Kinderkraft APINO stroller review

How easy is it to set up the Kinderkraft APINO stroller?

It was extremely quick to assemble this stroller. It only really involved adding wheels in the right positions and a bumper bar across the seat. The instructions were via diagrams, and for the most part, they were very clear and easy to decipher. I was able to follow them and assemble the stroller very quickly. However, I found that there was very little information on some features, such as how to lift and then lower the end of the seat to extend the seat further to raise my baby's feet. I had to find this information by searching online for videos.

How easy is the Kinderkraft APINO stroller to fold and unfold?

The APINO stroller folds extremely easily, using an auto-folding function. It only involves pulling and pushing 2 buttons on the handle, and then the stroller folds itself. It folds neatly with the bumper bar easily accessible to use as a handle to carry the stroller. However, I did find occasionally that if I tried to unfold the APINO quickly, it would sometimes catch slightly and would not open up fully, and I would have to refold it and then open it again more slowly.

How compact is the Kinderkraft APINO stroller when folded?

It's relatively compact, measuring L34.5cm x W47cm x H58cm when folded. It is not as compact as some strollers, for example, that can be taken as hand luggage, like the Cybex Libelle at L48cm x W32cm x H20cm, but it does fold to a small enough size to fit in a boot and leave plenty of space. I found I was even able to place it in the car footwell.

It's ideal for fitting into a tight storage space – I've been able to store this in a cupboard when not placed in the car. And I can imagine that it would fit easily in a small car boot.

Is the Kinderkraft APINO stroller light enough to carry?

Although it is a lightweight stroller, coming in at 7.5kg, I found that it was not the easiest to carry when folded. There's no shoulder strap, so I used the bumper bar as a handle to carry it, but it still felt slightly cumbersome, and I couldn't carry it easily with a little one in my arms. Once placed over my shoulder, the stroller still felt quite heavy to carry for longer distances

How easy is it to push and steer the Kinderkraft APINO stroller?

It is an easy-to-push stroller, but the steering takes some effort, especially around tight spaces. The handle is very comfortable to use, but it's not height-adjustable.

How well does the Kinderkraft APINO stroller handle different terrains?

This stroller handled very flat, even surfaces well, for example, in shops. It could manage grass surfaces, but I can imagine a child heavier than my 11-month-old may find it harder to push against grassy surfaces.

The wheels are also quite small, so it didn't manage well on any particularly muddy grass surfaces, and I found it extremely difficult to manoeuvre over any uneven surfaces. I used the stroller during the school run, and the pavements around my child's school have paving stones which can be at slightly different heights; it didn't take much variation in height for the stroller to become stuck on the paving stones. This caused difficulties as I would need to lift the pram up and put it down on the pavement again. Unfortunately, this has happened multiple times during every school run, making it quite frustrating during a very busy time of the day.

Does it handle kerbs and bumps smoothly?

The Kinderkraft APINO stroller finds manoeuvring over kerbs or bumps difficult. I have needed to lift the stroller wheels up and over a kerb to avoid the wheels getting stuck. It can manage small bumps, but it takes a lot of effort to push the stroller over these.

Does the Kinderkraft APINO stroller feel durable?

I think that parts of the stroller feel durable, for example, the material used for the seat and the hood, and the handlebars. However, I found that the wheels began to make a noise very quickly, and on occasions, the front wheels would spin, making it more difficult to push the stroller. Overall, though, it feels solid.

What do you think of the hood on the Kinderkraft APINO stroller?

The canopy extends far over the seat, providing ample sun protection. The hood also offers a ventilation panel allowing for free-flowing air, which is very useful on a hotter day and when little one is napping in the reclined position.

How comfortable is the Kinderkraft APINO stroller for your baby?

Ellis appears to be comfortable when sitting in the stroller and enjoys the reclining option as he can relax fully when sleeping. He doesn't appear to find the harness uncomfortable, but I have noticed that it looks particularly large on him, even at 11 months old. However much I have adjusted the straps and tightened them, the whole harness appears to sit loosely over his shoulders, which has meant at times he can sit further forward than I am comfortable with.

What's the storage basket like on the Kinderkraft APINO stroller?

The APINO offers a storage basket below the stroller seat with ample room for all your on-the-go essentials, including all the various nappies/toys/multiple spare clothes you need with a baby! It can be reached easily from the back of the stroller, however, it would have been more useful to have more access points around the stroller, as when it's full, you need to remove everything to reach some items at the back of the basket. That said, it can handle heavier loads with ease, with no signs of sagging, which is a huge plus.

How practical is the Kinderkraft APINO stroller for parents?

I think that the ease of folding and unfolding the stroller more than makes it very practical. As a mum-of-4, the school run is a hectic time of the day. Being able to unload the stroller and unfold it easily with one hand has been a game-changer and has reduced a lot of my stress!

How does the Kinderkraft APINO compare to similar strollers you’ve used?

I have previously used a similar lightweight compact stroller, and comparing that to the APINO, I found that this stroller feels far more robust. It feels solid, offering a reassuring sense of durability, and the fabric on the APINO appears to be more hard-wearing than the previous stroller I used. It also has a far greater storage space below the stroller, allowing you to carry most of the equipment you need with a baby.

However, although the APINO is advertised as a compact stroller, and although it does fold into a much smaller size than regular strollers, the alternative compact stroller I've used was able to fold into an even smaller size, making it easier to carry.

The price point of my other stroller is similar to the price of the APINO, and I would prefer to spend that amount on the APINO, as I feel that it would be longer-lasting.

What’s in the box?

• APINO stroller
• 4 x wheels
• Bumper bar
• Instructions

Is the Kinderkraft APINO stroller worth the money?

The APINO stroller offers a mixture of positive features and some notable drawbacks, meaning that when parents are considering whether this stroller offers value for money, they may need to balance functionality with convenience. It's easy to fold and unfold with one hand, and has a large storage basket, but its small wheels struggle on anything but smooth terrain, and it doesn't come with a rain cover. While £113 is a good price point for a compact and lightweight stroller, I would have liked to have seen a rain cover included.

Where can I buy the Kinderkraft APINO stroller?

It's available from Kinderkraft, Boots and Pramworld.

MadeForMums verdict

If you're looking for a budget, lightweight, compact stroller to use in the city or predominantly for short walks, I'd recommend the APINO. I loved the auto-folding feature, and this has become a game-changer for me, especially as I have multiple children. Being able to quickly get the stroller out of the car and have it ready for my baby in seconds, often while I only have one hand, with minimal effort, has been amazing. The stroller shines in areas like portability and reclining comfort, but it falls short in durability over rough terrain and lacks a few key accessories that could justify its price. It's a solid choice for urban use but may not be the best for adventurous parents.