Ergo Omni 360- 4 in 1 Soft Structured Carrier
While the Ergo Omni 360 has a ton of amazing features, the one that gets the most buzz is its ergonomic and simple to use outward facing carry option. Simply adjust the buttons on the front of the body to the outward facing option and and begin loading baby into the carrier. For a comfortable outward facing carry you must a) have the waistband on tightly and parallel to the floor (having it higher on your stomach than your back or vice versa will cause issues, b) think of baby as being “seated” in a Bumbo type chair/on your hip instead of them hanging off you. Although our tester doll doesn’t have actual knees, the ideal is knees higher than the bum, or close to it.
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A baby is ready to outward face if they are a) have adequate head and neck control and are the the age specified by the manufacture (Ergo says 5+ months) and b) they must be taller than the carrier body (our doll is just barely clearing the front headrest and is probably too short). Outward facing can be done with H straps (backpack style straps or with an X back (crossing the straps. Petite wearers may favor the X back as the straps of the Ergo Omni 360 are quite generous in length.
Unlike the previous original Ergo 360 the Omni gives you the option of adjusting the body width of the carrier to accommodate smaller children (just like with the Ergo Adapt). Although it is weight tested down to 7 pound, tiny infants may still require an insert as the body of the carrier is rather tall. The carrier labeling lets you know what setting is appropriate for each inseam size. Essentially it has a 0-3 month setting a 4-9 month setting and an 10+ setting. The velcro is very sturdy, yet still easy for an adult to adjust. Adjustments to the body width must be done when the carrier is off.
While outward facing is the bread and butter of this carrier, when its time to turn inwards for some snuggles and rest, the adjustment is quick and easy. No need to take the carrier off you body (you will nee to take out baby though). Simply adjust the carrier at the buttons to go from the outward to inward setting. There is also a wonderfully informative diagram on the inside of this carrier to demonstrate how to do this.
We gave the inward facing setting a try with both our babywearing doll and our real life model. She is 20 months old, average height, and 24 pounds. Her legs fit 24 month pants and she just slightly less than knee to knee support but is otherwise comfortable. With the headrest fully extended the carrier body reaches to her neck (it is very generous length wise.
The Ergo Omni 360 also comes with a detachable zippered pouch. Perfect for storing a few small essentials (small wallets, standard size cell phones (the Plus and Note won’t fit), and maybe even a disposable diaper and a few wipes.
Each Ergo Omni 360 also comes with a detachable zippered pouch. Perfect for storing a few small essentials: small wallets, standard size cell phones, and maybe even a disposable diaper and a few wipes.
Another amazing feature of the Ergo Omni 360 is the integrated lumbar support. We love how its integrated into the waistband of the carier so it a) can’t get lost and b) works as a tummy support panel in the back carry. Even on our tiniest test was able to get a good fit in the waist (she has a 26″ waist).
When your child is able to sit unassisted and when their head is above the body of the carrier (with the headrest down) you can begin trying out a back carry. We recommend learning a back carry at home with a spotter or over your bed or other soft surface. We recommend a hip scoot method for younger and smaller children, and a “superman” method when your child is toddler age/size. My model is 20 months, average height, 24 month size pants and can ride in the carrier with arms in our out, and with the arm rest up or down.
Ultimately, the Ergobaby Omni 360 soft structured carrier is an incredible addition to the Ergobaby family of carriers offer features that few on the market offer. With its 4 carrying positions, storage pouch, sleep hood and adjustablity this carrier will be a treasured part of your baby carrier stash.
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