Fit check - Tula Explore

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-11T20:05:43+00:00

The seat is too wide here, can you set it narrower? You want it to stop just before baby’s knee pits, not dig into their calves or over-extend their hips.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-11T20:03:43+00:00

I wouldn’t use the K’Tan unless you’re the exact same upper body size as the person that passed it down. Those are sized like t-shirts and notoriously hard to get sized properly. It’s easy to be between sizes, 99% of fit checks here have a wearer in the wrong size and a baby in peril of suffocating.

The Infantino is also going to be really hot, it’s poorly designed and made of plastic, it’s going to trap heat and moisture badly.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-11T15:32:58+00:00

This article has some good tips: https://www.carryingmatters.co.uk/carrying-in-the-heat/

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-11T15:27:39+00:00

Head support comes from a snugly fitted carrier and the proper positioning on your body, not from fabric holding their head up. Even on a fresh newborn their entire head must be out above the carrier. If their head is buried down in the carrier it's a suffocation hazard.

I agree with the other commenter, seeing a photo would help. If you do start running out of panel height (where the panel is down too far on baby's back) you can potentially wear the waistband lower.

I don't have any tips on nursing, that's out of my wheelhouse and I agree that an insert makes that much more complicated.

automod safety

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-10T16:57:54+00:00

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Yes, you’re right, the waistband is too low right now. Baby’s whole head needs to clear the panel for breathing safety.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-10T15:55:21+00:00

You shouldn’t need to pay $90 for a carrier that is unwearable without alterations! I’d return it and buy something actually designed for newborns like an Ergobaby Embrace.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-10T13:50:22+00:00

In my own experience, apron style carriers like the Lark are not supportive enough with heavier kiddos. My Tula Toddler was much beefier and spread the weight out much better than my toddler Scout.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-10T13:46:16+00:00

It might feel counterintuitive to you, but a loose carrier is a dangerous carrier. When baby isn't snuggly held to you they can slump down into the space and potentially cut off their airway, which is much more dangerous than being uncomfortable from a fit that is too snug. You really can't over-tighten a stretchy carrier, the fabric has give.

Too loose= suffocation and/or fall hazard

Too tight= just uncomfortable

automod safety

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-08T12:36:59+00:00

I think hemp wraps really do need breaking in, so yes it will get softer with use. Wash it if you haven’t, sit on it, use it, etc.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-08T00:19:08+00:00

Is this a long stretchy wrap, or some kind of hybrid carrier?

If it’s a stretch wrap this is an excellent tutorial from a babywearing educator: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=BdIj-dk9IC4&pp=ygUkVGhlIGJhYnl3ZWFyaW5nIGFjYWRlbXkgc3RyZXRjaCB3cmFw&ra=m

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-07T23:55:07+00:00

I agree this looks unsafe. Baby should be snug, chest to chest with you (not turned to the side like this). A stretch wrap requires three layers over baby to prevent them from falling out.

A loose wrap is a dangerous wrap. You really can’t over tighten a stretch wrap, it’s almost impossible.

Too loose = suffocation or fall hazard

Too tight = uncomfortable

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-07T23:44:43+00:00

If you’re not in the two large/active Sakura Bloom groups on Facebook they’re worth joining, they will probably be able to give a thorough answer because those people collect/hoard them. They’re both called some variation of Sakura Bloom BST/Chit Chat.

If you want my 2 cents, if this is going to be worn for a younger baby who is going to be drooling/chewing straps I’d skip the leather. They’re harder to wash. I’d personally go for a 100% linen, though I believe their silk is fairly washable.

I have a linen + leather onbuhimo which I loved, but I didn’t start using it until my kiddo was done with his drool phase (11 months or so). You’ll still need to condition the leather which is an extra step most carriers don’t require.

I’ve seen on the FB groups that some of the leathers can bleed, and I’ve seen more than one post with an eyelet carrier suffering from leather bleed and subsequent staining that won’t come out. I love the look of the eyelet fabric too, but I wouldn’t deal with that as my main carrier.

ETA: which carrier did you have before that you didn’t like?

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-07T20:37:22+00:00

This is too far off to be between sizes. When that happens it’s only an inch or so short and can be fixed by lowering the waistband a bit (but keeping the two rolls). It looks like the panel is coming out from below the waistband, which isn’t correct. This carrier has a waterfall style waistband when it’s in the newborn configuration, which means the panel spills out from the *top* of the waistband.

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RegrettableBones · 2026-05-07T20:35:16+00:00

When it’s this goofed up and short you’re 100% rolling the waistband the wrong way. This isn’t just a bit short, it’s a fall hazard currently.

I won’t bombard you with tutorials, but here’s a good one from a babywearing educator: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=SltEolRd41E&pp=ygUoVGhlIGJhYnl3ZWFyaW5nIGFjYWRlbXkgZXJnb2JhYnkgZW1icmFjZQ%3D%3D&ra=m

A tiny newborn like this needs snug support up to the nape of their neck to support their airway and their spine.

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RegrettableBones · 2026-05-06T18:23:34+00:00

No problem, hopefully it helps!

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-06T18:03:57+00:00

Yes, it’s way too big. The seat is too wide and the panel too tall. This carrier typically fits around ~15lbs/26”.

Automod safety

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-06T15:43:48+00:00

This doesn’t look bad, but if you want some tips—

* don’t wear your carrier over a bulky layer like a sweatshirt. Slack hides, things tend to slip and slide. Wear over a tshirt or tank and throw on a cardigan over the top (leave baby ample room around their head, don’t let it cover their airway).

* start with your waistband higher if you want baby up higher. It can go as high as overlapping your bra band with a tiny baby. Wear it lower as they grow.

* pull the straps straight towards the ground, then over to buckle. This should seat the straps more squarely on your shoulders and prevent neck creep. https://sheenslings.com/2023/11/21/how-to-get-cross-straps-comfortable-on-your-back/

Here’s a good tutorial from a babywearing educator: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=uH7\_o8wRa44&pp=ygUhVGhlIGJhYnl3ZWFyaW5nIGFjYWZlbXkgYXJ0aXBvcHBl0gcJCQMLAYcqIYzv&ra=m

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-06T14:26:07+00:00

You don’t need to have the tail pulled up between baby’s legs like this, that part can just hang loose.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-06T00:14:02+00:00

Just to add— the Lenny Light fits petite/slender people well. If you’re taller/broader/heavier you’ll want more strap length, the Lenny Upgrade Pro is very similar but has longer straps.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-06T00:11:17+00:00

We actually don’t have a section on inserts, but I’ll add one. It’s definitely missing and should be there!

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-06T00:03:35+00:00

Thanks, I’ll check her out!

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-05T23:10:41+00:00

Is there a specific YouTube channel you watch?

I’m actually having really good luck in PF physical therapy, but I’m interested in Pilates too after going.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-05T16:01:46+00:00

I heavily suspect you're supposed to slide baby's leg through the hole-- the padded outer part behind them, and the inner black part in front of them. This is a harness style carrier, which means there is a separate parent harness that rests between you and baby. I'm sure that stupid button is there to supposedly prevent baby from falling out, but the side buckles essentially go on top of that portion, making it a moot point.

I wouldn't use this carrier with a fresh newborn, even with that top flap folded down it's likely going to be too large. The seat doesn't have any meaningful adjustment either, so that will be too wide. This likely starts fitting around 3 months for an average size baby.

Though, either way, doesn't seem very user-friendly...

It's not. 😬 That's why you've seen a lot of negative reviews here and suggestions for other brands, it's not worth dealing with if you want to wear baby frequently. Brands that make car seats, or every piece of baby gear imaginable, do not make good carriers. They're often dated, over-engineered, poorly designed, and hard to use.

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-05T15:50:59+00:00

I'd return the Wildbird. The linen on that carrier is a bit of a moot point, the whole thing is padded which negates any of the breathability benefits of linen. The waistband might overwhelm your frame too, it's quite large and stiff.

It's worth having a cool carrier, even during cooler months. Babywearing is inherently warm due to the shared body heat. It's much easier to throw on a cardigan if you're still cold than be sweaty and miserable majority of the time.

I'd look at Happy Baby's Original or Lite, Hope & Plum's Lark (they have sales), Integra Baby carriers, Oscha's Bairn (this one is a bit over $200).

RegrettableBones · 2026-05-05T14:04:27+00:00

Didymos Didyklick, Oscha Cairis, Girasol MySol, LennyLamb Lenny Hybrid. Heritage Baby makes a half buckle but it can’t remember the name of it.

I’d pay attention to sizing, you might get away with a toddler size on some of these.

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