Mother wearing her baby in a light pink Tula Explore Baby Carrier, holding the child close in a front carry. A “Parents Best for Baby 2025” award badge appears beside her, highlighting the carrier’s recognition for comfort and design.

Tula Baby Carrier Review: My Honest Experience and Favorites

An honest review of Baby Tula carriers - from newborn to preschool. See why the Explore became my favorite and how each carrier fits different stages.
Mother wearing her baby in a light pink Tula Explore Baby Carrier, holding the child close in a front carry. A “Parents Best for Baby 2025” award badge appears beside her, highlighting the carrier’s recognition for comfort and design.

Before my daughter was born, I was on a mission to find the perfect baby carrier. I tested wraps, slings, and structured carriers – each promising comfort and convenience. But the truth? Most of them left me sore, sweaty, or frustrated after just a short time. Then I found the Tula Baby Carrier, and everything changed.

This wasn’t just another piece of baby gear. It became part of our daily routine – from early morning snuggles to grocery store runs. I’ve now used Baby Tula through countless outings, and as I prepare to welcome my second baby, it’s still my go-to choice. In this review, I’ll share my honest experience, my favorite models, and why they’ve earned a permanent spot in my mom toolkit.

Why I Chose a Tula Baby Carrier

Before my daughter was even born, I had already tried what felt like every type of baby carrier on the market. I wanted something comfortable, easy to adjust, and stylish enough that I’d actually enjoy wearing it. The problem was, most carriers fell short – straps that dug into my shoulders, fabric that made both of us too hot, or designs that felt bulky and awkward.

When I discovered Baby Tula, things finally clicked. The fit felt supportive without being stiff, the fabrics were breathable, and the designs were beautiful. My absolute favorites became the Cotton Explore Carrier and the Handwoven Explore Carrier. Both offered the flexibility to carry my daughter in different positions as she grew, and they were comfortable enough to wear for hours.

Now that I’m pregnant again, I already know these will be the first carriers I reach for. They’ve been with me through newborn snuggles, busy toddler days, and everything in between – and I can’t imagine going through the baby years without them.

Overview of Baby Tula’s Carrier Options

One of the reasons I recommend Tula Baby Carriers to other moms is that they offer something for almost every stage and lifestyle. Whether you need a newborn-ready option, a carrier that grows with your child, or something compact for travel, there’s a style that fits.

Here’s a quick look at their main carrier lines:

Tula Free-to-Grow

The Free-to-Grow is designed to take you from those first newborn weeks all the way into toddlerhood – no infant insert needed. It adjusts easily to fit both baby and parent, and offers multiple carrying positions so you can switch from front carry to back carry as your little one grows. It’s soft, supportive, and perfect if you want one carrier that can do it all from the start.

Tula Free-to-Grow baby carrier in a soft blue herringbone fabric with beige straps, featuring an adjustable waistband and padded shoulder straps for comfortable babywearing.

Tula Explore Baby Carrier

The Tula Explore Baby Carrier is my personal favorite and the one I used most often – especially the Cotton Explore and Handwoven Explore. It offers the same comfort and support as the Free-to-Grow but adds the option for a forward-facing carry. It’s soft, supportive, and perfect if you want one carrier that can do it all from the start.

Tula Explore Baby Carrier in a white mesh fabric with a playful strawberry print, featuring padded shoulder straps and supportive waistband for breathable, comfortable babywearing.

Tula Lite Compact Carrier

The Lite is exactly what it sounds like – lightweight and easy to pack. It folds into its own waistband pouch, making it ideal for travel, quick errands, or keeping in your diaper bag for when you need it. It doesn’t have as many carrying positions as the larger models, but for short, on-the-go moments, it’s a lifesaver.

Tula Lite Compact Baby Carrier in black with a scattered white star pattern, featuring a lightweight design, padded shoulder straps, and a zippered waistband pouch for easy storage when traveling or on the go.

Tula Baby Signature Woven Ring Slings

For quick ups and downs or when you want that close, cozy feel, the Tula Ring Sling is a beautiful choice. It’s especially handy during the newborn stage for skin-to-skin contact, and it can be adjusted to fit snugly in seconds.

Mother wearing her baby in a dark gray Tula Ring Sling with a gold ring, holding the infant close to her chest. The fabric drapes across her shoulder and torso, creating a snug and supportive carry for the newborn.

Tula Toddler Carrier

When your little one outgrows a standard baby carrier, the Tula Toddler Carrier steps in. It has a roomier panel and supportive waistband, so you both stay comfortable on longer walks. I like it for busy days at the zoo or travel days when tiny legs get tired fast.

Mother carrying her toddler in a colorful Tula Toddler Carrier featuring a jungle print with cheetahs, tigers, and tropical leaves. The structured panel and padded straps keep both parent and child comfortable during extended babywearing.

Tula Preschool Carrier

For big kids who still need the occasional carry, the Preschool Carrier offers even more support. The wider panel and sturdy straps make ups-and-downs easier on your back, and your preschooler still gets that cozy, secure ride when they need it.

Father carrying his older child in a mustard yellow Tula Preschool Carrier with a white heart print. The wide panel and strong waistband provide support for bigger kids, making it ideal for long walks or outings.

Which Tula Baby Carrier Fits Best for Newborns and Toddlers

Choosing the right Baby Tula carrier really comes down to your baby’s age, your lifestyle, and how you plan to use it. For the newborn stage, my go-to recommendation is the Tula Free-to-Grow. It’s ready to use from day one without an infant insert and adjusts as your baby grows. The soft fabric and supportive design make it comfortable for both of you during those long snuggle sessions or when you need your hands free around the house.

Once your baby becomes more curious and active, the Tula Explore Baby Carrier is my top choice. It offers multiple carrying positions, including a forward-facing option that toddlers love. Both my Cotton Explore and Handwoven Explore made it easy to switch from front carry to back carry as my daughter grew, without feeling like I needed to buy a whole new carrier.

If you have an older toddler or preschooler who still wants to be carried on big outings, the Toddler Carrier or Preschool Carrier are worth looking at. They provide extra space and support so you can keep up with adventures without straining your back.

Where to Get a Baby Tula Discount Code

When I bought my Tula Baby Carrier, I searched everywhere for a Baby Tula discount code or a Baby Tula coupon to help save a little extra. While I don’t have a personal code to offer, the official Baby Tula website often runs seasonal sales, special carrier offers, and bundle deals that include accessories like teething pads or waist pouches.

I always recommend signing up for their email list so you’ll be the first to know about promotions, coupons, and new pattern releases.

Here’s where I purchased mine, and where you can find the same styles I’ve loved:

Final Thoughts from a Fellow Mom

Finding the right baby carrier can feel overwhelming, especially when every brand promises comfort, support, and style. After trying so many before my daughter was born, I can honestly say that Tula Baby Carriers stood out from the rest. The Cotton Explore and Handwoven Explore gave me the flexibility to carry her from those tiny newborn days – when a Tula baby carrier newborn setup was all we needed – into active toddlerhood without constantly switching gear.

Now that I’m pregnant again, I already know which carriers will be ready and waiting – the same ones I’ve trusted for years. They’ve made babywearing comfortable, practical, and even enjoyable, and I can’t imagine navigating early motherhood without them.

If you’re searching for something that works just as well for a sleepy newborn as it does for a busy toddler, I’d recommend giving Baby Tula a try. The right carrier doesn’t just hold your baby – it gives you the freedom to move through your day with them close to your heart.

European Mama
European Mama

Hi, I’m Yoli, the creator of European Mama! I’m a mom on a mission to simplify life for parents while sharing my passion for family, travel, and wellness. Between chasing toddlers, packing for family adventures, and finding products that actually work, I’ve learned a lot—and I’m here to share it all with you.

On this blog, you’ll find practical tips for parenting babies and toddlers, easy-to-follow wellness ideas, beauty tips for busy moms, and advice for traveling with kids. Life is messy, but it can still be fun, beautiful, and full of meaningful moments.

When I’m not blogging, you’ll find me juggling mom life, planning our next trip, or sneaking in a quiet moment with coffee in hand. Welcome to European Mama - let’s navigate this journey together!

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