Finding the right baby carrier is like a quest to balance features, safety, and value. Since I’m a huge gear nerd, I love the chance to dig deep and really compare products to find out which comes out on top.
Wearable carriers are one of our favorite modern parenting trends, although ‘wearing’ babies has been part of just about every culture throughout history. There’s a good reason for that – it’s a comfortable, natural, safe way for you and your baby to explore the world together. I took a look at two Lillebaby carriers, namely the All Seasons and the Airflow 360, to see how they stack up against each other.
Side by side comparison
So what exactly separates these two flagship Lillebaby carriers? Let’s take a closer look…
| Lillebaby All Seasons | Lillebaby Airflow | |
|---|---|---|
| Price: | Check price | Check price |
| Our Rating: | 4.75 | 4.5 |
| Weight: | 2.5 lbs | 2.25 lbs |
| Dimensions: | 18.5 x 52 x 4 inches | 18.5 x 52 x 4 inches |
| 360 Positioning: | ✓ | ✓ |
| Color Options: | 22 | 18 |
| Weight Limit: | 7 to 45 lbs | 7 to 45 lbs |
| Material: | Polyester, Cotton | Polyester, Cotton |
| Warranty: | 1 year | 1 year |
| Exterior Fabric: | 100% Cotton | 3D Mesh |
| Lining Fabric: | 3D Mesh | 3D Mesh |
| Machine Washable: | ✓ | ✓ |
Lillebaby All Seasons: A quick overview
When I had my second child, my life changed completely – duh, right? Somehow, even bracing for it, it was more than I expected. It wasn’t just the sleepless nights, but also the hectic days.
With a toddler on the loose and a newborn to care for, I quickly became exhausted and overwhelmed. Wearing my baby freed up my hands to care for my toddler, which meant it didn’t feel as though we were sacrificing any of our important mommy/baby bonding time.
As long as you’re wearing your baby safely, the wearable carrier is a game-changer; especially with carriers like the All Seasons (check price on Amazon), which have zip-up temperature control panels to help babies stay warm or cool off.
Pros
- It’s ergonomic and offers great lumbar support, indispensable during long babywearing sessions
- It offers six carrying positions — front inward with fetal, infant, and toddler settings, front-outward, hip, and backpack
- It was voted Most Comfortable Baby Carrier from newborn to toddler
- It features a headrest, an adjustable hood, a zippered pocket, plus two extra pockets (I love pockets!)
- It has temperature regulation panels which can easily be zipped up or tucked down for warming up or cooling off, as an uncomfortable kid is an unhappy kid
- It was recognized as a Hip Healthy Carrier by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (inferior quality carriers can lead to hip development problems, so always do your research)
Cons
- It’s not easy to access the pocket when baby is facing outward
- You might need help with snapping the back buckle, not ideal if there’s not another adult around
- All the padding to make the carrier extra cozy for baby might make it a little bulky for you
Related: Tula Ergonomic vs. Lillebaby All Seasons (2021 Comparison Guide)
Selected features
- Temperature regulation panels: I was really drawn to these as I was looking over this carrier, because my daughter is, and always has been, very temperature sensitive. From the moment she SCREAMED when we lowered her into an apparently-too-cold first bath, she’s liked to be warm, though not too warm. These panels are super convenient, because in a lot of climates, Spring and Fall days can switch from hot to cold pretty quickly. Kids, especially little ones, don’t like to be uncomfortable, and being able to get them acclimated with a quick zip is a blessing.
- Lumbar support: Carrying kids around all day is exhausting, and yoga can only do so much if your baby gear isn’t designed to support you ergonomically. This can be particularly true when your body is recovering from pregnancy, which can take from a few months to a year. It’s hard to argue with the lumbar support that got this carrier named the most comfortable. In all 6 positions, wearing baby feels genuinely good — none of the awkward shoulder and lower back strain of ill-fitting carriers that feels like an overburdened high school backpack.
- Versatile positioning: When you’re babywearing, you’ll find that being able to switch positions is essential. Inward facing can be great when baby wants to snuggle, needs to nurse or you’re in motion, but outward-facing is a lot more convenient during idle times when baby needs something other to focus on than your hair and earrings. Backpack carrying is a great vantage point for baby to take in sights and sounds, while giving you a wider range of motion. This carrier offers all 3 positions including hip carrying, plus adjustments for babies as they grow.
What makes it better than the Airflow?
- Temperature regulation panels
- More color options
Check parent reviews on Amazon
Lillebaby Airflow: A quick overview
Since we’re comparing two carriers made by the same brand, lots of features line up in a pretty similar way. The major difference I’ve found between these two is the way they regulate a baby’s temperature.
The Airflow (check price on Amazon) is fully constructed of 3D Mesh, a breathable material known for being comfortable when it’s hot outside, (but also great during any weather.)
During winter, kids are dressed for the weather, and carriers that are too warm can be uncomfortable. During hot summer months, mesh is breathable, and perfect for keeping them cool and comfortable.
Also, parent fun fact — kids that are too hot become, basically, little space heaters. When you’ve got one strapped to your chest or back, chances are you’re gonna get a little sweaty, too. If you like babywearing during any kind of athletic activity, a mesh carrier like the Airflow might be more your speed.
Pros
- It has breathable mesh, which is great for temperature regulation and prevents overheating, especially if you love babywearing during your workouts (try it, it’s fun)
- Like other Lillebaby products, has an ergonomic design and exceptional lumbar support
- It has an extendable soft waist belt, making the carrier comfortable for wearers of all sizes
- It offers six safe carrying positions for baby while still being fairly lightweight and not bulky
Cons
- Very small adults may find this carrier difficult to wear securely
- Adjusting between seat sizes can take getting used to
Related: Ergo 360 vs Lillebaby (2021 Comparison Guide)
Selected features
- 3D Mesh construction: This isn’t the first time I’m telling you that I love a good babywearing workout, and this carrier is perfect for it. The fact that you can throw it in the washing machine for a quick clean is a major bonus, of course. It’s both soft and sturdy while providing temperature regulation that can prevent cranky kid meltdowns.
- Straps adjust for easy breastfeeding: One of my favorite things about babywearing is how easy it makes breastfeeding, although the wrong carrier can make it a nightmare. Luckily, that isn’t the case with either of the Lillebaby carriers, as both feature adjustable straps to make breastfeeding comfortable and easy for both mom and baby. Breastfeeding is one of the most natural things in the world, and it should feel like it – this carrier makes sure you’re not readjusting every five seconds to keep baby comfortable.
- Great for larger adults: This carrier fits a great variety of shapes and sizes, meaning moms, dads, and other caregivers can all share the same carrier. It’s also a great option for plus-size mommas.
- No need for a newborn insert: Anything that grows with your baby saves you money, a fact new parents discover quickly. I really like that the All Season’s carrier doesn’t require an insert for infants — the seat can be easily converted as your baby grows, until they reach the upper weight limit of 45 lbs. The seat is ergonomic and is a Hip Healthy Product, enabling you to feel confident that baby is being carried safely and comfortably.
Related: The 7 Best Plus Size Baby Carriers of 2021
What makes it better than the All Seasons?
- Fits a larger range of wearers
- Ideal for athletic babywearing
Check parent reviews on Amazon
Which is right for you?
I firmly believe that we should all pick the product that works for us and for our kids. In my case, I’d choose the All Seasons (check price on Amazon), which is why I’ve rated it slightly higher than the Airflow.
The temperature regulation panels are really handy during our frigid winters, and the comfort features set it apart. That said, if you live in a warmer climate, you might prefer the Airflow for its breathable mesh.
Now that you’re geared up to make an informed decision, you can decide which carrier is right for you.
