The Mom Site · themomsite.com/gear/tula-vs-ergobaby/
On this page13 sections
Key takeaways
- Both carriers list 7 to 45 lb and need no newborn insert. The Tula Original is built for facing in and back carry only, while the Omni Deluxe adds outward facing and a hip carry.
- The Tula Original has an adjustable seat: narrow for babies of 7 lb and about 0 to 3 months, middle for 3 to 9 months, and wide for taller babies from 9 months, per Tula.
- The IHDI lists Ergobaby, including the Omni Deluxe, as an industry partner. We didn't find Tula on that page. The IHDI says it doesn't certify products and that no carrier can cause or prevent hip dysplasia.
- Every soft structured carrier sold in the U.S. must meet 16 CFR 1226, which adopts ASTM F2236.
- We found no CPSC carrier recall for Tula or Ergobaby. LÍLLÉbaby recalled its Active Series carriers in 2018, a different line from the Complete.
At a glance
Baby Tula Original (mesh)
Suits: Parents who want a streamlined carrier for facing in and back carry, and who don't plan to face the baby out.
- Strength: Fits 7 to 45 lb, age 0 to 48 months, per Tula
- Strength: Adjustable seat with narrow, middle and wide settings, per Tula
- Strength: Size inclusive from Petite to 4XL, with a hood and phone pocket, per Tula
- Trade-off: Two positions only: facing in and back carry
- Trade-off: Not designed to face outward; Tula points to its Explore carrier for that
- Trade-off: Tula's product page we checked states no IHDI acknowledgment
Ergobaby Omni Deluxe
Suits: Parents who want four positions, including facing out and a hip carry, in one carrier.
- Strength: Fits 7 to 45 lb in four positions: inward, outward, hip and back, per Ergobaby
- Strength: No insert needed from 7 lb, per Ergobaby
- Strength: IHDI lists the Omni Deluxe on its partner page, and Ergobaby gives a lifetime guarantee
- Trade-off: Outward facing is listed from about 5 to 6 months and 14 lb
- Trade-off: Hip and back carries need baby to sit unassisted, around 6 months
- Trade-off: Fabric options vary; check the listing for the version you buy
Tula and Ergobaby make two of the most popular soft carriers, and they look alike on a shelf. The differences show up in positions, how the seat adjusts, and what each brand says about hips. If you're weighing Tula vs Ergobaby, the models we compared are the Baby Tula Original in mesh and the Ergobaby Omni Deluxe. We also look briefly at LÍLLÉbaby, which parents often put on the same shortlist.
This page lines them up from the makers' pages, the federal rule, the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI) and the AAP. We research products; we don't test them, and we don't list prices. Our best baby carriers guide covers more brands.
Tula vs Ergobaby at a glance
| Model | Child weight | Carry positions | Newborn insert | Wearer fit | Fabric | Hip-healthy (IHDI) | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tula Original Baby Carrier in Mesh (formerly Free-to-Grow)Soft structured carrier | 7 to 45 lb (0 to 48 months) | Two: facing in and back carry (no facing out) | Not needed (newborn ready) | Petite to 4XL | 100% polyester mesh | Not stated on product page | Check on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Ergobaby Omni DeluxeSoft structured carrier | 7 to 45 lb (0 to 4 years) | Facing in (0+ mo), facing out (5+ mo), back and hip (6+ mo) | Not needed from 7 lb | Waist range not published; extender sold separately | Not published | Not stated on product page | Check on AmazonAffiliate link |
| LÍLLÉbaby Complete 6-in-1 All SeasonsSoft structured carrier | 7 to 45 lb | Six: fetal, facing in (narrow and wide seat), facing out (6+ mo), hip (6+ mo), back | Not required | Waist to 52 in; to 61.5 in with extenders sold separately | Zip-down front panel over mesh | Rated hip-healthy by IHDI | Check on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Baby Tula Original | Ergobaby Omni Deluxe | |
|---|---|---|
| Baby weight | 7 to 45 lb (0 to 48 months) [1] | 7 to 45 lb (0 to 48 months) [2] |
| Positions | Two: facing in and back carry [1] | Four: facing in, facing out, hip, back [2] |
| Facing out | Not designed for it; Tula suggests its Explore carrier [1] | Strong head and neck control, over 25 in, about 5 to 6 months; 14 lb minimum [2] |
| Seat | Narrow, middle and wide settings [1] | Not described as adjustable on the page we checked |
| Newborn insert | Not needed from 7 lb [1] | Not needed from 7 lb [2] |
| Wearer fit | Petite to 4XL [1] | Petite to 4XL [2] |
| Fabric | 100% polyester mesh (this version) [1] | Deluxe mesh, cotton or linen versions [2] |
| Washing | Machine wash cold, hang dry [1] | Machine washable [2] |
| On IHDI's partner page | Not found [3] | Omni Deluxe, Omni Classic and Embrace listed [3] |
How do the positions compare?
The Omni Deluxe has more of them. Ergobaby lists facing in, facing out, hip carry and back carry. Facing out is for a baby with strong head and neck control who is taller than 25 inches, around 5 to 6 months, with a 14 lb minimum and 30 lb maximum. Hip and back carries are for a baby who sits upright unassisted and weighs at least 17.2 lb, usually around 6 months [2].
The Tula Original has two: facing in and back carry. Tula says it isn't designed for an outward-facing position and recommends its Explore carrier for that [1]. Tula also recommends waiting to back carry until your child has consistent head and neck control, so they don't slump chin to chest [1].
If facing out matters to you, that alone separates them. If you plan to carry facing in and on your back, the Tula's narrower feature set may be enough.
How does the Tula seat adjust?
This is the Tula's main design feature. Its adjustable base has three settings [1]:
- Narrow: newborns at a minimum of 7 lb, about 0 to 3 months.
- Middle: babies about 3 to 9 months.
- Wide: taller babies 9 months and older.
Tula says your baby needs to fit the middle or wide setting to be back carried, and that these ages are guidelines that vary with the baby's height and size [1]. Ergobaby's page we checked doesn't describe a seat-width adjustment. It describes head support that folds for a newborn and button positions for older babies [2].
Which fits a newborn?
Both makers say a baby of 7 lb or more fits without an insert [1][2]. For a newborn in the Omni Deluxe, Ergobaby says to fold the head and neck support in for a baby 6 weeks or younger and keep the top edge of the carrier at mid-ear level [2].
The AAP says to keep your baby's neck straight, chin off the chest, and always be able to see their face. It also says babies born early or with breathing problems shouldn't be put in upright carriers without asking your pediatrician [5].
What about hip-healthy claims?
The IHDI says it is not a certifying body and has never performed safety testing of any products. It says it acknowledges companies whose mission aligns with its own, and that no baby carrier can cause or prevent hip dysplasia [3]. For babies under 6 months, it advises wide-base carriers that support the thighs to the knees [11].
On the IHDI's partner page, Ergobaby is listed with the Omni Deluxe, Omni Classic, Embrace and other products. We didn't find Tula or LÍLLÉbaby on that page [3]. That isn't a finding about the products' hip positions. It only means the IHDI doesn't name those brands there. Tula's page describes ergonomic support for "head, seat, and hips" but states no IHDI acknowledgment [1]. LÍLLÉbaby's page says its Complete carrier is rated hip-healthy by the IHDI [8], which is a maker statement, and the IHDI says it doesn't certify products [3].
Ask your pediatrician if your baby has hip concerns.
LÍLLÉbaby in brief
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete 6-in-1 All Seasons lists 7 to 45 lb and six positions: fetal, facing in with a narrow or wide seat, facing out from 6 months, hip and back [8]. It needs no insert, fits waists to 52 inches (to 61.5 with extenders sold separately), and has a zip-down front panel over mesh [8]. We keep this to a short note because the pages we checked give fewer details than Tula's and Ergobaby's.
What federal rules apply?
Every soft infant and toddler carrier sold in the U.S. must meet 16 CFR 1226, which incorporates ASTM F2236 [4]. Slings and wraps fall under a separate rule, 16 CFR 1228 [10]. A federal standard doesn't separate these brands. Check buckles, seams and straps on any carrier, and the AAP says to match the carrier to your baby's size so leg holes are small enough that they can't slip through [5].
Who each one fits
The Tula Original may fit if you want a simple carrier for facing in and back carry, with a seat that adjusts as your baby grows. The Omni Deluxe may fit if you want outward facing and a hip carry too, and a brand the IHDI lists as a partner. LÍLLÉbaby may fit if you want six positions, with the caveats above.
For another comparison, see BabyBjörn vs Ergobaby. A newborn list is in our newborn checklist and baby registry checklist.
Recalls and safety
We searched the CPSC recall database on October 16, 2026 and found no recall of a Tula or Ergobaby carrier [7]. Ergobaby recalled about 2,800 METROUS strollers in 2021 because a harness buckle button could break off, which isn't a carrier [6]. In November 2018, LÍLLÉbaby recalled about 6,600 Active Series carriers because the sliding chest-clip strap could detach from the shoulder strap, a fall hazard. That is a different line from the Complete [9].
Search results change, so check the CPSC recall list before you take a hand-me-down. We list every carrier and sling recall since 2010 on our carrier recalls page.
Where to buy
- Baby Tula Original in mesh: Check price on Amazon Affiliate link. Also sold on Tula's site.
- Ergobaby Omni Deluxe: Check price on Amazon Affiliate link. Also sold on Ergobaby's site.
- LÍLLÉbaby Complete: Check price on Amazon Affiliate link. Also sold on LÍLLÉbaby's site.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between Tula and Ergobaby carriers?
The Tula Original carries a baby facing in or on your back, and Tula says it isn't designed for outward facing [1]. The Ergobaby Omni Deluxe lists four positions: inward, outward, hip and back [2]. Both list 7 to 45 lb [1][2]. The Tula has an adjustable seat with three width settings [1].
Is Tula or Ergobaby better for a newborn?
Both say a baby of 7 lb or more fits without an insert [1][2]. Tula's narrow setting is for newborns of at least 7 lb, about 0 to 3 months [1]. Ergobaby says to fold the head support in for a baby 6 weeks or younger [2]. Follow each manual.
Are Tula and Ergobaby carriers hip healthy?
Ergobaby's Omni Deluxe is named on the International Hip Dysplasia Institute's partner page, and we didn't find Tula there [3]. The IHDI says it is not a certifying body, has never performed safety testing, and that no carrier can cause or prevent hip dysplasia [3]. Tula's page we checked describes ergonomic support but states no IHDI acknowledgment [1].
Can you face a baby out in a Tula carrier?
Not in the Original. Tula says the Original isn't designed for an outward-facing position and recommends its Explore carrier for facing in, facing out and back carry [1].
Have Tula or Ergobaby carriers been recalled?
We found no CPSC recall of a Tula or Ergobaby carrier on October 16, 2026 [6][7]. Ergobaby recalled about 2,800 METROUS strollers in 2021 over a harness buckle, which isn't a carrier [6]. Check the CPSC list before you take a hand-me-down.
Is LÍLLÉbaby comparable to Tula and Ergobaby?
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete 6-in-1 lists 7 to 45 lb and six positions, including a fetal carry, outward facing from 6 months, and hip and back carries [8]. LÍLLÉbaby says the IHDI rates it hip-healthy [8], but the IHDI says it doesn't certify products [3]. It recalled its Active Series carriers in 2018 over a chest clip [9].
Sources
Numbers in brackets in the guide link to these sources.
- 1.Original Baby Carrier in MeshBaby Tula, 2026
- 2.Omni Deluxe CarrierErgobaby, 2026
- 3.Infant and Child: Baby Carriers and Related ProductsInternational Hip Dysplasia Institute, 2026
- 4.16 CFR Part 1226: Safety Standard for Soft Infant and Toddler CarriersElectronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 2026
- 5.Baby Carriers: Backpacks, Front Packs and SlingsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics (HealthyChildren.org), 2026
- 6.Ergobaby Recalls METROUS Strollers Due to Choking HazardU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 2021
- 7.RecallsU.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 2026
- 8.Complete 6-in-1 All SeasonsLÍLLÉbaby, 2026
- 9.LÍLLÉbaby Recalls Baby Carriers Due to Fall Hazard (Recall Alert)U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 2018
- 10.16 CFR Part 1228: Safety Standard for Sling CarriersElectronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), 2026
- 11.Babywearing Research Confirms Hip Healthy Position in Wide-Base CarriersInternational Hip Dysplasia Institute, 2023
