So we have two similar NEW carriers released. We get lots of questions about the differences between them so I thought I would go through some of them here to help you make the right decision for you!
Boba X
Tula Free To Grow
Ways they are similar:
- Newborn to toddler carriers
- Adjustable base & body panel to adjust with baby as they grow
- Come with hoods
- Pocket on the waist panel
- Soft fairly thin double layer fabric
- Padded Leg, Shoulder and Waist straps/bands
- Similar Price Range
Weight Limits
Tula FTG - 3.3kg - 20kg
Boba X - 3kg - 20kg
Leg Padding
Boba X leg padding is slightly thicker than the FTG however both have padding.
Waist Strap
Boba X - Adjusts by valcro along the waist strap, so it can be micro adjusted and suit any size baby between 3-20kg. At the smallest setting it measures ~23cm (narrowest place/laying flat) and the largest 36cm (narrowest place/laying flat). Similar waist padding on both, padding measures ~61cm, additional webbing of 43cm on each side as it can be tightened from both sides which is great for left handed people and easier to get a snug & even fit. Smallest waist measures ~61cm largest ~147cm.
Tula FTG - Adjusts along the waist band by press studs, it has three sizes it can adjust too. Smallest setting measures at ~23cm and largest at 35cm. Similar waist padding on both, Padding measures ~60cm andmaterial & padding ~70cm, webbing ~74.5cm. So smallest waist ~70cm largest ~144-145cm
Back Panel Adjustment
Boba X - Strap at the top of the carrier to adjust to shorten the body panel making it higher (bigger baby/toddler) or lower (smaller baby). Also has a 'Perfect Fit Adjusters' so that you can get the refined adjustment.
Tula FTG - Also adjusts to shorten the body panel making it higher or lower, does not have Perfect Fit Adjusters.
Hoods
Boba X - Attaches by press studs in a hidden pocket, has several lengths up the reach strap that it can be pressed down on the carrier arm strap. So you can have it tighter or looser depending on babies size and how the body of the carrier is set. Can be rolled down and hidden away in the pcoket or detached completely for washing or to reduce bulk on the carrier if you want the back panel completely flat or want to use the pocket for something else (e.g. putting a babies bib or dummy in etc.). Size is ~33cm long (stretched in middle of hood). Widest point 35cm at the top. Appears to be a smaller hood with tighter elastic.
Tula FTG - Attaches by press studs looped around a loop on the inside of the carrier. Has several lengths up the reach strap that it can be pressed down on the carrier arm strap. So you can have it tighter or looser depending on babies size and how the body of the carrier is set. Can be fully detached for washing. No pocket. Size is ~36.5cm long (stretched in middle of hood). Widest point 31cm at the top. Appears to be a larger hood with looser elastic.
Chest Strap
Boba X - Can be moved up and down the carrier to adjust to the perfect height for you, I found this easier to move up and down with the Boba than Tula. Has elastic on the bottom and webbing on the top which seems to make it sit a bit closer and more comfortably. Buckle is Branded and smaller than Tula, I found the Tula easier to find and do up. Elastic loop to fold up any additional webbing thats not in use so that its not hanging around.
Tula FTG - Can be moved up and down the carrier to adjust to the perfect height for you, I found the Boba easier than the Tula to move up and down. All webbing on the chest strap. Buckle is larger than the Boba X and I found it easier to find and clip up than Boba. Elastic loop to fold up any additional webbing thats not in use so that its not hanging around.
Shoulder Straps
Boba X - Padded middle with no padding at both ends. Has 'Perfect Fit Adjusters' so that you can get the refined adjustment. Shortest 42cm (PFA closed) longest 78cm each arm. Has a Tab over the shoulder Strap which you can use to put your handbag strap through to stop it falling off your shoulder or loop a dummy or toy through. More tapered Shape to the shoulder straps and easier to move the chest slip up and down than Tula FTG.
Tula FTG - Padded the full length of the strap, slightly thicker than Boba X. No Perfect Fit Adjusters. More straight design and a little more difficult to move the chest clip up and down. Shortest ~51cm longest 125cm each arm.
Pockets
Boba X - Has two pockets on the waist strap (one with a zip one without). Also has the additional hood pocket (zip).
Tula FTG - Has one on waist strap with valcro close.
Other things to mention
Boba X - comes with toddler leg extenders which adds another ~10cm to each leg.
Summery
Similar carriers, either are ideal from newborn to toddler without the need for any additional items. You will get more time in the Boba X as it also comes with the Toddler Leg Extenders which give you extra width in the seat. They are both quite compact, soft carriers that are very easy to use and adjust. They feel quite similar to wear. The Boba X has a few more features than the Tula FTG such as those mentioned above. These included the waist strap tightening from both sides making it easy to get snug fit and easier to tighten for left handed people. The loop for your handbag / toy on shoulder, the leg extenders for toddler wearing, a few extra pockets & Perfect Fit Adjusters. They both come in a range of designs and colours. Tula Free To Grow also coming in a Coast (Mesh) style that is great to allow additional air flow in summer to baby. Tula also release new designs very regularly.
Message us if you have any questions I will put some comparison photos up as well :)
CTC Team :)