AJ, being taller and wider than me found that straps in the H style fit him fine. However, if you are a petite parent, you will have to wear the straps crossed. This is fine for a front carry, but you cannot cross straps when you back carry so it’s something to keep in mind. I’m about a size 10 – 12 and 175cm tall, if you’re a size 6 or 8, I am unsure you would be able to get this carrier small enough. If you are plus size, there is plenty of shoulder strap and waistband length to be comfortable.
The Ergo Omni 360 has all the extras I have come to expect on a carrier. It has a pouch on the waistband that fits a wallet and keys. It has a hood to use as shade, or as a bit more support when your baby is sleeping. There is a pocket inbuilt into the carrier where you can tuck the hood away when not using it which is nice. It has lumbar support on the waist-strap, and it has a padded head/neck support on the back panel for the baby.
The exterior fabric of the Ergo Omni 360 is the same as the other carriers in the Ergo range. For me personally, this is one aspect that I wish Ergo would branch out a bit with, as the carriers are very utilitarian. The colours are plain: khaki, camel, black, navy, and the exterior fabric is tough. If you have ever owned an Ergo you will know what I mean. It does soften a bit with wear, but it’s never going to be supple and feather-soft. The carrier is lined with a soft black cotton, but the exterior, shoulder straps and waistband are all the rough, plain fabric. For someone used to wrap conversions, or softer style carriers, while the design of the Ergo Omni 360 is perfectly functional, it’s not as appealing as I prefer. Although, they’ve just released a limited edition Hello Kitty range, so maybe things are changing in the Ergo fabric world!
I was talking to AJ about the Ergo Omni 360, and funnily enough, everything about it that I would change, he really likes. He likes the colour. He likes the sturdiness. He likes the size. He likes wearing it because it is easy to put on, and it’s comfortable and he’s not fussed about wrap conversions and pretty pictures. It took me by surprise to be honest, I guess I had never looked at carriers from his point of view, and just assumed that he would be looking for the same qualities that I am. When in fact that’s not the case. I want pretty, he wants plain. I want flair, he wants no fuss. I am happy to have a different carrier for every stage of Jagger’s childhood, he prefers one that will last from newborn until it comes time to upgrade to a toddler carrier.
And so, from that point of view, the Ergo Omni 360 has everything he needs. In fact, it has everything many people looking for their first carrier need. It is easy to use. It is adaptable. It offers all the carrying positions you need. It adjusts as your baby grows. It is a sturdy, comfortable carrier.
If you are looking for a versatile, durable, all in one option, the Ergobaby Omni 360 ticks all the boxes.
If you live in Australia, you can get the Ergo Omni 360 from Babes in Arms.
Emily Holdaway is a New Zealand parenting blogger, sharing her journey to natural parenting through her entertaining and surprisingly open blog Raising Ziggy . Emily is an active volunteer at Waikato Baby Carriers, she attends La Leche meetings, Playcentre and Kangatraining; supporting local businesses and offering advice and the benefits of these groups to other kiwi parents. In her spare time (ha!), you’ll find her in the garden with Ziggy, Jagger and the chooks.
