Let's Compare! Standard Mj vs Standard Tula

Trying out our new MJ! MJ baby carriers are fairly new to the market and a definite up and comer! It's comparable to a standard Tula with a few key differences. 
1) Deeper seat
2) Taller back panel 
3) Dual adjustable waist strap is 4-6 inches longer than the Tula. 
4) Panel is a bit wider than a standard Tula. 
5) Waist padding is firmer and wider with a very large pocket. 

Comfort wise they are very similar, but as time has passed I am favoring the MJ slightly. Shoulder padding is very similar. I did feel like the waist padding on the MJ rested on my bottom in a back carry because of its width, though I don't see that as an issue as it breaks in. After having my MJ for a few months I found if I raised and tightened the waistband correctly this is no longer an issue. I will say this is a large carrier, even labeled as a standard, I wouldn't recommend it until baby is 10-12 months old due to the large size, MJ does not offer an infant insert.

I would recommend this for a few people in particular, plus size wearers (hubby is a 4xl and this fits him comfortably, whereas a standard Tula doesn't at all) and if you have a leaner this would be great since the panel is taller,or a little that loves riding arms in. My girl normally rides arms out! even with the taller panel she can still do so. I believe that this is perfect until she's ready for a toddler size. You can see due to the deeper seat and panel height the difference it makes in the fit. Jemma is 27lb and 32" if anyone is curious, size 18-24m. Also note, Jemma is sleeping in one of the MJ photos so the panel looks even larger due to her slight slumping.

With the addition of Fresh Mesh to the MJ line up, these cooler options for warm climates are definitely a plus for the MJ brand. Prices are similar, standard Tula retail $149, standard MJ retail $145. All in all, I can and do happily recommend this carrier but of course no carrier is perfect for everyone. 

Renee McBay is a happily married mother to one little girl so far. She enjoys volunteering for BWAT, watching Dr Who and Harry Potter, reading whenever possible, and snuggling all the squishy babies.

Comparison: Lenny Lamb Baby Size vs Lenny Lamb Toddler size

The Lenny Lamb "ergonomic baby carrier" is increasing in popularity. This is due to several factors:

• It's easily attainable, it's a great price, it's a wrap conversion (making it softer and more breathable), and it has a unique fit. The size of the carriers is different from Tula or KP sizing. However, like the Tula, there is a Lenny Lamb call- "Lenny on the loose!" and "Baa!" In response. ;)
• 
  
• The stats for the baby size are:

40cm/16in. tall

35cm/14in. wide at the base

32cm/12in. wide at the middle.

The stats for the toddler size are:

48cm/19in. tall

45cm/18in. at the base

38cm/15in. at the middle.

In the photos you can see my 24lbs, 26in., 12 month old in the toddler size night stripes carrier (right) and the baby size rainbow carrier (above). He is just big enough for the toddler size, due to the smaller middle width and a deep seat. 



Baby size on top of the toddler size for comparison.

Both carriers have 3-way adjustable straps, a safety buckle, and a sewn in adjustable hood. This carrier can be worn front, back, and on the hip; the straps are also able to be crossed. The baby size comes in either 100% cotton or a 60/40% cotton and bamboo blend. The toddler size is only available in cotton; this makes it more supportive for heavy kiddos. The carriers are super soft right out of the bag and require zero breaking in! You can buy them directly from Lenny Lamb in Poland, or from US retailer 5 Minute Recess. In stock carriers are less than $200.

Jade lives in east Tulsa with her husband, two boys, and dog Crash. She is passionate about supporting parents. Jade is a Post Partum Doula with Better Birth Now. 

**The carriers in this post are personally owned by group members.  Neither Jade nor BWAT was paid or reimbursed in any way for this comparison/review. 

Kinderpack Versus Tula: A Photo Comparison

 Kinderpack Versus Tula

 

      People often ask the question, "Kinderpack or Tula"?  That is a hard question to answer.  Some people prefer the Kinderpack while others prefer the Tula.  I prefer them both!  They are both great but different.  Below is a photo comparison and a few of the differences between the two carriers.  My daughter is 22 months old, 32" tall and about 25 lbs.

 

Standard Kinderpack 

      The standard Kinderpack fit us great for a very long time.  As you can see from the pictures, it is no longer knee to knee but is plenty tall.  She can comfortably get her arms our which is how she prefers to ride. 

 

 

 

Toddler Kinderpack

      The toddler Kinderpack is almost perfect for her.  It is slightly big on the width knee to knee but is comfortable.  You can see that her arms are out but up on my back.  She can't quite rest them out and at her side as she can in the standard.  This is still a better fit than the standard.



 

 

 

Standard Tula

      The Standard Tula fits similar to the standard Kinderpack. High enough on her back but no longer knee to knee.

 

Toddler Tula

      The toddler Tula, like the toddler Kinderpack, is slightly wide on the knee but comfortable.  While it seems higher on the back, it is easier for her to get her arms out than in the toddler Kinderpack.  The body of the Tula is shaped differently and thinner than the Kinderpack.  I believe this design is what allows her to get her arms out easier.  Although it is not pictured, her arms are able to rest at her side in the toddler Tula.



 

      There are some basic differences in the two carriers.  The arm padding in the Tula is narrower than the Kinderpack.  While it is narrower, I find it just as thick.  I prefer the Tula arm padding.  There is also see a noticable difference in the legs out padding.  You can see in the pictures that the Tula leg padding is much more substantial.  This doesn't seem to make a difference in comfort.  Both carriers have perfect fit adjusters (pfa's).  This feature allows you to get more of a custom fit and also makes it easier to share the carriers with someone of a different size.    

 

       The Tula does have a small pocket under the body along the waist strap.  I have never used it.  It may come in more handy for someone who uses front carriers which I rarely do.  The Kinderpack waist band buckles in the middle and allows you to tighten on both sides of the clip while the Tula clip is on one side of the waist band.  I like both styles.  The Kinderpack under arm webbing can be tightened on either side of the clip as well.  The Tula webbing can only be tightened one way and there is no clip under the arm.  I am finding this a big plus on the Tula side for me as I hate the clip or webbing under my arms.  This does pose a problem for someone who wants to be able to do hip carriers in the Tula.  Since the straps do not come unclipped you cannot hip carry.  The kinderpack straps do unclip therefore allowing a hip carry.

 

      Which do I prefer? Both!  I find myself wearing the toddler Tula most days but I still love my Kinderpack. They are both great high quality carriers.  I recommend trying them both if you are able.  If you are local, its you lucky day as we have both carriers in our lending library and available at our monthly meeting for comparison.