Can we talk ergo vs tula?

[aggiebug]

OK I know I have a few baby wearers on here, I may xp on n16 too.

So we have a few carriers we used with S- 2 were hand me downs and one, a jj Cole (like a ktan), I really liked was a purchased one but it's not a very structured. However with bebe 2 on the way and DD being a very active toddler I am thinking having a better structured carrier that I can actually nurse in and carry on my front and back would be nice, and one that would last longer than my current selection (most of which DD has outgrown or almost outgrown weight wise)


I am not going to be a baby wearing, buying lots of wraps and patterns kind of person. I need function and honestly cost matters too. So I am looking at the ergo (not 360) and a tula. New they are about the same price point and I really don't want spend more than that. However I can find ergos on CL for half price while tulas, being trendy for their patterns (which I don't care enough about) are the same as new or even more expensive.

Things that interest me.
-longevity of use
-front and back carry so I can hike with this
-personal comfort for me and bebe
- coverage so it's easy to nurse and go (I personally prefer to cover in general)

I feel like both do what I hope so is there any added value in a new Tula over a cheaper, used, Ergo?

[seamonster]

Is there a baby wearing group or sling library nearby that you can try them before you buy? I think Ergo with an infant insert would be more useful than a tula for a second kid. But if you went tula a toddler one would get you farther.

I hear you on the resale value. I'm contemplating a tula versus connecta and really just need to try both on with my kiddo to see which is easier and more comfortable.

[lilyelayne]

Going off what seamonster said, The toddler Tula is massive. Kid has to be comfortably in 2T pants to begin to fit. Standard Tula will fit longer than standard ergo but honestly DS is still fitting fine in our ergo360 at 22+ lb and 30". Standard Tula has an infant insert, too.

There are a lot of knock off Ergos (made overseas, not safety tested, history of buckles that break) which makes people skeptical of the secondhand market for them. So just be careful there. Zulily also has regular Ergos on sale pretty often.

I dunno about the prices exactly, but Beco Gemini and most of the Lillebaby will do what you ask and do not require an infant insert. Also Beco & lillebaby have the option of crossing the back straps for a front carry which some people find more comfy. I second looking for a babywearing group near you, even if you only go to a meeting or two. It's likely there will be a variety of SSCs to try on. Honestly if I could go back and buy a buckle carrier it'd probably be a Lenny Lamb because they're hands down the comfiest I've tried. But I've never tried a lillebaby or Beco.

Pretty much any SSC can have a hood you can put up for nursing coverage & naps. If buying secondhand be sure to ask about that.

[kartish]

I love my ergo, but I've never tried a tula. From my perspective the ergo adjusts easily and is comfortable for V. The front carry is no longer very comfortable, but I didn't notice any discomfort until he hit over 20 pounds. The back carry is comfortable, and I'm pretty comfortable getting him in and out of it nowadays.

The newborn insert was nice, but I think that you could achieve the same affect with a towel or blanket. But for the tiny phase I did prefer the stretch wrap that I was given, he felt more supported and comfortable in that than in the infant insert in the ergo. I'm glad I had both of them.

[aggiebug]

Apr 19, 2016 22:46:56 GMT -5 kartish said:

I love my ergo, but I've never tried a tula. From my perspective the ergo adjusts easily and is comfortable for V. The front carry is no longer very comfortable, but I didn't notice any discomfort until he hit over 20 pounds. The back carry is comfortable, and I'm pretty comfortable getting him in and out of it nowadays.

The newborn insert was nice, but I think that you could achieve the same affect with a towel or blanket. But for the tiny phase I did prefer the stretch wrap that I was given, he felt more supported and comfortable in that than in the infant insert in the ergo. I'm glad I had both of them.

Yeah my jj Cole works at 8lbs so that's a good point I could use that until the ssc worked without an insert to make it a little cheaper.

[kaydee0402]

I love love love my Tula. I think you just get what works for you, and the Tula fit our needs, and the pattern is cute. DS has always nursed in it without a problem, fallen asleep in it, he's very comfortable. I don't know what the difference is between a Tula and an Ergo, so I'm sure you'll be happy with either. This is just my two cents.

[lilyelayne]

Apr 19, 2016 22:46:56 GMT -5 kartish said:

I love my ergo, but I've never tried a tula. From my perspective the ergo adjusts easily and is comfortable for V. The front carry is no longer very comfortable, but I didn't notice any discomfort until he hit over 20 pounds. The back carry is comfortable, and I'm pretty comfortable getting him in and out of it nowadays.

The newborn insert was nice, but I think that you could achieve the same affect with a towel or blanket. But for the tiny phase I did prefer the stretch wrap that I was given, he felt more supported and comfortable in that than in the infant insert in the ergo. I'm glad I had both of them.

Yeah I'd use the stretchy you have when baby is really little. I didn't start using the ergo til DS had decent torso control so all I had to do was boost him up with the receiving blanket, as infant inserts are for both height & spine support.

Ergos and Tulas adjust slightly differently, are shaped slightly differently, look slightly different, but they're both good & similar carriers. It's really about what fits your body & budget. They all get softer & floppier & more comfy the more you use them, which can be a secondhand plus.

Beco & lillebaby are also canvas SSCs. Lenny lamb is made from canvas & woven wrap material so they're much softer.

You can also see if there are any retailers around you if you don't want to seek out a babywearing group & fit that into your schedule. Cloth diaper stores often sell carriers & will let you try them on. I'd do it before baby bump gets too big

[cougarette]

Would you hate me if I throw another option at you?

I love our chimparoo trek. It's made of woven wrap material, so it doesn't get as hot. There's a newborn insert built in that you can roll up and tuck away when baby is bigger. I love that you can cross the straps in the back when front wearing - I find it much more comfortable.

I agree with finding a local baby wearing group to try them on.

[aggiebug]

No I don't hate you lol. I just really am not into baby wearing like some are so I don't just peruse carriers for hours and drool over features. I just want functional and reasonably priced. I will look into that carrier and a few that lily shared.

[agm04]

another ergo lover here. DD is quite small, so i guess we're probably easy to please, but it's comfy for both of us and easy to use.

[chickyclg]

I like my Ergos a lot, but after trying out a Tula I was in love. If Baby #3 ever happens that's on my must buy list.

[constancegoodspeed]

I love the zipper pocket on the Ergo. The Tula I tried on had a smaller pocket
and it was velcro closure. The pocket is my dealbreaker.

[kartish]

Apr 21, 2016 20:15:16 GMT -5 constancegoodspeed said:

I love the zipper pocket on the Ergo. The Tula I tried on had a smaller pocket
and it was velcro closure. The pocket is my dealbreaker.

Ya, I've stuck a single diaper and a few wipes in the pocket and gone out without a diaper bag. Love the pocket!

[lulu783]

I've got a Beco Gemini and 2 Tulas. I love the Tulas but I just really LOVE the Beco.

[krispy83]

I love, love, love my Lillebaby. I feel like it's slightly less bulky than an Ergo and when I got it, the 360 wasn't out yet and I wanted the FF option.

I'll likely get a toddler Tula once DD is bigger but no need for that for a while. I went with the Lillebaby instead of a standard Tula because of the lumbar support piece (which has been awesome now that DD is older but doesn't love back carries) and the lack of infant insert.

[taberbtb]

I have an ergo 360 and love it, that doesn't mean you will love it though. I agree with others about finding a retailer who will allow you to try them on first because a lot of what people love/hate about carriers is the fit. Each one will fit differently, and if you aren't looking for any special features beyond a basic carrier then the biggest factor will be which one is most comfortable for your body.

[aggiebug]

Apr 25, 2016 14:27:38 GMT -5 taberbtb said:

I have an ergo 360 and love it, that doesn't mean you will love it though. I agree with others about finding a retailer who will allow you to try them on first because a lot of what people love/hate about carriers is the fit. Each one will fit differently, and if you aren't looking for any special features beyond a basic carrier then the biggest factor will be which one is most comfortable for your body.

I thought the 360 has a lower weight limit? So I had already discounted that one.

[taberbtb]

Apr 25, 2016 16:08:10 GMT -5 aggiebug said:

Apr 25, 2016 14:27:38 GMT -5 taberbtb said:

I have an ergo 360 and love it, that doesn't mean you will love it though. I agree with others about finding a retailer who will allow you to try them on first because a lot of what people love/hate about carriers is the fit. Each one will fit differently, and if you aren't looking for any special features beyond a basic carrier then the biggest factor will be which one is most comfortable for your body.

I thought the 360 has a lower weight limit? So I had already discounted that one.

It is lower, however it is still recommended up to 35lbs (instead of 45lbs) which should still carry us until age 3-ish since DD is average size/weight. I also wanted one that would face forward, and when I weighed the pros/cons I decided I would want that feature more than I would want the ability to wear a preschooler.