Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier Review
The Breakdown | Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier Review
Superb
The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is one of the top carriers that we’ve reviewed and provides unbeatable ergonomic safety for your baby. Some other baby carriers can be dangerous for hip health in babies especially during the most vulnerable months of their life when hip dysplasia can develop. Ergobaby has your baby’s hip health covered, and also provides ergonomic support for parents, too.
Pros
- Safe ergonomic design
- Can be used in many different positions
- Both parents can use this carrier
- Durable and cute design
- Easy to quickly apply or remove
Cons
- On the pricey side
- Buckles and straps have a learning curve
PRODUCT DETAILS
MSRP | $160 |
Best Price | Check Price |
Buy Now | Amazon - Buy Now! |
Type | Baby Carrier |
Weight Limit | 33 lbs |
Carry Positions | 5 |
Contents
The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is one of the top carriers that we’ve reviewed and provides unbeatable ergonomic safety for your baby.
SAFETY | Best Ergonomic Seat
One of the most important features to look for in a baby carrier is that it will provide your baby with a correct ergonomic seat. With the word “ergonomic” squeezed into their name, Ergobaby’s number one goal is to provide the safest carrier for proper baby development. The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is acknowledged as a “hip healthy” product by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.
Ergobaby’s number one goal is to provide the safest carrier for proper baby development.
There is always a risk with many baby products of incorrect positioning of baby’s hips which can ultimately lead to hip dysplasia. The risk for hip dysplasia is greatest in the early months, so special care should be taken during this time. Because the 360 Carrier keeps the legs and hips in a healthy and proper position for hip development, this carrier is a top pick for many parents.
The top feature of the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is that you’re able to carry baby in four different positions: front inward, front outward, hip and back. Due to the build of this carrier, baby’s hips are sure to be safe in every position, something you won’t find with other competitors. The seat provides great support for baby’s bum, back, and head, leaving your little one close enough to kiss. There is also an additional carry that is safe for newborns, but an additional newborn insert is needed to make this carry position safe and comfortable.
The buckles and snaps on this carrier are heavy duty…
Another great safety aspect of the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is that it has easy buckles and snaps that keep your baby secure. The buckles and snaps on this carrier are heavy duty, big, and have built-in safety straps in case they were to fail (which is very unlikely…we’re talking monster buckles here). There’s a very audible “snap” when the buckle is secure, but it’s always good to test each buckle before placing baby in the carrier.
COMFORT | Ergonomic for Baby and Parent
Comfort delivers with the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier for both baby and parent. This carrier is made with 100% cotton which makes it breathable and easy on baby’s delicate skin. Not only is the fabric cozy, but the deep and supportive seat provides great support for baby’s entire body. This ergonomic carrier keeps baby’s legs in the perfect “frog” position, with knees even to or above the hips. The shape also supports and hugs baby’s back and head, keeping the spine in the curved “C” position. Buttons allow parents to change the seat width to the baby’s size, something that isn’t available on the older Ergobaby carriers.
This ergonomic carrier keeps baby’s legs in the perfect “frog” position…
The greatest feature for this carrier that boosts baby’s comfort is that it can be used in multiple positions. If baby gets too big or bored in a certain position, it’s as easy as switching positions and they’re free to explore a whole new world. There’s also an extendable back panel that can be rolled down for the front facing position, or upwards for the inward facing position to provide needed head, neck, and back support for baby. Even more, the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier comes with a sleeping hood to provide support for baby’s head while sleeping, protection from the sun, and privacy for nursing (which can also be done in this carrier!)
The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier doesn’t fall short when it comes to keeping parents comfy either. It comes with an extra wide Velcro waistband that can be worn high or low on the waist, providing extra support for the lower back. There are also padded shoulder straps that evenly distribute baby’s weight. In combination with the wide waistband and padded shoulder straps, there are great ergonomic features for parents, too!
EASE OF USE | Easy and Versatile
Versatility
Although many baby carriers are versatile and can be used in many ways, oftentimes it is very difficult to wrap or put on the carrier. The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is not only versatile but very easy to use. It doesn’t take twenty minutes to put on, and the snaps and buckles make it easy to switch positions in a pinch. A great aspect of this carrier is that it can also be worn by both mom and dad. The waistband and shoulder straps are adjustable to size. A great idea that some parents use is to mark the spots on the straps that are used by mom and dad so that it’s easy to go back and forth between different users.
Performance
Performance for the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier seriously tops most other baby carriers on the market. The top feature, besides awesome ergonomic support for baby and parent, is the ability to use this carrier for multiple carry positions: front inward carry, front outward carry, hip carry, and back carry, in addition to the newborn carry position which calls for a newborn insert. So really, this is the Ergobaby Five Position Carrier, but we’ll give Ergobaby a break on this one.
The top feature, besides awesome ergonomic support for baby and parent, is the ability to use this carrier for multiple carry positions…
The material is 100% cotton, great for breathability, and is machine washable with hang dry. Nursing in this carrier is a breeze; all that needs to be done is loosening the shoulder straps to allow baby more room to adjust for breastfeeding. The only complicated aspect of the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is that it has a lot of buckles, straps, and buttons, so it can be a little confusing at first. After parents learn the ropes (or straps in this case), this carrier is very easy to use.
Putting on the Ergobaby 360 is a little difficult by yourself at first. The instructions say that in order to clip the support clip in the back, to lengthen the straps all the way out, reach back and clip it, and then tighten the straps again. This can be difficult for those who have limited shoulder flexibility, especially those nice strong dads out there.
Now a little summary of the different carry positions…
Front inward carry
- Age – 0-4 months with infant insert and 4-24 months without infant insert
- Benefits – Great for nursing, avoids overstimulation, great for sleeping
- Switch Positions When – baby gets heavier (can put strain on neck), baby gets more curious
Front Outward Carry
- Age – 5-12 months or 14-22 pounds
- Benefits – Great for curious babies, best for co-viewing and engaging together with baby
- Switch Positions When – baby can’t hold their head upright, baby gets sleepy or overstimulated, baby starts feeling heavy
Hip Carry
- Age – 5-12 months or 14-22 pounds
- Benefits – Great for curious babies, best for co-viewing and engaging together with baby
- Switch Positions When – baby can’t hold their head upright, baby gets sleepy or overstimulated, baby starts feeling
Back Carry
- Age – 5-12 months or 14-22 pounds
- Benefits – Great for curious babies, best for co-viewing and engaging together with baby
- Switch Positions When – baby can’t hold their head upright, baby gets sleepy or overstimulated, baby starts feeling heavy
PRICE + LONGEVITY | Ergobaby Sets the Bar High
Longevity
The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is meant to last for a long time, well into toddlerhood. With a weight range of 7 to 33 pounds, this carrier is perfect for newborns and two-year-olds. The fabric, straps, and buckles are durable enough to last through the years and carry many children for your family. This is a heavy duty system that will stand the test of time.
Price
Although the price for the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier can seem a little higher compared to other baby carriers, the value for this safe and durable system is unbeatable. Ergobaby sets the bar high with this carrier, as it offers many different carry positions, is easy to use, and is made of tough durable fabric. It also comes in many fun designs and colors!
The value for this safe and durable system is unbeatable.
The only other purchase that would be needed to safely carry newborns is the newborn insert made for Ergobaby carriers. Some moms stated that they supported their newborns with a blanket in place of the newborn insert, although this isn’t recommended by Ergobaby and could not be safe. What is ultimately important is that baby’s body is properly supported and you can see and kiss your baby’s face.
PROS
- Safe ergonomic design
- Can be used in many different positions
- Both parents can use this carrier
- Durable and cute design
- Easy to quickly apply or remove
CONS
- On the pricey side
- Buckles and straps have a learning curve
THE BOTTOM LINE | Simple and Ergonomic
The Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is one of the top carriers that we’ve reviewed and provides unbeatable ergonomic safety for your baby. Some other baby carriers can be dangerous for hip health in babies especially during the most vulnerable months of their life when hip dysplasia can develop. Ergobaby has your baby’s hip health covered, and also provides ergonomic support for parents, too.This carrier is also easy to use and doesn’t require tons of buckling and adjusting. With simple (and strong) buckles and snaps, the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Baby Carrier can be thrown on in a hurry. Nursing is easy to do as well and can be done on the go with privacy thanks to the included sleeping hood. In the end, the Ergobaby Four Position 360 Carrier is one of the top baby carriers you can find due to its safe and sturdy design.