Start babywearing with this versatile baby carrier

Parenting gurus and child development psychologists highly recommend babywearing for a number of reasons. The most highlighted benefit is that it helps in strengthening the bond between the parent and the child. Other definite advantages are that sling kids tend to cry less often and learn more.

If you are anything like me, however, a baby carrier really saves the day in instances where a regular stroller won’t be an option for instance, when using public transport such as trams, buses, trains and even in airplanes.

Whatever your reasons for getting a baby carrier, Ergobaby - a Los Angeles based company- recently unveiled their latest model; the Omni 360 and moms (and dads too!) can’t stop raving about it.

If you are not a stranger to babywearing accessories from this brand, the Omni 360 is more or less a revamped version of the Ergo 360. I also like viewing it as a blend of the Adapt and the Ergobaby 360 since it brings the versatilities of these 2 models while leaving out the least favorite features.

It’s simply the best!

The Ergobaby Omni 360 All-in-one Baby Carrier is a high-end model made of a soft, 100% premium cotton fabric and available in a range of 13 cool colors.

Just as its name (all-in-one) suggests; you don’t need a separate baby insert to use with it (this is by far the best thing about the Omni 360).

If you are a first-time mom (or dad), you’ll find this a really neat feature that eliminates the hassle of having to figure out how to use a baby insert. This design also means that you’ll have one less babywearing piece to keep adjusting every now and then. It also adds another level of comfort to your babe especially in steamy weather.

A common question that most parents who are switching to an all-in-one baby carrier ask is whether it can support a newborn.

The good news is that the Ergobaby Omni 360 is engineered to be of use right from the newborn stage when the rider is around 7 pounds all the way to 33 pounds when they are 33-36 months old.

Of course, your kid might seem lost inside the carrier within the first 2 weeks. So, you’ll find it necessary to keep an eye on the passenger to ensure that he/she is seated properly. The greatest relief, however, is that this carrier is designed to gradually grow with your baby and there are adjustable Velcro seat pads on the inside that you adjust to fit your babe’s height.

This Velcro system is very strong and very easy to use even with one hand which is very practical for instances where you’ll want to get the kid out of the carrier when you are all alone. Another thing that I love about this adjustability coupled with the 33-pound weight limit is that besides growing with your infant, it also allows you to use the carrier for other older and heavier toddlers below 3 years.

To add onto the passenger’s comfort features, this baby carrier has a versatile, soft-padded, and foldable headrest at the front with a pair of buttons on either side. This headrest offers an incredible support for your young baby’s head, neck, and back when resting their head against your chest.

An additional feature that I find really cool and clever here is that the headrest also hides a rain/shade hood that you simply roll out when your kid wants some privacy and/or protection from elements.

How do you like carrying your babe, at the front, back, or hip?

This is yet another department that the Ergobaby Omni 360 beats most of its competitors. You can now carry your kid in whichever position that feels comfortable for you and your young one: front-outward, front-inward, hip, and back carry.

According to the manufacturer, you should carry the kid:

• Front facing in- when they are newly born and with a minimum of 7 pounds/3.2kgs and minimum 20 inches/50.8cm in height
• Front facing out- when they are 5+ months old and with strong head control
• Hip and Back- only when they can sit on their own (6+ months)

This manufacturer seems to have done their homework really well with regard to your comfort as well. For instance, the shoulder straps have been designed to allow you 2 styles of wearing: You can crisscross them (a style that most parents prefer when front-carrying) or go for the traditional H-style which is ideally the best when back-carrying.

What you’ll also appreciate here is that these straps are height adjustable from 28’’ to 46’’- a feature that allows virtually all parents to participate in babywearing with optimum comfort.

On the same subject, this carrier also has a wide adjustable lumbar support with 2 safety buckles. This waist belt adjusts easily from 26’’ to 52’’ to offer a custom fit to petite and large wearers.

While this waistband is intended to offer the kid an additional level of safety, most parents affirm that it offers them a comforting back support thereby making it possible to carry them for extended periods without breaking their backs.

If you are still on the fence about purchasing this baby carrier, perhaps the fact that it is completely machine-washable might convince you. Even better, you can also put it in the dryer without the risk of ruining it. Mind you, this is a feature that you won’t find with most carriers in the lower end of the price spectrum and it ensures that you always have a clean carrier ready for your baby.

The last feature that I can’t fail to mention in this review is the detachable waistband storage pouch that measures approximately 8’’ by 6’’. This size is big enough to hold most of the things that you’ll need on the go including a phone, wallet, keys, and wet wipes.

Other parents’ view of the Ergobaby Omni 360

The Omni 360 is one of the best-rated baby carriers in the market today. Actually, the reviews on the internet and on the manufacturer’s website are nothing short of what I expected considering its high-end features and top-notch performance.

The first feature that most parents can’t stop raving about is the fact that this carrier can be used right from birth until the kids are 3 years… and it does not require an insert! On this note, they point out that the well-thought adjustable straps and seat coupled with the quality fabrics used suggest that this is the only carrier that they might require for their babywearing period.

Others also appreciate the manufacturer’s effort in ensuring that virtually anybody can use this carrier comfortably irrespective of their height and size and their favorite babywearing position.

Of course, there are a few buyers who felt that the Ergobaby Omni 360 didn’t offer exactly what they expected of a carrier at this price. For instance, a few of them don’t take the fact that this carrier doesn’t come with a teether/suck pad lightly. Others also feel that the heavily-padded shoulder straps make it a little bit bulky for their liking.

Pros

• Does not require a baby insert
• Supports multiple babywearing positions
• Adjustable seat, shoulder straps and waist belt for a custom fit
• Completely machine-washable and safe in the drier
• Has a tuck-away rain/shade hood
• Very easy to wear ON and OFF
• Easy to take the baby out even when alone
• Available in different colors
• Detachable pouch for phones, diapers, keys, wipes, and wallet

Cons

• Not the cheapest
• Multiple features and adjustments make it complex to use (until you get a good hang of it)

Pictures belong to Ergobaby