Don’t hesitate to get this one!!!, April 19, 2008

I’ve been playing with this carrier for about a month now, and I have to state – I am impressed. I have to confess that my mom is acquainted with the guy who designed this product for Fisher Price, so I had heard about this item and was eager to try it. I have a four month old baby boy. We were given a Baby Bjorn as a shower gift, and I used that for comparison. I also use a New Native baby sling.

First off – it’s much easier to put the baby in than the Baby Bjorn. The entire piece that the baby sits in snaps off and is simple to put the baby in – you lay him on it like a diaper and zip up the sides. It’s designed so the parent puts their harness on first. You then pick up the baby and snap his harness on to yours. Soooo easy, and much less hassle for the baby. The connection is very secure – it’s a five-point system. It takes a bit of practice to master getting the baby out – I like to sit down to unhook the harness. It is also just as simple to unzip it and pop the baby out over the top.

The baby can be worn forward or backward. Requires no major adjustment to accomplish this. Good for up to 25 lbs, and a cinch to adjust for length.

The adult harness seems to distribute the baby’s weight more evenly across my hips than other carriers and slings. I have more stamina with this carrier than my sling, which my baby adores but I find quite cumbersome.

One feature I love – it has a toy ring attached so you link a toy on it – fantastic so your baby’s favorite item doesn’t end up in the dirt.

The fabric is ultra-soft and cushiony, like thick foam covered with microfiber. This is especially true around the baby’s legs. In fact this item is best for people whose babies have chubby thighs – the leg openings are nice and big, with no pinching – yet the baby is still secure. I find that our Baby Bjorn is a bit tight around his legs. Despite the padding, this product has great airflow for the baby and adult, too – we live in Florida. Drool and spit-up seem to just wipe right off the fabric. The shoulder straps are nicely padded. One thing I would mention – the fabric on the inside of the shoulder pads is like a cooling mesh, and can be a bit tough when worn on bare skin (when wearing a tank top etc). I solved this problem by wrapping a bit of soft fabric around the straps where they sat against my neck. It would be nice it this came with something to solve this problem, like adult sized versions of the strap covers on a automobile seat. But wearing it with a T-shirt should not be a problem.

I have to state – I have comandeered this product for my exclusive use – my hubby wears the Baby Bjorn now!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

perfect solution!, June 11, 2008

By 

Beth Odabashian “momof3″ (New Jersey) – See all my reviews

  

This carrier is so simple to use! I was looking for an easier carrier than what is out there, and this is it. I love the fact that the baby gets put on you separately. It makes life so much simpler, especially if baby falls asleep in the carrier. It’s very plush and looks comfy!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

Useful, August 2, 2010

At first, it is hard to put on, but when you get used to it you will find it very useful..Fabrics and other material are very good and comfortable for the baby..And you do not need take off the whole thing, you just release your baby..

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

Hands down the best carrier on the market, July 27, 2010

We used a moby wrap when our son was smaller, but if we had tested a Beco back then Im sure we would have ought this carrier instead. Now that our son is 1 and well over 20 lbs the Beco has become such a lifesaver.

We considered buying an Ergo until we went to a babywearing group and had a chane to try both carriers side by side. Even though they SEEMS similar, the Beco has one feature that really sets it a notch above. There is an extra lining of fabric between you and baby that grants you to load baby in on the front position, and then swing them around to the back with no assistance from a partner or spotter. You can even remove baby from your body and transfer them to your partners without having to remove them from the carrier. Without that extra lining of fabric you would need to load a child directly on to your back for a back carry position, as you need to go with an Ergo. This can be very difficult and time consuming and often requires a partner to do it safely.

The Beco is definitely designed with both the comfort of the adult and the correct positioning of the child in mind. It places no undue stress on the hips of the infant, as carrier like a Bjorn often can, by creating the proper “seated” position for their lower extremities. The broad shoulder straps are well padded and positioned to keep from causing undue back or neck strain on the adult.

All in all, we will be keeping our Beco for any future kids and continue to use it nearly daily with our toddler as he grows.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

Your carrier search is over!, October 27, 2010

I was the brand new mother of baby #2 and a three year old. I thought, “If I could only find a carrier that would grant me to comfortably carry my baby, then maybe I could play more actively with my three year old and even do some chores while the baby’s awake.” I spent way too much time reading reviews on Amazon to try and discern the best carrier for my baby and for me! However, I am so glad that so many mothers write in because their words were invaluable.

I truly was heading in the direction of the Ergo Baby Carrier, which I have heard is a lovely product. I was sold on the Beco, though, because of one particular feature that has indeed made it the best buy of my entire second go around as a mommy! From my understanding, the Beco Butterfly II is the only carrier with a lining within the carrier that grants you to change from a front to back carrying position or a back to front position while still keeping your baby safely in the carrier. There is much peace of mind in knowing that your baby is snuggly safe while you change his/her position on your body. This feature also makes it possible to change carrier wearers without having to remove your baby.

This carrier arrived to my home in no time. I watched the instructional DVD and was ready to go. I wear my son in the inward facing front carry position mostly. The first several times I did he fell asleep after a short time. It was best for me at a bounce home place, for example, because I could effortlessly tote my baby while walking around and enjoying watching my older child jump and have fun. In the back carry position I have found a great way to vacuum and to cook/bake.

I do live in a very warm climate, so I was concerned about the product’s material. It feels like high quality material that is very well constructed. Of course, it can get warm if I am super active, but that is to be expected. I typically do not use my carrier when it’s too hot because I am so warm-natured as it is. I opt for a stroller on warmer days. The Beco Butterfly II has been great as the weather has changed from summer to fall and will be a dream this winter as well. Indoors it’s always great!

I’m recommending this carrier to each pregnant friend I have and to you, too! I could not be happier with this product!

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

Love it!, November 14, 2010

The Beco has probably the most stylish designs in the market. I like the Aiden design so far. Got this to replace my Baby Bjorn and so far I love it except I still feel some pain around the shoulders when using the front-carry even for a short time. It is quite costly and I am not sure if its a great value since I have not tried the Ergo or other similar baby carriers. Definitely advocate trying them out first before buying.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

Great product, April 7, 2010

I purchased this for my 5 year old boy for a trip to Hong Kong/Macau. He is on the small side for 5 years + 9 months and it fit him well with the waist strap pulled to the tightest setting. It was simple and swift to put on. It was simple to buckle in the taxi/car. It was light enough to carry in a backpack for day trips. I cannot comment on the protection capability of the vest since luckily we were not in any accidents. But it helped position the shoulder and lap belts properly. I did not give it 5 stars because my boy did not seem to like wearing it. He stated it was uncomfortable and wanted it off right after getting out of the taxi.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

great color choice, March 30, 2007

i really wanted to select a unisex fabric. this pattern is great and very modern and stylish. i was amazed by the shipping time, i literally had the item next business day, a full five days before the amazon expected shipping date. this item comes with simple instructions and contact information to the supplier. i highly advocate this manufacturer. my son adores sitting on my hip and this item really gives me the confidence to be hands free. it is so much easier to use then the typical front carriers.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

Couldn’t figure it out, February 5, 2010

By 

bmkd (Chicago, IL United States) – See all my reviews

  

No matter how hard I tried, I could not get this sling adjusted. I tried so many different things, but nothing works. I loved the design and the features of this sling, but it just did not work for me. It seems like the padded railings make it hard to pull the material through the ring, once the sling is on with the baby inside. I was never able to get it snug enough where I did not have to worry about the baby falling out. Perhaps, I am just “sling challenged.” Maybe with the next baby, I will try again.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

Love this Sling, April 6, 2008

This sling has been a lifesaver at church. I have 5 children, two which are a newborn and a 22 month old, and to be able to have my hands free during church is wonderful. I also had a great experience when I went to get her pku, she slept right through the whole thing, it was great!! It works well at the motion picture theater too. The newborn also adores it and sleeps so soundly when she is in it. I like how this sling fits and how you can adjust it as the baby grows. I really advocate this sling.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

Best carrier yet, September 11, 2009

By 

J. Turner (BFT, SC United States) – See all my reviews

  

Little background: I am 5’2″ and 110, my husband is 6’3″ and just over 200 lb., and we both like this carrier, which is nearly unheard of. Our son is just barely 6 mos. old, 18 lbs., and about 27 in.

PROS: MUCH more comfortable for both child and adult than other carriers (we owned several, and tried them all), as child’s weight is more evenly distributed. 5 point harness keeps Houdinis where they should be. Child’s arms and hands are free to move around. Good view of the world for tiny one. Simple in and out– not a million straps and buckles, as with other carriers. Child can “support” their own weight w/ their feet on the frame of the carrier (watch the video– you will see the baby “bouncing” with his feet on the carrier frame in one clip). So much more interesting and normal for baby than simply hanging from their crotch (again, as with other carriers). Able to take this many places where stroller is simply not realistic (like cobblestone streets, narrow aisles, or where navigating through crowds is difficult).

CONS: Not for smaller babies (<6 mos.). Child really does need to be at least 25 in. (and weight appropriate) and have excellent head/trunk control. Requires some upper-body strength to get it on as manufacturer recommends (should not be put on an elevated surface to put on). I am a very athletic female and have no issues, but I question how well the “average” woman could do it without using an elevated surface (for my husband, this is a moot point– no issues). Wish it was a tiny bit more adjustable– there are three “snap” levels for lumbar support, but at the smallest setting, I still wish it would ride a tiny higher for me (I’m a mere 5’2″). Again, my husband has no issues– he uses the tallest setting, and he is 6’3″. No comfortable head position for child if they fall asleep in the carrier (this is true of all outward-facing carriers, but perhaps someday someone will rectify this?).

All in all, we like this carrier a lot. More costly than most carriers, but often you get what you pay for. Nice fun prints too, but remember if you want your hubby to help carry baby, you might want a more neutral one (we have the brown “bubbles” and my Marine has yet to complain). Remember that regardless of how great the support is, carrying an extra 20-35 lbs. on your back is going to take a tiny more out of you, so people w/ extra massive kids (close to 30 lb. weight limit) shoudln’t place their expectations on comfort too high. If you are extremely petite (under 5′) or very lacking in upper body strength, this might not be the carrier for you, but it beats all the others we have owned and tried hands down!

[...]

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment (1)

Cuts into tiny baby thighs…, January 10, 2010

By 

D. Samac – See all my reviews

  

We bought this carrier a couple weeks ago and have used it several times. Overall we are happy with the carrier and will continue to use it, but we wanted you to know about a couple of issues that we have run into after our purchase. Our son is 1 year old and weighs 22 lbs. We have found 2 problems with this carrier that we are not too happy about after such a substantial purchase:

1. The carrier cuts into the underside of our tiny man’s legs, and if he is in the carrier for more than 45 minutes, he gets very uncomfortable and lets us know. When we take him out of the carrier the underside of his legs (hamstring area# has been cut into #but not broken skin# by the edge of the carrier. Our son is not a chunky baby, he is actually quite thin and long, and I suspect this problem would be worse with heavier babies. Also, his tiny knees jam into our backs a lot of the time, but this just might be the way that he chooses to sit in the carrier.

2. The carrier does get pretty uncomfortable over extended periods #>1 hour), even though the weight is pretty well distributed, I think that a strap across the front would make the carrier more comfortable.

Overall the carrier is well built, durable, and fashionable. These are just suggestions to check into prior to purchasing the carrier. Also as mentioned in another review, you do have to be pretty coordinated and have some upper body strength to get the carrier on by yourself. If you have the option I would definitely advocate trying it in the store before buying if you have the option.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment (1)

LOVE LOVE LOVE!, May 13, 2010

We totally love this carrier. My son LOVES how high up on my back it places him and I love how simple it is to put him in and out of. Unlike other back carriers where it feels like a large production to put the baby on backwards, this thing is just too easy. It’s awesome and really adorable. My son is super heavy and most carriers just killed my back after only 15 minutes. This thing is so padded and ergonomic that I could easily wear him for over an hour. Get it, you will not regret it.

Oh and I had originally bought the city carrier just to save some money. When I realized how much I liked it, I sent it back for the Classic carrier because I figured the fabric would be superior and it is. The city version’s fabric made weird squeaky noises when you walked which were kind of annoying. Also, the buckle placement seemed a tiny inconvenient and once I got the Classic version I was glad I did. It’s definitely roomier (which is great for a huge baby) and I like the fabric a lot better.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment

A review for the fathers considering purchase, October 9, 2010

We purchased the Belle carrier even though we already had an Ergo because our daughter just was not happy facing in and staring at our chest. We thought the Belle would be superior than a Baby Bjorn because it has a waistbelt to transfer weight to the hips (like the Ergo). The Belle is definitely less comfortable than the Ergo — less padding and it positions our daughter in a lower and more awkward position. And this last point is the main thing that makes this carrier a bad choice for me. Our daughter likes to kick her legs when in the carrier, and, well, let’s just state the trajectory of her heels are lined up perfectly with a certain sensitive spot of my male anatomy. OUCH! — over and over again. I have tried to fashion some make-shift stirrups to limit the kicking, but I would NOT advocate this carrier to any fathers that have babies with active legs! Or — if you really like the Belle, I’d advocate purchasing something like this to go along with your carrier: product link.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comments (2)

Belle Baby Carrier, January 6, 2009

By 

Katherine Ballard Dalehite “Kate” (Mexico) – See all my reviews

  

Great Baby Carrier. My son and daughter-in-law will enjoy this carrier very much as soon as they are out and about with their new baby.

Help other customers find the most helpful reviews 

Was this review helpful to you? 

>Report abuse
| Permalink

 Comment