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Tula Linen Explore review: does this breathable carrier really work from newborn to toddler?

Find out how the Tula Linen Explore Baby Carrier performed when tested with a newborn, including comfort, adjustability, breathability and everyday practicality.

Published: September 18, 2026 at 11:30 AM

Our Rating

4.6

A star rating of 4.6 out of 5.

GBP £189 RRP

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In a nutshell

A sturdy newborn-ready carrier with breathable linen fabric and excellent adjustability, though slightly bulkier than softer wrap-style options.

What we tested

Overall Rating

4.6

A star rating of 4.6 out of 5.

Pros

Cons

The Linen Explore is a premium baby carrier from Baby Tula, designed to be used from newborn stage through to toddlerhood without the need for an infant insert. With an RRP of £189, it sits at the higher end of the structured carrier market, alongside models such as the Ergobaby Omni Breeze and Najell Rise.

The mix of linen and mixed cotton makes it breathable but cosy, making it a useful option for warmer weather, travel and year-round use.

With three carrying positions — inward-facing, front-facing and back — it is sturdy enough to be used from birth but adaptable for use throughout toddlerhood. It is also certified ‘hip-healthy’ by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute when used as directed, and is designed to support an ergonomic carrying position.

It also has thoughtful additions, such as a front pocket (ideal for a phone) and a loop for keys.

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About our parent tester Megan Allen tested the Tula Linen Explore Baby Carrier with her newborn from around six weeks old, using it on walks, days out, while travelling, for contact naps at home and for hands-free settling. Megan is a senior journalist and freelance travel writer, specialising in rural tourism and enjoys putting products to the test across the British countryside.

Reviewer wearing baby in Tula Linen Explore baby carrier standing with other child

How easy is the Tula Linen Explore Baby Carrier to set up?

My baby was a few weeks old when the Tula Linen Explore arrived, and I tried it straight away. However, I had to search for videos online to help me set it up, as the instruction booklet wasn’t very clear. There are videos on how to use the sling available via a QR code on the box, which were more helpful.

Although the carrier is designed for use from the newborn stage, my baby felt too small in it at first. Following babywearing guidance that your baby should sit high enough for you to kiss their head, I waited until she was over six weeks old to use it regularly, and didn’t feel fully confident until she was around 12 weeks.

Adjusting the seat width is done via concealed poppers on each side of the waistband, and the height can be adjusted by tucking the extendable back panel into a pocket at the top.

The waistband sits comfortably above the hips, helping to distribute the weight and there is a lumbar support band that can be added if needed.

2 pictures of reviewer wearing baby in Tula Linen Explore baby carrier at different angles

How supportive does the Tula Linen Explore feel for a newborn?

I didn’t feel confident using the Tula Linen Explore from birth, and waited until my baby’s head was a little more stable. Although the carrier holds your baby close against your body, I didn’t feel there was enough head and neck support for my newborn at first, especially in the newborn ‘scrunch’ position.

However, once she was starting to support her own head a little more, I felt more comfortable putting her in the sling. Her hips sat in the 'M' position, and she was supported from knee to knee, where she stays without me having to reposition her at all.

I did find myself giving her head and neck extra support sometimes, especially when I was moving around a lot, and she sometimes slouched down too much and slipped sideways (even when it felt tight), but I was able to reposition her easily.

How breathable is the Tula Linen Explore in hot weather?

I was using the Tula Linen Explore during a heatwave, and I have to say, it was hot. But I’m pretty sure it would have been hotter had the fabric not been a linen/cotton mix. The mix is 45% linen and 55% combed cotton and is a lot thicker than I thought it would be.

Despite the heat, my baby was still happy snoozing in the sling when we were out for day trips and walks. She didn’t feel too hot to me and was clearly still comfortable.

How comfortable is the Tula Linen Explore Baby Carrier for parents?

I found the Tula Linen Explore to be really comfortable to wear when we were out and about. The waistband clips into place at the side, is easy to adjust and, most importantly, stays in place.

The only thing I struggled with was some lower-back strain after an hour or so, despite the waistband having lumbar support. That said, I think this was more likely due to my C-section recovery and reduced core strength than the carrier itself.

The shoulder straps are padded, really comfortable and are again really easy to adjust.

I struggled a bit more with comfort inside the house. The carrier fabric is thick and bulky, and it does make manoeuvrability harder when doing chores, such as hanging laundry. I didn’t feel the baby’s head and neck were secure enough to be able to bend over much, but it’s fine for general pottering.

2 pictures of reviewer outdoors with baby in Tula Linen Explore baby carrier

How easy is it to put your baby in and take them out without help?

It’s really easy to put your baby in and take them out on your own, although slightly fiddly at times.

You hold your baby close to your chest and use the carrier to secure them in place while fastening a clip behind your neck. The instructions suggest doing this one-handed, but I found it easier to fasten the clip at the front, slip it over my head, then tighten it once the carrier was in place.

The same is true for taking them out; however, this is easier to do one-handed and with practice becomes second nature.

Once in the sling, you tighten the straps by pulling them forward, then tidy them by rolling up the excess and tying it in place with sewn-in elastic bands, which I found really useful, as I hate leaving anything flapping.

How practical is the Tula Linen Explore for everyday use?

My baby is happier on me — in fact she’s sleeping on my chest as I type — so having a carrier that allows contact is essential. I’ve always been a wrap sling mum, so getting used to this one took some time, but we’re both happy I did.

On days when she’s been unsettled, it has been great to put her in the carrier and either have her with me or have her napping. It does make moving around and completing tasks a bit slower, but that is manageable. I’ve not been able to wear it on days when I’ve got my toddler as well, though, as picking him up with it on was too difficult.

Baby in Tula Linen Explore baby carrier whilst reviewer writes review on laptop

How adjustable is the carrier as your baby grows?

As the baby grows, the carrier adjusts with them, and the seat width can be expanded to continue using it in the 'M' position.

The panel can also be lengthened by untucking it from the pocket at the top and fastening it in place with concealed poppers.

From around six months, babies can be carried forward-facing, or carried on your back, and I'll definitely be trying that as it’ll make it easier to do things with my hands, such as tending to my other children.

There is also a sun cover, which can be used when they are a bit older.

How well does it fit different adults?

It’s easy to switch from one adult to another as you have to loosen the straps to take the baby out anyway.

My husband also tried wearing it, but the baby wasn’t as comfortable. Whether that was because he has less padding and she kept slouching down, or because the smell wasn’t the same, I'm not sure — but she had definitely had enough after 10 minutes.

I think she’ll be more comfortable when she’s ready to be forward-facing.

Baby Tula also sells a waistband extender, which may be useful if you need extra room around the waist.

2 pictures of dad wearing baby in Tula Linen Explore baby carrier

How does the Tula Linen Explore compare with a wrap sling?

I have only ever had a wrap sling before, which I loved and have used with all three of my children, from birth. I found the wrap sling better for my newborn, as I was able to adjust it to support her head and, to be honest, when I want a closer, more supported cuddle.

But the Tula Linen Explore has been great for days out and running errands when I needed to take her in and out of the sling a lot (wrap slings tend to loosen easily). And during the summer, the sunshade has been essential.

How easy is the Tula Linen Explore Baby Carrier to clean?

Baby Tula recommends spot-cleaning the carrier with warm water and mild soap where possible.

It can be washed on a delicate cycle and air-dried when needed. Fortunately, we’ve not had any 'poonami' incidents that needed a full clean of the carrier yet.

What’s in the box?

The Tula Linen Explore comes in a fully recyclable cardboard box.

Inside is the carrier, with the lumbar support and detachable sun hood, an instruction booklet and some stickers.

The carrier comes in a plastic bag, which can be recycled with soft recycling at supermarkets.

Tula Linen Explore baby carrier unboxed and close up of fabric

How sustainable is the Tula Linen Explore?

The Tula Linen Explore is made using plant-based materials (45% linen and 55% brushed cotton) and feels extremely durable.

I can see it lasting across multiple children, particularly from the later newborn stage into toddlerhood.

Is the Tula Linen Explore Baby Carrier worth the money?

The Tula Linen Explore is currently retailing at £189, which is expensive compared to its competitors, but I would argue that it is worth the money.

Not only does it feel durable enough to last well, but the breathable linen-cotton fabric makes it a practical option for warmer weather, travel and unpredictable British summers.

I found it was perfect for our family. With three children in tow, I often find I can’t have my baby in a sling all the time (despite her protests), and the ease of putting her in and taking her out of the Tula Linen Explore made this easy.

We are also an active family and travel quite frequently around the UK, so the fact that it could be packed down and taken with us for days out exploring the countryside, beaches and even caves made it easy. I was also able to share the responsibility with my husband, when she let me.

Where can I buy the Tula Linen Explore Baby Carrier?

It is available from Baby Tula and Amazon

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MadeForMums verdict:

Being a wrap-sling mum, I was sceptical about using a more structured carrier with my newborn, and for that stage, I was right: she needed to be a bit older before we could appreciate the ease of using the Tula Linen Explore, but once she was big enough, I really enjoyed using it.

Despite some confusion over the initial set-up, it was really easy and enjoyable to use.

I would definitely recommend it for an active or outdoorsy family, with multiple hands-on adults. If you want something a bit cosier for slow days, a wrap would probably be better suited.

Testing the linen carrier during a heatwave really highlighted the benefit of the breathable fabric — the breathable fabric meant we were still warm, but my baby didn’t seem too hot or uncomfortable, and she continued to snooze the days away.

I think my only negative is that it didn’t feel secure enough to use with a newborn, and I would have liked some more support around her head/neck.

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Authors

Megan Allen

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