Ergobaby Omni 360 vs. BabyBjörn One: Best Baby Carrier for Travel?

Traveling with a baby can be a real adventure, and the right baby carrier will make your life a breeze. Baby carriers not only provide hands-free convenience but also ensure your little one stays close and secure. In this review I'll be comparing of two of the most popular baby carriers on the market: the Ergobaby Omni 360 and the BabyBjörn One, wrapping up with my recommendation for the ultimate baby carrier for travelling.  

Why Use a Baby Carrier?  

Before we get into it, let’s talk about why baby carriers are a game-changer for traveling parents:  

1. Hands-Free Convenience:   Ever tried juggling your passports, a suitcase, and a pram? With a baby carrier, your hands are free meaning you can manage your things much more easily.  

2. Cosy & Secure:   There’s nothing quite like the closeness a carrier provides. Your baby feels secure and comforted by your heartbeat, making it the perfect place for them to nap.  

3. Mobility:   Carriers are way more portable than strollers. It makes places so much more accessible and we’ve used ours everywhere including in busy airports, mountainous hikes and cobbled city breaks.  

4. Versatility:   Modern carriers adapt as your baby grows and both the Ergobaby 360 and BabyBjörn One carry up to 15-20kg with multiple carrying positions on the front, back and hips.  

5. Comfort:   Compared to carrying your baby in your arms constantly and straining your back, these high-quality carriers distribute your baby’s weight evenly, giving your arms, back and shoulders a break.  

Ergobaby Omni 360 Carrier  

The Ergobaby Omni 360 is a favourite among parents, and for good reason. Designed for babies from 5.5 to 20 kg, it offers four ergonomic carrying positions: front-inward, front-outward, hip, and back carry. Plus, it can be used with an infant insert for newborns.  

Pros: 

• Ergonomic Design: The lumbar support and even weight distribution make it comfortable for long-term use. 

• Handy pouch: Velcro detachable pouch allows you to store your valuables in a convenient place.

• Higher weight limit: It can accommodate up to 20kg compared to the BabyBjörn One which can hold 15kg but think about it, when your 3yr old weighs 15kg do you want that hanging off you when they can walk?  

• Machine Washable: Convenient for regular cleaning 

 Cons: 

• Fiddly to Put On/Take Off: We found it a bit tricky to put on and take off, especially when compared to the BabyBjörn One. 

• Bulky: It’s a bit on the bulkier side, which might make it less convenient for packing.  

Price: Currently on sale on Amazon for £138 (RRP £165)

BabyBjörn One Carrier  

Next up, the BabyBjörn One is another top pick. It’s designed for babies from 3.5 to 15 kg and offers four carrying positions: newborn, front-inward, front-outward, and back carry.  

Pros: 

• Convenient design: Easier to take on and off than the Ergobaby Omni 360  

• Stylish: Sleek, minimalist look. 

• Machine Washable: Convenient for regular cleaning.  

Cons: 

• Worse Weight Distribution: The weight distribution isn’t as optimal as the Ergobaby Omni 360, which we felt resulted in greater strain on our backs during extended wear. 

• Bulky: Like the Ergobaby Omni 360, it’s a bit bulky, which might make it less convenient for packing. 

Price: Currently on Amazon for £148 (RRP £174.90)

Conclusion  

In the comparison between the Ergobaby Omni 360 and the BabyBjörn One, both carriers are well designed, sturdy and it’s clear that they are some of the most popular baby carriers for a reason. At similar prices, it may come down to personal preference.  

We started by buying the BabyBjörn One and had this between 3 months and 6 months. This initially served us well, however as our daughter continued to get heavier, we started to notice that the BabyBjörn One was forcing a lot of the weight onto our lower back when we carried her on our front, making the carrier quite uncomfortable at times.

After trialling a friend’s Ergobaby Omni 360, we bit the bullet and switched carrier, noticing an immediate improvement in weight distribution. This made it more comfortable during prolonged use and meant we were more enthusiastic to use it. 

We ultimately used it from 6 months to around 16 months of age, and during that time it was a must have whenever we left the house! We finally hung up our Ergobaby Omni 360 after 16 months because our daughter had become a very confident walker by this time and the carrier, which previously was so essential, suddenly became a bulky accessory we would bring everywhere “just in case” but never use. 

Edit: We recently took the Ergobaby Omni 360 with us during a trip to Brazil and Argentina (below). We carried our 15kg 28 month old when exploring Iguazu falls for the day and it was still extremely comfortable for long term use!

In the end, the best carrier for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences, but both options are excellent for ensuring your baby is comfortable and secure during your travels. Having tested both, our recommendation is the Ergobaby Omni 360 which edges it given its superior weight distribution making it a more comfortable choice for regular prolonged use.