Ergobaby Omni 360 Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Ergobaby Omni 360 | |||||
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Awards | Best Overall Baby Carrier | Easy to Use Wrap | Best Traditional Carrier | Great Wrap on a Budget | |
Price | $180 List $129.00 at Amazon | $90 List $69.99 at Amazon | $60 List $59.95 at Amazon | $200 List $199.99 at Amazon | $45 List Check Price at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | A carrier that grows with your family but is harder to use with a higher price | Comfy sling to wear and sit in with an easy to use design | Budget-friendly wrap style that is easy to use and comfy enough | Comfortable and easy to attach with a cozy place for baby | Economical and comfortable but you need to hold baby when you put it on |
Rating Categories | Ergobaby Omni 360 | Nalakai Ring Sling | Baby K'tan Original | BabyBjorn One | Boba Wrap |
Child Comfort (25%) | |||||
Parent Comfort (35%) | |||||
Ease of Use (30%) | |||||
Ease Of Cleaning (10%) | |||||
Specs | Ergobaby Omni 360 | Nalakai Ring Sling | Baby K'tan Original | BabyBjorn One | Boba Wrap |
Min/Max Weight | 7 - 45 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 33 lbs | 7 - 35 lbs |
Carry Positions | Facing In (7 & 20" - 45 lbs) Facing Out (14 - 30 lbs) Hip Carry (17.2 - 45 lbs) Back Carry (17.2 - 45 lbs) |
Facing In (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Carry (8 - 35 lbs *BGL recommends Head/Neck/Torso Control) |
Kangaroo Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hug Position (8 - 35 lbs) Adventure Position (8 - 35 lbs) Explore Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Position (8 - 35 lbs) |
Facing In (0 - 36 mo./33 lbs) Facing Out (5 - 15 mo./26 lbs) Back Carry (12 - 36 mo./33 lbs) |
Facing In (Newborn - 35 lbs) |
Weight | 1.83 lbs | 0.9 lbs | Sm: 0.89 Lg: 1.04 lbs |
2.26 lbs | 1.41 lbs |
Packable Size | Medium | Small | Small | Large | Small (5.5 yards in length) |
Fabric | 100% Cotton | 58% Bamboo 42% Linen |
100% Cotton | Cotton, Polyester, PU Foam | 95% Cotton 5% Spandex |
Hood | Yes | No | No | No | No |
Storage Options | Storage pouch below headrest, Zippered pouch on the waist belt |
Pocket on the tail | Pouch on the belt. | None | Storage Pouch |
Other Features & Notable | None | None | Azo Dye-free | Adjustable Seat Width, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 |
None |
Included Accessories | None | None | None | None | Storage Sack |
Care Instructions | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Machine wash cold, hang dry | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low | Machine wash warm, hang dry | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low |
Our Analysis and Test Results
ErgoBaby was started by a mother, Karin Frost, in 2002 when she couldn't find a great baby carrier she liked. Wanting to keep her little one close, she tried several different baby carriers but couldn't find one that was both comfortable and ergonomic. The soft structured carrier provides freedom to enjoy all of life's adventures while keeping your baby close. Ergobaby now produces 30 different carriers in 5 different categories, including Swaddlers for newborns. Ergobaby is located in Los Angeles and sells in more than 700 retailers in the US and over 50 countries.
Performance Comparison
Baby's Comfort
Little testers weren't thrilled with the Omni 360's seat. While the seat and sides are padded, the sides seem to irritate little legs, and the larger a child is, the worse it is. Carriers without padded sides were cozier overall, which is somewhat counter-intuitive.
Parent's Comfort
The Ergobaby was not the most comfortable carrier for parents from our hands-on testing. The Ergobaby has padded shoulder straps that are almost too padded, making it feel somewhat bulky and uncomfortable. Depending on how wide or narrow your shoulders are (above left), the straps can chafe your arms or armpits in the back carry position. The padding in the front carry position is better, but the waistband can rub on the upper part of your derriere depending on how long your torso is (above right).
Ease of Use
The Ergobaby has multiple features and adjustments that increase the complexity of use. With seat width adjustment and moveable head support, there is a steeper learning curve, and the manual is not the best. The instructions are more complicated than necessary, given that much of it is intuitive.
The Ergobaby has safety buckles (above left) that require a little practice to use quickly and without hassle. The carrier also has a waistband pocket under the seat bottom with one zippered pocket and one quick-access open pocket, allowing you to stash small items, like our favorite baby pacifier, keys, etc.
Ease of Cleaning
The Ergobaby is one of a few carries you can machine wash on cold and tumble dry on low, making it easier to launder than other structured carries with thick padding that require air drying. However, the only downside is it isn't the easiest to spot clean for on-the-go messes. While you can scrub away spit up, it takes longer to air dry than some of the competition, leaving you with a wet carrier or no carrier at all. For an additional cost, Ergobaby offers a drool bib that attaches to the Omni 360 and is machine washable. Those who desire a line of defense to help protect the carrier from their baby's drool and chewing may be interested in this accessory, but it's not required.
Should You Buy the Ergobaby Omni 360?
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is expensive, and its overall performance isn't outstanding among the best baby carrier competition. However, those who want a baby carrier with longevity and several carry positions may enjoy this carrier for hands-free snuggles and closeness at home or while adventuring outdoors.
What Other Baby Carriers Should You Consider?
We suggest considering the Tula Free-to-Grow, another soft structured carrier that provides similar longevity as the Ergobaby Omni 360, working from newborn to toddlerhood. If a sling is more your style, the Nalakai Ring Sling is a high-ranking contender that's super easy to use, comfortable, and less money.