Ergobaby and BabyBjörn are both trusted brands, and many parents looking for a carrier find themselves choosing between the Ergobaby Omni 360 and the BabyBjörn One Air.
They’re both great carriers, but to know which one is right for you, you’ll need to compare their features. I’ve taken a close look at both to see how they stack up.
In this article:
Side by side comparison
| Ergobaby Omni 360 | BabyBjörn One Air | |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | Check price | Check price |
| Our Rating: | 4.75 | 4.25 |
| Weight Limit: | 7 - 45 lbs | 8 - 33 lbs |
| Color Options: | 17 | 5 |
| Privacy Hood: | ✓ | ☓ |
| Carrying Positions: | Front inward facing, front outward facing, back carry and hip carry | Front inward facing, front outward facing, back carry and hip carry |
| Material | 100% Cotton, Cool Air Mesh models feature 3D mesh | 100% polyester, except the leg position zip guard, which is 100% cotton |
| Washing Instructions: | Wash in mild detergent on gentle cycle with cold water. Dry on low heat for 20 minutes. Carrier will still be damp. | Machine wash warm in a separate load with bleach free, eco friendly gentle detergent, do not tumble dry or iron |
| Manufactured In: | China, Vietnam and India | Sweden |
To see what really separates these two market-leading carriers, let’s dive in and compare their specs…
Ergobaby Omni 360: A quick overview
The Ergobaby Omni 360 (check price on Amazon) is hugely popular for a reason. The carrier is simple to adjust and use for all positions. It feels safe and secure, allows moms to breastfeed discreetly, and is comfortable for both you and your baby.
The Omni 360 is available in two styles — the standard, which is 100% cotton, and the Cool Air Mesh edition, made entirely of breathable mesh to keep you and baby cool on hot days.
Pros
- Certified Hip Healthy carrier
- Usable in 4 carrying positions
- Great for use with infants — no extra insert required
- Has privacy hood to allow discreet breastfeeding or undisturbed sleep
- Accommodates kids up to age 4 — a rarity in ‘worn’ carriers
- Adjustable seat width
- Offers exceptional lumbar support
Cons
- Very small babies may require some adjustment made to fit comfortably and safely — wearers must take care to always observe the TICKS rules
- Petite wearers may require to make some adjustment, or may find the carrier uncomfortable
- The original cotton model can possibly make both the wearer and baby too hot after a while
Related: Ergobaby 360 vs Tula Baby Carrier (2021 Comparison Guide)
Selected features
- Certified hip-healthy carrier: Babies are constantly growing, and their developing bodies require the use of gear designed to help them grow correctly. Hip-healthy carriers, endorsed by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, encourage the continued healthy development of your baby’s skeleton. Skeletal issues can lead to painful lifelong problems, so it’s best to take all precautions to avoid them.
- Usable in 4 carrying positions: As your baby grows, they’ll be eager to explore the world. That’s when a multi-position carrier like the Omni 360 comes in handy. It’s important to note that babies under four months should always be carried with the front inward-facing method. Once baby is confidently showing signs of head and neck strength, at around 5 months, you can try front outward-facing. Parents shouldn’t use a rear-facing carry before their child is a year old, as it allows too much independence and potential danger for smaller babies.
- Adjustable seat width: The seat width of this carrier can be adjusted to ensure that your baby is sitting comfortably and is secured. This allows the carrier to grow with your baby, always providing a firm bottom rest.
- No infant insert required: A carrier with a 4 year age range is pretty amazing, and one that doesn’t require you to purchase a separate infant insert is even better. A lot of wearable carriers are only usable with newborns if you buy external separate inserts, which can be both annoying to deal with and can also be misplaced. The 360 easily facilitates babies starting at 8 lbs., though parents should be careful to make sure newborns are being carried safely by following the TICKS method.
- Privacy hood for discreet breastfeeding and undisturbed sleep: A long day of babywearing means your little one will need opportunities to eat and nap. The privacy hood on the Omni 360 allows both breastfeeding and sleep to be a discreet, undisturbed experience for you and your baby, letting you relax and enjoy outings and events. The hood is also good on very sunny days, when your baby needs protection from harsh, direct sunlight.
- Offers exceptional lumbar support: Back support is an essential aspect of a good wearable carrier, and the 360 provides excellent lumbar support through a sturdy, wide waistband and padded shoulder straps that help to distribute your baby’s weight evenly, making babywearing comfortable throughout the day.
Related: Ergo 360 vs Lillebaby (2021 Comparison Guide)
What makes the Ergobaby Omni 360 better than the BabyBjörn One Air?
- Privacy hood that makes eating and sleeping a breeze. The BabyBjörn One Air has a flap that offers some discretion but doesn’t give your baby full coverage like the one on the 360.
- 4 year age range means parents get more use out of the carrier. The BabyBjörn’s age range of newborn to 3 years is average for products in its class, while the 4 year range on the 360 is pretty exceptional.
- Excellent lumbar support that makes wearing baby for long periods no problem
Check parent reviews on Amazon
BabyBjörn One Air: A quick overview
Swedish baby gear makers BabyBjorn have a competitive edge – they’ve been a name moms have trusted for years to offer quality products that keep babies safe.
Their One Air (check price on Amazon) model is made of a cool and airy mesh that dries quickly and keeps mom and baby comfortable by preventing overheating.
The One Air also has a fully adjustable seat width, great for making sure your baby has a perfect fit. It’s also a Hip Healthy carrier and offers adjustable head support for newborns and small babies.
Pros
- Cool mesh construction dries quickly and prevents mom and baby from getting too hot
- Fully adjustable seat width ensures that your baby fits safely and comfortably
- Adjustable head support, good for newborns and smaller babies for whom neck support is vital
- No infant insert required for use with newborns
Cons
- Women of some body types may find it difficult to breastfeed while wearing this carrier
- No head coverage option can make it hard for your baby to sleep undisturbed
- Lower weight limit means buying an upgrade later if you want a wearable carrier to take you through the toddler years
- Depending on the size of you or your baby, it may not be possible to facilitate one of the aspects of the TICKS guidelines as the baby may be lower than the guidelines suggest (baby is not close enough to kiss)
Related: Lillebaby Airflow vs All Seasons (2021 Comparison Guide)
Selected features
- Breathable, quick-drying mesh: A carrier that helps keep your baby cool, clean and dry is a top notch find. The mesh construction of the BabyBjorn allows the carrier to breathe, keeping both you and your baby comfortable on those hot, sweaty days. It’s great for extended babywearing for exactly that reason — baby stays happy and no one gets sweaty; an added bonus for the active momma who might want to workout whilst wearing baby! This might also take the sting out of the fact that you can’t put this carrier in the dryer — though you can easily clean and airdry it as and when necessary.
- Fully adjustable seat width: Every baby and every body is different, and a carrier that allows for size variation is ideal. The seat width of this carrier can be fully adjusted to ensure that your baby is sitting comfortably and is secured. This not only covers part of the safety guidelines for babywearing, but helps to ensure that the carrier remains as hip healthy for your baby as possible.
- Adjustable head support: Supporting your baby’s head and neck is vital, particularly with newborns who don’t yet have the strength to hold their heads up. Failure to support your baby’s head can result in serious injury, so it’s important to choose a carrier that provides as much neck support as possible. The adjustable head support on the BabyBjorn carefully cradles your baby’s head, making sure their fragile necks are protected from harm during babywearing.
Related: Ergobaby Original vs. 360 (Is the upgrade worth it?)
What makes the BabyBjorn One Air better than the Ergobaby Omni 360?
- Full breathable mesh construction on all models – the 360’s Cool Air Mesh models are only partially mesh, offering less breathability
- Adjustable neck support extends slightly higher than the neck support panel on the 360
Check parent reviews on Amazon
Which is right for you?
While these are both fantastic carriers, the details make or break any purchasing decision. My pick for this round is the Ergobaby Omni 360 (check price on Amazon).
The 4 year age range is amazing, I love how well it works for breastfeeding, while the lumbar support features are a standout. Of course, as always, the best carrier for you is the one that has the features that you and your baby need.
Now that you know the facts about the Ergo Omni 360 and the BabyBjorn One Air, you’re one step closer to deciding which one is right for you.
