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The Lillebaby is an almost unbeatable baby carrier. It is perfect for newborn babies from 7lb, all the way to 45lb toddlers.
The two-way strap adjustability makes it easy to adjust, and the head flap provides excellent support for newborns.
A baby carrier allows you to carry out daily chores and complete tasks at hand by keeping your hands and arms free. It’s one of the must-have baby accessories that can help all parents a great deal.
But there are so many brands out there that offer baby carriers which makes it very cumbersome to find the product that suits you best. That’s why we have come up with this review that compares two of the best and most popular baby carriers available in the market.
Lillebaby and Tula are renowned manufacturers that offer easy to clean and handle baby carriers. They come with different accessories and features to ensure your little one’s comfort. Both of these manufacturers offer multiple kid slings that many fathers and mothers love.
Table of Contents
What’s The Difference Between Tula Explore and Lillebaby Complete?
The biggest difference between the Lillebaby Complete and the Tula Explore is that the Lillebaby Complete offers 6 carry positions, has two way adjustable straps, and is made of polyester and cotton. The Tula Explore has just 3 carry positions, but is made from 100% cotton. Another benefit of the Tula is that it offers a huge range of colors and prints, where Lillebaby has a limited selection.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Best Slings For Breastfeeding
We’re going to discuss the top-of-the-line products by these manufacturers that’ll make it easy for you to choose the product that meets all your needs. So, let’s get started with the Lillebaby Complete vs Tula Explore comparison.
Tula Explore vs Lillebaby Complete Comparison Table
Model | Tula Explore | Lillebaby Complete |
---|---|---|
My Rating: | 8.5/10 | 9.5/10 |
Price | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon |
Style | Soft Structured Carrier | Soft Structured Carrier |
Carry positions | 3 | 6 |
Weight range | 7-45lbs | 7-45lbs |
Made in | Poland or India | China |
Fabric | 100% Cotton | Polyester, Cotton |
Lumbar Support | Not included | Included |
Waistband Size | 27″ to 57″ | 31″-48″ |
Machine washable | Yes | Yes |
Warranty | one-year warranty | one-year warranty |
Buy Now | Check Price at Amazon | Check Price at Amazon |
Both Tula Explore and Lillebaby Complete are premium-quality and highly rated carriers. We are going to compare all the main features these baby carriers offer.
Not only will it help you understand the areas where each baby carrier shines, but it’ll also allow you to choose the product that’ll keep your baby most comfortable. Let’s first discuss what they have in common.
Tula Explore Vs Lillebaby Complete: What’s the Same?
According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute stats, both of these baby carriers are completely hip-healthy. You can use these products for your newborn without having to use any additional infant insert for up to 2 to 3 years, or 45lbs.
Thanks to the innovative designs, these baby carriers offer multiple carrying positions to choose the most comfortable one as your baby grows.
The easy-to-use Tula Explore Baby Carrier offers all the features you and baby need: variable width settings for use with newborns to toddlers (7-45 lbs), adjustable head support, and multiple carry positions including forward-facing and back carry. Each position provides a natural, ergonomic position best for comfortable carrying that promotes healthy hip and spine development for baby. This carrier provides optimal comfort with padded shoulder straps and a padded waistband with webbing that adjusts from 27 – 57 inches.
The high-quality fabric feels soft and both carriers are also highly adjustable as you can tight padded shoulder straps and waist belt on the go.
Lastly, you can wash Tula Explore and Lillebaby Complete carriers in a machine, and both need some time to dry because of thick padding.
Ease of Use
Lillebaby Complete
Lillebaby Complete is highly adjustable to get the great fit that you need. It doesn’t have any extra dangly straps and performs well, thanks to its simple one-pull mechanism.
The process of using Lillebaby Complete to wear the baby is pretty simple and it also looks stylish because of its clever shaping.
READ MORE: Lillebaby Complete Airflow Review
All you need to do is to put the carrier in the narrow seat setting and buckle its thick yet soft waist belt around your hips or waist, snug your baby’s bottom to your tummy, and buckle up the shoulder straps.
It’ll keep your baby’s legs comfortable by allowing it to sit in a natural position. You can also adjust the carrier’s strap on the go to wear your little one properly.
>> Click here to see the Lillebaby Complete Airflow on Amazon and check the reviews
Tula Explore
Tula Explore comes with dual-adjustable, multi-way padded shoulder straps that also ensure a one-pull simple mechanism. It has rucksack-style straps that you need to connect behind your neck at the back.
You can adjust the seat width depending upon the seating position you have selected. The two height and three width settings can also be easily adjusted using the poppers.
However, sometimes Tula Explore struggles to match the ease of use that Lillebaby Complete offers because of the sheer number of straps and adjustments.
With both carriers you will need to have some help to adjust it for the first time, and to get all the straps adjusted to how you need them.
You’ll also need to make sure that you don’t place the shoulder straps of the Tula Explore not too close to your neck. Not only can it cause a sore upper back, but it’ll also change your baby’s weight distribution.
Overall, both baby carriers offer a great user experience but because of the simpler process.
>> Click here to read Tula Explore reviews on Amazon and check the latest price
Baby Carriers Size
Lillebaby Complete
Lillebaby Complete allows you to carry a baby with 7 to 45 lbs. of the weight range. It means not only will it suit your newborn, but you can also wear your toddler for up to 4 years. Because of multiple carrying positions and adjustable seat width, it keeps your baby safe and comfortable all the time.
If you’re looking for a baby carrier for your newborn then Lillebaby Complete can be the best choice because you won’t need any separate infant insert. You’ll only need to choose the right seating position to adjust the newborn perfectly.
Another great feature of the Lillebaby carrier is that the waistband is 48″, and a waistbelt extender is available for purchase which brings the size to 56.5″. This makes it a great baby carrier for plus size parents.
Tula Explore
Tula Explore baby carrier can also be used for babies from 0 to 4 years. It also supports the same weight capacity and you can start using it to wear your infant by the time they are 2 to 4 weeks old depending upon your baby’s weight.
It’s important to note that the company also offers another product, Tula Toddler Carrier, which is specially designed for babies between 25 to 60lbs. So if you are looking for a carrier for an older child, you may be better suited to the Tula Toddler Carrier.
As you can see that both baby carriers offer the same performance so it comes down to your personal preferences in terms of size and weight support.
Unlike Lillebaby, Tula doesn’t offer a waistbelt extender, however, it does fit up to 27″ to 57″ making it a great carrier for most parents.
Important Note: If your infant is still curled up, consider carrying him/her in your hands or in a ring sling. That’s because the more curled your baby is, the less optimum the carrier’s fit will be and the chances of slumping in will also be higher.
Carrying Positions
Lillebaby Complete is one of the most versatile baby carriers as it offers multiple carrying positions. Depending upon the size and weight of your baby, you can choose the position that suits him/her the best.
Lillebaby Complete
The 6 different carrying positions that Lillebaby Complete offers are:
- Outward facing or Forward facing position
- Inward facing
- Wide seat front carry
- Fetal position for smaller babies
- Hip carry
- Back carry
Having multiple positions sounds great, until you realise that you actually won’t even use at least 3 of them. You won’t necessarily need to use all the available positions because of your baby’s age and weight. From my personal experience with both of these carriers, I’ve never actually seen anyone use the hip carry position! So it’s basically pointless. If you like a hip carry, check out a ring sling instead.
However, it’s always nice to buy a baby carrier that comes with more features and options.
>> Click here to see the Lillebaby Complete at Amazon and read more reviews <<
Tula Explore
The Tula Explore also provides you with multiple carrying positions but less than what you get with Lillebaby Complete. You’ll be able to choose from the following 3 ergonomic carrying positions with the Tula Explore:
- Inward facing
- Outward facing
- Back carry
You can make the adjustments as your baby grows to accommodate your baby properly. The M-position seat of the Tula Explore is designed carefully to support your baby’s optimal development.
If you’re looking for a baby carrier that offers more carrying positions then the Lillebaby Complete is a better option.
>> Click here to read more reviews and check the latest price at Amazon<<
Material and Build Quality
Both Lillebaby Complete and Tula Explore are soft structured carriers made of high-quality material to offer maximum comfort. You can choose any of the two products and it will last, thanks to their sturdy build quality. However, there are some other factors that you should consider regarding the material.
Lillebaby Complete
Lillebaby complete is made from cotton and polyester. The feel of the fabric is much thicker and heavier than the Tula Explore, and it is tricky to fold and roll up.
You can use the additional sleeping hood located in one of the two available storage pockets for sun protection. The hood also provides you with a comfortable environment if you need to breastfeed your baby. You can also use the other pocket as a diaper bag or to store your keys or mobile phone for easy access.
One of the best factors that stand Lillebaby Complete out from the competition is its lead, latex, phthalate, and BPA-free material. It ensures your baby’s safety and health at the same time.
Lastly, you don’t get too many style options as Lillebaby Complete only comes in a handful of different solid colors.
Tula Explore
Tula Explore is made of 100 percent cotton fabric that feels thick when you first use it, but it quickly softens up to be gentle on your baby’s skin. The company also offers a vast array of colors and prints to choose from. The fabric feels extremely soft that molds around your baby perfectly and feels like a sweet hug.
The Tula Explore also comes with soft seat padding that keeps the fabric from digging into the legs or thighs of your baby. The standard Tula Explore model doesn’t have breathable mesh fabric.
If you live somewhere with hotter climates then the coast model may be more suitable. Tula Coast Explore features a mesh fabric along with a cotton body panel for increased airflow.
If you are looking for a 100% cotton option with more fashionable and attractive color options, then the Tula Explore is a better choice.
Comfort
Generally speaking, both baby carriers are pretty comfortable because of their sturdy and soft structured build.
Lillebaby Complete
The different carrying positions and the adjustability settings allow it to carry babies of different sizes and ages. It undoubtedly makes baby wearing easy for extended periods.
However, Lillebaby Complete might not be a good option for short parents because of its wider waist belt and shoulder strap padding.
Some petite users have also reported that the waistband padding of this carrier rubs while walking especially when they’re wearing the baby in the front carry positions. But if you have a large body then you most probably won’t face any of these problems.
Tula Explore
Tula Explore shines when it comes to your and your baby’s comfort. You might need to take your time to adjust all the straps to fit your baby. But once you’re done adjusting, you won’t feel any discomfort.
Tula Explore allows you to separately adjust the waistband, center strap, and shoulder strap even while wearing your baby. The padding is also nice and it’ll fit you properly irrespective of your body size and shape.
In terms of comfort, Tula Explore is clearly a winner but it certainly doesn’t make Lillebaby Complete a bad option.
Ease of Cleaning
You can use a machine to wash both Lillebaby Complete and Tula Explore baby carriers. It’s a great time-saving feature to have because you won’t need to go through the hassle of washing these carriers with your hands.
Although the cleaning process is almost identical, you’ll need to use warm water if you opt for Lillebaby Complete. On the other hand, Tula recommends using cold water to clean the Explore carrier.
One factor that makes the cleaning process for both of these structured carriers a little difficult is that you can’t tumble dry them. Instead, you’ll need to hang them to let them dry on their own. Depending upon the weather and climate, these carriers can easily take longer than overnight to dry completely because of the heavy padding.
Final Words
The Lillebaby Complete and the Tula Explore are two of the best available baby carriers that you can buy.
They are both excellent carriers, and I actually own multiple Tulas and a Lillebaby! However, as much as I love my Tulas because of their excellent prints and colorways, I actually find the Lillebaby much more comfortable on my body and I can wear it for longer. I also found that the Lillebaby’s head protection and covers were excellent with a newborn.
They are both all carriers, but I recommend the Lillebaby complete all seasons over the Tula Free to Grow and Tula Explore, particularly for newborns and plus size parents.
However, if you want more carrying options with breathable and safe fabric then Lillebaby Complete will suit you better.