While shopping for a baby carrier for my niece recently, I faced a difficult choice: the Ergobaby vs Lillebaby.
Both soft-structured carriers come with a positive reputation in the world of babywearing, with similar benefits, so my decision was not an easy one. Plus, I wanted to make sure that my sister-in-law and niece had a baby carrier that would last them a long time, fit comfortably, and be cool enough for use in the hot Australian summer. Here’s what I found as I compared the Ergobaby vs Lillebaby baby carriers.
Ergobaby vs Lillebaby: What’s the Difference?
The Ergobaby 360 and the Lillebaby Complete are both good soft-structured, cotton baby carriers. They can both be used from infant stage until your little one is a toddler. They’re made to adapt to lots of different body types and sizes (for parent and child) and offer lumbar support straps to make carrying a bit easier on your back. The carriers offer loads of different positions so that you can find one that keeps your little one happy.
Since they’re both high quality baby carriers, it can be hard to distinguish between Ergobaby vs. Lillebaby. But here’s what you need to know about the key differences between the Lillebaby and the Ergobaby.
Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier
This 100% cotton soft-structured carrier class has gotten a modern upgrade with antimicrobial fabric to provide a hygienic barrier between your baby and the world for peace of mind. You'll get all the benefits that Ergobaby has become known for, with ergonomic design, including a lumbar support cushion to help protect your back, and positioning to ensure the health of your baby's hips. It's non-toxic, machine-washable, and can be used for babies and toddlers from 7-45 pounds. Carry your baby facing out, facing in, on your hip, or on your back.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cool, with option for mesh material
Breastfeeding friendly
Multiple carrying positions
Cons
Limited pocket space
The Ergo360 lets you carry your infant on the front, facing in or out; on your back; and even on your hip (an option that I always wanted when my kids were babies).
Parents like that the Ergo360 has a wide seat, which just seems more comfortable for baby. The waistband and straps are pretty easy to adjust, so you can share the carrier between different caregivers. The Ergo360 is also very light, so it’s a good option for families that live in warmer climates—it even comes with an attached sun hood to keep baby shaded.
Ergo360 Key Features
- Can be used with infants 7-45 pounds
- Front (facing in or out), hip or back carry positions
- 100% cotton, antimicrobial fabric
- Machine-washable
“I absolutely love this carrier.. it doesn’t even feel like you’re carrying a baby in it no pain in shoulders. You would be surprised how carrying in your hips takes all the pain of other baby carriers. Would recommend getting this if your starting or even growing your family definitely worth the cost, wish i would have got it sooner.”—Ergobaby.com review
LÍLLÉbaby Complete Original Baby Carrier
The LÍLLÉbaby Complete Original baby carrier is called the original for a reason--it offers everything you could need to carry your baby, from newborn to toddler. Made of 100% machine-washable cotton, it can be used for babies and toddlers from 7-45 pounds with no insert needed. You'll get six positions: including front-carry in, front carry out, back carry, hip carry. This carrier is very similar to the Ergobaby, with two main additional benefits: an adjustable seat for your little one and an expandable back panel to accommodate different sizing for parents. Plus, it has ample storage thanks to an oversized storage pocket. Gotta love pockets!
Pros & Cons
Pros
Longevity of use till 45 pounds
Recommended by The International Hip Dysplasia Institute
Newborn fetal position carrying option
Cons
Not marketed as breast-feeding friendly
Material can be stiff and difficult to adjust at first
Learning curve for getting positions and strap adjustments right
The Lillebaby stands out for its long range of use and bonus features, like a storage pouch and expandable back panel. You don’t need any infant insert to use the Lillebaby as soon as your new addition is 7 pounds. The Lillebaby even lets you safely carry your baby in a fetal position on your chest, giving you those precious newborn snuggles hands free. On the other end of the spectrum, the carrier can be used till 45 pounds (which, for comparison, my 3-year-old isn’t even close to).
If you’re worried about hip issues, the Lillebaby is a good option: The International Hip Dysplasia Institute has pegged it as one of the safest ways to carry babies.
Lillebaby Key Features
- Can be used with babies 7-45 pounds
- Front, hip and back carry options, with multiple positions for baby in each carry position
“This is one of the first carrier’s I purchased when I found out I was pregnant last year. It’s seriously amazing! It’s so easy to use and put baby in/take out. Great back support if when wearing for a long period of time!”–Lillebaby.com review
What to Consider Before Buying a Baby Carrier
As a baby carrier devotee for more than a decade, I’ve learned there are important things to consider before purchasing a carrier. Here’s what you should consider:
- Your body size. As a plus-sized mama, I like to know that a baby carrier is going to suit my body (and my husband’s). Both the Ergo360 and Lillebaby are very adjustable and fit a range of body sizes. The Lillebaby also offers a waist strap extension if that will keep you more comfortable.
- The heat and cooling. Baby wearing is oftentimes sweaty work, especially if you’re in a warm climate or using the carrier during hikes and strenuous walks. Both the Ergo360 and Lillebaby are cotton, so they’re breathable. The Ergo offers a cool air mesh option that might be even more comfortable in hot weather.
- Nursing options. Hands-free nursing is a gift for a busy newborn mom. I tend to believe that nursing in a carrier is all about how creative you can get, but it’s worth noting that the Ergo360 advertises itself as conducive to nursing while babywearing, but the Lillebaby does not.
- Storage. If you plan on using your baby carrier while you’re shopping or maybe out and about in public, or on a trip, you may appreciate the function of having additional storage to stash things like keys, snacks, or your phone.
Final Verdict
Full disclosure, the Ergo has always been my go-to carrier, dating way back to my days as a nanny. I love that it’s no-fuss and that I could use it well into the toddler years.
However, after learning more about the Lillebaby, I have to say that’s the carrier that I would recommend. The biggest draw is the longer time period that it can be used. Compared to the Ergo360 the Lillebaby can be used for months or even years longer, for essentially the same price. The Lillebaby has other small draws, like more pocket space, the ability to do a fetal position carry, and the recommendation from The International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Ergobaby carrier is the best?
Ergobaby offers an array of carriers, but the Ergo360 is its best seller. Parents like that the Ergo360 allows them to carry their baby and toddler on their front (facing in and out) hips, or back.
While Lillebaby carrier is the best?
Lillebaby makes carriers for infants through preschoolers. The Lillebaby Complete, Pursuit and Serenity are all suitable for children weighing 7-45 pounds.
