Ergobaby Omni 360 Cool Air Mesh, Raven (SSC216) Check Availability

Overview

Buckle carriers (also known as soft structured carriers) involve a waistband, a panel of fabric to hold your child, and straps that go over your shoulder and fasten back around to secure the panel.  They're usually a pretty speedy option, but sometimes aren't the best option for smaller babies. The problem with many buckle carriers is either that the panel of fabric is too wide for tiny legs to fit around comfortably or that the panel comes up past baby's head, creating an airway/airflow risk. Some Ergobaby models (like the Original or the 360) required a newborn insert for babies under around 5 months, which can be really REALLY fiddly to use and position.

The Omni (which stands for Outward Mode No Insert) was designed to combine the most popular features of the Ergobaby Adapt (great for smaller babies, no insert needed) and the Ergobaby 360 (which had an option for babies with head control to face outward).

The result has been a strong market leader - Omnis are amongst our most popular buckle carriers! 

They have the Adapt's velcro adjusters where the waistband attaches to the panel to narrow the width for smaller babies, so that their legs aren't overspread. The head support cushion can be folded inside and buttoned around the straps to support smaller babies. It can certainly carry all the way to toddler too, with great features for back carrying older babies.

The downsides? It's not got the snuggle factor of softer carriers (like the Ergobaby Embrace) We often still find that brand new newborns are too little, as the top edge of the carrier can still come higher up than the nape of their neck - risking pushing chin onto chest. Sometimes the smallest velcro setting on the base is still wider than the natural position of a small baby. We reckon it's a more viable option from 6/8 weeks depending on on your baby's size and natural position.

Details

Fabric: 100% polyester

Manufacture: Made in Vietnam, 2020

Washing: 30 degrees, non-bio mild detergent, no fabric conditioner. Air dry (dries quickly!). Do up all buckles before washing.

Child weight range: 3.2kg - 20kg

Instructions

Carrying options: front facing in, front facing out (only when baby has head control and is awake), hip carry, back carry (only when baby can sit up unaided).

When wearing on your front you can either cross the straps over your back or wear them clipped together ('H straps')

Instructions: All the official instruction videos from Ergobaby.

Remember to adjust the velcro on the waistband for your child, and alter the buttoning of the head support: 

"For a newborn baby, 6 weeks and under (minimum 7 lbs / 3.2 kg), fold the head and neck support on the inside, and button it to the lower buttons on the front from the side using the tabs for a tighter support. When baby starts to turn his head from side to side and to hold his head for a few moments, you can fold the neck and head support on the outside and button it to the lower buttons. This usually happens around 7 weeks. For older babies, you can also button up the head and neck support for extra support when needed, such as when she/he is sleeping. When wearing your baby facing out (min 14 lbs/6.4 kg), make sure the head and neck is folded down on the outside and buttoned to the lower buttons, and that your baby's chin is over the top edge of the carrier body."

More

Lots more about using buckle carriers well from Carrying Matters, including a detailed look at front facing out carrying and some of the aspects to be aware of (particularly the risk of airway compromise if asleep or head and neck are not held up by child and the keeping an eye out for overstimulation or stress if your baby cannot see you, turn away from the the world and snuggle back into their safe person).