BABY: What is the difference between the Ergobaby 360 and OMNI 360?

Ergobaby have recently launched a brand new baby carrier, which is really exciting because I love our Ergobaby 360. Back in August I posted all about my experience of babywearing with the 360 (which you can read here) and despite it being a brilliant carrier there were some things I wish were slightly different. So when I was given the opportunity to try out the Ergobaby OMNI 360* (£154.90) to compare the two carriers I jumped at the chance. I couldn't wait to see if the few things I would change with the 360 had been solved in the OMNI 360, as well as maintaining all the practical features I loved.

Below is a quick summary of what I love about the Ergobaby All Position 360:

• Breastfeed while wearing it
• Infant insert allows it to be used from birth
• Wide adjustable waistband
• Can be worn in 4 different ways - front carry facing inwards, front carry facing outwards, hip carry and back carry
• Fun, stylish designs available 
• Baby privacy hood is ideal for sun protection and using while breastfeeding
• Ergonomic in all positions

Below are the things I wish were slightly different with the Ergobaby All Position 360:

• Nowhere to store phone, keys, money etc.
• Infant insert is an extra cost to consider when purchasing if you want to use it when your baby is 0-4 months
• A bit tricky to get on when the infant insert is in the carrier

As you can probably tell, overall I really like the Ergobaby All Position 360 - it is a safe and secure option for babywearing your child. So what is the difference between the Ergobaby All Position 360 and the OMNI 360?

The OMNI 360 was released in September 2017 and has joined the wide range of different carriers Ergobaby have to offer, including the Adapt, Original and Cool Air Mesh. They will also be launching a range of Baby Wraps very soon, which is really exciting because using a wrap is another really good option for babywearing. The OMNI 360 is the baby carrier with all the options, as well as some extra added features that make life easier too.

Below are the key features of the Ergobaby OMNI 360 All in One Baby Carrier:

• Ergonomic in all positions
• Crossable shoulder straps
• Baby privacy hood (UPF 50+)
• Lumbar support
• Detachable pouch
• Breastfeed in carrier
• No infant insert needed
• Suitable from week 1 to 36 months
• Can be worn in 4 different ways - front carry facing inwards, front carry facing outwards, hip carry and back carry

The biggest difference for me is that the OMNI 360 comes with a detachable pouch, making life so much easier and would be the single difference to make me purchase the OMNI 360 rather than the 360. Having somewhere secure to place my phone, money, keys etc. is just so much easier, especially during the summer months when you're not wearing a coat with pockets. Over the summer of using the Ergobaby 360 I was constantly having to take my backpack on and off to get out my phone/money/keys etc., which wasn't ideal when trying to look after two children too. It just meant that everything took a bit longer, so having a detachable belt just under where your baby sits is perfect and the pouch is a really impressive size too. It attaches using Velcro, making it really easy to take off when you need to use it and then place it back without properly being able to see where it's going. 

My favourite feature of the 360 was that I could breastfeed while wearing it, which is especially useful with having two children. Toddler's aren't known for their patience or sitting still, so having to stop to feed on a day out on my own would be a challenge. Luckily, I've found breastfeeding while wearing the 360 very easy (I've shared a few tips from my experience in this blog post), so was really hoping it would be as easy in the OMNI 360. I am so pleased to report that I've found it just as easy, if not easier! As Poppy has been in the 0-4 month age bracket she has had to use the infant insert with the 360, making her higher up and closer to me. There is no need for an infant insert in the OMNI 360, which has resulted in Poppy being slightly lower down making feeding even easier. Very quickly and discreetly I can latch her on, then carry on walking around. 

The key differences between the All Position 360 and OMNI 360 are:

• No need for an infant insert with the OMNI 360
• Detachable pouch on OMNI 360
• Crossable shoulder straps on OMNI 360 while the All Position 360 only has straps that go over your shoulder
• OMNI 360 is available in 4 colours (Midnight Blue, Khaki Green, Pearl Grey and Pure Black), whilst the All Position 360 is available in 10 different colours/patterns (Icy Mint, Sophie La Girafe, Dewy Grey, Black/Camel, Grey, Pure Black, Dusty Blue, Keith Harding Pop, Keith Harding Black and French Blue)
• When suitable from birth the All Position 360 Sophie La Girafe costs £164.80 (£144.90 for the carrier and £19.90 for the infant insert) whereas the Midnight Blue OMNI 360 costs £154.90
• Personally, I've found the OMNI 360 easier to get on by myself because there is no infant insert needed, which can make it a bit tricky to get the 360 on
  

The key similarities between the All Position 360 and OMNI 360 are:

• Breastfeeding friendly
• Baby privacy hood
• Ergonomic in all positions
• Baby can be carried in four different positions

Overall, there are reasons why I would purchase/recommend the All Position 360 over the OMNI 360, including a wider range of stylish designs, baby sits higher with insert and slightly more comfortable Velcro strap around the lower back. But there are also reasons why I'd recommend the OMNI 360 over the All Position 360, including no infant insert needed, detachable pouch and that I've found it easier to get on by myself. However, overall both options have so many positive points as to why they are a brilliant choice for a baby carrier, such as being breastfeeding friendly, ergonomic, child can be carried in four different positions, comfortable to wear and privacy hood for breastfeeding/sun protection. 

If you're looking for a different style baby carrier then slings are incredible for gaining that closeness to your new baby. They are extremely lightweight, super soft, very breathable, perhaps surprisingly easy to tie and come in such a fun range of designs and patterns. 

What do you look for in a baby carrier?

Feel free to leave a comment - I love reading every single one :)

Helen x