You've probably noticed that we have two new Ergobabies - the Ergobaby Alta and the Ergobaby Lift Hip Seat. Our little family continues to grow. But if we already had the perfect baby carriers in our range, why are we adding new ones? Because we are dedicated to giving you the maximum support possible through every step of your parenting journey. Whether you have a newborn, baby, toddler or a combination!
If you have already used, or at least seen, our Omni baby carriers, the similarity to the Alta may be confusing. Or you might wonder what additional benefits a hip seat could have if you already have a baby carrier that can be worn on the hip like the Omni? To clear up any confusion, we’re going to compare three carrier models: our all-rounder Omni, with our hip seats: Lift and Alta, to hopefully help you make the right choice for you and your family.
For a quick comparison of all the carriers in our range head to our website, but today we’ll compare our Omni, Alta and Lift models in more detail…
At a glance: Omni Baby Carrier, Alta Hip Seat and Lift Hip Seat
Omni: Our Omni Breeze and Omni Dream baby carriers are our number one all-rounders. They are ready for use from birth (from 3.2 kg) and will last through toddlerhood (up to 20.4 kg) and offer all four carry positions (inward facing, outward facing, hip carry and back carry). They are ergonomic and comfortable for both wearer and baby, through all ages and stages of development, and are packed with features that make life with baby easier.
Alta: Sitting somewhere between Omni and Lift, and therefore offering maximum flexibility, is Alta. It is a hip seat consisting of an ergonomically pre-shaped and padded seat, comparable to the Lift. However, it also comes with a removable back panel with shoulder straps turning it quickly and easily into a more traditional baby carrier. It can be used from approx. 4 months (5.5 kg), up to 20.4 kg and also offers up to four carrying positions depending on whether you are using the back section or not.
Lift: The latest addition to our carrier family, the Ergobaby Lift is our first pure hip seat. This lightweight hip seat is perfect for the ups and downs of everyday life with an active baby or busy toddler. It features a well-padded hip belt and an ergonomic, comfy seat. It can be used from around six-months-old (5.5 kg) up to 20.4 kg. With the Lift hip seat, you can carry your child inward facing, outward facing and, of course, on your hips.
Ergonomics and Comfort
All Ergobaby carriers are ergonomic and comfortable for both wearer and baby, and that includes Omni, Alta and Lift.
Omni: A padded lumbar support waist belt and shoulder straps distribute baby's weight evenly across your upper body making it comfortable to wear even over long periods and as baby grows. The shoulder straps can either be worn comfortably in the H-position using the connecting strap on the back or in a ‘criss-cross’ across the back. For baby, the deep bucket seat encourages an ergonomic ‘spread-squat position’ and guarantees comfort during all stages of their development, and in all carry positions. Omni carriers have the AGR (Aktion Gesunder Rücken e. V.) seal of approval certifying them as ‘back-friendly’.
Alta: A wide hip belt (and shoulder straps when the panel is attached) distribute baby's weight evenly to ensure comfort for you while the pre-shaped and padded seat made of foamed plastic provides little one with secure, ergonomic support. For more on carrying your baby on your hip ergonomically, and why it’s so important, click here.
Lift: A wide hip belt is comfortable to wear and distributes baby's weight evenly to relieve your back, arms and hips. A wide, curved, and cushioned seat supports baby’s hips and legs by seating them in an ergonomic position, while contouring to the wearer’s body. The seat’s Keep Baby CloseTM angle supports your child’s back in a natural position appropriate to their age and developmental stage.
All three products are designed to suit most body sizes (XS-XXL) and have been designated ‘hip-healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Ease of use
Omni: The Omni is a full-buckle carrier that is intuitive and easy to use. With just a few clicks, it sits securely on your body - without any wrapping or tying, and is easily adjustable for different wearers, different carry positions, and as baby grows.
Alta: Similar in use to the Omni with the panel attached and to the Lift without, no matter which mode your Alta is in, it’s quick and easy to put on and adjust. The removable back panel is attached simply yet securely by a combination of Velcro and a zip.
Lift: The one-buckle waistband for one-click in and out (plus always using the included safety elastic) makes the Lift our quickest and easiest carry to put on and take off.
Carry positions
Omni: Offers all four carry positions: inward facing, outward facing, hip carry and back carry, depending on baby’s age and stage of development.
Alta: Offers up to four carry positions: inward facing, outward facing, hip carry and back carry, depending on whether the back panel is in use or not, and baby’s age and stage of development.
Lift: Offers three carry positions: inward facing, outward facing and hip carry, all from around six-months-old, when baby weighs at least 5.5 kg and has good head and neck control.
Grows with baby
Omni: Can be used from birth up to 20.4 kg. This is made possible by a Velcro adjustment on the inside of the waist belt, which allows you to adjust the width of the panel between your baby's or toddler's legs as they grow. It also features an adjustable neck cushion that can be positioned according to baby’s age and the level of support they need.
Alta: Can be used from approx. four months (5.5 kg) with the back panel, or without from approx. six months. It can be used until your child reaches 20.4 kg. It can also be used to support a newborn baby’s weight more easily in the cradle position (including while breast/chestfeeding).
Lift: Can be used from approx. six months, once baby has good head and neck control, and again up to 20.4 kg. It can also be used to support a newborn baby’s weight more easily in the cradle position (including while breast/chestfeeding), making it handy to have on hand from day one.
All three products come with the 10-year ErgoPromiseTM Limited Lifetime Warranty which covers against material and manufacturing defects giving you peace of mind that your carrier will be there every step of the way as your baby (or family) grows.
Fabric / material choices
Omni: Available in two fabric choices, breathable SoftFlexTM mesh (Omni Breeze) for superior airflow and gentle SoftTouchTM cotton (Omni Dream) for snuggly softness.
Alta: Ultra lightweight (just 5 0g) Alta offers maximum breathability thanks to SoftFlexTM Mesh material with a removable foam seat made of EPP (expanded polypropylene).
Lift: Made of Poly-Twill (similar to the soft cotton of the Omni Dream) with anti-slip grip on the seat to hold baby securely and a removable foam seat made of EPP (expanded polypropylene).
Features to make life easier
Omni: Comes packed with features to make your life easier, the Omni comes equipped with a removable storage pouch, further storage on the waistband, dummy loops, privacy/sun hood, reflective strips for added safety in the dark and a number of accessories available separately. This includes weather covers so you can enjoy babywearing in all seasons and whatever the weather! It also allows hands-free carrying at all times and is easy to roll up and store in your bag or under your stroller.
Alta: Has a handy Velcro side pocket to store essentials, reflective strips for added safety in the dark and a privacy/sun hood stored in the removable back panel.
Lift: Its simplicity is one of its greatest strengths but here at Ergobaby we know what parents need so we’ve created the Lift with plenty of storage across two convenient pockets: a zippered pocket on the side and a stretchy pocket on the front, with enough room to store all your essentials such as phone keys, nappies etc.
All three carriers are also machine washable at 30 degrees (after removing the foam pad for Alta and Lift) and we also offer.
When you might use it - Omni Baby Carrier vs. Alta Hip Seat vs. Lift Hip Seat
There are a thousand ways you might choose to use any of these three products, but here are some examples to helpfully showcase the different scenarios that each product suits best.
Omni: Perfect for longer periods of carrying or for when you really need two hands free, the Omni will be there to support you from day one all through the years ahead. Whether that’s for a day trip in the city without a stroller, you have a newborn who won’t be put down, you’re going on a hike, or you have a thousand things to tick off your to-do list with a teething toddler, there will be a million moments you reach for this carrier throughout your parenting journey.
Alta: This chameleon carrier’s biggest secret-weapon is the removable back panel that lets it switch between being a baby carrier, from four-months-old, and a hip seat with all the benefits they bring…
Lift: When your little one gets to the stage where they constantly want to come up, then down, then up, then down, every few seconds it simply becomes not worth putting your baby carrier on and taking it off again each time. That’s when a hip seat becomes your very best friend. It’s the ideal choice for shorter carrying times and quick, flexible changes of carrying positions whether at home making dinner or out and about. It relieves discomfort in your back and arms and is also great for sharing with other caregivers who aren't used to using a baby carrier but would appreciate the support: grandparents, friends etc.
Baby carrier or hip seat - which should you choose?
Hopefully it’s clear by now that a baby carrier and a hip seat are a dream team! So it's not a question of ‘either/or’ but ideally an ’and’. The Omni baby carrier is our best-seller for a reason. Then, whether you choose Lift or Alta as your hip seat, will likely come down to whether or not you’d prefer a hip seat with the option of a back panel or whether you’re satisfied with a pure hip seat. Whichever you choose, you can be safe in the knowledge that you have guaranteed ergonomic, comfortable babywearing for both you and baby, from birth all the way through toddlerhood.