Tula Free-to-Grow Carrier Review

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Before Liam was born, I didn’t put a ton of research into baby carrier options before I purchased any. I knew I needed an ergonomic carrier, but aside from that, I honestly didn’t know that much about them. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned along the way, especially now that I’m wearing a second baby around town. One thing I love about the baby wearing industry is that over the last few years, it’s recognized the need for carriers that can be used without an infant insert. I know that personally, I don’t want the extra bulk, the extra hassle of a second piece and definitely not the extra heat during the warmer months. And I’m so frazzled most days that it’s really nice to have one less thing to remember when I leave the house.

Baby Tula send me their free-to-grow baby carrier for free to try for this review. All words and opinions are completely my own. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links. I may make a small commission from purchases you make through these links. I was so excited when I first heard that Baby Tula was releasing its new free-to-grow baby carriers. I’ve owned a couple of their wrap conversion carriers in the past and really liked them, so I was pretty sure I’d like this new carrier too.

I was wrong.

I LOVE it.

Here are the basics: the free-to-grow carrier can be worn without an infant insert and can be used from 7-45 pounds. Both Liam and Caleb were born under 7 pounds (6.2 and 5.11, respectively). But honestly, it really didn’t take them that long to get up to the 7 pound mark. Like most soft-structured carriers, the Tula FTG can be worn both on the front and on the back (when your baby is a older). Personally, I prefer wearing on front, because I just adore those baby snuggles on my chest.

The first thing I noticed about the Tula FTG was how soft it was. I’ve owned a couple Tula wrap conversion carriers, which are made out of woven wraps. I guess I wasn’t expecting this carrier to be as soft as it really is. It’s made out of a breathable twill fabric and feels so buttery soft.

My absolute favorite, favorite feature of the carrier is its adjustability. There are three different width settings along the waistband to adjust the seat of the carrier. Having three width options just helps get a better fit at every age. If that wasn’t enough, the body panel of the carrier is adjustable too. Both my kiddos fall below the 50th percentile for height, so getting the right fit height-wise has always been a struggle in carriers. Since I’m able to make the panel shorter, Caleb definitely has a snugger fit and overall, I think it’s more comfortable for both of us.

Speaking of comfort, I find the Tula FTG extremely comfortable. The padding in the shoulders feels really good without being too bulky. I’ve been wearing this carrier for errands, play dates and walks around the neighborhood and haven’t had any issues with back or hip pain. I will say that because Jamie will sometimes wear this carrier too, it does take a little bit of time for me to figure out how I need to adjust it back. I usually have to tweak the strap adjustments a few times before I feel I have everything in the right spot again. All the more reason to get Jamie his own carrier, right?

The only thing about this carrier that I could do without is the front pocket. I have trouble reaching it because it’s on the waistband below the seat of the carrier. I’m short and so my arms are short, so I just really struggle to reach it. I also noticed that the accordion-style fold on the pocket make the pocket tilt forward when it is open. My concern would be things falling out without me realizing it as I try to open and close the pocket.
This green print with the birds is Tula’s “Soar” print, but there are so many different options to choose from. I love it because it’s gender neutral and goes with everything. Plus, I think the color really suits us well. But if you want something a little brighter or in a different pattern, you can find a list of Tula’s Free-to-Grow carriers here. A few prints can be purchased on Amazon and at stores like Target and Nordstrom.

Have you tried Tula’s Free-to-Grow carrier yet? How does it stack up against other carriers you’ve tried?