When shopping for a baby carrier, the first thing that comes to my mind is the safety of the baby and the comfort of both of us.
But with the host of options in the market, which is the best baby carrier brand?
Tula vs LILLEbaby vs Ergobaby are all trusted baby carriers with comparable features. Let’s get into their details to help you decide among the three brands.
Tula Vs LILLEbaby Vs Ergobaby: Which is the Best Choice?
LILLEbaby carrier is my first choice. My favorite part is the numerous carrying positions than Ergo Baby or Baby Tula.
However, there’s an array of options provided by every brand, making it difficult to compare all their models.
We’ll look at Tula Ergonomic Free to Grow, LILLEbaby The Complete Original SIX-Position 360; and Ergobaby Omni 360 All Carry Positions since they’re the favorite to many parents. Let’s get to it.
Features: Comparison & Similarities
Here, we’re going to compare Tula, LILLEbaby and Ergobaby by exploring the important features side by side to take you a step closer at making the right decision.
Various Carrying Positions
The first feature that every mom should consider while shopping for a baby carrier are the carrying positions.
LILLEbaby Complete Original SIX-Position is comprised of 6-carrying positions. They include face out, front face out, back, front wide seat, fetal, and hip position.
Ergobaby Omni 360 is built with 4 positions that range from face out, hip position, back carry, and front carry.
Tula Free to Grow on the other hand consists of only 2-positions- back carrying and the front position.
Fabric and Weight Limits
All of them are crafted to withstand weight limits between 7 and 45 lbs. Essentially, they’re designed to adapt to the baby’s growth from newborn to the toddler stage.
When we look at the fabric, Tula Free to Grow is hand-made crafted from 100% OEKO-TEX standardized 100 certified fabric. Ergobaby Omni 360 on the other hand is 100-percent premium cotton.
LILLEbaby Complete is 100-percent cotton fabric but the material will vary amongst other LILLEbaby brands ranging from faux suede and microfiber in Embossed; 100-percent cotton in LILLEbaby original; and all-weather breathable fabric & 3D mesh on LILLEbaby All Seasons.
Adjustable Seat
Both Ergobaby Omni 360 and Tula Free to Grow are created with three adjustable width setting but the Tula brand does have a bonus of two height setting which is not available in the rest.
This helps you to set the carrier in an ergonomic position as the baby transitions from newborn all through to early toddlerhood. For that reason, you do not need an infant insert even for a newborn of 7 pounds.
LILLEbaby Complete is comprised of two adjustable seat widths and legs openings to let you carry the baby in the ergonomic “M’’ position for proper hip support. With the two positions, you can carry your little one on C-spine position or frog-leg seating.
Hip Healthy
A great baby carrier should put your baby’s safety first. Both LILLEbaby Complete and Ergobaby Omni 360 indicate the carrier as safe for the baby’s hips. They’re both acknowledged by International Hip Dysplasia Institute as hip healthy.
Tula Free to Grow states that the carrier is ergonomic for healthy spine and hip although it is not recognized by The International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Lumbar Support
There’s a lumbar support in all the three brands. The lumbar support is padded all around for the comfort of the wearer to prevent the risk of lower back pain.
Adjustable Straps
Both LILLEbaby and Ergobaby are modifiable in both H and X styles while Tula Free to Grow can only be adjusted into H-style.
Solar Protection
Each brand includes a removable hood with coordinating snaps for wind and sun protection; additional privacy for nursing; and head support while sleeping. The baby hood is thoughtfully designed to be tucked away when it’s not in use.
Additional Features
Pocket, Infant Insert and Machine Washable
Each of these brands is built with an innovative poach to hold your tiny items such as wallet, keys, phone and more. As for washing, all the three baby carriers are machine washing friendly.
There’s no need for the infant insert in either of the three carriers. The reason for this is the thoughtful design that provides the ideal support for newborns, infants and toddlers every step of the way during the transition stages.
Tula Vs LILLEbaby Vs Ergobaby: Which is the Right Carrier for You?
LILLEbaby Complete is my first choice carrier. Firstly, it has the most carrying positions when compared to Tula or Ergobaby.
It’s other selling point is the number of models available for consumers to choose. With the many models, you can choose a carrier that is suitable for an infant, newborn or toddler.
Not forgetting the preference of choosing one that’s comfortable depending on your climate. I also find it better suited for breastfeeding due to the long hood and bib which is a major plus for privacy.
However, they’re all fantastic choices to take you through the parenting journey since every parent will have a different taste. Besides, the choice of a carrier will be guided by your comfort, needs and circumstances.
For example, I suggest Tula Free to Grow for summer climate. Even though there’s mesh fabric on LILLEbaby and Ergobaby, Tula Free to Grow is pretty lightweight with better established mesh hood to shield your baby from the sun while allowing for airflow; as well as mesh panel to cool your back and the baby.
For petite, large body frame or tall parents, I recommend Ergobaby Omni 360. The baby carrier is easily adjustable to suit the frames of different wearers than Tula Free to Grow vs LILLEbaby Complete.
How to Select the Best Carrier for Baby
When deciding on the carrier, consider the following:
Ergonomic Shape: An ergonomic baby carrier sets the baby in a natural position without interfering with the healthy development of the spine and hip at every stage and age. A good way to verify if the carrier is hip healthy is to confirm if it is acknowledged by The International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Weight Limits: a great baby carrier should last your baby from newborn all through to the toddler stage. The most recommended weight limit is between 7 and 45 lbs.
Breathable Mesh Fabric: The breathable lining is an important feature to let in air on a warm day. It ventilates your back and the baby to prevent the baby and your back from sweating.
Privacy for Breastfeeding: A baby carrier that lets you breastfeed with discreet will be the most essential. The most notable feature is the hood that also supports your little one when asleep. In most brands, the hood can be removed when it is not in use.
Adjustable: The best baby carrier is adjustable to suit the body of different wearers. It should fit comfortably whether you’re huge, tall, or petite mom and dad. The seat width and height should be adjustable as well to help you customize the carrier to fit a newborn all the way to toddlerhood.
Lumbar Support: The lumbar support is provided in the form of a wide waistband that equally distribute the baby’s weight across your back, hip, and shoulders. This prevents unnecessary straining on the back and shoulders reducing the risk of lower back strain and pain. Since the weight is well spread, you’ll be able to walk in an upright healthy posture.
Bottom Line
Sure, every parent is different and what works for me may not work for you. After all, there’s a reason I want a particular baby carrier and not the other.
However, knowing the key features on each carrier will be essential in deciding the type of baby carrier that’s right for both of you. The secret is to try a different baby carrier if you’re not impressed by a particular model.