It's not easy to navigate your way through a huge range of baby carriers available, especially when so many carriers seem so similar at first glance.
The most frequently asked question about our bestsellers, the Omni and the Adapt carriers is "How do the two carriers differ and which one should I choose?"
Here we take a deeper look at these two carrier. We explain the similar points and differences to help you decide which baby carrier would best suit your needs.
The choice of our baby carriers is vast.
Ergobaby offers a wide range of ergonomic baby carriers. Our carriers are available in different materials, variety of designs, carry positions, and price points to meet your needs. However, this doesn't make your decision any easier.
Let’s start at the beginning of our Ergobaby baby carriers journey.
In 2002, we launched the Original Ergobaby baby carrier. For this carrier a newborn insert was needed to be placed in the carrier to make it suitable from birth.
Thanks to the constant development of our products, we have ergonomic carriers that grow with your baby from birth without the need for an infant insert.
During the summer of last year, we launched a new version of our Omni 360, the Omni Breeze and Omni Dream . In September further development of the Adapt carrier was introduced.
Our baby carrier range may sound confusing. Let's look at the Omni and Adapt carriers in more detail.
OMNI and ADAPT - what they have in common:
Both carriers are ergonomic with a wide, well-padded waist belt. The lumbar support can be adjustable for the parents. The carrier provides an ergonomic fit for your child.
Here is an overview of the most important features of both carriers:
- Suitable from approx. 3.2kg to approx. 20.4 kg.
- Full-buckle carriers, for the best weight distribution with the easiest use.
- Ergonomic M position. Spread squad position for the child.
- Three point comfort system for parents. Consisting of lumbar support, padded shoulder straps and the chest strap. This distributes the child's weight evenly over parents body. Even on longer trips, similar to a hiking backpack.
- Shoulder straps in the back can be crossed. Top tip: Crossed straps can be more comfortable for petite wearers.
- The same great materials: Thinner mesh for more breathability. Softer brushed cotton for snug comfort.
- Fits the natural body contour lines: slimmer and slightly thinner shoulder straps than the Omni 360.
- Velcro adjustment on the inside of the waist belt allows the carrier to grow with your child.
- Padded headrests with three adjustment options for baby's growth and development.
- A large hood that protects against the sun. This can be used as a privacy hood when breast/chest feeding.
- Reflectors on the mesh carriers. Ideal for dusk or low light level outdoor walks.
- Easy adjustment of all buckles and straps.
- Machine washable at 30 degrees.
OMNI and ADAPT: What's the difference?
The Omni Breeze and Omni Dream carriers have a detachable pouch on the waist belt and small side pocket to store your keys, credit card, doggie bags when you are on the go.
The most important difference lies in the carrying positions.
Omni carriers offer you four compared to three baby carrying positions. Both carriers offer you the possibility to carry your child inward facing, hip carry and back carry positions.
The Omni family (360, Omni 360, Omni Breeze and Dream) allow your child to see all around with the additional outward facing position, your child looking forwards in the front carry position.
We recommend front facing from around 5 to 7 months, when your baby has strong head and neck control, starts showing interest in the world around them and their chin is above the carrier panel. You can front carry your child whilst still sitting in an ergonomic spread-squat position (M position). The important thing with this carrying position is a low-stimulus environment and an awake state. You can put your baby in the front facing position for 10 to 20 minutes to begin with to see how you get on. You can explore your garden by watering the flowers or mix ingredients to bake some cupcakes.
Top tip: Outward facing position is a practical solution for your child who cannot yet sit up sitting milestone sitting: from approx 9 months. This allows you to be hands free to eat dinner or relax on the sofa. Outward facing position is not recommended for long walks, shopping trips or crowded Christmas markets environments due to overstimulation. You can use inward facing or back carry to get those snuggles while you are out and about.
3 or 4 carrying positions - How many do you need?
With the fourth (outward facing) carrying position, we developed the fit to ensure the position was also ergonomic. That's why the Omni Breeze and Omni Dream Carriers have adjustable sliders, so that the back panel can be tightened for the appropriate carrying position.
The Adapt has an additional webbing strap and can be individually adjusted in width aided by three poppers.
There is one question that you need to ask yourself to decide whether the Omni or Adapt baby carrier is right for you. Do you need the fourth, additional front/outward facing carry position? This is also the reason for the price difference too.
If you are still unsure which carrier to choose, it is best to try on both models and see how the carrier fits.
We have our Omni and Adapt carriers stockists in National and Independent baby stores across the UK and Ireland.
If you have any further questions, our trained babywearing advisors in our customer service department are available to answer any questions: customersupport@ergobaby.co.uk
Additional product information and instructional videos can be found on our Ergobaby online shop https://ergobaby.co.uk/instructions