REASONS TO BUY
Comfortable to wear
Machine wash and dry
Cozy
REASONS TO AVOID
Price
Harder to adjust on-the-go
Tula Free-to-Grow Review
Comfortable carrier for parents and baby, but it's harder to use and expensive
Credit: Matt Lighthart
By Juliet Spurrier, MD ⋅ Mom-in-Chief ⋅ March 12, 2025
Contributions From: GearLab Review Team
RELATED: The Best Baby Carriers of 2025
Our Verdict
The Tula Free-to-Grow is a soft structured carrier that is highly adjustable, accommodating children from 7-45 lbs without the need for an infant insert or additional purchase. It's somewhat harder to use due to the adjustments and extra features. However, if you are patient, your reward is a cozy carrier for outings with your little one and one of the most comfortable options in our baby carrier review for parents to wear. The Free-to-Grow has super soft fabric and is machine washable. This carrier may not be a good choice for families on a budget as the list price is high, but it could be your one-and-done option for the life of your baby's babywearing years.
Our Analysis and Test Results
Married couple, Ula and Mike, started the Tula company when they couldn't find just the right carrier or sling for wearing their babies. Inspired by women they saw working the fields wearing their little ones in colorful wraps, the couple decided to create a carrier of their own. Eventually, they realized there was a demand for the kind of carriers they were making, so they started selling them full-time.
Parent's Comfort
The Free-to-Grow shines as one of the most comfortable options in the test group.
Wearers liked the padded shoulder straps and the thicker waistband, which helped support the baby's weight better than carriers without a waistband. The Free-to-Grow has more adjustments for a better fit, allowing each user to find the right support for long-term comfort. The design also allows for significant hands-free use, which is a big plus for busy parents.
We didn't have trouble connecting the Tule clip, but it is something to consider if flexibility isn't your strong suit.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Ease of Use
The Free-to-Grow is harder to use than some other carriers.
The carrier is relatively intuitive, but the straps and buckles can be difficult to reach, depending on your flexibility. Putting the Free-to-Grow on and putting the baby inside is surprisingly harder than we thought it would be.
The Free-to-Grow has a waistband pocket that closes with Velcro and can hold some smartphones or your keys. It also comes standard with a hood that offers support and can help protect your baby from the elements.
Little ones like being close to parents while seeing new things; the Tula offers front or back carrying.
Credit: Matt Lighthart
Baby's Comfort
Only a couple of other carriers are more comfortable for babies than the Free-to-Grow.
This carrier's fabric is supremely soft, and our tiny testers seemed content and often fell asleep. The Free-to-Grow has an adjustable seat, sides, and head support for a customized fit every time. Little ones feel secure but have enough freedom of movement to avoid feeling trapped. Regular users seem to enjoy and find comfort in moving about and engaging with the world outside the wearer, thanks to the sturdy design.
The Free-to-Grow is easy to clean on the go and in your washer and dryer.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Ease of Cleaning
This carrier is machine washable and can be thrown in the dryer on low, making it one of the easiest options to keep clean.
The ability to dry this carrier instead of hanging it means less downtime between uses. The fabric dries relatively rapidly, making it easy to keep clean on the go should your little one spit up or have an accident.
The Free-to-Grow can be worn with the baby on the front or the back.
Should You Buy the Tula Free-to-Grow?
If you're looking for a top-ranked baby carrier that will last for the long haul, the Tula Free-to-Grow is a standout choice. It's comfy for both you and your little one, and it can adjust as they grow. This means you won't need to buy a different carrier as your child gets bigger. Plus, when messes happen (and they will), it's a breeze to clean.
What Other Baby Carriers Should You Consider?
The BabyBjorn One could be an appealing contender to the Tula Free-to-Grow. It offers a similar level of versatility and comfort, making it a good option for parents looking for something that will grow with their baby. For those who want a decent carrier without splurging, the Momcozy Baby Carrier is a budget-friendly option that still delivers comfort and functionality. Also, the Baby K'tan Original is a good option for the newborn stage, providing a cozy, snug fit and is easy to use and clean. Once your family is ready to move on from a baby carrier, consider a baby backpack, especially for longer excursions.
Manufacturer Video
Front Carry
Back Carry
Side-by-Side Comparison
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