Inglesina Aptica XT travel system review

Tested by

Kayleigh Dray lives in Surrey. She tested the Inglesina Aptica XT with her 3-month-old daughter, on both the pavements of her local village as well as on dog walks through the rough terrain of the Surrey Hills.

What were your first impressions?

The Inglesina Aptica XT looks formidable in its packaging, thanks to 4 huge and heavy cardboard boxes arriving on my doorstep. They took up half my living room when I laid them all out! It definitely met my high expectations for such a luxury product, though; this travel system is honestly kitted out with everything you could possibly need for a comfy ride!

How easy is the Inglesina Aptica XT travel system to build?

Once I opened the array of boxes, things became a lot less daunting, with the instructions all in picture format and being very easy to follow. The front wheels were very easy to attach, and it took less than 15 minutes to have the carrycot and frame all set up and ready for my daughter’s first outing. Overall, it was really easy to set up with minimal assembly, as was also agreed by fellow MFM Parent Tester Rachael, who reviewed this with her 4 month old.

Does the Inglesina Aptica XT have a good carrycot?

Quite honestly, this pram’s carrycot is one of the best I’ve come across; it’s large, spacious, and, above all else, comfortable. The Welcome Pad was a brilliant addition; it slid in easily and created a really comfortable and adaptable environment for my little girl. She looked snug and happy whenever she was inside it, and I loved that it could be adapted to correct her posture when needed. The material was ultra-breathable, too, and so easy to keep clean – always an added bonus for a colicky baby with reflux! It's also safe for overnight sleeping and the Aptica XT travel system bundle includes a stand for your carrycot.

Is it easy to attach and remove the Inglesina Aptica XT carrycot from the pushchair?

Yes, the carrycot was incredibly easy to snap on and off the pushchair. It did take me one or two practice runs to get the hang of which buttons to snap, but that’s only because I’ve become so used to my own pram at home. Once I got used to the new mechanisms, though, it became second nature; I was snapping the cot on and off without a second thought – complete with my baby snug as a bug inside.

What is the Inglesina Aptica XT car seat like?

The i-size car seat is extremely luxe, featuring ventilation holes – to prevent baby from sweating – as well as being kitted out with a breathable sun protector. There’s also a head hugger cushion, with the high level of impact protection and the posture-correcting inclination giving you a car seat that’s both comfy and safe.

It’s easy to carry, and not very heavy – just 4.75kg – while the Isofix base means it’s incredibly simple to install in the car. With no adapters needed to snap between the pram, chassis or car, it means you’re far less likely to wake your baby when moving from one to the other.

How easy is it to fold the Inglesina Aptica XT pushchair?

Everything snapped easily in to place, and I was able to fold the buggy up with one hand when needed. Unfolding the pushchair was a little trickier; the instructions didn’t include a clear example of the button needed, and when I did locate it I found it a little stiff to begin with. Thankfully, this loosened quickly with time and use.

How big is the Inglesina Aptica XT buggy when folded?

When folded up, the Inglesina Aptica XT pushchair was admittedly bulkier than expected, measuring H90cmxW53cmxL42cm with the seat attached and H90cmxW53cmxL35cm without. This meant I couldn’t fit it in my mum’s smaller car boot, but the frame slid into the boot of both mine and my mother-in-law’s cars. The carrycot element, however, had to go in the back seat, which made for a cramped drive, but I was pleased to see that it can also be used as a lie-flat car seat, which is ideal for longer journeys.

Parent Tester Rachael agreed, saying “you would still need a large boot to transport this product,” with MFM Editorial Judge Gemma Cartwright agreeing that “the fold itself is large, as these type of buggies tend to be.”

Similarly, I had to fold and unfold the pram outside, as it didn’t fit through my front door when assembled. Although it’s very quick to do, it wouldn’t be ideal when it’s freezing cold outside, and your baby isn’t in the best of moods.

How good is the Inglesina Aptica XT to push and steer?

The pram has two suspension modes – soft and hard – which are supposed to be used on different terrains. Personally, I didn’t notice much of a difference between the two, although my partner (and his dad!) had a lot of fun experimenting with them both!

On the whole, the ride was extremely smooth, even over the bumpiest path, and myself and fellow Parent Tester Rachael were surprised how simple it was to switch between hard and soft terrain modes. Due to it having 4 wheels, judge Gemma explained that it’s “not got the suspension and tight turning circle of a 3-wheeler, but it performs well and represents a great option for someone who wants a newborn buggy that will perform on most terrains. It has an adjustment for soft and hard ground which is very clever and easy to engage, too.”

What are the wheels like on the Inglesina Aptica XT pushchair?

Reassuringly big and chunky, the 4 wheels of this pram are every bit as sturdy as you’d expect. The tyres are double layered, which reduces vibrations and stress bouncing through the pram frame. MFM Editorial Judge Helen Brown found it ran “smoothly with nippy swivel wheels,” but I found it trickier when we hit mud, and uneven grassy areas proved difficult to navigate. I got stuck on one occasion due to a wheel locking in place, which meant that I tended to stick to paths, pavements and woodland areas as opposed to muddy fields and grassland. As a dog walker, this felt a little restrictive at times, especially as the pram is advertised as being able to handle all terrain.

How good is the Inglesina Aptica XT on public transport?

The pram was easy to manoeuvre through the ticket barriers at my local station. However, I did need help navigating it on and off the train: it wasn’t easy to lift up and over the gap between the platform surface and the train door due to its size. As the train was reasonably empty, it was easy to stand with the pram at the luggage rack. I imagine if things got crowded, though, that it would be worth folding it down and stowing away.

How do you rate the Inglesina Aptica XT pushchair’s handle?

The handle is very simple to adjust, and I managed to get it into a comfy position very easily. Just a click and a snap and it’s all sorted! It’s worth noting that Rachael was impressed that “unlike other buggies, the handle doesn’t hit the floor when folding up” – yet she also felt it was quite high, even on its lowest setting, meaning “shorter mums may not find the grip to be the most comfortable position for keeping their wrists flat while pushing.” Having said that, it’s very comfortable to hold; the buggy’s suspension makes for a smooth ride without lots of bumpy vibrations to grip through.

What’s the hood like on the Inglesina Aptica XT?

All three testers, including myself, were impressed with the hood of the Aptica XT. “The hood on the car seat is very sturdy, protecting baby from all weathers,” said Rachael; while Helen found it to have “lots of adjustability and shading.” I have to agree. The hood of the carrycot kept my daughter well shielded from both the wind and the sun, thanks to its UV ray-blocking visor. It was tricky to stretch over the frame and button into place at first, but it slowly began to ease and give a little.

What’s the chassis of the Inglesina Aptica XT like?

Strong and durable, the black frame sets off the khaki pram perfectly and looks simple, stylish and elegant. Rachael found it to be “lightweight and easy to handle,” while I like the fact it doesn’t scratch easily, faring well on several gravel paths. It also wipes clean easily, too.

How good are the brakes on the Inglesina Aptica XT travel system?

The brake is very easy to click into place with your foot and feels incredibly safe once locked; the pram stops moving immediately when it’s in use. Thanks to its positioning, you don’t ever find yourself kicking it accidentally, which is a real added bonus if you’re as clumsy as I am!

Does the Inglesina Aptica XT have a good storage basket?

The basket folds up neatly with the pram frame, and tester Rachael said it was easily accessible with either the carrycot or car seat. Gemma, however, found the basket “generous but slightly hard to access from the back due to the handle for the fold.” I personally found that it didn’t hold many items: I managed a blanket and a few bits of shopping. This meant I had to carry the bulk of my baby’s paraphernalia in a bag on my back. I also noticed that when very full the basket catches on the latches of the wheels when in the up position. Thankfully, the cup holder meant I could pop a takeaway tea or bottle of water in it as I strolled, making for a nice handsfree experience.

What else did you find useful about the Inglesina Aptica XT travel system?

My baby loved the Aptica so much that I often popped her in the carrycot around the house, Moses basket style. I’m not alone in this train of thought, either – other reviews online have said their own baby loved to take their daytime nap in the pram! It was so easy to snap on and off the frame that it was perfect for her to nap in during the day. The interior was a very breathable material, too, which was a big added bonus – especially for an overzealous first time mum like me!

What’s in the box?

• Stroller
• Carrycot
• Stand
• Storage basket
• Welcome Pad®
• Car seat
• Half raincover
• Foot muff
• Cup holder

Are there any additional accessories you can buy for the Inglesina Aptica XT?

• Summercover for stroller
• Mosquito net for carrycot
• Raincover for stroller

Now that you’ve tested it, what would you have wanted to know before buying the Aptica XT travel system?

While this pram is undeniably brilliant – and apparently great in snowy and sandy conditions – it doesn’t handle the quagmire that is my local woodland very well. Unlike my 3-wheeler, it veered into the mud and stuck fast. Gemma felt that “the bumper bar is at a very strange angle – downwards instead of upwards, which doesn’t add anything”; while I’d also want to know that it isn’t as compact as you’d like for fitting in a car boot.

Who would the Inglesina Aptica XT be most useful for?

This pushchair is made for anyone looking for a stylish model – one that would be just at home on a trip round the local village shops as it would on a weekend away to the beach. It’s also ideal for anyone hoping to tick a lot of boxes with just one bit of kit; this isn’t just a pram, after all. It’s a Moses basket, lie down car seat, and regular car seat, too!

Would you say this travel system is good value for money?

If you have the money to spend, then the Inglesina Aptica XT is well worth it; it’s an elevated version of most travel systems, made with your baby’s comfort in mind, and is as stylish as it’s durable.

How does this compare to similar travel systems?

Where can I buy the Inglesina Aptica XT travel system?

Available from Baby & Co, Trendy Baby and Baby Birds

MadeForMums Verdict:

This pram is a brilliant option for anyone who wants their baby to enjoy a luxurious ride. It’s well ventilated on hot days, snuggly on cooler ones – and, if you buy the winter muff, great for chilly days, too. It’s pricey but handles certain terrains well, and is easy to use and assemble.

As mentioned by fellow tester Rachael: “The soft terrain option does reduce the bumps felt by baby but it’s not a fully smooth ride” – while in my opinion it struggles in muddy and hilly ground, but these are such small complaints that are easily avoided. If you have the room at home, I wholeheartedly recommend this model. I had several people come up and compliment me when out pushing the Inglesina Aptica XT, and it’s easy to see why!