The Ergobaby Omni 360 is a soft structured baby carrier that can be used in multiple positions and for little ones from 12-45 lbs. It features padded shoulder straps a waistband zippered pocket and adjustable seat width. The carrier is easy to clean being one of the few that is both machine washable and dryable. However, the Omni is very expensive, and neither parents or passengers felt it was very comfortable. The padding in the shoulders is so thick it can chafe, and the seat sides rubs little legs as well. Given the price, we wish the overall comfort and ease of use performance was better. We feel parents can save some money and have a better experience with the similarly styled BabyBjorn One which scores higher overall and costs less.
Ergobaby Omni 360 Review
Expensive and uncomfortable for parents and passengers
Price:
$180 List | Check Price at Amazon
Pros: Easy to clean, sturdy fabric, multiple positions
Cons: Poor instructions, expensive, not as comfortable
Manufacturer: Ergobaby
Pros: Easy to clean, sturdy fabric, multiple positions
Cons: Poor instructions, expensive, not as comfortable
Manufacturer: Ergobaby
By Juliet Spurrier, MD and BabyGearLab Review Team ⋅ Feb 19, 2018
RELATED: The Quest for the Best Baby Carrier
The Skinny
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Ergobaby Omni 360 | |||||
| Awards |  | | |  | |
| Price | $180.00 List Check Price at Amazon | $135.00 List | $95.00 List $94.95 at Amazon | $190.00 List $201.03 at Amazon | $50.00 List $49.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
|||||
| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Easy to clean, sturdy fabric, multiple positions | Ease to use, soft fabric, comfortable | Comfortable, easy to adjust, pocket | Easy to put on, super comfortable to wear, cozy for kids | Budget-friendly, easy wrap, machine wash and dry |
| Cons | Poor instructions, expensive, not as comfortable | Price, extra hanging fabric | Hang to dry, rough fabric | Long drying time, lots of buckles and straps, expensive | Size specific, no adjustability |
| Bottom Line | Expensive and uncomfortable for parents and passengers | Comfortable to wear and sit in, this sling is easy to use and clean | Easy to wear and adjust with comfort for baby but the fabric could be softer | Most comfortable to wear with a cozy seat and easy attachment | Inexpensive, easy to use, wrap style without the wrap hassle |
| Rating Categories | Ergobaby Omni 360 | Tula Ring Sling | Maya Wrap... | BabyBjorn One | Baby K'tan Original |
| Child Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Parent Comfort (35%) | |||||
| Ease Of Use (30%) | |||||
| Ease Of Cleaning (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Ergobaby Omni 360 | Tula Ring Sling | Maya Wrap... | BabyBjorn One | Baby K'tan Original |
| Min/Max Weight | 7 - 33 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs | 8 - 33 lbs | 8 - 35 lbs |
| Carry Positions | Facing In (7 - 33 lbs/min 20") Facing Out (14 - 33 lbs/min 5 mo) Hip Carry (17.2 - 33 lbs/min 6 mo) Back Carry (17.2 - 33 lbs/min 6 mo) | Facing In (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Carry (8 - 35 lbs *BGL recommends Head/Neck/Torso Control) | Facing In (0 - 3 mo) Facing Out (3 - 6 mo) Hip Carry (6 mo - 35 lbs) | Facing In (0 - 36 mo./33 lbs) Facing Out (5 - 15 mo./26 lbs) Back Carry (12 - 36 mo./33 lbs) | Kangaroo Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hug Position (8 - 35 lbs) Adventure Position (8 - 35 lbs) Explore Position (8 - 35 lbs) Hip Position (8 - 35 lbs) |
| Weight | 1.83 lbs | sm 1.05 lg 0.97 lbs | sm 0.92 lg 1.16 lbs | 2.26 lbs | sm 0.89 lg 1.04 lbs |
| Packable Size | Medium | Small | Small | Large | Small |
| Fabric | 100% Cotton | 100% Cotton | Cotton, Polyester | Cotton, Polyester, PU Foam | 100% Cotton |
| Hood | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Storage Options | Storage pouch below headrest, Zippered pouch on the waist belt | None | Zippered pocket on tail | None | Pouch on the belt. |
| Other Features & Notable | None | None | None | Adjustable Seat Width, Oeko-Tex Standard 100, Class 1 | Azo Dye-free |
| Included Accessories | None | None | None | None | None |
| Optional Accessories | Drool pad and bib, Winter weather cover | None | Ring Covers, Wet Sac | None | None |
| Care Instructions | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. | Machine wash cold, hang dry. | Machine wash warm, hang dry. | Machine wash cold, tumble dry low. |
Show full specification detailsHide full specification details
Our Analysis and Test Results
ErgoBaby was started by a mother, Karin Frost, in 2002 when she couldn't find a great baby carrier she liked. Wanting to keep her little one close she tried several different carriers but couldn't find one that was both comfortable and ergonomic. The soft structured carrier provides freedom to enjoy all of life's adventures while keeping your baby close. Ergobaby now produces 30 different carriers in 5 different categories including Swaddlers for newborns. Ergobaby is located in Los Angeles and sells in more than 700 retailers in the US and over 50 countries.
The Ergobaby Omni 360 is a soft structured carrier with an adjustable seat and multiple carry positions.
Performance Comparison
The comparison chart below provides the overall scores for each carrier tested in this review including the Ergobaby Omni 360 (blue) which earned a relatively low score.
The sections below include details on the Ergobaby's performance compared to the competition.
Little ones had varied responses to the Ergobaby with older children disliking the padding on the seat sides.
Baby's Comfort
The Ergobaby earned a 5 of 10 for baby's comfort. Little testers weren't thrilled with this seat. While the seat and sides are padded the sides seem to irritate little legs, and the larger a child is, the worse it was. Carriers without padded sides were cozier overall, which is somewhat counter-intuitive.
Parent's Comfort
The Ergobaby earned a 4 of 10 for parent's comfort. Only one carrier in this review earned a lower score. The Ergobaby has padded shoulder straps which are almost too padded and making wearing it somewhat bulky and uncomfortable. Depending on how wide or narrow your shoulders (above left) are the straps can chafe your arms or armpits in the back carry position. In the front carry position, the padding is better, but the waistband can rub on the upper part of your derriere depending on how long your torso is.
Adjusting the seat width of the Ergobaby is relatively easy with the color coded velcro panels. Unfortunately, you need to do this before you put the baby inside which means you may need to guess the first few times you use the carrier.
Ease of Use
The Ergobaby earned a 5 of 10 for ease of use. This carrier has multiple features and adjustments that increase the complexity of use. With seat width adjustment and moveable head support, there is a steeper learning curve, and the manual is not the best. The instructions are more complicated than necessary given that much of it is intuitive.
The Ergobaby has safety buckles (above let) that require a little practice to use quickly and without hassle. The carrier also has a waistband pocket under the seat bottom with a zippered pocket and quick access open pocket.
The Ergobaby is machine washable and can be thrown in the dryer which is rare for this kind of product. However, it isn't the best for spot cleaning unexpected accidents when in use.
Ease of Cleaning
The Ergobaby earned an 8 of 10 for ease of cleaning. This carrier is one of the easiest in the group to clean. The Ergobaby is machine washable, and you can put it in the dryer. The only downside is it isn't the easiest to spot clean for on-the-go messes. While you can scrub away spit up, it takes a longer time to dry than some of the competition which will leave you with a wet carrier or no carrier at all.
Manufacturer Video
— Juliet Spurrier, MD and BabyGearLab Review Team