Is the Ergobaby Aerloom Worth It? I Tried it to Find Out!

The Ergobaby Aerloom is a carrier so lightweight it feels like wearing air – at least that’s how it’s marketed. And it’s not just about being light. The built-in airflow is mean to eliminate those sweaty struggles on those summer strolls – just breezy, comfy cuddles. It’s also a super lightweight carrier which makes it great for travel.

Does it live up to these claims? I have tried SO many carriers, friends, and these are my honest thoughts after testing the Ergobaby Aerloom:

The Lightweight Nature of the Aerloom:

The idea behind the Aerloom is that it is both lightweight and promotes breathability with the fabric design. It’s made from Ergobaby’s patented Formaknit, which is meant to stretch and move with your body. Ergobaby sent me the carrier to test out, and while I really like it, there are both pros and cons to consider.

The Aerloom is Ergobaby’s carrier meant for parents on the go, who might be using this in warmer climates or potentially hiking or doing other activities with a baby where air flow would be helpful.

In my experience, the air flow piece can be important for both parties, particularly if it’s hot. I’ve had carriers made of velvet, mesh, cotton, and this Formaknit, and you certainly wouldn’t want to use velvet in hot conditions, for example.

That said, having tried many brands, I wouldn’t say any soft carrier is particularly heavy, and they’re all quite portable.

Eco-Friendly Snuggles:

The Aerloom is made from 87% Recycled Polyester (GRS-Certified), 13% Nylon, and the waistbelt lining is 100% cotton (OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified).

The Aerloom indeed has a unique fabric I haven’t felt anywhere before. When I looked at it online, I thought that the fabric would almost be like a soft crochet. However, when I received it, I realized that it is much more firm/sturdy.

I suppose this isn’t a bad thing, and thankfully it’s still soft enough not to chafe inner thighs or faces. My older Ergobaby Omni mesh 360 had to have some burp cloths around my little guy’s legs and face due to this issue. All that said, the softest carriers I’ve used are Artipoppe, I’m just not the biggest fan of them in forward carry mode. Read my Ergobaby vs. Artipoppe comparison.

I do like that it’s made from recycled polyester. Of course, the most eco-friendly way to get a baby carrier is to buy a secondhand one, but in lieu of that buying one made from recycled materials is great!

Ergobaby Aerloom Fit:

The design and fit of the carrier is also quite unique and, well, interesting. It took me a second to understand that the straps tuck underneath the front of the carrier rather than fastening to the side. The fit is essentially the same though.

If you have your baby on the front and facing towards you, it will be a lot like a standard carrier and is appropriate for avoiding hip dysplasia.

If you have the baby facing forward, it’s easy to adjust by just pulling the fabric straps. I like this so much better than the front carry on the Artipoppe, which requires an insert and just doesn’t seem that comfortable for my little guy.

Is also quite simple and doesn’t require a whole bunch of adjustments like the Artipoppe does. I like this most about Ergobaby carriers – they are really easy to adjust for multiple carrying modes and don’t require any kind of extra attachments. However, there is one big thing I don’t like about the Aerloom – the straps cannot cross in the back.

The Ergobaby carriers are designed to loop over each shoulder and fasten with a connecting strap in the back. You need to be pretty flexible in the shoulders to be able to strap it yourself, which I am, so it’s not a problem for me. I don’t think my husband could do it, though.

This wouldn’t be such a big deal if it were comfortable, but in my opinion, it’s really not. Some of the other carriers can still be crossed in the back (as can the Artipoppe), which I greatly prefer.

This is because the carrier is meant to fully form to your back, but I find that this particular carrying mode for me is just not workable. For some people it might not be as big of a deal, but I just don’t like it. If you already know this isn’t an issue for you, happy days! Alternatively, here are some other Ergobaby carriers that are great:

Ergobaby Aerloom vs. Ergobaby 360 Cool Air Mesh

Both carriers offer multiple carrying positions, including facing in, facing out, and back carry, providing flexibility to cater to you and your baby’s preferences.

Differences:

• Weight and Breathability: The Aerloom shines in terms of ultra-lightweight design and built-in airflow, making it a go-to choice for hot weather. In contrast, the 360 Cool Air Mesh emphasizes breathability with its mesh fabric but doesn’t have the feather-light feel of the Aerloom.
• Material Blend: While the Aerloom boasts a sustainable edge with its use of post-consumer recycled polyester, the 360 Cool Air Mesh focuses on mesh for enhanced ventilation.
• Unique Fit vs. Traditional Fit: The Aerloom introduces a unique fit with non-crossing straps, offering a different kind of embrace. In comparison, the 360 Cool Air Mesh features a more traditional design with crossable straps.

Ergobaby Aerloom vs. Ergobaby Omni

We found a secondhand Ergobaby Omni and tested this one out as well. I really liked it while we had it, and kind of wish we’d held onto it, but at the time I didn’t realize the straps could cross in the back. I like the material of this carrier. It’s more fabric and less mesh. Both carriers provide versatile carrying options, ensuring that you can adapt to your baby’s developmental stages.

Differences:

• Weight and Breathability: The Aerloom’s ultra-lightweight design and built-in airflow excel in warm climates. Meanwhile, the Omni offers a versatile design but might not match the Aerloom’s weightlessness and airflow emphasis and would be better in temperate or cooler climates.
• Material Blend: The Aerloom’s fabric is a woven polyester, while the Omni Breeze is mostly mesh, and the Dream is made of cotton, which I find it softer, personally.
• Unique Fit vs. Adjustable Fit: The Aerloom introduces a unique fit, while the Omni features an adjustable fit that allows you to cross the straps.

Ergobaby Aerloom vs. Ergobaby Embrace

Both carriers are suitable for newborns and provide a comfortable option for those early days.

Differences:

• Weight and Breathability: The Aerloom’s focus on ultra-lightweight design and built-in airflow positions it as a cooler option, while the Embrace emphasizes softness and coziness with a jersey knit fabric.
• Material Blend: The Aerloom utilizes post-consumer recycled polyester, contributing to sustainability, whereas the Embrace features a soft and stretchy fabric for a snug feel.
• Versatility: While the Aerloom is designed to accommodate a broader age range and offers multiple carrying positions, the Embrace is more tailored for the early months with a cozy and secure wrap-like feel. It’s meant for infants, but not toddlers.

Choosing Based on Your Priorities

Aerloom: Opt for the Aerloom if you prioritize an ultra-lightweight design, built-in airflow, and sustainable materials, making it an excellent choice for warm climates and eco-conscious parents.

360 Cool Air Mesh: Choose the 360 Cool Air Mesh if breathability and traditional strap crossing are crucial for you, and you’re looking for a versatile carrier with mesh fabric.

Omni: The Omni is a good fit for those who seek versatility with an adjustable fit, plus it’s cheaper at $199.

Embrace: If you’re looking for a soft, cozy option for the early days with a focus on simplicity and ease of use, the Embrace might be the ideal choice.

In the end, the best Ergobaby carrier for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and the climate you live in, whether it’s the weightlessness of the Aerloom, the breathability of the 360 Cool Air Mesh, the adaptability of the Omni, or the cozy feel of the Embrace.

I like Ergobaby in general for the versatility and especially front-carry modes, and now that my son is a toddler and only likes to be front carried, I prefer this brand over the difficulty of front carrying with the Artipoppe.

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