet).

Flagship Model: Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller

Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller

The Mockingbird Single-to-Double Stroller (27 lbs.; see price on Target) can convert from a single to a double stroller with the addition of a second seat (sold separately; see price on Target). The stroller debuted in 2019.

Mockingbird Stroller Second Seat

Like many modular strollers, the Mockingbird has a series of accessories to expand the functionality of the stroller, including a bassinet and riding board (for a second child to stand on the back). The company also sells an infant seat adapter that is compatible with Baby Jogger city GO 2, Britax B-Safe Gen2, Gen2FlexFit, Chicco KeyFit, KeyFit 30, KeyFit 35, Fit2 (all models), Graco Snugride SnugFit and SnugLock (all models).

The Mockingbird's key features include never-flat wheels that are rubberized and an extendable canopy that includes mesh ventilation. The seat on the Mockingbird can face toward the parent or forward.

While retailer Target sells the Mockingbird, it only offers a limited number of accessories. Mockingbird's own website sells additional accessories like a snack tray, seat liner and parent organizer. The one-hand stroller folds with or without the seat attached.

The stroller's value pitch is somewhat undermined by the lack of storage—the cup holder and parent organizer are extra purchases, for example.

Criticism

The Wirecutter was not impressed with this stroller in a 2023 review:

"(Mockingbird) offers an Uppababy-esque look at a far more budget-friendly price, but we have serious concerns about its quality. We found this stroller hard to fold and unfold, and the handlebar was uniquely uncomfortable. When we pushed the empty stroller on uneven pavement, one of the front wheels popped up, which we found unsettling—we also heard stories about the entire stroller frame collapsing mid-push."

Consumer Reports reported on the Mockingbird's frame problems in 2022 article that noted "dozens of parents who have recently shared their stories on social media, in private messages, and with regulators at the Consumer Product Safety Commission about the same Mockingbird Single-to-Double stroller suddenly breaking during normal use.

Consumer Reports called on Mockingbird to recall the stroller, which happened in November 2022 (see below).

Safety Recalls

In 2022, Mockingbird recalled 149,595 strollers for frames that could crack. "The firm has received 138 reports of cracks in the frame, including eight injuries involving cuts, scratches or bruising to children in the strollers," said the CPSC.

In March 2023, Mockingbird expanded the recall to a now discontinued single stroller model. The recall covered an additional 25,390 strollers for the same frame issue.