Post contains affiliate links. Once a week, I publish a user-submitted question, answer it, and ask the rest of you to answer as well. Don’t miss any posts! Subscribe to our new RSS Feed or subscribe via email.
Questions don’t have to be cloth diaper related, just email maria at change-diapers.com with “Mailbox Mondays” in the subject, or fill out my contact form for readers, which you will always be able to find on my Contact Page.
Aimee says:
Has there been a mailbox Monday on different types of carriers? I saw the picture comparison chart, but am interested in hearing what other mamas like. I was thinking boba, but then I have heard great things about tula and mamas who have used the boba say they now like tula better.
For the newborn phase I loved the Boba Wrap and my Sakura Bloom ring sling. With my older son I had an older style Boba Carrier and loved it. Later I got to try an Ergo baby carrier as well as a Boba 3G (I compared the Boba 3G vs Ergo if you’re interested.) I’ve also used the Boba air carrier, which lives in our car for “babywearing emergencies.” 😉
I don’t think one is better than the other; you really have to try both and see what fits you and your baby best. Tula baby carriers come in standard sizes as well as a toddler soft structured carrier. I have not reviewed or used the standard carrier, but I got to try a demo toddler carrier on and wow.
The incredible soft structured comparison photo Aimee is referring to was posted on Dearest Diapers‘ Facebook page and what a great resource! It pictures the Ergo, Boba, Tula and toddler Tula on the same mama, with the same baby (a 10 month old just a bit smaller than my 20 month old), showing the front carry, back of the carrier, and a back carry. It really demonstrates how huge the toddler Tula is. I don’t have very big children, and the toddler carrier was borderline “too big” for my 20 month old peanut, but it would be perfect for a large toddler or even a preschooler who likes to be carried.
I haven’t used/reviewed/measured the Tula but even the standard size appears to be a bit taller/wider overall than the others. None of them are exactly inexpensive, so I definitely recommend trying as many as you can before buying. Either through a store that offers returns, at a local shop or by borrowing a friend’s. Check on Facebook, there may even be a babywearing group near you!
What is your favorite carrier?
Maria wants to live in a world where cloth diapers are the norm and moms can make parenting choices without judgement. When she’s not chasing her 18, 14 and 11-year old kids around, you might find her checking out the latest gadgets, organizing something (again) or exercising in the fresh air. 
I don’t know what I’d do without my Boba Wrap. I have a 4 week old and my husband just went back to work today. It’s the only way I can get things done. Our baby has bad acid reflux and has to be held upright 30 minutes after eating. So this holds him upright and puts him right to sleep at the same time. It’s great. I love how stretchy the Boba wrap is. It makes it super comfortable to wear. We did put him in the Boba Carrier 3G which I also love. However, he’s a little too big for the infant setting and a little too small for the 12 lb setting, so in a few weeks I’ll probably start using that one when we go out. It’s super easy to put on which I love.
i agree with Karen in that i love my Maya wrap (sling) for the infant stage and hip carry for where we’re at now (12mos and ~20lbs). when we’re out for a long while and i’ll do quite a bit of wearing, i like my ergo. i have not tried the other carriers like boba, beco, etc.. but was able to borrow an ergo from a generous friend and have been very happy with it. my husband also enjoys wearing the baby in the ergo.
I love baby carriers 🙂 I really like the Maya wrap (its not really a wrap- it a ring sling) for newborn to 20 lbs. For my babies that’s about 6 mo old. I will use it up till about 15 mo on a hip carry. It is my favorite for new stage. Its the easiest for me to nurse littles in. And its easy on easy off. I like my Boba air for toddlers or a Mi Tie (probably miss spelled) for toddlers too. I think that most carriers will not fit a new born and a big toddler so its a good idea to invest in 2 🙂
we have a Boba Wrap (gift from our doula) but we didn’t use it much as our little guy didn’t like the material. We Love our pikkolo though as it lets me carry our son with less pain despite my bad joints (the memory foam straps are a nice perk too)
I don’t have experience with all of the carriers that you have mentioned. That being said, I prefer a Maya wrap for newbies, and an Ergo for infants and toddlers. I will use a Maya wrap for a toddler in a pinch though.
This is a great example of why you should try to buy from your local small businesses as much as possible! You can try on carriers and get 1 on 1 attention! An associate can help you get the perfect fit, you won’t find that at Target.
Definitely agree! But if someone does that, BUY THERE. Don’t get the help, then go home to order online and save $5. 🙂