Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier review
4.5
In a nutshell
Robust, comfortable and with a variety of different seating positions, the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier is a popular choice among parents. It may be fairly expensive, but it’s easy to put on and take off and will certainly last
What we tested
- Comfort for baby
5.0
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5. - Comfort for you
5.0
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5. - Ease of use
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5. - Design
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5. - Sturdiness
5.0
A star rating of 5.0 out of 5. - Worth the money
4.0
A star rating of 4.0 out of 5.
4.5
Pros
- Well padded straps, handy detachable pouch, mesh fabric keeps baby and wearer cool
Cons
- Quite bulky, breastfeeding is difficult if you have large breasts
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The multi award-winning Ergobaby carriers are a popular choice for parents across the globe. The Ergobaby Original brought ergonomic baby carriers to the masses in the early noughties and highlighted the importance of supporting a baby’s hips in the ‘M’ position. It was also one of the first to follow the TICKS guidelines for carrying babies.
Since then the brand has brought out a variety of different carriers. The Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh is pitched as Ergobaby’s most versatile one yet, combining the adjustability of the Ergobaby Adapt (£119.90 on Amazon), the additional outward-facing option of the 360 and the breathability of the Cool Air.
Like the 360, the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh can be worn in four positions. However, it’s worth noting that the 360 is available in a lot more colours and patterns, which may be more appealing to fashionable-conscious baby wearers. A benefit to the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh, however, is that no newborn insert is needed so you’re not spending extra money and there’s less chance that your little one will overheat.
Tested by:
Rykesha is mum to a five-month-old baby girl. She tested the Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh with her daughter on the London Underground, at home while doing household chores and on long walks out and about.
What were your first impressions of the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier?
When I first received the carrier, I was very impressed with how thick and soft the mesh padding was, especially on the arm straps and leg rests. I did feel a little intimidated as it’s bigger and bulkier than the carriers I’ve used in the past and I was worried it would be complicated to use. Luckily, I was wrong!
What are the seating positions and is the carrier ergonomic?
The Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh has four ergonomic carrying positions: parent-facing front carrying (from newborn), outward-facing front carrying (from approximately four to five months+), hip and back carrying (from approximately six months+).
The instruction manual, which is extremely easy to follow, clearly shows you how to ensure your baby is sat in ‘M’ position so their hips are supported at all times. The integrated lumbar support panel on waistband gives extra comfort, making it ergonomical for the wearer too.
How does the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier compare to other carriers you have tried?
It’s a little bulkier than the carrier I’ve been using but that’s due to all the extra soft padding – so it’s not a turn off. It is easily transportable and can be folded and put in my pushchair basket.
Who would the carrier be most useful for?
This comfortable and lightweight carrier will be ideal for parents who enjoy long walks and hikes and don’t want the hassle of using a pushchair on tough terrains. It’s also great for everyday tasks like popping round to the corner shop or for longer journeys where you may need to get public transport and would prefer to leave the buggy at home.
Is the the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier easy to put on and take off by yourself?
I found the carrier really easy to put on and, after a couple of goes, I could do it without looking in the mirror.
Is it comfy for your baby?
The mesh padding is really snuggly and comfy for my little one. She seems content and comfortable and has no problem sleeping in it too.
Does the the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier feel durable?
Yes, extremely so. As long as I’m strong enough, I know I’d be able to use this until my daughter is the maximum weight and height as it’s so robust and feels like it will last.
What is the sizing like?
The carrier is suitable for babies from 3.2kg – 20kg (7lbs – 45lbs), with no infant insert needed for newborns. The Omni 360’s body panel can be made wider as your baby grows by adjusting the clever velcro tabs on the inside of the waistband. This means it will last until your little one is a toddler.
What are the shoulder straps like on the Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier?
These are extremely well padded and so soft. They’re also easy to adjust so you can achieve the perfect fit. The straps are crossable and it can be worn in rucksack-style too – you choose whichever is most comfortable for you.
Tell us about the buckles?
The arm strap buckles have a squeeze and lift mechanism, which needs to be done with two hands. On the back and waist, there are standard squeeze buckles that can be unbuckled with one hand. They’re really strong and fairly easy to unfasten. Other carrier buckles can be difficult to unfasten and have even hurt my hands so I was relieved by the ease of these ones.
Can you breastfeed while wearing the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier?
The carrier is breastfeeding-friendly and comes with a nifty privacy hood, (with UPF 50+ protection) which can be zipped away when not in use. However, I tried breastfeeding at home first to see how comfortable it was, and found it impossible. I have a large cup size and felt that I was smothering my daughter. If I loosened the straps to make it more comfortable for her, she no longer felt secure, so I personally wouldn’t breastfeed in it.
How easy is the carrier to clean?
Spot cleaning is effective, but it’s also machine washable.
What colours are available with the Ergobaby Omni 360 Baby Carrier?
The Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh is available in six different colours including neutral greys and blacks and fun green and blue colourways. I really like the pearl grey shade I’ve been using. It’s very stylish and almost space-like!
Are there any design elements you find particularly useful?
Although it gives me some 90s bum-bag flashbacks, the detachable pouch is actually really handy. For short trips where it’s not vital to take my changing bag, it’s the perfect size for me to put my phone, debit card, keys and a bib. It’s also really easy to attach and detach from the waistband as it just uses velcro.
What’s in the box?
- Baby carrier
- Detachable storage pouch
- Privacy hood (attached)
What extras can you buy?
- Dribble pads - £9.90
- Dribble bib - £19.90
- Rain cover - £29.90
- Winter weather cover - £39.90
Is the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh Baby Carrier good value for money?
Yes - while it’s certainly one of the most expensive carriers on the market, I think it’s worth the price.
Where can I buy the Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh carrier?
It is available to buy from Amazon, Ergobaby and John Lewis.
MadeForMum’s verdict
This is a great carrier for getting out and about with your baby without having to use a pushchair. Even though it is quite expensive, I would recommend this to new and experienced baby-wears alike. It’s easy to use, offers multiple wearing options, and most importantly, is very safe and comfortable. If you’re searching for a baby carrier that does it all – and helps you keep your cool – then look no further.
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Product Specifications
Product | |
---|---|
Brand | ERGObaby |
Model | Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh |
Price | £154.90 |
Suitable for | |
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Child age (approx) | From Birth |
Child weight | 3.2kg to 20kg |
Features | |
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Washing instructions | Machine washable |
Fastening | Buckles/clips |
Carrying positions | Back, front and hip – 4 |
Features |
|
Accessories | |
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Head hugger | Tuck-away UPF 50+ baby hood |
Optional extras |
|