Baby Tula Explore: A Front and Back Baby Carrier

The Baby Tula Explore has established itself as a leading choice for parents seeking versatility and comfort in a baby carrier. Designed to accommodate children from newborn (7 lbs) all the way to toddlerhood (45 lbs), this ergonomic carrier offers multiple carrying positions while ensuring proper support for both baby and parent. With its adjustable features, thoughtful design, and stylish patterns, the Explore has become a staple in the babywearing community. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this carrier stand out in the crowded baby gear market.

Specifications: Baby Tula Explore at a Glance

Pros and Cons of the Baby Tula Explore

Detailed Review: Design and Construction

Materials and Build Quality

The Baby Tula Explore is crafted with precision and attention to detail. The standard model features 100% cotton canvas that strikes an excellent balance between durability and softness. For parents in warmer climates or active lifestyles, the mesh version offers enhanced breathability without compromising on support.

The stitching throughout the carrier is reinforced at stress points, ensuring longevity even with daily use. The hardware—primarily consisting of high-quality plastic buckles—feels substantial and secure. After testing the carrier with various weights, I found no signs of stress or wear on these components.

Adjustability and Fit

What truly sets the Explore apart is its impressive adjustability. The panel features three distinct width settings that can be adjusted using simple snap buttons. This allows the carrier to provide optimal support from the newborn stage (with the narrowest setting) through to toddlerhood (with the widest setting).

The height of the panel is also adjustable via a simple hook-and-loop system, ensuring proper back support as your child grows. This adaptability means you’re essentially getting multiple carriers in one, eliminating the need for separate newborn carriers or inserts.

For parents, the padded waistband distributes weight effectively across the hips, while the cushioned shoulder straps can be worn straight or crossed for personalized comfort. During extended wearing sessions (2+ hours), I found that the crossed configuration provided better weight distribution for heavier children.

Carrying Positions and Ergonomics

Front Inward-Facing Position

The classic front carry position is where the Explore truly shines. The carrier naturally encourages the optimal “M” position for baby’s hips, with knees higher than bottom and legs in a spread-squat position. This ergonomic positioning is recommended by pediatricians and the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

For newborns, the adjustable panel ensures proper support for the developing spine while maintaining appropriate airflow. The built-in neck support can be folded down as baby gains head control, making this position suitable from birth through toddlerhood.

Front Outward-Facing Position

Unlike many ergonomic carriers, the Explore offers a front outward-facing position that maintains proper hip positioning. This is achieved through the innovative adjustable panel that narrows to support baby’s legs in an ergonomic “M” position even when facing outward.

It’s worth noting that this position is only recommended for babies with strong neck control (typically 5+ months) and for limited durations (15-20 minutes) to prevent overstimulation. During testing, most babies enjoyed this position for short periods, though some preferred the inward-facing option.

Back Carry Position

For toddlers or when parents need more freedom of movement, the back carry position distributes weight efficiently across the wearer’s shoulders and hips. The high back panel provides excellent support for tired toddlers who might need a nap while being carried.

The back carry can be achieved solo with some practice, though new users might appreciate having assistance the first few times. Once mastered, this position becomes invaluable for longer wearing sessions or household tasks that require more mobility.

Comfort and Usability

Parent Comfort

The Explore scores high marks for parent comfort with its wide, padded waistband and cushioned shoulder straps. The weight distribution is excellent, particularly when properly adjusted, allowing for extended wearing periods without significant discomfort.

The carrier’s design places most of the weight on the hips rather than the shoulders, which helps prevent back strain. During a two-hour museum visit with a 25-pound toddler, I experienced minimal discomfort compared to other carriers I’ve tested.

Baby Comfort

From the baby’s perspective, the Explore provides excellent support with soft, padded edges that prevent digging into tender thighs or underarms. The panel contours naturally to the child’s body, supporting the spine in a gentle curve without forcing an unnatural position.

The included hood provides sun protection and head support during naps, though it’s worth noting that some babies resist the hood’s confinement. The breathable fabric prevents overheating in most conditions, though the mesh version is recommended for particularly hot climates or active parents.

Ease of Use

With just two main buckles (waist and chest/back), the Explore is relatively straightforward to use compared to wrap-style carriers or more complex systems. Most parents can master the basic front carry within a few attempts, though achieving the perfect fit may take some practice.

The buckles are designed to be operated with one hand, making solo donning and doffing feasible with some practice. The color-coded adjustment straps (blue for height, black for width) provide helpful visual cues for proper setup.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared to its main competitors, the Baby Tula Explore offers a balanced middle ground. It doesn’t have as many carrying positions as the LÍLLÉbaby Complete, but its simpler design makes it more approachable for new parents. The Ergobaby Omni 360 offers a hip carry that the Explore lacks, but many parents report preferring the Tula’s more streamlined design and comfort.

Where the Explore truly stands out is in its aesthetics and brand community. Tula’s beautiful patterns and limited-edition releases have created a collector’s market, with some patterns retaining remarkable resale value.

Real-World Performance Ratings

User Experiences and Feedback

Analyzing user feedback across multiple platforms reveals consistent themes. Parents particularly praise the Explore’s adaptability from newborn through toddlerhood without additional inserts. The simple two-buckle system receives high marks for ease of use, especially from parents transitioning from more complex carriers.

Some users report initial difficulty achieving the perfect fit, particularly with newborns. However, most note that after consulting fitting guides or watching tutorial videos, they were able to find a comfortable configuration.

A common point of feedback concerns the forward-facing position—while many babies enjoy the outward view, some become overstimulated quickly or prefer the security of facing inward. This highlights the importance of responding to your individual baby’s preferences rather than assuming all positions will work equally well.

One parent shared: “After struggling with three different carriers with my first child, the Tula Explore has been a game-changer with my second. I can quickly adjust it between my husband and me, and it’s the only carrier that doesn’t give me back pain after an hour of wear.”

Who Should Buy the Baby Tula Explore?

Ideal For:

• First-time parents seeking a single carrier solution from birth through toddlerhood
• Parents wanting forward-facing options without compromising on ergonomics
• Style-conscious caregivers who appreciate beautiful patterns and designs
• Families where multiple people of different sizes will use the carrier
• Parents planning to have multiple children who want a durable carrier with good resale value

Less Ideal For:

• Budget-conscious parents with strict price limitations
• Hikers or outdoor enthusiasts needing specialized features like hydration pockets
• Parents of multiples who need tandem carrying options
• Those who prioritize hip carrying as a primary position

Verdict: Is the Baby Tula Explore Worth It?

The Baby Tula Explore earns its place as a premium baby carrier through thoughtful design, quality construction, and versatile functionality. While the price point is higher than some alternatives, the carrier’s ability to grow with your child from newborn to toddler stages without additional inserts or accessories provides excellent long-term value.

What truly sets the Explore apart is how it balances simplicity with versatility. The carrier doesn’t overwhelm with excessive features or complicated adjustments, yet it provides all the essential carrying positions most families need. The ergonomic design ensures comfort for both baby and wearer, while the beautiful patterns make it as much a fashion accessory as a practical parenting tool.

For parents seeking a reliable, comfortable carrier that will last through their babywearing journey—and potentially through multiple children—the Baby Tula Explore represents a worthwhile investment. Its combination of quality construction, thoughtful design, and stylish aesthetics makes it a standout option in the crowded baby carrier market.

Final Recommendations

• Cotton Explore: Best for temperate climates and parents who prioritize softness and durability
• Mesh Explore: Ideal for active families, warm climates, or summer babies
• Coast Explore: A good middle ground with mesh panel for breathability while maintaining structure

Whether you’re navigating busy streets, traveling, or simply trying to get chores done with a baby who wants to be held, the Baby Tula Explore offers a comfortable, stylish solution that grows with your family. While no carrier is perfect for every situation or body type, the Explore’s thoughtful design and quality construction make it a top contender worth considering for your babywearing needs.