Ergobaby vs Lillebaby vs Tula – Comparison Review

Man carrying a baby

A good baby carrier can be a life savior for parents with a newborn. Today there are a lot of different high-quality models that are great for both the baby and the parent. Easy to carry, a sturdy baby carrier will keep your baby safe and comfortable, while you have your hands free to deal with the daily tasks. In this review, I am going to compare three main brands of baby carriers: Ergobaby vs Lillebaby vs Tula. I will specifically focus on and compare Ergobaby Carrier 360, Lillebaby Complete All Seasons, and Tula Free-to-Grow. These are the most feature-rich models from these brands so this way we’re dealing with a fair comparison.

Products in this review

What are baby carriers and why you need them

A baby carrier is a supporting device that allows an adult to carry a baby holding them close to the torso. A good-quality baby carrier can make your daily life which involves everything from grocery shopping to family outings a little bit easier. You get to carry your baby with you and still have your hands free to deal with the daily tasks. There are three major brands of baby carriers: Ergobaby, Lillebaby, and Tula. The baby carriers produced by these respective brands share a lot of similarities. The differences are in nuances of fit and function.

Main features of baby carriers – differences and similarities across the three brands

There are several features that all baby carriers share. I am going to explore these features focusing on three models: Tula Free-to-Grow, Lillebaby Complete and Ergobaby Carrier 360.

Weight

For your comfort baby carriers are designed to be light. The lightest baby carrier that is featured in this article is Ergobaby Carrier 360, weighing 8 ounces. Lillebaby Complete is 1.6 pounds and Tula Discover – 2 pounds.

In terms of the baby weight range, both Tula and Lillebaby are suitable for babies between 7 – 45 lbs. (3.2 – 20kg). Ergobaby carrier can be used for children 4 months and older weighing 12 – 45 lbs. (5.5 – 20kg).

Carrying positions

When it comes to carrying positions, baby carriers allow you a lot of flexibility. What carrying positions are out there? You have Front Carry (facing parent), Front Carry (facing out), Back Carry, and Hip Carry.

Ergobaby Carrier 360 features all 4 positions; Tula Free-to-Grow has only 2 – Front Carry (facing parent) and Back Carry; and Lillebaby Complete has 6 – the four mentioned above plus Fetal Position (for the smallest babies) and Toddler Inward (with a wide seat).

LÍLLÉbaby Complete carrying positions

Hip healthy

The International Hip Dysplasia Institute reviews products and devices that may affect hip positioning or hip motor development. It focuses specifically on products used during the first six months of a baby’s life. The Institute has compiled a list of baby carriers deemed “hip-healthy”.

Lillebaby Complete, Ergobaby Carrier 360 and Tula Free-to-Grow are recognized to be “hip-healthy”. Their ergonomic design supports the baby’s natural posture while encouraging healthy hip development.

Lumbar support

The lumbar support is designed to maximize your comfort as you carry your baby around. It helps you maintain a healthy posture and alignment, and prevents lower back strain.

Lillebaby has a lumbar support attachment that can be bought separately. Ergobaby features lumbar support waistbelt, while Tula offers a wide-padded waistband.

Shoulder straps

Padded shoulder straps provide you extra comfort when carrying a baby. Unlike Tula and Ergobaby, Lillebaby Complete has crossable shoulder straps. Crossed straps provide a better weight distribution. They are especially useful if you are carrying a small baby. Crossed straps allow you to bring the child closer to your chest giving the child better support.

Removable hood

All three models have a removable hood which is ideal for protection against sun and wind. It also allows for easy breastfeeding.

Infant insert

The infant insert is designed to support babies that don’t have good head and neck control. It is also used for babies that have not yet developed the ability to sit comfortably in the carrier with their hips in an ‘M’-shape position.

Neither Lillebaby Complete nor Tula Free-to-Grow requires an infant insert. The two models are safe for babies weighing 7 lbs. and more without the insert.  In the case of the Ergobaby Carrier 360, its minimal recommended weight is 12 lbs. If your baby is under 12 lbs, it is advisable to purchase an infant insert for extra support. Ergobaby Easy Snug Infant Insert can be used with infants 7-12 lbs. (3.2 – 5.5 kg); babies weighing more than 12 lbs., but younger than 4 months; or babies without strong head and neck control.

Adjustable seat

An adjustable seat allows your baby carrier to grow with your baby. Tula offers three width settings (narrow, middle, and wide) and two height settings (short and tall position). Lillebaby Complete has two width settings allowing you to widen and narrow the seat for comfortable hip positioning. Ergobaby doesn’t seem to have an adjustable seat option.

Fabric

Good-quality fabric makes a difference. The three models have breathable fabric that allows for better temperature control. Tula Free-to-Grow and Ergobaby Carrier 360 are made from 100% cotton. Lillebaby Complete All Seasons has its exterior fabric made from 100% cotton, and its lining fabric from 3D mesh. All three are machine washable.

Pocket

Both Tula and Lillebaby feature a large storage pocket for daily necessities; while Ergobaby doesn’t have any.

Tula Free-to-Grow

Voted the best babywearing brand in 2017 & 2018, Tula Free-to-Grow is a user-friendly baby carrier. It can be easily customized to fit your baby: from newborn, infant, and early toddlerhood. It has two ergonomic positions that promote healthy hip and spine development. No infant insert is required. It is also easily adjusted to fit many body types and features dual-adjustment padded shoulder straps for neck and shoulder comfort. This model is made from breathable and lightweight for better ventilation and is easy to clean.  

Baby Tula Discover Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier, Adjustable Newborn to Toddler Carrier, Ergonomic and Multiple Positions for 7 - 45 pounds, Black with Gray Stars

Product Info:

  • Size: 2.4 x 5.9 x 3.5 inches
  • Weight: 2 pounds (the item weight varies slightly depending on which color you choose)
  • Weight recommendation: min 7 – max 45 pounds
  • Material Type: cotton
  • Number of carrying positions: 2
  • Colors: comes in many colors and patterns including black lightning, black with gray stars, navy/pink, olive green and black birds, wallflower

Pros:

  • three width and two height settings
  • dual-adjustment padded straps for neck and shoulder comfort
  • breathable and lightweight fabric
  • machine washable
  • hip-healthy
  • no infant insert needed

Cons:

  • features only 2 carrying positions
  • doesn’t have lumbar support
  • straps are not crossable
  • sore shoulders after wearing for long periods of time
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Lillebaby Complete

Lillebaby Complete All Seasons is an ergonomic and hip-healthy baby carrier. It is comfortable both for a baby and a parent. This model features six carrying positions; adjustable seat and leg openings for proper hip support; and an adjustable back panel that supports the baby’s neck and head. What makes this model stand out is its temperature comfort panel that zips up for warmth in winter or down to cool down in summer. The breathable 3D mesh allows for extra ventilation in hot weather. Lillebaby Complete also incorporates several features that ensure more comfort for the parent. Lumbar support attachment is a great addition to this baby carrier as it provides stability, and relieves lower back pain. Along with crossable shoulder straps, lumbar support helps to evenly distribute the baby’s weight putting less strain on the parent’s shoulders and back.

LÍLLÉbaby Complete All Seasons Ergonomic 6-in-1 Baby Carrier Newborn to Toddler - with Lumbar Support - for Children 7-45 Pounds - 360 Degree Baby Wearing - Inward & Outward Facing - Stone

Product Info:

  • Size: 14 x 4 x 11 inches
  • Weight: 1.6 pounds
  • Weight recommendation: min 7 – max 45 pounds
  • Material Type: cotton (exterior fabric), 3D mesh (lining fabric)
  • Number of carrying positions: 6
  • Colors: comes in many colors and patterns including black, blue, charcoal/feathers, grey, wild olive, stars

Pros:

  • 6 carrying positions
  • lumbar support attachment that can be bought separately
  • crossable shoulder straps
  • easy breastfeeding thanks to the dual adjustable straps
  • hip-healthy
  • no infant insert needed
  • machine washable
  • 100% cotton combined with 3D mesh

Cons:

  • has only two width settings
  • stiff fabric with no padding for baby’s legs
  • difficult to switch from inward to outward facing position
  • heats up easily raising baby’s body temperature, especially in summer
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Ergobaby Carrier 360

Ergobaby Carrier 360 is a stylish, well-designed baby carrier. It allows you to carry your baby on the front to face you or the world, on the hip, or on the back. The adjustable carrier seat supports your baby in all 4 carry positions making it a comfortable ride. This model also features a head and neck support pillow that can be adjusted up and down to provide extra support for the baby as they grow. Ergobaby Carrier 360 is easy to use and clean, and it includes UPF 50+ tuckaway baby hood for protection and privacy. An additional bonus is that this model can fit multiple wearers with different body types. Ergobaby Carrier also features the lumbar support waistbelt and padded shoulder straps that alleviate stress on the shoulders and back.

Ergobaby 360 All-Position Baby Carrier with Lumbar Support (12-45 Pounds), Pure Black, Premium Cotton

Product Info:

  • Size: 10.5 x 6.7 x 6.7 inches
  • Weight: 8 ounces
  • Weight recommendation: min 12 – max 45 pounds
  • Material Type: cotton
  • Number of carrying positions: 4
  • Colors: comes in many colors and patterns including batik indigo, black, grey, dusty blue

Pros:

  • lighter than competitors
  • 4 carrying positions
  • hip-healthy
  • machine washable

Cons:

  • while Tula and Lillebaby are suitable for babies from 7 lbs., Ergobaby is for babies weighing 12 lbs. and more.
  • for babies between 7-12 lbs. requires an infant insert
  • doesn’t have an adjustable seat option
  • doesn’t have a storage pocket
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Wrap-up

Baby carriers are a great addition to your household. When you keep your baby close, you get to discover the world and experience precious moments together. It is also a very convenient product. If you have to go out and no one can stay with the baby at home, you have to take your child with you. A baby carrier makes your life easier, as it allows you to carry your baby around, and still be able to deal with the daily tasks.

The three baby carriers featured in this article – Ergobaby Carrier 360, Lillebaby Complete All Seasons, and Tula Free-to-Grow – share a lot of similarities. All three models are designed to provide extra comfort to you and your baby. Before you buy one of these products, just think about small details that make a difference for you.

For instance, how many carrying positions do you need? Do you prefer crossable shoulder straps or parallel ones? Do you need lumbar support for your back, or is the usual waistband enough? And how many of these baby carriers should you get?

Last update on 2024-03-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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