In partnership with Mockingbird.
I’ve found shopping for baby products to be particularly challenging. There are so many options out there with a range of benefits – and price tags. And while I’m all for spending money on products that are truly worth the splurge, I have no interest in shelling out unnecessary cash for a brand name. Being intentional is hard – much harder than I realized.
So, as you can imagine, I spent a lot of time researching strollers before my second arrived. And in the single-to-double stroller world, two brands that looked very similar kept appearing, time and again: UPPAbaby’s classic (and quite expensive) Vista V2 and Mockingbird’s newer (and much more reasonably priced) Single-to-Double Stroller. This felt like the perfect opportunity for a throwdown: old school, expensive classic vs. newer entrant, direct-to-consumer disruptor. Which stroller did I walk away with? Read on to find out…
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The Players
UPPAbaby: UPPAbaby changed the game for parents in the early 2000s when it introduced its Vista stroller, which converts between a single and double mode to accommodate multiple littles on the go. The brand’s V2 version offers even more features (bassinet, canopy, storage) than the original fan-favorite stroller.
Mockingbird: Founded in 2019, Mockingbird’s Single-to-Double Stroller boasts similar functionality and features for a fraction of the cost. In classic direct-to-consumer fashion, the brand cuts out the middleman to deliver a high quality product directly to shoppers – at a much more affordable price point.
Functionality
First and foremost, do these strollers work? What are they like to push? Do they make life easier?
UPPAbaby: This stroller is well-made and built to last – plus it has impressive features like an extendable canopy, adjustable handlebars and a large storage basket that make it convenient for day-to-day use. It also glides smoothly (especially in its single mode) thanks to large wheels. While a bit tougher to maneuver in double mode, that’s due to the nature of pushing two littles around, not the stroller itself. Overall, you can feel that it’s a well designed stroller made with parents in mind – it’s smooth, easy to push and turn, and durable.
Mockingbird: Mockingbird’s Single-to-Double looks and feels really similar to the Vista V2. It also has a durable and quality-made fabric, extendable canopy, adjustable handlebars, and great storage (it holds up to 25 lbs, which the V2 can hold up to 30). It’s also about the same size and weight and handles quite like the V2: impressively maneuverable in its single mode, and as easy to push and turn as can be expected when in double mode. While they have small differences, the bottom line here is that these strollers are both extremely impressive and convenient – both for pushing one or two littles.
Winner: Tie
Versatility
How can you configure each stroller? How do they grow with your family?
UPPAbaby: The Vista V2 is a modular stroller, meaning both the primary and secondary seat can face either direction (all you have to do is press two buttons, lift, and voilà!). This stroller can hold up to 50 lbs in the main seat, plus 35 in the second seat (or the RumbleSeat as the brand calls it). The Vista V2 can also accommodate a third child thanks to its PiggyBack board, which allows a child to stand in the handlebar area.
Mockingbird: Also a modular stroller, Mockingbird offers 19 different configurations to accommodate your family as your needs change. Like the Vista V2, it allows both seats to forward-face or parent-face with an easy press and lift, and it also allows a third child to ride along thanks to its Riding Board. The Mockingbird has two differences when it comes to seat configuration: both the primary and secondary seats can carry 45 lbs each (making this stroller more ideal for families with twins, as each seat can carry the same weight). Additionally, the Riding Board is off to the side of this stroller, an intentional design choice by Mockingbird: it doesn’t get in the way of the parent’s stride as you push the Stroller.
It’s worth noting that neither stroller comes with the second seat. Each has to be purchased.
Winner: Mockingbird
Convenience
Are they easy to fold? Transport around? Are they compatible with popular car seats?
UPPAbaby: This stroller requires two hands to fold, which can be a bit of a hassle if your hands are full. It stands once folded, which is convenient and space-saving, especially if you’re living in a smaller space. Another convenient element is its lower basket, which can hold up to 30 pounds (I love this for carrying groceries!). This stroller is also compatible with UPPAbaby Mesa infant car seat without the need for adapters, and several other car seats (Chicco models: KeyFit and KeyFit 30; Maxi-Cosi models: Mico, Mico AP, Mico NXT, Mico Max 30, Citi, Cabrio, and CabrioFix) with adapters.
Mockingbird: Mockingbird’s one-handed fold is one of the biggest selling points of this stroller – plus it automatically locks and stands upright when folded (a great space-saving feature like the Vista V2). It also has a basket that can carry up to 25 pounds (not as much as the Vista V2, but it still holds everything I’ve needed it to). In terms of compatibility, Mockingbird is compatible with ten brands: Baby Jogger, Britax, Chicco, Clek (new this year!), Cybex, Evenflo, Graco, Maxi-Cosi, Nuna and Uppababy so you can truly build your own travel system.
Winner: Mockingbird
Price
How much does each cost? What do you get for what you pay? And is the price justified?
UPPAbaby: The Vista V2 starts at $999 and includes a bassinet and full-sized toddler seat. The second seat (RumbleSeat) costs an extra $219.99. The product is well-made with a luxurious fabric and full-grain leather details. While I wouldn’t consider any stroller gorgeous, per se, it’s one of the more sophisticated-looking strollers I’ve seen. All in all, there is a lot to like about this stroller – and I would have said it’s worth the price if you can afford it…before I tried out the Mockingbird Single-to-Double.
Mockingbird: Here’s where Mockingbird simply can’t be beat. While the stroller has all of the same features as the Vista V2 – and just as beautiful – it’s less than half of the cost, without sacrificing quality. Mockingbird’s Single-to-Double Stroller costs $450 and includes one seat. You’ll have to pay an extra $140 for a bassinet (that’s included in the base price of the Vista V2), and a second seat costs $145, but a double stroller that’s this quality-made for under $600 is extremely impressive – most comparable models are over $1,000!
Winner: Mockingbird
Overall winner: Mockingbird
Both of these strollers are exceptional single-to-double strollers – they’re well made and offer a lot of options to grow with your family. With that being said, Mockingbird’s price tag simply cannot be beat. The brand’s mission to “empower parents by supporting you… and offering well-designed products that provide real value,” is so evident in this product that I have zero hesitation in recommending it to parents of one or more children. Life is easier with better products – and Mockingbird makes that incredibly apparent!
