Tula is easily one of the most popular babywearing brands around today, and it’s not hard to see why. These gorgeous soft structured carriers come in standard (15lbs – 45lbs) and toddler (25lbs – 50lbs) sizes, although you can wear babies as little as 7lbs in the standard with an infant insert. Colors and patterns are numerous and frequently updated, and with the recent additions of the Coast and Free-To-Grow carriers, there is sure to be something for everyone.
I was sent the Alyssa Standard Carrier by Tula to review, and it is love. This beautiful dotted pattern is printed on slub canvas, giving it great texture and dimension. It is the ideal jeans-and-tshirt print, but can easily be dressed up as well. I love that this is a fully printed carrier, meaning the canvas print continues on the straps and on the hood. This gives it the look of a wrap conversion, at a fraction of the cost.
Comfort for both parent and baby is not ignored by Tula. The luxuriously padded straps feel like clouds on my shoulders, and the cushioned waistband never digs in. Adjustments can be made both at the top of the straps by the body panel and at the bottom of the straps, letting you tighten or loosen to get the ideal fit. For babe, there is extra leg padding, and the perfect shape to ensure the ergonomic “M” positioning. One of my favorite things about the Tula carriers is how long the body panel is. It is ideal for my long torsoed baby, and gives her all the support she needs.
Baby can be worn on your front or back with this carrier, and both are equally comfortable. I find that the chest buckle can be a little tricky to get done up in front carry, but loosening the straps helps quite a bit. It is also worth noting that the straps can only be worn in a “backpack” style, so if being able to cross the straps behind your back for extra support is important to you, you may want to look at a different carrier.
Overall, this is my favorite soft structured carrier I have tried, and one that I will recommend to anyone looking for new carrier.
*I received this baby carrier from Tula in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own*
