Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier review

What were your first impressions of the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier?

On first impressions, I felt the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier was very chunky – I was surprised at how something so big could fit into such a small box. The size of the carrier made me think it would be uncomfortable to wear and complicated to use. However, I was wrong and quickly discovered it is both comfortable and easy to use. It comes with 2 fold-out instruction booklets and initially, I was slightly overwhelmed at the number of instructions. However, one of the sheets – a pictogram version – is fairly simple to follow and it was actually really easy to get going with the carrier. It was a slight information overload but, given the nature of the product, I think it’s important that the instructions are in-depth so that babies are safe and comfortable.

How easy is the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier to put on with your baby?

You set up the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier based on your child’s height and age. It has a really handy way of doing this following a colour-coded system based on your child’s height and Velcro tabs to adjust the seat. This made it easy to use and gave me confidence that I had set it up correctly. You then make a series of adjustments to suit whoever is wearing it – e.g. shoulder straps and waist belt. As it was only really me who used the carrier, I was able to leave it as I had set it up, only needing to check my daughter’s comfort at the beginning of each use rather than making any adjustments.

I needed help to put the carrier on to begin with as I could do the waist belt up fine but had trouble reaching the shoulder strap clips, which I used in the ‘H’ position. However, after a few uses I was able to put the carrier on and put my daughter into it without any help. MFM Parent Tester Rebecca, who used the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier with her 4 month old, also noted how this product was “very easy to set-up and follow the instructions”.

Did you have any issues taking your baby out of the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier?

No, this was very easy. I asked my husband to help take our little one out the first time I used the carrier, just to be safe, but that’s the only time I needed help. However, Parent Tester Rebecca found that the buckle clips on the sides of the carrier were “extremely hard to undo one handed”, which could make it difficult to take the carrier off safely on your own.

Is the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier ergonomic?

Yes, and given that Ergobaby prides itself on developing ergonomic baby products I would have been surprised if it wasn’t. The Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier is designed using lightweight SoftFlex™Mesh to create maximum airflow, keeping you and baby comfortable all day and provides all the carrying options you need as your baby grows, from newborn to toddler. It is also marketed as Ergobaby’s most breathable carrier, coming complete with padded shoulder straps, head and neck support pillow for your baby, a storage pouch and reflective panels for added safety.

The seat of the carrier can be adjusted as your child grows and is recognised by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as it supports your baby's hips in an ergonomic M-seat position, compatible with an infant’s natural development.

How comfortable is the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier for your baby?

This is a difficult one for me to answer. My daughter is well acquainted with baby carriers and I have 2 that I have been using since she was a newborn – a very pretty, expensive one that I struggle to put on without any help, and a cheaper one that’s very easy to put on in a rush when needed. She absolutely hates her pushchair, so a carrier is both our preferred choice where possible. She was always happy to go into the Omni Breeze Baby Carrier to begin with, but she got upset quite quickly. I haven’t been able to keep her in it for more than half-an-hour or so at a time. I don’t know if it’s because she’s used to her other carriers and is upset by the change, or whether it’s something about the Omni Breeze that she doesn’t like. However, MFM Parent Tester Rebecca’s 4 month old was more than happy using this baby carrier, stating: “My baby feels well supported, and has a great ergonomic leg/hip/knee position. She fell asleep in it straight away so she was obviously very happy and comfortable.”

Did you find the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier comfortable to wear?

Yes. The Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier is really comfortable to wear. It is light and the design – the ‘superior lumbar support to help spread baby’s weight’ – means that it stays that way even when my daughter is strapped in. Despite the lightness of the carrier, it feels supportive for both me and my daughter. On one occasion I wore the baby carrier at Nottingham Castle, walking up steep paths and a mixture of other surfaces and felt comfortable throughout.

It’s worth noting that Parent Tester Rebecca felt that the Omni Breeze Baby Carrier was “too bulky” for her smaller body build and had too much padding on the shoulder straps, making it more comfortable for her husband. However, she still felt it fitted well, commenting that the carrier was “versatile” when it came to her and her husband’s different body shapes.

How well does the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier fit?

It fits really well, which I was actually quite surprised about! I’m 5ft 5 and don’t think I have a particularly short body, but I’ve often felt lost underneath other carriers I have used in the past. This carrier fits just right, it’s the perfect size for me which adds to the comfort of wearing it. My husband, who is 6ft 1, also tried on the carrier and it fits him well too. The shoulder and waist straps are both adjustable so can easily be moved to suit our needs as my daughter grows. However, if you are of a petite frame, a reviewer on John Lewis had a few issues when it came to the fit of this carrier, writing: “At 5 ft 3, I found the carrier too long for my torso and the privacy hood was unusable. The hip strap does not go small enough (I am a size 8) and the straps do not connect to the waistband and so does not feel like the upper body is adequately supported. The straps do not sit nicely on your body if you are petite.” Something worth thinking about if this applies to you and you’re considering this carrier as an option for you and your baby.

How many different positions does the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier offer?

The Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier boasts of 4 carry positions, and is adjustable from newborn to toddler (0-48m; 3.2 – 20kg). Your baby can be front facing in from newborn, front facing out from 5+months, hip carried from 6+months and back carried from 6+months. However due to my daughter’s age, I was only able to test the carrier in the front facing inward carry position.

Is the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier easy to reposition and adjust as your baby grows?

It seems quite easy to adjust the straps for the variety of carry positions, with Parent Tester Rebecca explaining: “The Velcro panels to adjust the leg width were especially useful and simple to understand”, adding that the instructions “explained how to change the carrier from front, inward facing to front and outward facing well.” If in doubt, the manufacturer has made a series of videos which show you how to switch between the different carry positions with ease.

Is it easy to perform other tasks while wearing the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier?

Yes, I’ve been able to put washing away and do a couple of other household chores while wearing the carrier. It feels very supportive. I’m normally somebody who wears a carrier and keeps both arms wrapped around my baby just to be safe, however, with the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier, I felt confident that my little one was safe and supported without the need for me to hold onto her. Customers on John Lewis also pointed out that this baby carrier can be used while breastfeeding, which is a huge plus point for some mums.

What age range is the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier for according to the manufacturer?

The carrier is said to be suitable from newborn until 4 years old, or a weight of 45lbs (20kg) – 5kg more allowance than earlier Omni baby carrier models. I have a 3-and-a-half-year-old son and I would be very surprised if he could fit into this, although he is tall for his age and wears age 4/5 clothing. However, a comfortable fit is not only determined by your baby or toddler’s weight, but also their height, your shape and both of your carrying preferences.

How would you rate the buckles/straps?

I think the straps on the Ergobaby Omni Breeze are fairly standard – I do like the elastic strap on the waistband that helps keep everything nice and tidy. Parent Tester Rebecca found the buckle clips hard to undo with one hand, and while the padded straps give support, they can also come across as bulky. However, she noted that it is clear that this baby carrier is “very well made and thought out”, adding that it is “good quality and easy to use”.

What do you make of the quality of the fabric/materials?

Over 90% of the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier is made from SoftFlex™Mesh – a material that keeps 50% cooler than comparable mesh baby carriers, giving you that added peace of mind when it comes to your baby’s temperature. It is a sturdy, strong piece of kit and while I wouldn’t say it’s particularly stylish or attractive, it looks as though it is built to be safe and durable, which is exactly what you want from a baby carrier. Everything about this product feels strong and I felt that it could hold my daughter safely for as long as I needed. It’s difficult to describe, but the look of the product, as well as how it felt to wear, gave me confidence in the carrier. Babywearing expert Katy also noted: “This is an excellent carrier. It is at the upper end price range but does feel great quality. I loved how breathable it was.”

How easy is the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier to clean and keep clean?

It is very simple to clean the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier and it can go in the washing machine on a cold 30°C wash. The manufacturer recommends air drying your carrier once washed, but you can use a tumble dryer for about 20 minutes if needed. Once the cycle is complete, it will still be damp so you can then hang it out to dry for the duration of the drying time. They also suggest putting the carrier in a pillowcase when putting in the washing machine and using mild detergent free of bleach, perfumes, dyes, chlorine, or optical brighteners.

What are the safety features of the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier?

This baby carrier is equipped with cushioned head and neck support but I unfortunately wasn’t able to test this out due to my daughter’s age. It also has a hood for sun protection/privacy and has reflective strips on the front for added safety when using out and about. The Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier is ergonomic in all carry positions and supports your baby's hips in the recommended M-seat position. It has also been designed with airflow in mind and thanks to its breathable mesh fabric, you can be rest assured that your baby is safe and comfortable while using the carrier.

How does the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier compare to other carriers you have used?

This is by far the best carrier I have used. I have 2 others from 2 different brands and neither one is a patch on the Omni Breeze. It has everything going for it – easy to use independently, fits well, is comfortable and safe. Personally, I would prefer something a little more attractive – I’ve seen some lovely patterned ones on the market – but the safety and quality aspects of the carrier far outweigh the design for me.

How does the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier compare to similar products on the market?

What’s in the box?

• 1 x Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier
• 2 x instruction booklets

What are the additional accessories you can buy?

• Winter fleece cover £39.90
• Raincover £29.90
• Easy snug infant insert £19.90
• Drool bib £19.90
• Detachable pouch £14.90
• Dribble pads £9.90

Is the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier worth the money?

With an RRP of £184.90, the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier appears to be one of the more expensive products on the market. However, taking into consideration the high quality of this baby carrier from its breathable fabric to the head and neck support for your baby, I think it justifies a high price point to match, especially as it can be used right up until the age of 4 years old if desired. However, at almost £185, I feel it might be just a little too pricey for some families, and despite a lot of positives, I could probably justify the price more if the carrier had a slightly more attractive design to match its brilliant features.

Where can I buy the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier?

It is available from Ergobaby, John Lewis and Pramworld.

MadeForMums Verdict:

The Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier is a sturdy and strong piece of kit, doing exactly what you’d expect a baby carrier to do. Suitable from birth, I was able to use the carrier with my 3-month-old daughter in a front, inward facing position – it can be used right through to the toddler years and beyond. I found it comfortable to wear and my little one was always well supported while in the carrier. Everything about the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier feels safe and while I wouldn’t say it is particularly stylish or attractive, it puts your baby’s safety above all else and feels extremely durable, which is exactly what you want from a baby carrier. The only let down here is the price, but for those wanting a baby carrier that is built to last, then the Ergobaby Omni Breeze Baby Carrier could be well worth the investment.