Tula Explore vs. Free-To-Grow

One of the most frequent questions in our inbox is from caregivers wanting to know: 

Which Tula carrier is the best option for me? 

Many find their way to Tula based on a personal recommendation from a friend and then are surprised to know that there is more than one Tula baby carrier to choose from. Tula actually makes 5 options that are suitable for newborn/infant babywearing, and when that stage is over, we also have toddler and preschool carriers too!
 
An image showing a baby in Tula Free-to-Grow baby carrier

 

Tula best-seelling options for newborns and infants

Let's focus on our best-selling options for newborns and infants, The Tula Free-To-Grow, and the Tula Explore. Before we talk about how they are different, let’s explore all the ways that they are the same. 
  • Can be used from 3,2 kg - 20,4 kg; no infant insert required.
  • Available in various colours and prints to fit every personality or personalized style.
  • Offered in cotton, linen-cotton blend, hemp and our mesh carrier panel.
  • Adjusts in height and width to provide a perfect fit as baby grows from newborn to early toddlerhood.
  • All Tula carriers come with a detachable sleeping hood.
  • For artisan textile lovers, both carriers are available in our Signature Woven Collection made with woven fabrics.
  • Fits a wide range of body types from petite to plus / tall.
  • Can be used in a heart-to-heart position and in a back carry.
  • Provides an ergonomic M-position seat supporting optimal development for baby’s body and hips.
  • Features the supportive waistband and padded straps that Tula carriers are known for so that you can wear your child as long as you need to. 


Now let’s discover how they are different!

You have all the quality and comfort of a Tula, but with one major difference. In the Tula Explore, your baby can face out!

Here are some other differences that you might notice between the two carriers.

 EXPLORE:

  • Inovative smooth and moldable padding to support all carrying positions of the baby carrier.

  • Padded neck support pillow that can be worn in three positions and helps to expand the height of the carrier when needed.

  • The switch from baby facing caregiver to baby facing out can be done with just a couple of adjustments.

FREE-TO-GROW:

  • The soft cotton fabrix on the body of the carrier mimics the simple silhouette of a wrap or ring sling.

  • A quick cinch of the webbing at the top of the body panel adjusts the carrier to the shortest position, suitable for newborns and smaller babies.

  • After a quick setup to fit your baby, the carrier is ready and intuitive to use.

 

 
Mother carrying her infant in Tula Explore baby carrier in forward facing position.

So what carrier should you buy? 

There are many people in our community that love and use both carriers equally. They fall in love with the Tula comfort and style and find joy in purchasing different prints. If you want just one carrier, it may come down to the feature that is most valuable to you. Many babies are content facing their caregiver and never have the desire to face out. If you believe that facing out will be a valuable feature for your family, you may consider the Tula Explore. If you want the ultimate in simplicity and the snug hug of fabric, you may prefer the Tula Free-To-Grow.
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