So you are thinking about babywearing, or maybe you are already a seasoned parent. Tula has some of the very best baby carriers out there. Their designs are excellent and their products very well made. It can be a headache choosing which one you like most and you will want to jump on any of the Signature Collection carriers fast because they do tend to sell out since they are limited quantities, to begin with.
I went through several carriers before I found the perfect one that kept my baby and me both comfortable. If you have a little one who behaves as mine did, they want to be attached to you at all times. It certainly makes doing chores difficult without a suitable baby carrier. Also, all Tula carriers provide comfort for colicky babies and those suffering from acid reflux because of the ergonomic seat that provides upright support.
Each Tula carrier except for the Ring Sling situates your little one into a sitting “M position” which is appropriate from their spine and hip development as certified by the Hip Dysplasia Institute. The M position is also a great way to support healthy digestion. I hope to alleviate your baby carrier stress by breaking it down and telling you the pros and cons of each of the best Tula baby carriers offered.
Bottom Line Up Front
The Best Carrier overall is the Tula Explore Baby Carrier in the Mesh Coast Collection. It is perfect for the weight most parents want to baby wear, 7 – 45 pounds. This type of carrier is the tried and true in terms of Tula carriers and the most popular for good reason.
The Runner-Up is the Tula Ring Sling Baby Carrier. This one is also perfect for your little one because it pairs ease-of-use with simplicity. This carrier is great for little 7 pound newborns up to 35 pound toddlers. This is the one of only two Tula Carriers that does not require an infant insert. It can be washed in the washing machine using baby detergent and stored in your diaper bag for easy use when needed. Also, both carriers are breastfeeding friendly and you can even use that little sun hood for extra modesty.
I think both carriers are a perfect addition for any new baby, and both last all the way to the toddler stage!
Criteria I Use to Select the Best Tula Baby Carriers
- I only write about the best Tula carriers.
- I look for currently available carriers for easy access.
- I include unique designs that not everyone has seen.
- Babies are messy, so I choose prints that easily disguise messes.
- I have included only the best-looking Tula baby carriers.
- I check reviews on everything I list beforehand.
- I would never include any baby carrier that has been recalled.
- I have added Tula carriers in different patterns and colors because everyone is different.
- I have included Tula carriers in order from newborn to toddler to make it easy to read.
How to Care for Your Tula Carrier
You are the proud owner of a fancy and completely fantastic Tula Baby Carrier and now you need to learn how to keep it looking and smelling like new! For details on how to wash each type of carrier, go here.
Unless your Tula Baby Carrier contains silk, wool or other animal derived fabrics, please follow the basic instructions below. The link I provided above with give you all the details. For the carriers containing animal products in the Signature Collection, make sure to follow the washing guidelines on the item. When in doubt, handwash your carrier in mild baby-friendly soap and hang to dry.
Remember to never put any Tula Baby Carrier in your clothes dryer.
Silk or Wool Baby Carriers
- Handwash your carrier in the sink or bathtub.
- Use very minimal and mild soap, such as baby laundry detergent.
- Soak for 15 minutes and swirl around to wash without damaging the fabric.
- Remove from water and place on a towel.
- Put another towel on top of the carrier and press down firmly to expell the water.
- Turn your towel to avoid reusing already wet areas.
- One your carrier is not dripping wet, place it in a safe place in the sun or shade until dry.
- Never scrub your silk or wool carrier.
- Never place your silk or wool carrier in the dryer.
Cotton and Woven Baby Carriers
- Handwashing is always best to maintain the newness of any Tula baby carrier.
- I like to soak mine for a little while in cool water with mild baby laundry detergent in the kitchen sink or bathtub.
- After I gently rinse it with cold water.
- I squeeze out as much water as I can without wringing the fabric.
- I place the carrier on top of one towel and put a second towel on top.
- I press down firmly (or use your feet and walk on it!) while rotating the top towel to avoid using an already wet spot.
- Once I have press dried it as best as I can, I place it in the sun to dry.
Best Tula Baby Carriers
Tula Standard
The Tula Standard baby carrier is for infants to toddlers at 15 – 45 pounds, but the Tula Baby site explains that it can be used from birth – 60 pounds. If using this with an infant, use the Tula Newborn Insert. It is ergonomic and easy to put on and take off. The carrier will fit petite wearers and also plus sized wearers comfortably.
As far as safety goes, this Tula Carrier is the gold standard and is easy to see why with its wide, ergonomic seat which is in a natural and supportive sitting position that supports your baby’s natural hip and spine development. The Tula Standard ergonomic baby carrier also offers head support and correct positioning to keep your child’s airways open.
Top Takeaways
- Experience Level: Expert
- Positions available: Six
- Waistband Size: 27 – 57 inches
- Type: Buckle harness
- Baby Weight Recommendations: 7 – 45 pounds or with infant insert birth – 60 pounds
- *Infants weighing 7 – 15 pounds must use an infant insert for appropriate head support.*
- Color/Pattern Options: Listed here.
- Instructional Video for Putting On & Taking Off the Standard Baby Carrier
Pros
- Compatible with breast feeding
- Front waist pocket for keys or bank card
- Very comfortable padded straps
- Machine washable unless it contains animals products, such as in the Signature Collection.
- Sturdy to cover a wide range of weights
- Comfortable for wearer and baby
- Hip healthy
- Removeable hood for napping
Cons
- You must purchase a newborn insert for babies smaller than 15 pounds
- The newborn insert is also strongly recommended for special needs babies needing extra head and neck support
- Tends to get pretty warm while wearing
- Is not truly designed to wear baby in a front facing out position
Tula Toddler
The Tula Toddler Carrier is roomier for growing babies and fits all toddlers. This style carrier is for little humans between 25 – 60 pounds, which is 2 – 6 year olds. This is not for use with babies under 25 pounds, even with an infant insert as it does not provide the proper support they need for their head, neck and spine.
Top Takeaways
- Experience Level: Expert
- Waistband Size: 28 – 61 inches
- Type: Buckle harness
- Baby Weight Recommendations: 25 – 60 pounds
- Do not use this carrier with babies weighing less than 25 pounds or that cannot strongly support their head.
- Color/Pattern Options: Listed here.
- Instructional Video for Putting On & Taking Off the Standard Baby Carrier
Pros
- Removeable hood
- Comfortable padded shoulder straps
- Machine washable if cotton
- Much taller and wider than Tula Standard or Tula Free-to-Grow at 17.5 inches tall and 18.5 inches wide
- Sturdier support for your not-so-little baby
- Front waist pocket
Cons
- Cannot be worn forward facing out
- Baby needs to be a minimum of 32 inches to use this carrier
- Cannot be used with babies smaller than 32 inches tall or weighing less than 25 pounds
Tula Free to Grow
These sweet baby carriers are not bulky or awkward to carry your precious little human. Instead, their design is streamlined and sturdy, but also soft and cozy enough to lull your little one to sleep. This longer-lasting baby carrier is suitable for infants up to toddlers, with its more extensive weight range of 7 to 45 pounds. A big bonus is that you can use this carrier on tiny babies without a Tula Infant Insert!
Top Takeaways
- Experience Level: Middle Ground
- Carrying Positions: Front and Back Carry
- Waistband Size: 27 – 57 inches
- Type: Buckle harness
- Baby Weight Recommendations: 7 – 45 pounds
- *Infants weighing 7 – 15 pounds must use an infant insert for appropriate head support.*
- Color/Pattern Options: Listed here.
- Instructional Video for Putting On & Taking Off the Standard Baby Carrier
Pros
- Seat can be adjusted for your growing little one from 5 – 15 inches wide and 11 – 17 inches tall
- Padded waistband and shoulder straps
- Great carrier that covers a wide range of weights and sizes without using a newborn insert
- Extra leg padding for your little one’s comfort
- Comes with removable hood for napping or staying out of the sun
Cons
- Back buckle can be difficult to close on your own
- The waist pocket does not close well so make sure to keep your important stuff in your actual pocket
Tula Explore
This baby carrier is my favorite for it’s versitility. It is perfect for your 7 pound newborn up to your 45 pound toddler. With so many options for wearing, you and your little one can remain comfortable. Tula suggests that if you use this for a toddler, you allow up to a size two in kids pants for comfort and size up to the Preschool carrier for larger children wearing a size four in pants.
This carrier is not adjustable for your child so purchase accordingly. You do not need to use a Tula Infant Insert with this carrier, although you can if you feel your baby needs some extra neck and head support.
Top Takeaways
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Carrying Positions: 3, front facing in, front facing out and back facing – click here to see the ways you can wear the carrier.
- Waistband Size: 27 – 57 inches
- Type: Buckle harness
- Baby Weight Recommendations: 7 – 45 pounds
- *Infants weighing 7 – 15 pounds must use an infant insert for appropriate head support.*
- Color/Pattern Options: Listed here.
- Instructional Video for Putting On & Taking Off the Standard Baby Carrier: Front Wearing click here, and for back wearing click here.
Pros
- Very soft for your brand new person
- Mesh pocket in the front to help keep your baby cool and aired out on the Coast Collection (highly recommend)
- This adorable and comfortable carrier is not bulky or heavy.
- Body panels are softer and more form fitting on this carrier than they are on the Free-to-Grow carrier.
- This carrier is the most secure for very small babies.
- Comes with a newborn support pillow and sun shield
Cons
- This carrier does not have lumbar support
- The back straps cannot be worn in criscros which would be more comfortable for long wearing
- The hemp choices for patterns and colors aren’t great. One is a color all diaper-changing parents are familiar with!
Tula Preschool
This carrier is excellent for older children with special needs. It is also the most prominent and sturdiest carrier Tula makes. Tula suggests using the Preschool size for children who wear size four pants. This larger carrier does not have the option to adjust the size for your child so make sure to order the correct size for safety.
It has a reinforced top layer for extra sturdiness. This carrier’s suggested weight usage is 35 – 70 pounds, making it the largest child carrier available at Tula. This should never be used with infants because it will not provide the security and safety needed.
Top Takeaways
- Experience Level: Expert
- Carrying Positions: Front facing in, front facing out, back facing
- Waistband Size: 28 – 61 inches
- Type: Buckle harness
- Baby Weight Recommendations: 35 – 70 pounds
- *Do not use this carrier for babies under 35 pounds*
- Color/Pattern Options: Listed here.
- Instructional Video for Putting On & Taking Off the Standard Baby Carrier: view here.
Pros
- The Preschool carrier comes with many pattern and color options just like the cute baby carriers.
- If your child’s little legs get tired on a big adventure, you can scoop them up and wear them as they nap, just like you could do when they were a baby. Less fuss makes everyone happy!
- Children in this age range can have some major tantrums and extra large emotions and just want to be held or be close to you
- This works well for children with diabilities
- Baby wearing and child wearing keeps those little fingers out of the germs when you are grocery shopping.
- You can safely wear your child up to 70 pounds, that’s around 6 years old!
- Front carrying is simple to use
- Contains an extra layer of fabric with reinforced stitching for extra strudiness
Cons
- This carrier cannot be used with children weighing less than 35 pounds.
- It is difficult to get your not-so-little one into the back carrying position but it is said to be easier to put them in the front and twist the carrier around to be back facing with the child in it.
Tula Lite Compact Travel
This is a scaled-down version of the Tula Standard baby carrier. It is lightweight and comes with a cute little pouch to stuff it in and wear when you aren’t yet using it. This baby carrier is suitable for babies weighing 12 pounds – 30 pounds. These are generally less than $100 and are made from Ripstop lightweight fabric, which dries quickly and adds a bit of cooling for those hot days. You must use a Tula Infant Insert with this carrier.
Top Takeaways
- Experience Level: Middle Ground
- Carrying Positions: Front facing in, Front facing out, back facing in
- Waistband Size: 23 – 57 inches
- Type: Buckle harness
- Baby Weight Recommendations: 12 – 30 pounds
- *Infants weighing 7 – 15 pounds must use an infant insert for appropriate head support.*
- Color/Pattern Options: Listed here.
- Instructional Video for Putting On & Taking Off the Standard Baby Carrier: view here.
Pros
- This carrier is lightweight and less bulky than the other Tula carriers.
- Much cooler with Ripstop athletic fabric.
- It comes with its very own matching waist pouch for easy and super compact storage.
- Much less expensive than many of the other Tula carriers.
- This is a good choice for parents on the budget who only need to baby wear for a small amount of the younger years.
Cons
- With this model, you have a smaller weight range at only 12 pounds – 30 pounds.
- The Lite carrier does not come with as many color and pattern selections as the other carriers.
- It does not have cushion or padding like the other Tula carriers.
- This is not as comfortable for wearer or baby as the other more structured Tula carriers
- Not as adjustibe as other Tula carriers
- Cannot be used with newborns with or without the infant insert
Tula Half Buckle Baby Carrier
This baby carrier is a wrap-around with a back tie but still has the support your baby needs. Many reviews state it is easier to put on and take off, but real talk – it’s not that easy. You must use a Tula Infant Insert with this carrier.
Top Takeaways
- Experience Level: Expert
- Carrying Positions: Front facing in, front facing out, hip carry, back facing in
- Waistband Size: 27 – 57 inches
- Type: Wrap and buckle harness hybrid
- Baby Weight Recommendations: 7 – 45 pounds
- *Infants weighing 7 – 15 pounds must use an infant insert for appropriate head support.*
- Color/Pattern Options: Listed here.
- Instructional Video for Putting On & Taking Off the Standard Baby Carrier
Pros
- Front Carry Facing Out
- Easy with putting the carrier on and taking it off
- Wrap tie back
- Only Tula carrier for hip wearing
- Provides low back support for the wearer
Cons
- Tends to slip when wearing
- Not that easy to put on by yourself
- Takes extra time to tie
- Bulky and hard to stuff in a bag if you’re out and not using it at the moment
Tula Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Many of us love these tried and true old-school baby carriers. The Ring Sling variety of carriers comes in a large array of colors and patterns, including the Signature Collection. They are simple to use, easier to adjust, and work like a charm for your cute little person. These carriers are perfect for weights 8 pounds – 35 pounds. It is HIGHLY adjustable for every baby and every type of mama body out there.
Top Takeaways
- Experience Level: Beginner
- Carrying Positions: Tummy to Tummy or Hip Carry
- Waistband Size: N/A
- Type: Soft wrap and ring carrier
- Baby Weight Recommendations: 8 – 35 pounds
- *Infants weighing 7 – 15 pounds must use an infant insert for appropriate head support.*
- Color/Pattern Options: Listed here.
- Instructional Video for Putting On & Taking Off the Standard Baby Carrier: view here.
Pros
- No frills or complicated buckles to adjust
- You have tons of colors and patterns to choose from, including so many cute Signature Collection rainbow prints like this one!
- Easy to use and wash, this carrier helps simplify things a little bit.
- You can fold this carrier into a compact square and carry it in your purse or diaper bag.
- It helps newborn babies feel safe and snug like they did in the womb.
Cons
- This is not going to be sturdy enough to support your little one in the same way at the more structured baby carriers
- Can be annoying to remember how to wrap this around yourself
- Not as easy on your spine as the structured carriers with lumbar support
Signature Collection Baby Carrier Prints & Fabrics
- Color and pattern options: view here to see your options and read more about the Signature Collection.
- Materials used: Silk, cotton and merino wool.
Since 2012, Baby Tula has been offering limited-edition releases of this premium line of carriers, ring slings, and accessories.
Coveted for its distinct features, every Signature item is made from woven fabric and handmade with the care and love.
Mesh Coastal Carry Collection
I personally think this collection of outward mesh sided carriers are the best because baby carrying can sure get hot! If you live somewhere hot, you will definitely want this fabric choice over the other choices. It helps you and your baby to stay cool. It will come in handy for those hiking trips or other outdoor activities.
Even the removable sun and nap hood is mesh for optimal air flow. But what about all those pretty prints? You can still have them! The mesh pocket is on the back of the carrier and is surrounded by that pretty print.
- Color/Pattern Options: click here to see your options and read more about the Mesh Coastal Carriers.
- Material Used: Mesh and cotton STANDARD 100 by OEKO-TEX®
FAQs
Question: What is the difference in Tula baby carriers?
Answer: Overall, Tula baby carriers are more attractive, of better quality, and sometimes over $650!
They are THE name in carriers if you’re looking for the best. They offer many pattern and color options which appeal to the people wearing the baby carrier. There is something for everyone in their selection. Like cars? I had a baby carrier from Tula with sketched vintage vehicles on it.
They also off ergonomical ways to carry your little one and keep your precious infant in the best M position for spinal development.
Regarding the types of Tula carriers, the most significant difference in these carriers is the type and age group they are geared towards. For example, the Tula Infant Insert can be used with all Tula baby carriers. Some carriers will feature an all-over print, whereas others will just have print on the side facing out.
Each type of Tula carrier will be slightly different in size, pattern, and general appearance. They offer their traditional excellent and comfortable baby carriers, but also something different for parents looking for something special to add to their collection, such as the Tula Ring Sling and the Tula Half Buckle.
Question: Is a Tula baby carrier worth the money?
Answer: I would have to say yes. They are made exceptionally well and are comfortable for you and your baby. Also, they are not difficult to put on or take off for the most part.
Question: Are Tula baby carriers good to use with newborns?
Answer: Yes, most Tula carriers can be used with a Tula infant insert. The Tula carriers allow you to carry your newborn up to toddler. The Tula Explore and Free-to-Grow do not need to be used with an infant insert. ALso, you have the option of using a traditional tie sling in the Ring Sling Collection.
Question: Why do I need to use an Tula Infant Insert?
Answer: If your little one is brand new and between 7 – 15 pounds you must use the infant insert. Not only is this insert extra comfortable for your baby but it also provides the neck and head support your little one needs. The insert also promotes healthy maturing of your baby’s spinal cord. The insert’s pillow can be removed for babies that are showing strong and consistent neck and head control.
Question: What age is the standard for Tula baby carriers?
Answer: Tula recommends babies from fifteen to forty-five pounds can safely use the carrier. Always make sure to use an infant insert for babies that are fifteen pounds or less. Some carriers can hold babies from newborn to toddler and there are also carriers for bigger children. The overall age of Tula carriers combined is from birth to 6 years old.
Conclusion
With so many baby carriers out there, it can be unrealistically challenging to choose the perfect one. However, I hope I have helped you with that part. Again, the best overall carrier is the Signature Woven Rainbow Falls Explore Coast Collection. It is beautiful, works perfectly for newborns up to 45 pound children. The cooling mesh helps keep you and baby from overheating on those extreme adventures.
The only carrier do tend to get pretty warm so if you are warm natured or happen to live in a hot climate, this carrier is perfect. If cared for correctly, will last until you want to pass it down to your children! The runner-up, with small babies in mind, is the Starbright Woven Ring Sling Baby Carrier because it pairs the closeness your tiny 7 pound newborn craves with no hassle assembly and soft material.
If I were a new parent and the price did not matter, I would purchase both carriers. Of course, if you want to baby carry longer, you can always upgrade to the Toddler or Preschool baby carrier in the future. I wish you and your baby many delightful adventures and bonding moments.
Katie is the mama of a 5-year-old kid. She has experienced every new parent’s challenges including sleep schedules. She knows a lot of tricks to better help you and your baby get that much-needed sleep. She ensures your child is safe, happy, and comfortable. In her free time, she loves collectibles from old Muppets stuff to antique vehicles.