Tula Explore

Thread: "Tula FTG vs Explore"

These carriers are functionally identical, except the Explore panel is padded to allow facing out. It’s also not quite as adjustable as the FTG height-wise as you can only flip that headrest piece up/down. The FTG has much better panel height adjustment with straps, and it’s much lighter weight over baby with one layer of fabric vs padding. I’d 1000% go with the FTG. That was my favorite carrier until my kiddo outgrew it.

Thread: "$800 baby carrier…"

On their Facebook group people are still complaining about how the resale value dropped and they can't sell their 10-15 year old standard carriers for hundreds anymore, saying selling it for $60 is a hard loss. I loved tulas, but after getting a happy baby I'll never go back! I'm sorry but I'm not paying a ton of money for a used carrier that is ancient.

Thread: "Is the artipoppe really worth it?"

I have a Tula explore and I love it; I feel like the style is similar to artipoppe but significantly cheaper!! They also have some really cute prints and have linen, hemp, and cotton. Highly recommend!!

Thread: "Baby Bjorn Free vs Mini"

And you are dead set on one of these carriers? Personally, I’ve always found the bjorn carriers with adjustable seats are terrible at getting a proper fit and M position in. I’ve experimented with them personally and I’ve never seen one in the wild where the person achieved a good fit. If you have to go with one of those two, then the Free. If you have to go with Baby Bjorn brand, then the One. If you are open to other carriers and brands… well I would look into the Tula Explore (my favorite!) or Ergobaby Omni 360x

Thread: "Mabé, Tula, or Momcozy?"

Your baby should fit in the Tula! The explore is their carrier that can front face. I have that one and it’s good but I would have gotten the free to grow if I did it again because the panel is more adjustable, it’s a little lighter and I did not realize forward facing is not recommended. (Forward facing baby needs to have strong head control, ideally tripod sitting and even better if they are able to sit on their own, they have to be tall enough to clear the panel, is meant for a short length of time and can never be allowed to sleep that way as it can compress the airway.) https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/the-fuss-about-facing-out/?sfw=pass1742382821&sfw=pass1742412252&sfw=pass1742476029&sfw=pass1742506387&sfw=pass1742566293 Mabe and momcozy might just be starting to fit now but could still be another couple weeks to month depending on babies size but they also don’t have a chest clip for a back carry so I personally wouldn’t pick them. Here is some info about why babies might fuss in the carrier and some suggestions. https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/help-my-child-cries-in-the-sling/?sfw=pass1742382822&sfw=pass1742575496 How to use the free to grow https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=WfJltYEGpkA The free to grow is a great carrier but just know there are a lot of options! I would look at letstalkbabywearing and thebabywearing.ot for some good reviews, tips and information!

Thread: "Deinfluence me with Artipoppe and influence me with the right one"

A lot of baby wearing experts talk down on artipoppe carriers which was all I needed to know. I have a Tula explore and absolutely love it. Works so well for travel

Thread: "Let’s talk BAD carriers"

There’s tricks to wearing the k-tan that do make it much more comfortable (mostly just keeping the connection loop as low on your back as possible) but I also had back pain while I figured it out. It was unfortunately the only way my baby would nap and the waistband on our Tula explore hurt my c-section scar. However, I also ended up getting a Konny and that was sooooo much more comfortable than the k-tan.

Thread: "Best carrier for dad?"

There's plenty of dads that carry to snuggle and get the baby/kid to nap, too. I also know dads that carry more than mom. The tula is a great carrier though.

Thread: "Fit check: babybjorn baby carrier mini"

I think it would be easier to look on this sub for carrier recommendations, there are tons of posts about this that can be super helpful ♥️ Generally for structured, full buckle carriers around this price point people love Tula (my personal recommendation too, I have an Explore and my husband has a Free To Grow), Lenny Lamb and Ergo carriers, but I'm sure I'm missing a few! I was personally still using a stretchy wrap when my baby was this small but I don't know if it's worth getting one 6 weeks in, but baby might be a tad too small for the great options that they won't outgrow super quickly so it might be worth making your own post asking for recommendations for your specific situation :)

Thread: "Is the artipoppe really worth it?"

I love the explore and free to grow by Tula. And they have beautiful handwoven pieces, so if you’d like to splurge on something more special there’s an option for that too.

Thread: "Dads' favorite carriers"

My husband and my friends husband both really like Tula Free-to-Grow and Explore. There’s a learning curve at first, but pretty easy after the first couple wears. For newborns, my husband loved his Lalabu baby wearing shirt for the first few months. It doesn’t last all that long, but it was a great option until our little guy was big enough for a carrier.

Thread: "Best Baby Carrier?"

I have a Tula Explore that I used with my first (born 2020) and am currently using with my second (born February 2025). It’s held up very well and I’m pleased with how versatile it is!

Thread: "Ergobaby v Tula"

My husband and I have both a Tula Free to Grow and a Tula Explore. He prefers the Explore and I prefer the FTG. You could get two used ones for the price (or less than the price) of one new one, if you don’t want to mess with adjusting as often depending on who is wearing baby. It’s very muggy and hot where we are (Midwest USA, temps in the high 90s F and very humid) and baby has been okay in the cotton Tulas in just a onesie and diaper.

Thread: "Tula FTG vs Explore"

I’m torn between getting a black hemp one and a teal linen. I feel like getting a darker color one would bug me too much in the summer but I’m not sure how much it actually affects the baby/me feeling hotter :(

Thread: "What's your favorite baby carrier?"

I really liked the embrace as well and ended up going with the Hope and Plum Lark. I’ve been using it for almost a year (I got the first round of release) and I really like it. The only thing I have to compare it to are a Tula Explore and Ergo Omni 360 which feel really bulky. I also have 2 ring slings and I wish I had tried those when my baby was younger as well but they still work for us and he’s a year old! You might be able to find a try before you buy program as well!

Thread: "Baby carrier which to pick!"

I went down a similar path, soft wrap during newborn phase and then Tula Explore. I've heard the Ergo Embrace is good for newborns but otherwise I'd avoid a structured carrier until at least 4 months no matter what the manufacturer says (they just want to sell more carriers!)

Thread: "Tula explore reviews"

Awesome thank you both! I’ll look into the FTG over the explorer. I guess I was thinking front facing would be better if we went to the aquarium of someplace like that but I’m sure she can look around plenty front facing too.

Thread: "What's your favorite baby carrier?"

There are many used ones for sale on Ebay (and FB marketplace, but that varies by region). I got my Tula explore for ~$38 instead of $119 new.

Thread: "Tula FTG vs Explore"

I got first Explore and I regret it! Now I am using an old FTG it's blimmin amazing. My LO just didn't like the structure of Explore... FTG is so much lighter and cheaper.... I wish I got FTG first :)

Thread: "Tula FTG vs Explore"

I got the linen because it’s more breathable.

Thread: "Tula FTG vs Explore"

I have them both and recommend the Explore! I feel like it’s given my daughter more comfort as she grows and is easier to put her on my back by myself.

Thread: "Ergobaby carriers"

Carriers are hit and miss, kind of like getting the right pair of jeans, you might need to try a few different ones to get the fit you like. There are always heaps on Facebook marketplace for this reason so I would buy there instead of new. Tula Explore is similar to Ergo 360 but I find it more comfortable. For newborn days, Embrace is a good option, soft and easy to put on. Then once Bub is a bit bigger, moving on to a more structured carrier like an Ergo360 or Tula. Since you are in Melbourne, you could also look at going to a [Bumble Bee Market](https://www.instagram.com/bumblebeemarkets?igsh=OTVxMm03M3hwM2ox). There is sometimes a babywearing stall there that has a bunch of different carriers you can try on. She isn’t always there though so check beforehand.

Thread: "Tula explore reviews"

Yes. I have a tula explore and have used it since she's been about 6 weeks. We love all the carrys. Inward mostly, outward when she's in a social mood, and now back for fun things like hiking. The prints are also super cute. I highly recommend

Thread: "What's your favorite baby carrier?"

We just got a Tula Explorer and are loving it. My husband is 6'5" and stocky, and options that would fit him were limited (the two main ones were what we got and H&P). We went with Tula because it was more budget friendly, so if it didn't work (for us or baby) it wasn't as much money spent (bought a sale one too).

Thread: "Best infant carriers?"

I have a wrap, a sling, and a Tula. Honestly the wrap is by far the easiest. The Tula is ok once ajusted…but there are a lot of adjustments before you use it to get the fit right.

Thread: "Just buy the expensive baby carrier"

I also love my Tula! I like it much better than the Beco carrier I had with my first.

Thread: "Tula explorer carrier - mesh or cotton?"

I bought a Tula off market place because it was affordable, in near new condition and I liked that you can use it through to toddlerhood. We got the mesh and I really like it because I tucked a blanket around the outside to keep baby warm in winter, but it’s cooler for summer

Thread: "What's the deal with tula carriers?"

I prefer my Boba Classic over the Tula Explore but Tula over Ergo (or other structured carriers I’ve tried.) I will say our Tula print is the cutest! And my husband and I both can adjust and comfortably wear the Tula despite being over a foot and 100lbs difference in ht/wt. I get why people like the Tula! It’s served us well for both parents from like 4 months - 18 months. (And if our kid wasn’t so tall, it would still work for him at 21 months!) I would say similar to Ergo 360 but more adjustable and just a more comfortable fit.

Thread: "Plus size baby wraps"

https://oschaslings.com/pages/wrap-size-guide You might find this helpful. Also providing waist and hip measurements might be useful but it’s hard to do while pregnant! If I remember later I will take my measurements and post them. I have what I think is a size 6 wrap that I can do a FWCC with, and a size 5 that I can’t tie at the back for FWCC but is a good size for a kangaroo carry. I also have a Tula explore and that fits my waist with a small amount of room to spare (I wear it at the smallest part of my waist because that’s the most comfortable for me, it might be too high on others though.) My waist is around 42” and hips 52”.

Thread: "Best Carrier Option for plus sized Moms?"

We have a Tula explore that fits both my husband and I comfortably. I'm probably about an 18-20 postpartum, but haven't tried on any non maternity pants yet. My husband wears 40 waist pants.

Thread: "Recs for baby carriers - what to look for? "

I’m still pregnant but was gifted a Tula Explore carrier, which I look forward to using! It’s pretty and seems to have good ratings and support. I intend to use a soft carrier (solly wrap) for the first bit of his life though, before switching to the more structured Tula. I’ve also tried on a friend’s ergobaby Omni 360 and baby bjorn and both felt good, although the baby had a preference for the baby bjorn (so something to bear in mind!). Facebook marketplace is great to try out carriers and maybe sell them if they don’t work for you! In terms of what to look out for, lumbar support is important to me because I hope to go on long walks with the baby and I don’t have the best back. Also think about whether you want your carrier to allow your baby to be world facing - some carriers have that feature while others don’t. I also know it’s a bit flippant but I did want a cute carrier!

Thread: "What's the deal with tula carriers?"

They were literally allllll the rage when I had my first born 6 and a half years ago. Like I would consider them the back then artipoppe 😂 4 kids later and I still use my tulas. Nothing else has compared .

Thread: "What’s Your Holy Grail Carrier for Babies?"

My favorite carrier of all is my Tula explore (linen). I got it in a very light color (seafoam). It’s great for all seasons, as the linen is very light and breathable! Now, most people here are fans of the Tula free to grow. I’ve never tried that one so can’t speak to it, but would love to try one in a wrap conversion someday!

Thread: "Best Baby Carrier?"

No, Im pretty sure only the Tula explore is designed to accommodate forward facing (of their products, obv!) I dont own that model but it has good reviews. YMMV, of course, but I didnt forward face much when wearing my daughter (even with other carriers designed to allow it) as the weight distribution in that position was too hard on my lower back and it also tended to be a position with a time limit (as its not a safe position for napping). By the time she was old enough to forward face, she was also old enough to back carry, and we both preferred that position.

Thread: "Just buy the expensive baby carrier"

Yes, yes and yes to both. The two best purchases that i made of baby things were my Tula explorer and Tushbaby. I used my tula until my baby was too tall to fit in it. I got the tula toddler. The tushbaby I use daily. I don't pack a diaper bag or take a purse, everything fits in the tushbaby. It's my utility belt, I don't leave home without it. Toddler is almost 3 and we've used it since she was 1.5. Get the good carriers. If anyone is in LA there is a great baby wearing group that has monthly free mertips were you can talk to a baby wearing professional, try different baby carriers from their baby carrier library abcd the will teach you how to safely baby wear.

Thread: "Tula explorer carrier - mesh or cotton?"

We have Tula explore in mesh. I like it! I can clip bubs in and out by myself which was key for me. I’ve gone on walks and exercised with bubs in it (YouTube has good baby wearing exercise videos) and has felt good. As already mentioned, even though it’s mesh, still gets warm from body heat. I’m in Vic. Baby is only 3 months so I’ve only tried the facing in position and can’t comment on the other two positions which are options with explore.

Thread: "Recommendation for Carrier for Dad and 5 month baby"

What's more important, forward facing (which should only be for short stints, ~15 minutes or so, but isn't really dangerous for an awake baby that can tripod sit) or lightweight/ breathable? The carriers that are best for forward facing (several ergo models and the tula explore) have extra padding to support the position. Lightweight natural fiber carriers that claim to support front facing don't really do it comfortably for baby. It would be best if Dad could try on carriers in person before picking one. Do you live in a place with a carrier library, babywearing groups, or an in-person educator? If not there are online rental and try-before-you-buy programs. If you like in the US or Canada you could check out Little Zen One. But if he's committed to forward facing there aren't that many good options so maybe he could just get away with picking one of them.

Thread: "What would be the best baby carrier for a big man in 2023? there are so many brands it's giving me a headache."

My husband is also around 6ft, but 160-ish lbs. We have a Tula Explore. Height-wise it fits him perfectly, but he is on the thin side to have proper support for longer durations. I’m 5’8”-ish and around 190 lbs and love the Tula Explore. I use an added on lumbar support but I have lower back issues (spd related). I find it quite easy to put on and adjust. I personally also love my Babylonia Slen stretchy wrap and Lenny Lamb ring sling (husband doesnt do wraps of any kind), but those are less durable in the long term. I could/can carry my LO all day in them, but they have lower weight limits than a soft structured carrier like the Tula Explore (as of this week my LO (7.5mo) has officially outgrown our stretchy wrap weight wise, although it wasnt really comfortable anymore for longer). I also own a Lenny Lamb woven wrap but need more practice in tying it tight enough. (Woven) wraps are more or less a one size fits all, have great support and are very versatile though! Just a bit of a learning curve (especially woven wraps) :’). Woven wraps can be used up to I think around 55lbs. It depends a bit on what you want and how long you want to use it for really (both through which ages and how long you want/need to carry for each time). It’s clear to me that you want something quick and simple to put on, in which case a ssc is a solid choice, most also until age 2. Tula Explore goes up to around age 4 (55-ish lbs I think?). Sidenote (maybe superfluous): I see you mention outerwear. Those are not carriers! They are coats, cardigans or covers to combine with a carrier, so you can wear LO outside also on colder and/or wetter days. But if you need a rec for that: my husband and I both LOVE our Mamalila Allweather softshell coats! (Also sorry for any mistakes! Especially weight and length conversions from metric, I’m not a native speaker or from the US so not used to imperial system).

Thread: "Baby carrier recommendations for plus size mom"

I love my Tula explore. I wear a 14/16 postpartum. The back carry position is the most comfortable for me but I need someone to help me load her up. Plus when you can use that depends on the baby—my daughter could sit upright at 5 months. But she’s also large so with a lighter baby front carry is still comfortable. I front wear for errands because it’s easy to get her in and out myself, but the back carry is preferable for hiking and long walks. Pregnancy was rough on my back so I do a lot of exercises to strengthen it.

Thread: "Help me find my holy grail carrier?"

I love the Tula Explore, it’s really comfortable on me and baby and easy to take on and off. Also easy to adjust if someone else wears it (my husband uses it too).

Thread: "Is a Tula baby carrier worth it?"

Def grab it, I like mine but I really love to Back carry with it.

Thread: "What’s the best baby carrier you’ve used that actually works for everyday life?"

I used my Tula explorer TONS all through the first year. Now that we are in the toddler years I’m using my ring sling and woven wrap on a semi regular basis.

Thread: "Tula explorer carrier - mesh or cotton?"

I love my Tula Explore in mesh. I bought it to hopefully help with the heat in summer (north west NSW) and so far it's been great. Baby wearing is hot regardless though!

Thread: "Artipoppe or Happy Baby for 7m old"

I went for the Argus Oat & it's a lovely soft linen. I had purchased the Tula Explore as I thought it was a good alternative the AP (I was worried I was falling victim to their marketing) but my LO hated it compared to the Aura wrap which he was rapidly outgrowing. The Tula was just too bulky for him. The AP waistband is more rigid than I thought but still softer than the Tula & definitely needed as the fabric is v soft & unstructured. I was really on the fence about buying one because of the cost but I watched South London Sling Library YouTube review and it convinced me. That channel is really good for reviews and how to videos.

Thread: "Tula explorer carrier - mesh or cotton?"

Good to know, I’m planning on getting the mesh one too!

Thread: "Ergobaby or Tula?"

I have the Tula free to grow and the Tula explore and love them both. The explore seems more comfy for baby, better cushioning under the knees.

Thread: "Tula vs Ergobaby"

I have the Tula explore and I love it. We used it from 8 weeks and still using it now at 16 months. Very comfy for both me and my husband and my bub has spent a lot of time napping in it, especially in the early days!

Thread: "ErgoBaby Embrace or Tula Explore For Newborn?"

I have the Tula explore, and my baby loves it - it’s my fav carrier. We also have wraps and slings that we use occasionally, the wraps are really best for the early days imo, now that my little guy is about 6 months old we use the Tula and sling the most

Thread: "Okay someone just tell me what wrap to get! "

If you want longevity, get a woven wrap or ring sling by lemnylamb or didymos (or another brand that you find a look you love from). A stretchy wrap will only last you until baby is about 12-15lbs. If you want a more structured carrier, try out a full buckle from one of those brands or an ergobaby embrace for now and a Tula for later. Or if you're in North America check out Little Zen One's try before you buy program and see what you love without the full price. https://www.littlezenone.com/pages/try-before-you-buy-program?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAhP67BhAVEiwA2E_9g7ZPI7sKSKsuzIhkny7HNHGicOMmm6SZqdi389Tr6_EcmDVaxXwzKhoCv-EQAvD_BwE

Thread: "What’s the best carrier for back carrying if I have back pain?"

The FTG is already a pretty good option for back carrying. I wouldn't go for an onbuhimo. The lack of a waistband will cause more strain on your back, which you probably want to avoid. Maybe you could try something with a lot of support? An Ergobaby Omni or Tula Explore? They have broad, pretty stiff waistband which divide the pressure evenly over a bigger area. Maybe that would be more comfortable?