Is the Free-to-Grow Carrier acknowledged as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI)?
The Baby Tula Explore Carrier, Free-to-Grow Carrier, and Standard Carrier have been acknowledged by The International Hip Dysplasis Institute (IHDI) as “hip-healthy” products.
The IHDI recognizes that Baby Tula has developed products that consider the important of healthy hip development during infancy. This is especially important during the early stages of hip development in the first few months after birth.
What if my baby is below the weight limit, can I still use it? Baby Tula and Baby Carriers Australia do not recommend using the Free-to-Grow Carrier until baby is at least 7 pounds.
Baby Tula and Baby Carriers Australia do not recommend using the Free-to-Grow Carrier until baby is at least 7 pounds.
Can my baby face forward in the Free-to-Grow Carrier?
Baby Tula do not recommend placing your child in forward facing position in the Free-to-Grow Carrier.
If you would like a carrier with the option to forward face, Baby Tula and Baby Carriers Australia recommend the Explore Tula Baby Carrier that allows you to face in, face out and back carry. Click here to learn
What age or weight should I increase to the middle setting/wide setting of the Free-to-Grow Carrier?
The narrow setting can be used for newborns and babies at a minimum weight of 7lbs, approximately 0-3 months. The middle setting can be used for babies 3-9 months of age, and the widest setting is suitable for taller babies 9 months and older. (Please refer to page 3 of the Free-To Grow Instructions “Correct Positioning” or see below). Please note that these recommendations are guidelines and may vary depending on the height and size of the individual baby.
*Correct positioning: The width of the panel should be determined by the individual baby’s comfort and leg span. The ergonomically correct position for baby is to be positioned with the base of the carrier supporting them from knee to knee, with their knees slightly higher than their bottom in an “M” shaped position. When choosing which seat width to use with your baby, choose the width that supports their legs in an “M” shaped position with their legs supported to the crease of the knee. If the edge of the panel rests on the baby’s calves, rather than under the bend in their knees, then the width you have chosen is too wide. Always ensure proper placement of baby in the carrier including leg placement.
How is the Free-to-Grow Carrier different from the Standard Tula Baby Carrier?
The Free-to-Grow Carrier has a fully adjustable panel allowing you to use it starting when baby is just 7 pounds without an infant insert. The Free-to-Grow Carrier features three width settings – narrow, middle and wide, and two height settings – short and tall, to accommodate babies of many sizes with a customized fit. Both Standard Tula Baby Carriers and Free-to-Grow Carriers can be used until 45 pounds.
If you’d like to use the Standard Tula Baby Carrier before the 15 pound minimum, you’ll need to use a Baby Tula Infant Insert (sold separately).
What is the weight limit for the Free-to-Grow Carrier?
The weight limit for the Free-to-Grow Carrier is 7 – 45 pounds.
The Free-to-Grow carrier can be used beginning at 7 pounds without the need for an Infant Insert!
What are the product measurements for the Free-to-Grow baby carrier?
The Free-to-Grow baby carrier measurements are:
- Depending on the snap settings, the panel is adjustable from 5″ – 15″ wide at the seat.
- Depending on the panel height adjusters, the height of the panel is adjustable from 11″ – 17″ tall.
- Hip Belt Measures 5″ tall and 27″ wide. Additional webbing extends approximately 30” (waistband total of ~ 57” long).
- Weight of the carrier: 1.7 lbs.
Is the Explore Carrier acknowledged as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI)?
Our Explore Carrier, Free-to-Grow Carrier, and Standard Carrier have been acknowledged by The International Hip Dysplasis Institute (IHDI) as “hip-healthy” products.
The IHDI recognizes that Baby Tula has developed products that consider the importance of healthy hip development during infancy. This is especially important during the early stages of hip development in the first few months after birth.
What panel width setting should the Explore Baby Carrier be in when using it in the front carry facing out position?
Be sure that the seat width is always at the widest setting when using the facing out position.
Is forward facing an ergonomic position for baby to be carried in the Explore carrier?
Yes, In the Tula Explore Carrier Baby Tula have responsibly designed a deep seated facing out carry position that supports a baby’s natural curved spine and spread squat position. This innovative design allows baby to be placed in a more seated position rather than dangling.
When is baby ready to be worn in the back carry position?
Baby Tula recommend waiting to back carry your child until they have strong and consistent head, neck, and torso control, and can push him or herself independently into, and remain in, a seated position on a consistent basis. The back carry position can be used in the middle or wide seat width setting and with the support pillow up or down relative to your child’s size.
When should I use the support pillow in the tall position?
When determining what height position to place the support pillow in, ensure that your baby is visible and their ear is clearing the top of the panel. The support pillow can provide additional support for a taller child or a sleeping child in the front carry facing in or in the back carry. The support pillow should not be used in the tall position when your child is facing out.
Why do I need the support pillow for the newborn position?
The support pillow flipped down and inside the panel of the Explore Baby Carrier provides additional support for newborns with little to no head or neck control. Once your baby begins to show signs of head and neck control, you may move the pillow to the outside of the carrier.
What are the measurements of the Explore Baby Carrier?
- Depending on the snap setting, the seat panel width is adjustable from 5″ – 15″.
- Depending on the neck pillow placement, the height of the panel is 13.5″ tall when the pillow is snapped down and 17″ when snapped up.
- Hip Belt Measures 5″ tall and 27″ wide. Additional webbing extends approximately 30” (waistband total of ~ 57” long).
- Weight of the carrier: 1.7 lbs.
What is the Explore Baby Carrier made of? What are the buttons made of?
Our Explore Baby Carriers are responsibly designed and made with care from soft and breathable 100% cotton that’s easy to clean and machine washable. Buttons are a durable, non-coated 100% polyester plastic.
Can I breastfeed while using the Explore Baby Carrier?
A wonderful benefit of all Tula Carriers is the ability to nurse baby while they are being carried. To do this, you can loosen your arm straps and lower the waistband, without unbuckling any buckles, and position baby to your chest. You will want to reposition baby once they are done feeding or if they fall asleep.
Why have you now decided to offer a carrier that allows for forward facing out?
The original Tula Baby Carrier was designed to endure long periods of carrying, and Baby Tula found that a snug hug fit allows for baby’s weight to be better supported when baby is facing inward. However, The Tula Baby community has long been asking Baby Tula to create a baby carrier that offers the facing out position. Baby Tula worked to responsibly design an ergonomic carrier that is easy to use and supports the facing out position.
Before attempting this position, ensure that your child has head and neck control, is tall enough to have their face fully clear the top of the body panel while being seated in the carrier, and meets the minimum weight of 13 lb.
Can I breastfeed while using the Explore Baby Carrier?
A wonderful benefit of all Tula Carriers is the ability to nurse baby while they are being carried. To do this, you can loosen your arm straps and lower the waistband, without unbuckling any buckles, and position baby to your chest. You will want to reposition baby once they are done feeding or if they fall asleep.
What positions can you carry baby and toddlers in the Explore Baby Carrier?
The Explore Baby Carrier offers multiple positions to carry baby including front carry for infant, baby and toddler, forward-facing and back carry for a baby and toddler. Each position provides a natural, ergonomic position that promotes healthy hip and spine development for baby.
What age/weight should I increase to the middle setting?
The narrow setting can be used for newborns and babies at a minimum weight of 7 lb, approximately 0-3 months. The middle setting can be used for babies 3-9 months of age, and the widest setting is suitable for taller babies 9 months and older. Please note that these recommendations are guidelines and may vary depending on the height and size of the individual baby.
*Correct positioning: The width of the panel should be determined by the individual baby’s comfort and leg span. When choosing which seat width to use with your baby, choose the width that supports their legs in an “M” shaped, spread squat position with their legs supported to the crease of the knee. If the edge of the panel rests on the baby’s calves, rather than under the bend in their knees, then the width you have chosen is too wide. Always ensure proper placement of baby in the carrier including leg placement.
When can I carry my baby in the front carry facing out position?
The Tula Explore Baby Carrier allows you to front carry your baby in the facing out position when your baby is between 13-22 lb, has head and neck control, and is tall enough to have their face fully clear the top of the body panel while being seated in the carrier.
It is important to watch your baby’s cues when using the facing out position. Your child should not sleep in this position. If your child falls asleep in the facing out position, be sure to position them back to facing in or take them out of the carrier.
The Explore Baby Carrier is the only Tula carrier designed for the forward facing position.
Can I still use the Tula Explore Baby Carrier if baby is below the weight limit?
Baby Tula do not recommend using the Explore Baby Carrier until baby is at least 7 lb. The weight range recommended for the front carry facing out was determined with comfort and baby’s size in mind.
Before attempting this position, ensure that your child has head and neck control, is tall enough to have their face fully clear the top of the body panel while being seated in the carrier, and meets the minimum weight of 13 lb.
Do I need an infant insert for the Explore Baby Carrier?
An infant insert is not needed for the Explore Baby Carrier. The front carry facing out position is not intended for use with a newborn baby or a child with no head or neck control.
Can I wear my newborn baby in the Tula Explore Baby Carrier?
The Explore Baby Carrier’s easy-to-adjust body panel allows you to change the height and width of the carrier to be suitable for carrying a newborn at 7 lb.
How can I make sure my baby is comfortable?
Aside from ensuring your Explore Baby Carrier is in the proper settings for the front carry facing out position, it’s important to watch your baby for cues that they are comfortable and happy in the facing out position. Watch your baby for signs of over-stimulation or tiredness. If your baby falls asleep, be sure to turn them back into the facing in position. For your comfort and baby’s, you may want to carry baby in the facing out position for short periods of time.
How is the Tula Explore Baby Carrier different from the Tula Free-To-Grow?
Baby Tula’s Explore Baby Carrier enables you to carry your baby in the forward facing out (world facing) position while still providing the same adjustable width settings as the Tula Free-To-Grow Carrier.
The Tula Explore Carrier also features a padded, support pillow that can be adjusted to provide head and neck support for newborns, or to add extra panel height for taller babies.
Can I use the hood in the facing out position?
The hood is not intended to be used when baby is facing out in the Tula Explore Carrier.
Can baby face out in the back carry position?
The facing out carrying position is not intended for back carries.
