You may or may not know that I was rather ill during pregnancy (check out my first and second trimester updates for more on this). Because I was so poorly, I wasn’t able to get to a sling library to try different carriers and I had to rely on my own online research to find the best option for me. I discounted buckle carriers quite quickly on the basis that, when using my wheelchair, I’d end up with a buckle digging into my back and padded straps putting my back at an awkward angle. I was also concerned about hurting my finger joints and wrists trying to undo buckles because of my hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Then I got a chance to try this Discover print carrier for a Tula Explore review and it changed my preconceptions about buckles!
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The Tula Explore* is a full buckle carrier that allows for multiple carrying options, from newborn (3.2kg) through to toddler (20.4kg). Unlike a number of other buckle carriers, the Tula Explore doesn’t require an infant insert for newborn and smaller babies. This is because the design of the waistband allows for the seat panel to be set to a number of different widths, as small as 13cm and as long as 38cm. It also has an extension panel (referred to in Tula’s literature as a neck pillow), that can be used to increase the height of the back panel as your baby grows.
The Tula Explore comes in a number of different prints and is available in Tula’s standard and ’Coast’ forms. ‘Coast’ is a version made with a breathable mesh, with hot summers in mind. It has a removable hood and only two buckles to work with and it’s possible to pre-clip one before putting the carrier on.
As I’ve got older, I’ve found it easier to admit that I’m wrong. Particularly since having Elise. In so many ways, I feel like I’m seeing the world in a whole new light. Sometimes in a good way, but other times not so much. I’m very please to say that trying this carrier for my Tula Explore Review has shown me that I was wrong about my buckle carrier assumptions!
While the waistband clip of many buckle carriers sits on the wearer’s back, the Tula Explore’s clip is on the wearer’s right hand side (when wearing baby on your front). So no buckle digging into my back when I’m sitting in my wheelchair!
I found reaching to do the buckle up on my side a little tricky, but there’s an easy fix for this. All you have to do is clip the waistband buckle wherever is most comfortable for you, then rotate the carrier to your front before you reach for your little one to put them in the Tula Explore. The buckle on the waist band is large, making it easier on my hands and good for those who find fine motor skills difficult.
Initially, I found the buckle placement uncomfortable. It dug into the bottom of my rib cage. However, I think the shaky loan powerchair I’m using at the moment, with it’s lack of suspension, was a contributing factor. After a little practice, the buckle was no longer dug into my rib cage. So if you’re a wheelchair user and experience something similar with the Tula Explore (or another buckle carrier), persevere for another few days if you can.
The thick waistband might not be to all wheelchair users’ tastes. Initially, I thought that it would make carrying when using my wheelchair awkward and possibly uncomfortable. But trying it for my Tula Explore review has shown me that this isn’t the case for me.
Something I initially struggled when using the Tula Explore with Elise in a standard front carry. I couldn’t do the chest strap up on my own and needed Dan’s help. While I can reach both pieces of the buckle with no problems (perks of being bendy), I don’t have the strength to do the buckle up without injuring my joints. But all is not lost! There’s a trick to getting round this – the t-shirt method.
[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyJGgxtHzs8[/embedyt]
The t-shirt method involves having the chest strap already done up before you pick up your baby or toddler. Once your infant is in position, you pull the chest strap over both of your heads and slip your arms into the straps. Then tighten the straps up to secure your baby and you’re done! The following video from the very lovely Laurna of Coorie In With Love shows this better than I can describe it.
This method took a few tries to master, but it was worth the effort as it has meant that for the majority of the time, I’m able to use the Tula Explore independently. I have found that I need to be quite careful about where the strap adjuster buckle ends up after I’ve finished tightening the Tula Explore. If I don’t, I have difficulty loosening the straps to take Elise out without hurting my joints. There have been one or two occasions where I’ve been worried Elise would have to stay attached to me until Dan came home because I’ve misjudged where the strap adjusters ended up.
Before trying this carrier for my Tula Explore review, I thought that padded straps would put my back at an awkward angle against my backrest. However, this wasn’t the case at all. When done up securely, the straps come just underneath the arm pits. This sounds uncomfortable, but the chest strap means that the rucksack style straps don’t dig in under the arm pits or into the shoulders. So the rucksack straps sit above my wheelchair’s backrest.
One of the things I was most looking forward to trying for my Tula Explore review was forward facing with Elise. This is something we both thoroughly enjoyed. Although Elise wasn’t sat on my lap in the forward facing position (so my upper body was taking all of her weight), she felt extremely secure. Getting this secure feeling is something that I’ve previously struggled with when using a woven wrap for a forward facing (sitting on my lap carry).
I’ve only been able to use the Tula Explore with Elise forward facing for short periods of time. A child’s weight is distributed very differently when forward facing and I found that this put too much strain on my upper back. This isn’t an issue specific to the Tula – it’s something I would struggle with using any sling for a forward facing carry where Elise wasn’t sitting on my lap.
Having used the Tula Explore to successfully and confidently forward face Elise for a short time, I’ve since been more confident in trying her forward facing with a woven wrap. The result has been much more success than before.
Back carrying is something I’m still working on with the Tula Explore. I think I’m just so used to getting Elise onto my back using a hip scoot with a woven wrap, that it’s going to take a little practice to master it with buckles. It’s the straps that I get in a pickle with. But, I know I’ll get there with it!
Although a little fiddly while I practice getting Elise onto my back, I’ve found the Tula Explore to be extremely comfortable for back carrying. I would just avoid sitting down to eat while using it for back carrying – the waistband makes this rather uncomfortable!
I felt so confident in how Elise felt on my back in the Tula Explore that I tried my first wheelchair back carry, which was a big success. There’ll be a separate blog post on this soon.
As long as I’m careful, the Tula Explore is a great alternative to my Didymos Meh-Dai for when I don’t have time to wrap Elise. For me, probably the biggest benefit is that, unlike slings made from wrap fabric, the Tula Explore material is hardwearing. As a result, it’s a fantastic option when I need to use my wrist supports, as the velcro fastening won’t pull and damage the carrier material.
The Tula Explore costs £154.90 which, while not cheap, is well worth the investment. It’s a quality baby carrier that will see you through your babywearing days from start to finish. When you use a Tula sling, you know that you’re putting child in a safe, ergonomic carrier.
You can find the Tula Explore, in Discover print, on tulababy.co.uk. This carrier can also be hired through the Nuneaton Sling Library.
Have you tried a Tula baby carrier? Which style did you choose and why?
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