Why you should trust this review
We bought our Tula Free-to-Grow in the “Cosmos” pattern at retail in July 2025 for $149 (currently $149 with frequent sale to $129). My sister-in-law lent me her Tula for a month before that purchase, which is how I knew the brand fit my body shape better than her Ergobaby. We have used the Free-to-Grow approximately 4 days per week for 10 months, alternating with our Ergobaby Omni Breeze for hot days. Tula did not provide a sample.
Tula carriers built their following around pattern variety and the cotton canvas feel. In 2026 the brand is owned by Compass Diversified (acquired 2017), and the Polish-manufactured carriers continue to deliver the same heavy cotton feel. The Free-to-Grow is the brand’s mid-range model.
How we tested the Free-to-Grow
- Carried our daughter from 14 lb to 28 lb across 10 months in front-inward and back positions.
- Tested all three seat panel adjustments (narrow, mid, wide).
- Compared cotton canvas warmth against Ergobaby SoftFlex mesh on three 88F+ test walks.
- Logged 4 full-day excursions (zoo, museum, theme park) of 5+ hours wear time.
- Machine-washed 6 times across 10 months on gentle cycle, cold water.
For more on how we test products, see our methodology page.
Who should buy the Free-to-Grow?
Buy the Free-to-Grow if you:
- Want a carrier with patterns and personality (not all black).
- Live in a temperate or cool climate.
- Only need front-in and back carry (not front-out or hip).
- Value cotton fabric durability over mesh airflow.
Skip it if you:
- Live somewhere hot (the Ergobaby Omni Breeze SoftFlex mesh is the right choice).
- Want all four carry positions (the Tula Explore or Ergobaby 360 are better choices).
- Need to wash and re-wear within the same day (cotton canvas takes 8+ hours to dry).
Adjustable seat panel: the real upgrade vs older Tulas
The original Tula carriers had a single fixed seat width that worked from approximately 6 months upward. To carry a newborn you needed a separate Tula Infant Insert. The Free-to-Grow eliminated the insert by adding a three-position adjustable seat panel.
Position 1 (narrow): for babies approximately 7 to 14 lb. The seat is approximately 8 inches wide. Position 2 (mid): for babies approximately 14 to 25 lb. Seat width approximately 13 inches. Position 3 (wide): for toddlers approximately 25 to 45 lb. Seat width approximately 18 inches.
We adjusted from position 1 to position 2 at month 4 (14 lb), and from 2 to 3 at month 8 (24 lb). The transitions were quick (about 30 seconds) and baby’s leg-knee position stayed in the M-shape pediatricians prefer at every transition.
Long-term comfort and the cotton canvas trade-off
The Tula body is heavy 100 percent cotton canvas, similar weight to a chore jacket. It is not breathable like mesh, but it is durable. After 10 months and 6 washes, the body has no pilling, no fading, no fraying.
For wears longer than 2 hours, the cotton has an advantage I did not expect: it does not soak through with sweat the way mesh does. On a 4-hour zoo trip in 78F weather, my chest was visibly damp under the Tula but baby’s back was only mildly damp. The cotton acts as a buffer. Mesh transfers sweat both directions.
Position limits: front-in and back only
This is the main limitation vs Ergobaby and the Tula Explore. The Free-to-Grow does not support hip carry or front-outward carry. If your baby specifically wants to face out at 6 to 9 months (some do, some do not), the Free-to-Grow is not the right carrier.
For us, our daughter never strongly preferred face-out, so the limitation has not mattered. For shorter parents or smaller-frame parents, the lack of hip carry can be a downside (hip carry is the most comfortable position for a 25+ lb baby for short distances).
Pattern variety as a real feature
Tula maintains over 30 active patterns at any time, and the resale market for retired Tula prints is real (some retired prints sell for $200+). For parents who like distinctive carriers, this is a feature competitors do not match. Ergobaby and BabyBjorn are mostly solid colors and muted tones.
We bought the “Cosmos” pattern because it has cool blue and grey tones that pair with most outfits. After 10 months I still get compliments on it at the playground.
Cleaning and durability
Machine-washed 6 times on cold gentle cycle. The pattern colors have not faded. The cotton canvas is slightly softer at month 10 than at unboxing, but in a broken-in jeans way, not a worn-out way. Air-dry time is 8 to 10 hours which is the main downside to the cotton vs the Ergobaby Omni Breeze (4 hour dry).
Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier vs. the competition
| Product | Our rating | Mesh | Positions | Max wt | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tula Free-to-Grow | ★★★★☆ 4.3 | No | 2 | 45 lb | $149 | Best for Pattern Variety |
| Tula Explore | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | No | 4 | 45 lb | $179 | Best Tula All-Position |
| Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh | ★★★★☆ 4.4 | Yes | 4 | 33 lb | $159 | Best Value Ergo |
| Infantino Flip 4-in-1 | ★★★★☆ 3.6 | Limited | 4 | 32 lb | $39 | Skip |
Full specifications
| Weight range | 7 to 45 lb (with adjustable seat panel) |
| Carry positions | Front inward, back |
| Body fabric | 100 percent cotton canvas |
| Waistband | Padded, fits 27 to 57 inch waist |
| Shoulder straps | Padded, parallel only (not crossable) |
| Infant insert | Not needed (adjustable seat panel) |
| Hood | Detachable, snaps to magnetic storage on shoulder |
| Machine washable | Yes, gentle cycle cold water |
| Carrier weight | 1.45 lb |
| Seat panel positions | Three (newborn, infant, toddler) |
| Color options | Solid colors plus 30+ pattern designs |
| Country of manufacture | Poland |
Should you buy the Tula Free-to-Grow Baby Carrier?
The Tula Free-to-Grow is the carrier I bought for the prints and kept for the comfort. After 10 months of use with our 28 lb toddler, the adjustable three-position seat has scaled cleanly from her infant phase to full toddler weight, and the cotton-canvas body is durable and washes well. The trade-off vs Ergobaby is fewer carry positions (front-in and back only, no hip or front-out) and no mesh ventilation. If you want a carrier with personality and you live somewhere temperate, Tula earns a spot.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Tula Free-to-Grow worth $149 in 2026?+
Yes if you want a structured carrier with personality and you live in a temperate climate. The cotton canvas is more durable than mesh blends and the adjustable seat scales fully from newborn through 45 lb. If you live somewhere hot or want hip and front-outward carry positions, the [Ergobaby 360](/reviews/ergobaby-360-all-position) at $159 is the better choice.
Free-to-Grow vs Tula Explore: which should I buy?+
Free-to-Grow if you only need front-in and back carry. Explore if you want all four positions including front-out and hip. The Explore costs $30 more and adds the position versatility, but the body panel is similar fabric and feel. If you have not used a carrier before, get the Explore for the flexibility.
Will the Free-to-Grow last from newborn through toddler?+
Yes. The adjustable seat panel has three positions (narrow newborn, mid infant, wide toddler) and we used all three positions across 10 months from 14 lb to 28 lb. The 45 lb max weight typically gets you to age 3 to 4.
How hot does the Tula get in summer?+
Warm. The cotton canvas body has no mesh panels and minimal airflow. We tracked baby's back-of-shirt sweat after 30-minute walks: at 80F the Tula is comfortable. At 90F the back is visibly damp. At 95F we switch to the Ergobaby Omni Breeze. If you live somewhere hot, the Tula is a winter carrier.
📅 Update log
- May 10, 2026Added 10-month long-term notes after toddler phase.
- Jul 30, 2025Initial review published.
Morgan Davis
Morgan Davis writes for The Tested Hub.