The Beco Gemini baby carrier is the latest innovation from the creators of the popular Butterfly Baby Carrier. The designers have listened to users and created the Gemini carrier to allow parents to carry a child in front while facing out. The beco Gemini is one of the few soft baby carriers that allows you to wear a child in the forward carry position, facing in or out, as well as in the back. Not every parent needs this, many baby wearing parents have been happy with the Beco Butteffly baby carrier or the ERGObaby Baby Carrier which only allow the child to face forward in the front carry position. There are plenty of you though that feel that the face out position is a make it or break it feature. It used to be that the Baby Bjorn or a wrap were just about the only options. I am really excited that Beco has created the Gemini carrier as an alternative.
Below is an image of all the different carry positions that the Gemini does.
Creating the ability to convert the forward carry position from face in to face made for some significant differences between the Gemini and the Buttefly carriers. The Gemini is a simpler design in that it does not have the internal harness system. In this way it is actually more similar to the Ergo Baby Carrier. Unlike the Butterfly II, there is no infant insert in the Gemini. My understanding is that with a newborn(7lbs+) you can make the support more narrow, as if you were going to use the forward facing position, but then face the baby in. I’ll update this post once I have been able to test this myself.
For the initial release of the Beco Gemini these are the options and pricing:
Beco Baby Carrier Gemini Espresso $129.00
Beco Baby Carrier Gemini Metro Black $129.00
Beco Baby Carrier Gemini Lucas print $129.00
Beco Baby Carrier Gemini Natalie print $129.00
Beco Baby Carrier Gemini Paige print $129.00
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The Gemini Baby Carrier from Beco is a new carrier that will have the ability to carry a child in a FORWARD FACING front position! The folks that brought you the Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier have heard much demand from both retailers and you the consumer and have been hard at work to bring develop the best soft baby carrier that will have the ability to carry a baby in the front while facing out, just like one would do with a Baby Bjorn carrier.
Beco has been trying to keep this pretty hush hush and I’ve held back writing about it. I know I may not be the first but I will continue to keep you updated with the latest reviews and info as soon as possible! Beco is holding back product images for now but they should be released soon. We have an ETA of the end of July or early August for the Gemini to arrive. Here’s what I can tell you from having seen an early sample last year.
The Beco Gemini is designed to carry babies on your front facing in or out, back, and hip. Where the body fabric meets the waist belt the fabric will have the ability to become more narrow in order to accommodate the forward facing front position. When carrying a child in this position you will probably have the ability to fold down the top of the fabric. I’m not sure at this time if you will have to cross the shoulder straps or not. The early design had buckles to make crossing the straps quick and easy. We’ll see if this is still the case.
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The Heart 2 Heart Infant Insert for the ERGOBaby carrier is what new and expecting parents need to be able to carry a newborn baby. The ERGO Baby has offered infant insert since 2004 and after much research and customer feedback, has recently updated it to the Heart 2 Heart design. This new version of the infant insert carries the baby in the tummy-to-tummy position, hence the name heart2heart. The goal is to promote healthy maturation of the spine by supporting the pelvis, hip joint, and leg position rather than putting a baby in a compromising sitting or hanging position before the spine is ready. The Heart2Heart Insert has extra cushions at the back and bottom to support the natural curvature of a baby’s developing spine. The ERGObaby Infant Insert heart2heart also supports the safety of the baby’s head and neck in this critical stage of development. 
Thanks to the ERGObaby Infant Insert heart2heart and Carrier in combination, parents can carry their newborn close to their heart so they can remain attentive to their baby’s needs and at the same time continue daily activities. This new version also allows a much more versatility for you to get the best setup for the comfort of you and your baby. The ERGObaby Carrier with Infant Insert heart2heart truly is the only carrier you will need from newborn to toddler.
The Infant Insert in Beige and Infant Insert in Silver colors of the infant insert are made using 100% organic materials in honor of ERGOBaby’s commitment to supporting babies, families and the regeneration of our earth. Organic cotton is grown in fields pure and safe enough for babies to play in, connecting the wellbeing of the earth with the life of the children for generations to come.
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There are 3 great new prints that have just become available for the Beco Butterfly 2 baby carrier. Beco Baby Carrier continues to produce the Butterfly 2 with 100% organic cotton and there is no price change. This new round of prints should be available through the fall but there are not guarantees. For better or worse, Beco likes to keep their patterns fresh. Other than the solid colors of the Butterfly 2 in Black, and the Butterfly 2 in Espresso, you shouldn’t count on these prints being available for more than 9 months. For many this is frustrating but I like to embrace the positive and think that it’s great that you and your friends can all be wearing the same carrier but still remain unique.
Butterfly 2 Lauren
Beco Butterfly 2 Tyler
Butterfly 2 Natalie
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Sometimes it’s the little things that can make all the difference. If you’ve ever been out on the trail carrying a child on your back in a carrier and wondered what the heck is going on back there then you must get this. The Rearview mirror is a simple but useful tool for checking out what’s going on behind you. There is a locking carabiner to keep it secured to your pack and a retractable cord that attaches the convex mirror. Your friends will see it and wish they had one! This kid carrier backpack mirror also makes a great gift that can be used with any frame carrier or soft structured carrier such as the Ergobaby Carrier or Beco Butterfly.
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Soft structured child carriers like the Ergo Baby Carrier and Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier are now well established but may still be new to many parents and those expecting. The variety of products in this category continues to grow but the first one to penetrate the marketplace and truly carve out a niche is The ERGObaby Baby Carrier. Our next favorite up and comer is the Beco Butterfly 2 Baby Carrier. Many people ask us, how do you choose between the two?
Like any kid carrier purchase, the best thing you can do is try them on and compare them. If you live in an area where this isn’t an option then read on and we will do our best to provide as much worthwhile information as we can for you to make your decision.
As far as how the carriers fit on parents we haven’t found a big difference between the two brands but there are some subtle differences. Most body types can wear the carriers equally as well. One advantage that the Ergo has over the Beco is for waist sizing. Ergo does offer a waist extender if you need a little more room. There is also the Ergo Sport Carrier which offers even more hip belt length and extra shoulder strap length. The Beco Baby Carrier Butterfly does offer more versatile sizing because you have the extra set of buckles to adjust the space for the child independant of the shoulder straps.
Where the Ergo Baby Carrier and Beco Baby Carrier begin to differ is with carrying an infant or smaller child. In order to use the Ergo Baby Carrier with a newborn and up to the stage the legs can be spread across your body (usually 4-6 months old) it requires the Infant Insert. The Beco Baby Carrier has an innovative smaller harness that is integrated with the carrier that can be used with a baby or smaller child.
The Beco Baby Carrier is also a little different in the height of the fabric that holds the child. It comes up a little higher than the ergo does. Some parents like this because it offers more back support for bigger kids. It can sometimes be challenging for smaller children because their heads may not be fully above it so it limits visibility a bit.
Loading a child into each of the carriers differs slightly. The Beco Carrier allows you to secure the child into the carrier first and then put it on your body. With the Ergo Baby Carrier you first put the carrier on your body and then load the child. The Ergo requires you to learn and refine the technique but the Beco requires you to adjust an additional strap on each side. Some people don’t mind messing with buckles and straps for others it’s a hassle. You probably have a good idea of what your preference is.
The fabrics on both carriers are similar. The Beco fabric is a little softer. The Ergo fabric is more rugged but softens up quickly with use. The most obvious difference is also style. Many of the Ergo color options have been around for awhile and are fairly conservative. This is great for many people and helps contribute to a timeless appearance. There are a couple more fun colors such as the Black with Retro lining and the limited edtion Blue with Seersucker lining. The lighter Camel color is also really popular for summer wear. Beco on the other hand has focused on limited run prints making the look much more distinctive but not as accessible for everybody if you don’t find a print you like. They can also be limited in options that dad is willing to wear. Beco has recently introduced solid black and brown that can be a safe bet for anyone.
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The Baby Bjorn infant carrier has been around for years. It’s design has yet to be surpassed in simplicity and functionality for carrying a newborn child. If you’ve ever worn one you have probably come to both love and/or hate it. For most of parents, the original design is so easy to use you gotta love it. But then, as your child grows and gets heavier you may start to ask yourself, why the heck does it kill your shoulders so darn much? I see so many parents come in to our retail store in Boulder, CO with kids around 12-15lbs that just want to get the Bjorn off and get into another carrier. Usually they are looking for the Ergo Baby Carrier or The Beco Baby Carrier. Both excellent products for carrying kids that are past the newborn stage and can spread their legs out. Either carrier can work for a newborn but they just don’t always seem perfect. With The Ergo Baby Carrier you have to use the Infant Insert; with the Beco Butterfly Baby Carrier you have to get the buckle adjustments just right.
Well, I may have a few answers for you and a simple solution. First is proper adjustment. Just today a mom came into Little Mountain Outfitters wearing an original design Air Carrier. The child was about 3 months old and had fallen asleep and was slouched to the side. Didn’t look so great for the baby and the mom was leaning to the side to compensate. All corrected with a couple quick adjustments.
Make sure the sizing strap is adjusted correctly not just for the weight of your child but also length. For kids facing in the, head should be cradled near the top of the support with the neck well below the top.
Use the side adjustments to pull the baby’s head in as he or she falls asleep. With my 2 month old son, Levi, I like to start out with it completely loose and then make small adjustments to pull his head closer as he gets sleepy.
Before even putting the carrier on, loosen the straps at least an inch. This will make it easier for you to put on but also allow for the fact you may be wearing different clothing since the last time you wore it or maybe someone else was the last person to use it.
Use the back cross strap adjustment! It is best to have someone else adjust it while you are wearing it but this can make a world of difference! Do some wiggling back and forth to get an idea of where it feels best. If both parents use the carrier a lot and have very different body shapes I reccomend making a mark on the straps so you can adjust it by yourself before putting it on.
Phew! Now you’ve tried all that and it just isn’t feeling right. Time to put it on eBay or Craig’s list and get an Active Carrier. There are so many of the original designed carriers out there in the second hand market that it’s a wonder that anyone can even sell new ones. Now you know why. The Active Carrier is a huge improvement over the original anyone who puts one on says “aahhh, this is what I should have gotten.”
Differences between the Baby Bjorn Original and the Active Carrier:
- The Active is designed with better lumbar support. There is an entire second set of straps and nice large pad to hug into your lower back. The Active carrier includes two pieces, the carrier plus a padded back harness, which helps prevent forward slouching and provides extra back support for you
- Roomier fit for your baby. The Active Carrier is also slightly longer than Baby Bjorn’s other carriers, offering a little more room for your baby.
- Sizing – The original carrier is sized “Regular” and for bigger parents, this often means ordering the larger straps at $36.00 each. The straps that come standard on the Active are fully adjustable and will fit taller / bigger parents.
- Different Color options. Not critical but nice.
How much longer will you use the Active Carrier vs the Original? Wish I could say. I don’t see very many parents wearing a child past 20lbs. But I do feel comfortable saying you’ll be happier in it for longer than the Original!
The straightforward assembly and easy adjustment of the Baby Bjorn Active Carrier’s elegant design makes it much easier to manage when you are alone with your baby. This baby carrier will comfortably fit a baby up to 25 lbs. There are suggestions for correct modification, based on baby’s weight and height, included with the instructions and care guide. Color-coded latches within easy reach simplify the act of putting on and taking off the carrier, and even allow you to move a sleeping baby from the carrier to their crib without waking them. The Active Carrier provides all the benefits of “wearing your baby” while supporting your back and shoulders against strain.
Baby Bjorn Active Carrier features include:
• Extra back support directs your baby’s weight away from your shoulders
• Roomier fit for your baby
• Keeps your hands free and your baby close and secure
• Can be worn as early as your baby’s first week. (minimum weight of baby 8lbs)
• Active Front Carrier holds your baby upright, providing back and neck support
• Actice Carrier seat adjusts as your baby grows
• Allows you to lay the carrier down and unsnap the bottom portion for diaper changes or to put down your sleeping baby
• Enables young babies to face parent and older babies to face outward
• All adjustments from front, to fit different-sized parents
• Support harness fits like a vest, with two padded shoulder straps and lumbar/lower back support
• Carrier clips easily on a padded back harness
• Wide padded shoulder and harness straps for maximum comfort
• Additional straps sold separately for the Baby Bjorn Active Carrier
• 100% cotton
• Baby Bjorn Active Carrier is machine washable
The BABYBJÖRN Baby Carrier Active can be used both indoors and out for babies from one week old (minimum weight 3.5 kg/ 8 lbs) to any age (maximum weight 12 kg / 26 lbs).
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Parents hail the Ergo Baby Carrier as one of the best baby carriers for older infants and even toddlers. Using an Ergo baby carrier is simple and fun. Babies love to snuggle in their Ergo baby carrier, and parents, caretakers and grandparents enjoying wearing little ones in the Ergo. Here are some tips on buying an Ergo Baby Carrier.
Learn about the Ergo baby carrier to see if it will work for you. In an Ergo, the baby can be worn in the front or on your back (when older). The child will always be facing into your body. At this time there is no Ergo Carrier that will allow a child to face out. While the Ergo is made for older babies and toddlers, it can be adapted for tiny infants as well. We’ve heard that some parents can carry twins using two Ergo carriers, one in the front and another on the back. If you happen to be one or know one please have them post a comment below and or send us a pick. Other parents of multiples would love to hear about your experience.
Choose a style and color Ergo baby carrier. The Ergo is available in black lined with your choice of camel or green; camel-lined camel and Organic cranberry-lined camel. There are occasional limited editions, such as the recent Black with Embroidery. Please note that many of the Blue carriers have been discountinued. The only current blue option is the Ergo Baby Carrier Organic Blue with Embroidery.
Accessorize your Ergo. Add an infant insert to carry newborns. Consider the sleeping hood to help support a sleeping child’s neck. Purchase the Ergo baby carrier papoose coat for outdoor use in cool weather. Ergo also sells coordinating changing pads, diaper bags, and totes.
Practice using your Ergo baby carrier when it arrives, remembering that it may take several uses to become accustomed to the baby carrier.
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The ERGObaby Sport Carrier is is a unique style because it’s made from a lightweight blend of 35% cotton and 65% polyester to improve moisture wicking from you and your child to keep both more comfortable. Three is also a cut out vent in the back to give the child a bit more air. The Sport Carrier also has a longer waist belt, by 5″, and longer shoulder straps, by 4″, when compared to the Standard or Organic Ergo Carriers. There are also some style differences between the Sport and other carriers. It gets contrast stitching, and the hip belt is sculpted to be wider in the back and narrows towards the front. Another difference is that the Sleeping Hood is completely detachable and can be stored in the pocket. What you give up with the Sport is the zippered pocket. Not a huge deal though because you can always get a matching Front Pouch which has more space and is a perfect place to store any necessities, including keys, a cell phone, a diaper and wipes, keeping all items easy to reach, and leaving you completely HandsFree! Shop for the ERGObaby Sport Carrier now.
Have you used this carrier? Love it? Hate it? click the ‘share your thoughts’ link below to post a comment!
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The Ergo Baby Carrier in Sea Green with Silver lining is one of the newest colors being offered by Ergo Baby. This is a great neutral color for mom or dad to wear. The twill body, sateen lining, and batting are all 100% Organic Cotton. As with all ERGObaby carriers, you can get a matching green front pouch or backpack for additional storage.
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