In Depth Baby Product Reviews Led by a Pediatrician
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The Tula Standard Ergonomic Baby was a top performer in our testing, taking home an Editor's Choice award thanks to its outstanding ease of use and comfort. With durability that inspires confidence for years to come and cute and colorful patterns to choose from, this carrier is sure to be a mom favorite. While we gave our Top Pick for Use With An Infant to the Baby K'tan, it is worth noting that the Tula performed just as well in our tests with a small infant by utilizing the Infant Insert. Read on to learn how it performed in our tests and why we named it Editors' Choice.
REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable
Ergonomic
Supportive
Nice extras
REASONS TO AVOID
Limited positions
Infant insert
Update — July 2017
Tula has released a new carrier called the Tula Free-to-Grow. This new carrier is very similar to the Ergonomic Baby, but also offers adjustable seat height and width settings in order to ensure the correct ergonomic positioning for babies of all ages. This adjustability allows it to accommodate a 7lb infant without the use of an infant insert, all the way up to early toddlerhood. The new carrier sells for $159 and is available in a variety of charming patterns.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Although Tula carriers first gained cult-like popularity through hard core babywearing clubs, they are now becoming more popular in the mainstream, and for good reason. The owners of Tula pride themselves on offering safe, beautiful, easy-to-use, versatile, and long-lasting carriers.
Performance Comparison
Baby's Safety
In comparison to other soft-structured carriers, the Tula was a stand-out, earning a 9 of 10 for Baby's Safety, matched only by the Onya Baby Outback and the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier Teething Pad & Bib. When testing the safety of the carriers we review, there are three major points we look at: the ability to maintain a clear airway, the security of the carrier, and proper ergonomics. Even with a newborn, we feel that baby is very secure using Tula's Infant Insert. The padding of the insert provides complete support for head and neck to help maintain a clear airway. The body of the Tula comes up a few inches higher than the other carriers we tested, and that makes a huge difference in security and keeps baby close and comfy. The seat is also much wider than others we tested, keeping baby's legs in a natural "frog" position, preventing leg dangle. For more on the importance of proper hip ergonomics, check out this article written by pediatrician, Juliet Spurrier.
The nice, wide seat and extra padding around the leg openings makes the Tula Ergonomic baby one of the most comfortable carriers for baby.
Credit: Adrian Hogel
Baby's Comfort
The Tula was the top-scoring carrier in this category, earning a 9 of 10. The design is roomy at the top, and allows for a lot of wiggle space around your baby, while still providing plenty of support in the deep seat. The fabric is thin and pliable, yet strong. The thinner fabric makes it less bulky and more breathable than other carriers; it actually feels more like a thick t-shirt and is incredibly soft where it comes in contact with your baby. The leg holes come with a rim of padding on the edge for added comfort. Our testers had no trouble getting their baby to fall asleep and stay asleep in this carrier, a sure sign in our book that baby is truly comfortable.
At nearly 14 inches, the wide seat on the Tula Ergonomic Baby comes just to the hollow at the back of a bent knee providing excellent support for baby's hips and spine.
Credit: Adrian Hogel
Parent's Comfort
The Tula was also the top scoring carrier in this category, receiving a 9 of 10 for Parent's Comfort. With extra-thick padding on the straps, and a comfy three-part waistband, it truly shines in this category. All of our testers agree that it distributes baby's weight well and there are no pinch points or back strain to speak of. We like the fact that the padded area on the waistband is wider than other carriers, not only because it's more supportive, but it also helps prevent the dreaded baby carrier-induced muffin top. The only drawback is that the Tula doesn't have the option to cross the shoulder straps in the back while in a front carry like the Onya Baby Outback and the Beco Baby Gemini, a feature we found to add even more comfort.
The Tula Ergonomic Baby has a very wide, thick, and supportive waistband that can handle the weight of a toddler with ease.
Shoulder strap comparison: Tula Ergonomic Baby is on the outside while the Beco Gemini is on inside. Extra padding made a noticeable difference in comfort for us.
A sturdy padded waistband offers the most comfort for the parent. The longer and wider, the better. In order of increasing length and width, the Boba 4G is on top, the Beco Gemini is in the middle, and the widest and longest waistband belongs to the Tula Ergonomic Baby.
Ease of Use
The sleeping hood on the Tula Ergonomic Baby is secured by attaching the elastic loop to a hook on the shoulder strap.
Credit: Adrian Hogel
In our Ease-of-Use scoring, the Tula tied for first place with the other Editors' Choice Award winning Onya Baby Outback, scoring an 8 of 10. One of the main reasons the Tula is so easy to use is its simplicity. Getting it on and off is quick, intuitive, and all of our testers agree, no instruction manual is necessary. The hefty Duraflex buckle on the waistband is simple yet very secure and easy to tighten or loosen, even when buckled. The shoulder straps lengthen easily which allows for wearers of all sizes to share the same carrier and also makes breastfeeding possible. The large, detachable hood provides ample coverage for sleeping (and privacy while nursing) and has elasticized sides with cords (which end in a loop and go around a hook on the shoulder strap) to keep it in place.
The Tula also has a good-sized storage pouch on the waistband with a Velcro closure that can hold your cell phone, keys, and a small wallet. It did lose points in this category only because it doesn't offer the front carry facing out position. Tula claims that their carriers are "designed to be worn only in the most natural and ergonomic position for the baby, which is facing towards the parents, either on the front or back carry position." On that note, we don't expect them to add this feature any time soon.
Ease of Cleaning
The Tula received an 8 of 10 in this category. Like most of the soft-structured carriers we reviewed, it is machine washable with a gentle detergent but must be hung up to dry. This can sometimes be an inconvenience if you're in a hurry and need to grab your carrier and go.
Best Applications
The Tula Ergonomic is perfect for baby wearing around town, at a farmer's market, the zoo, or even doing chores around your house. It is best suited for use with older babies and toddlers; however, the infant insert makes it possible (and quite comfortable) to use with small infants as well.
We love the comfort of the Tula Ergonomic Baby while doing chores.
Credit: Adrian Hogel
Value
At a list price of $139, the Tula is one of the more expensive carriers we reviewed, but we consider it an excellent value and worth the cost. It is hand-sewn using Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified cotton, and made to last.
Fun Fact: This particular baby carrier retains it's resale value very well. In fact, because of Tula's cult-like following, some have been known to sell for above retail value if they are a sought-after color/print. Talk about return on investment!
Conclusion
We awarded the Tula Ergonomic Baby one of two Editors' Choice Awards because, based on our testing, it is a product we would most recommend to a friend or family member. The craftsmanship, comfort, and quality are outstanding. Paired with its lovely prints and ease-of-use, you can't go wrong with this carrier.
