Nuna CUDL vs. Nuna CUDL Clik vs. Nuna CUDL Luxe Baby Carrier Comparison
Nuna's family of baby carriers is growing once again!
First came the Nuna CUDL carrier, launched in 2019 with an ultra-supportive, hip-healthy design that is easy to adjust and made with OEKO-TEX fabrics that are better for baby. Its ergonomic, intuitive design and feeling of comfortable safety led the Nuna CUDL to win a Red Dot Award in 2020.
Then in 2022, the Nuna CUDL Clik was introduced, offering parents a new model optimized for various elements while maintaining the same award-winning design features as its sibling.
Next came the Nuna CUDL Luxe in 2024, representing the ultimate blend of luxury and functionality, crafted from a premium cashmere-silk blend. The CUDL Luxe is very similiar to the CUDL Clik, but comes with a couple more things and has a beauitful box presentation.
All CUDL carriers grow with your little one from birth to their toddler years with adjustable modes for each stage of development.
Let's see how the CUDL models compare.
NUNA CUDL VS. NUNA CUDL CLIK VS. CUDL LUXE PRICE
The base model is the CUDL, with both the CUDL Clik and CUDL Luxe adding additional features like a removable pouch, buckled waistband, and removable breeze cover. These additional features account for the higher price point.
Baby Carrier Price
NUNA CUDL VS. NUNA CUDL CLIK VS. NUNA CUDL LUXE MODES OF USE
All CUDL models offer four models of use as your child grows that encourage healthy hip and spine development: facing parent with infant booster, facing parent without booster, facing out towards the world, and parent-facing on your back.
Facing In / Infant Booster
Intended for baby's first few months in a carrier, the CUDL models can be used with the included infant booster when your child is a newborn weighing from 8 up to 15 pounds. The infant booster setting must be used if your child weighs less than 15 pounds.
For hip-healthy baby wearing with the CUDL - acknowledged by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute as a hip-healthy carrier when used as directed - your infant's thighs should be supported from the hip to the knee joint to form an ergonomic "M" shape to minimize forces on the hip joint.
To set up the CUDL for Facing In / Infant Booster mode:
- With the shoulder and side buckles attached on one side, locate the unzipped infant booster inside the carrier.
- Zip the infant booster sides together.
Facing In
Once your baby has outgrown the CUDL infant booster at 15 pounds (around 4 months old) you can deconstruct the infant booster and continue using your carrier with baby facing in, up to 30 pounds. The head support can now be used raised or folded back.
To set up the CUDL for Facing In without Infant Booster:
- Unzip the infant booster.
- Fold the long side underneath itself and secure the hook and loop along the length of the fabric.
- Tuck in the corners.
- Make sure the zipper on the short side is covered by the fabric. Both parts of the zipper should now be covered.
Facing Out
As your baby grows and wants to see more of the world around them and has developed more head and neck support, you can start using the facing out position from 6 months old and up, between 20 and 30 pounds.
All CUDL models feature an improved front-facing leg adjustment that creates a customized fit for smaller babies.
To set up the CUDL for Facing Out:
- Locate both the seat width strap and the seat width button inside the front fabric pocket.
- Attach the seat width button into either of the button holes on the seat width strap, depending on how much you need to narrow the seat for your child. The seat width is properly adjusted if your child’s thighs are supported.
- Fold the head support down so your child's face will be above the top edge of the carrier. The carrier is now ready for you to secure your child.
Back Carry
For older infants aged 9 months and up, you and your child may prefer the back carry position, which you will set up starting from the Facing In position. Since the back carry mode involves repositioning the carrier on your body while your child is in the carrier, Nuna recommends that parents practice the steps for Back Carry several times without the child in the carrier, before attempting it with your child.
Important to note, although your child can face in or out while in front of you, your child should never be positioned facing out (away from you) in back carry mode.
To reposition your child from Facing In to Back Carry:
- With your child in the baby carrier facing inward, loosen both shoulder adjustment straps (DO NOT unbuckle).
- Slide your right arm out of the right shoulder strap while cradling your child with your left arm.
- Slide your left arm under the shoulder adjustment strap on the side while cradling your child with your right arm.
- Cradling your child with your right arm, guide your child to your right hip using your left arm.
- Still supporting your child, grab the shoulder strap with your left hand and pull it down over your shoulder.
- Slightly lean forward and move your child onto your back. (steps continued below image)
- Slide your left arm up through the shoulder adjustment strap on the side while cradling your child behind your back with your right arm.
- Slide your right arm down through the shoulder strap while cradling your child with your left arm. Both shoulder straps should now be secure around your shoulders.
- Pull down on the shoulder adjustment straps to tighten. Adjust the yoke up or down vertically and side to side.
- Roll up the excess length of the shoulder adjustment straps and use the elastic loop to wrap around the rolled up strap to store it out of the way.
- Make sure your child is comfortable and securely seated in the baby carrier. Adjust the straps around your child and check to make sure all buckles and snaps are secure. Allow room for your child's head movements and keep child's face free from obstructions.
See the CUDL and CUDL Clik in their four modes of use in action with each model below (note: CUDL Luxe not pictured, but has the same four modes and looks most similar to CUDL Clik):
NUNA CUDL VS. NUNA CUDL CLIK VS. NUNA LUXE FEATURES
In addition to accommodating the same modes of use, the CUDL models share many similar features.
It is easy to secure your child in the carrier with ergonomically-placed buckles at the shoulders and sides that use Nuna's Magnetech self-guiding magnetic buckles to securely and easily lock into place. Although all models have highly adjustable fits for parent, with adjustable yolks to secure the shoulder straps, adjustable-length padded shoulder straps, and waistbands that extend, the CUDL Luxe fits a person up to 60" versus the other CUDL models that fit up to 57". The biggest differences are seen in how the carriers secure at the waist differs between the three models:
The CUDL has a waistband closure made with hook and loop material (best known by the brand name Velcro), while the CUDL Clik and CUDL Luxe feature a new buckle closure. The CUDL Clik and CUDL Luxe's buckle waistband may be quieter than hook and loop and easier to use, because you'll only need to secure the waistband in one place whereas the hook and loop material must be secured all around your waist. Additionally, a contoured padded lumbar support is built into the waistband of the CUDL Clik and CUDL Luxe, while the CUDL waistband is the same thickness and shape all around.
All CUDL models include removable, GOTS-certified organic cotton bibs that secure over the foldable and removable infant head support, and also have an integrated hood to provide sun coverage for your little one's head. Unique to the CUDL Clik, an additional breeze cover is integrated into the carrier to provide an extra barrier from cold air.
What sets the CUDL Luxe apart? The fabric. The CUDL Luxe is made from premium cashmere-silk blend. This exquisite fabric offers natural moisture-wicking ability, providing all-season comfort and exceptional durability. Plus it is machine washable in a delicate washing cycle for whenever a refresher is needed. As a special touch, the CUDL Luxe includes a pair of exclusive Nuna baby socks spun from the same luxurious cashmere blend. Tucked inside a keepsake box, these socks keep the baby's tiny toes toasty warm.
Small essentials are close at hand with the included zipper pouch. For the CUDL, a storage pouch is integrated on the side of the carrier. However, for the CUDL Clik, the pouch is removable, and feature two places for storage - a main zippered compartment, and front zippered pocket that's easy to access. The CUDL Luxe takes it just a bit more "luxe." The CUDL Luxe includes a leatherette pouch that attaches on the waistband and is removable. Both the CUDL Clik and CUDL Luxe's pouch becomes a small clutch with its included wrist strap when it is removed from the carrier!
WHAT'S INCLUDED WITH THE NUNA CUDL VS. NUNA CUDL CLIK VS. NUNA CUDL LUXE
All CUDL models include a set of removable, washable organic cotton bibs in off white. The CUDL Clik and CUDL Luxe also include a set of harness covers and removable zippered pouch that doubles as a wristlet. Since everything you'll need to use the carrier throughout its lifespan is included with purchase, no accessories are available to purchase separately for either model.
What's included with the Nuna CUDL
- Nuna CUDL carrier
- Pair of GOTS-certified organic cotton bibs
What's included with the Nuna CUDL Clik
- Nuna CUDL Clik carrier
- Pair of GOTS-certified organic cotton bibs
- Set of harness covers
- Removable zippered wristlet pouch
What's included with the Nuna CUDL Luxe
- Nuna CUDL Luxe carrier
- Pair of GOTS-certified organic cotton bibs
- Set of harness covers
- Removable zippered leatherette wristlet pouch
- Keepsake box
- Cashmere baby socks
NUNA CUDL VS. NUNA CUDL CLIK VS. CUDL LUXE COLORS AND MATERIALS
With soft, OEKO-TEX certified fabrics, the CUDL and CUDL Clik are ultra-comfortable for parent and baby. While the CUDL Luxe is made out of a premium cashmere-silk blend. Finding out which best fits your needs will depend on individual comfort and preferences relating to temperature and materials.
The CUDL and CUDL Clik fabrics are made with an ultra-soft mercerized cotton with a silky-smooth finish that is soft to touch yet durable enough to withstand frequent use. While the original CUDL model includes mesh components for comfort and breathability, the CUDL Clik is optimized for warm or varying climates with all-over mesh fabrics that allow improved air flow. The included infant bibs with either model are a soft, GOTS certified organic cotton.
The CUDL Luxe is made with performance cashmere that is consciously sourced and produced in accordance with the Good Cashmere Standard® and is approved by OEKO-TEX® STeP, OEKO-TEX® 100, and the Sustainable Fibre Alliance (SFA). Plus Nuna's cashmere supplier is a member of the Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute (CCMI), certifying it is sustainably and ethically sourced. Luxurious performance cashmere-silk blend has a natural moisture-wicking ability that provides all-season comfort with exceptional durability.
Best of all? Everything is machine washable whenever your Nuna carrier needs a refresh - even the cashmere-silk blend CUDL Luxe! A range of neutral, contemporary colors are available for all CUDL models.
Current Colors:
In most climates, parents will likely find all of the CUDL models comfortable and breathable, but in colder climates the original CUDL may run warmer given the materials used, while the CUDL Clik may be more comfortable for hot and humid climates where a little breeze makes all the difference in the summertime. The CUDL Luxe is great for both climates as the cashmere-silk blend is breathable and keeps you cool in hot weather, but also super warm in cold weather. It's a magical fabric that works well in both extremes!
NUNA CUDL VS. NUNA CUDL CLIK VS. NUNA CUDL LUXE BENEFITS AND DRAWBACKS
So which is better: the Nuna CUDL, the Nuna CUDL Clik, or the Nuna CUDL Luxe? Which is best will depend on your lifestyle, budget, and preferences for a baby carrier, but here are some positives and drawbacks we see in each model.
Nuna CUDL Baby Carrier
Benefits
- Soft, mercerized cotton exterior is silky smooth to the touch
- Zippered pouch is built in so can't be misplaced
- Least expensive model
- More color options than the Clik
Drawbacks
- Slightly heavier than the Clik by 0.4 pounds / 0.2 pounds heavier than the Luxe
- Does not include breeze cover
- Waistband's hook and loop material can be noisy and awkward to secure evenly
- Zippered pouch is not removable
Nuna CUDL Clik Baby Carrier
Benefits
- Lighter weight than CUDL by 0.4 pounds and 0.2 compared to CUDL Luxe
- Includes additional breezy cover
- All-over mesh fabrics allow more cooling air flow
- Buckle waistband is quick and quiet to secure
- Contoured waistband provides localized support at lower back
- Zippered pouch is removable and doubles as a wristlet
- Less expensive than the CUDL Luxe
Drawbacks
- More expensive than the CUDL
- Fewer color options
Nuna CUDL Luxe Baby Carrier
Benefits
- Made from premium cashmere-silk blend; great for both cold and hot weather
- Lighter weight than CUDL Clik by 0.2 pounds
- More color options than the Clik
- Includes keepsake box and cashmere-silk Nuna socks
- Buckle waistband is quick and quiet to secure
- Contoured waistband provides localized support at lower back
- Zippered leatherette pouch is removable and doubles as a wristlet
Drawbacks
- Most expensive CUDL model
- Heavier than the CUDL by 0.2 pounds
Conclusion
Choosing between the Nuna CUDL models for your baby carrier is an easy one - no matter which carrier you pick, you're getting a hip-healthy carrier that is ultra-comfortable for you and baby from day one and for years to come.
The CUDL is a comfortable classic that has everything you'd need for baby wearing from birth to toddlerhood. A wide hook and loop waistband, thickly padded shoulder straps, and numerous adjustments ensure the CUDL provides a comfortable fit for parent and child. It's super soft, super supportive, and available in a wide range of contemporary colors.
The CUDL Clik has new attractive features like a removable breeze cover, a storage pouch that detaches from the carrier, and - like its name suggests - the CUDL Clik is even easier to secure thanks to a buckled waistband. For parents that live in warmer climates, the all-over mesh fabrics keep you cool all day.
The CUDL Luxe is the most similar to the CUDL Clik, however, is made out of a premium cashmere-silk blend. It's both moisture wicking and provides comfort and warmth in cold climates. As a special touch, the carrier includes a pair of exclusive Nuna baby socks spun from the same luxurious cashmere blend. Tucked inside a keepsake box, these socks keep the baby's tiny toes toasty warm. The Nuna CUDL Luxe elevates the parenting experience – where style meets functionality, and comfort knows no bounds.
Questions?
Strolleria is an authorized Nuna retailer dedicated to making the baby gear buying experience less overwhelming for parents.
If you have more questions about the Nuna CUDL models, feel free to contact us by emailing customercare@strolleria.com or starting a live chat on our website!