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Ergobaby Original vs Ergobaby 360

Baby wearing has many benefits and babies love being worn. It makes them feel calm and comfortable being strapped to you and they usually fall asleep or stop fussing as soon as you get them in the carrier. I tend to prefer wraps and slings for newborns, but the Ergobaby Carrier is hands down my favorite all around baby carrier.

ergobabyoriginalvsergobaby360

When it comes to choosing a soft structure carrier you cannot go wrong with an Ergo. But, you might be wondering what the difference is between some of their styles. They recently (well recent to me) came out with the Four Position 360 carrier. In the past their carriers had three positions, forward facing-in, hip and back, but the 360 adds forward facing-out to the lineup.

I have been wearing my original organic carrier for close to three years now, and I am perfectly happy with it. I recently had the chance to check out some of their other carriers, so I had to share my thoughts. I decided to put together this comparison with emphasis on the Ergobaby Original vs the Ergobaby 360. I know many parents are wondering if the Ergobaby Four Position 360 is worth the additional cost and ability to have baby face outward. I also checked out their Performance carrier and you can see that towards the end of this post.

First up..

Ergobaby Four Position 360

ergobabyfourposition360

 

Features:

The main differences between the 360 and the Original Ergo are the forward facing out carry position, the velcro waist band, and the bucket seat (to facilitate the forward facing out). The upper area near baby's head is also styled a little differently.

For weight range 7-33 pounds with infant insert. This is a little lower than the original which goes up to 45 pounds.

Bucket seat - Keeps baby ergonomically seated in all 4 positions, with knees even to or above hips. Seat can be adjusted with buttons.

Velcro waistband - Comfortable waistband can be worn high or low and provides extra support for lower back.

Back Panel that can be extended - Can be rolled down for front-outward, or upwards for the inward facing positions to provide extra head support for your baby.

Padded shoulder straps - Helps evenly distribute baby's weight in combination with the waistband to maximize comfort.

Sleeping Hood - Provides support for baby's head while sleeping, protection from sun and added privacy while nursing.

My first impression of the 360 was that while it looked really nice and overall was comfortable, the bucket seat looked kind of big and bulky to me. It definitely will not be folding up into a tiny package and it seemed thick and like it might be warm. But, this seat is needed for the forward facing out position, so if that is what you are looking for then this seat is worth it.

I only tried this one on and did not wear it for long, so I can't say how it feels after hours of wear. It looks like it comes up pretty high on baby's back and it has comfortable straps. The velcro belt seems to be a point of contention. People love it or they hate it. While it's easy to adjust it can be loud and scratchy.

Find it here.

Ergobaby Original

ergoperformance

Features:

Weight range 7-45 pounds with infant insert.

Baby's weight is evenly distributed between hips and shoulders.

Ergonomic for baby in all carry positions.

Three carry positions - Front-inward, hip and back.

Adjustable hood to support baby's head while sleeping, protect baby from sun and offer mom privacy while nursing.

Large zippered storage pocket.

Comfortable and padded adjustable waist belt and shoulder straps. The waist belt has a buckle unlike the 360 which is velcro.

100% Cotton Canvas shell and 100% Cotton Poplin lining.

Find it here.

Ergobaby Organic, same as Original but organic fabric

ergobabyorganic

Features:

Almost exactly the same as the original but comes with 100% Organic Cotton twill shell and 100% Organic Cotton sateen lining (Oeko-Tex Certified).

I have an organic carrier, and I do feel that the organic cotton is a little softer but otherwise it is the same as the original.

When it comes to the original or the organic this is my favorite style. My Ergo has been through it all with me for two babies over three years. I can't recommend it enough, and you cannot go wrong with an original style.

Find it here.

Ergobaby Performance

ergobabyperformance

 

Features:

Weight range is 7-45 pounds with the infant insert.

The performance is made out of a moisture-wicking mesh material and has plenty of ventilation for breathability.

Lightweight and cool.

Body Material/Shell: 100% Polyester

Body Material/Mesh: 100% Polyester

Lining Material: 100% Polyester

When I checked out the Ergobaby performance carrier it made me really want one. I loved how lightweight it seemed. I love my Ergo but I have gotten pretty hot in it when hiking and in warm weather. The performance style's mesh, ventilated lining really seemed so airy and cool. The straps and the whole carrier just seemed slimmer and lighter. Now I cannot speak to the comfort of it because I did not wear it longer than just trying it on. I have heard from some people that since it is not as plush it is not quite as comfortable as an original Ergo. I also have seen some reviews where people found the straps itchy or uncomfortable on bare skin. Many people seem to love it though.

Find it here.

Comparison of common features:

ergobaby original vs ergobaby 360

Some of the basic features and differences between Ergobaby's different carriers

Conclusion

Ergobaby has really added some great choices to it's line.

They even have some designer options that I did not cover, as well as a new wrap. Your pick is really going to come down to what you are looking for in a carrier.

For me personally, the original or organic is my choice if I can only have one. While the Four Position 360 may seem like you get more, I have never really missed not being able to have my babies face out. Actually, I had a Bjorn and I did wear my both of my babies facing out briefly but I always found facing in more comfortable. My babies liked to face me and cuddle with me and they could still look around and see the world just fine. I found facing out fun for short periods of time but definitely not necessary. Of course if this is a feature you really want, go for it!

Please let me know if you have any thoughts or questions about any of these carriers!

DZ

Monday 20th of September 2021

Def depends on the baby! This article helped me out a lot bc I'm looking for a *second* carrier so my husband and I can each carry a toddler at the end of long hikes (loving the 45 lb limit on the original/organic). But my first baby *screamed bloody murder* unless he was outward facing, so I needed the 360.

W. Brew

Wednesday 29th of August 2018

Just had twin girls and am wondering how easy these carriers are to breastfeed in? Thanks for the review, great descriptions. How big were or are your children that you have used the carrier for? The product says up to 45 lbs but has anyone effectively used it for a 35-40 lb two year old? Thanks again!

jenbrenan

Tuesday 4th of September 2018

Hi, I have not used them with a bigger child but you definitely can! I usually stop wearing my babies after about 20 pounds. I also think they are easy to breastfeed in once you practice a bit. You can breastfeed in either by lowering the strap on the side you want to breastfeed.

Ruth

Tuesday 15th of May 2018

Hello Jen, thanks for the review. I still have question though. I cycle and garden a lot so am looking for a carrier with excellent head support for when I'm bending forwards. My current carrier just dangles when I lean over and my baby doesn't like it. I've tried a friend's 360 and with the head support up it was great, just wondering if the original is as good for head support when you're leaning forwards? Many thanks. Ruth

jenbrenan

Wednesday 16th of May 2018

Hi, the original does not have as good of head support as the 360. While it is fine for every day I am not sure about the activities you are mentioning. There is a newer carrier called the omni 360 from Ergobaby which has improved features on both I believe and also has good head support. Good luck!

Celine

Sunday 19th of November 2017

Thanks for your review... we have a torn original ergo and thought of buying a new one... hesitating between 360 and another original. It's your comment on the noise of the velcro that will help us... because so many time my children fell asleep in the ergo and I discreetly unlocked the staps to let them sleep on...

jenbrenan

Wednesday 22nd of November 2017

Hi, the original ergo is great but there is another new one called the Omni 360 which has a buckle instead of velcro and does everything the 360 does and can be used with newborns too (without an insert). Check it out as well! https://breastfeedingneeds.com/ergobaby-omni-360-a-new-baby-carrier-which-does-it-all

Andrea Goldman

Saturday 25th of March 2017

Very helpful article bUT still can't decide between the 360 and original. Someone told me facing your baby forward was bad!!! So I'm torn on which one to choose!!!

Jen

Tuesday 28th of March 2017

Good luck, I find facing in easier on my body since the baby is not pulling away from me. If you can go try both on that might help you make a decision.