Happy Monday everyone! The sun is out in Portland which has been rare this winter. We are soaking it up! We just got back from a walk with Piper in her Tula and I realized I have never done a post about this carrier. I grabbed the tripod and snapped a few photos before I put her down for a nap so I could share why I’m loving the Tula Archer Carrier so much!
Piper is almost 11 months old and I am still baby-wearing fairly regularly. She used to love being worn and would often nap and spend hours in the carrier. Now that she’s more mobile she will get fussy in the carrier after about 20-30 minutes but let me tell you, that time is precious. I can get a lot done in a half hour! In the morning I can pop her in and make breakfast, tidy up and take Buffy (our dog) out while she is happily hanging out in the Tula. I may not wear her for hours a day anymore, but having the option to have both hands free in a pinch has been a lifesaver!
Back in August I posted my thoughts on the Ergobaby Adapt Carrier and little Piper was only 5 months old in those photos. So tiny! So squishy! I love the Ergo carrier and still use it, but my Tula (this is the Archer style) has gotten a lot of use over the last few months too. The reason I didn’t start using the Tula until recently is because it’s meant for babies from 15-45 pounds. She hit the 15 pound mark around 7 months so that’s when I was able to bust this carrier out of the closet! I received this as a shower gift from my two besties (thanks Erin and Ashley!) and I was seriously so excited for Piper to finally be big enough to use it.
The Archer style is one of their most popular designs. It’s a really cute pattern but it’s still gender neutral which is something we really like. The fabric is lighter (and softer) than the Ergo. I like that it’s more lightweight and the fabric isn’t has scratchy on Piper’s bare legs if she is wearing shorts or a dress.
Like the Ergo, it comes with a hood that snaps on but we don’t use it very often. It’s the same mustard yellow as the leg padding which is cute but usually she just wears a hat and doesn’t have a need for the hood. Overall I really love this carrier and I use it a lot at home. The Ergo lives in the car and we use it mostly when we are on the go because it has extra lumbar support which prevents my back from getting sore. This is something I wish the Tula had!
Advantages
- Tons of colour patterns and options (they are definitely the cutest carriers I’ve seen)
- Machine washable
- Adjustable straps so both parents can wear it comfortably
- Extra padding around the leg-opening for baby’s comfort
Concerns
- Requires an infant insert (which is an extra $40)
- Can only be used for front and back carry (not hip carry)
- Price point may not be in everyone’s budget ($149 US)
- No lumbar band for extra back support
Do you baby-wear? What is your favourite carrier? Let me know in the comments!
Elaine says
Gah I can’t believe she’s 11 months! That Tula looks great! I FINALLY got T in the carrier like a month ago – it’s been life changing! I use the Ergo 360 and it has really great support – I just find it bulky to lug around and it doesn’t stuff well into my diaper bag so I usually just have it at the bottom of my stroller in case. I use it mostly at home though or going out for short walks. I haven’t attempted to carry him for hours yet…#goals!
Rebecca says
I use the Ergo 360. I love the carrier. Jane is 22 pounds now so the extra back support is key! I was so curious to see what your preference was because I bought the Ergo after I saw you review it 🙂 Thanks for sharing these posts are so helpful!