Community› The Bump Message Boards› Attachment Parenting
Attachment Parenting
New Discussion

Beco Gemini or Ergo?

katfazkatfaz member
in Attachment Parenting
I am going back and forth between these two.  I haven't tried the Beco, but I tried the Ergo (front carry) and it seemed comfortable for the short time I wore her.
The Ergo doesn't accommodate the baby facing out, where the Beco does.  Anyone have any experience with the Beco?  How long were you able to face your baby out (age in months/weigh/height)?  Looking for any recommendations/feedback on these two carriers.

Thanks in advance!!
Report Reply to Post

Re: Beco Gemini or Ergo?

  • JJ_13JJ_13 member

    I have both and overall I prefer the Beco Gemini.

    I like the fact that I can face LO out (you shouldn't wear them facing out for extended periods of time b/c of hip risks, but I was fine with it for short periods), and I think it is a softer, more comfortable carrier for LO. I also like the fact that the back straps criss-cross in the back for the front carry.

    The only things I don't like about the beco are: 1) it has these safty catches on the clips; they annoy me and I don't think they're necessary and 2) it is too warm for the summer months; in the summer I use the Ergo, and even that I use sparingly b/c it's so dang hot here.

    Some people think the Beco gets small too quickly. I haven't had that issue yet. My LO is 21 pounds, almost 10 months old. I think it is supposed to fit them up to 35 pounds. My guess is 35 pounds would be a stretch. Just as it says 7 pounds for starting, my LO didn't go in it comfortably until she was closer to 10 - 12 pounds. I think a more realistic weight range is 10 to 30 lbs.

    Report Reply
  • Loading the player...
  • pixieprincsspixieprincss member
    edited October 2013
    How tall are you? Many people 5'2 and under and those with slighter shoulders find Beco a better fit for their frame. Facing out is really rough on the wearer's back and hard for baby to cuddle in when tired or overstimulated, so while it may be a feature that piques interest, I wouldn't sweat it. A back carry or hip carry can meet baby's desire to see out in a more ergonomic way. The Beco's narrower base/crotch will not stay knee-to-knee on baby for as long as an Ergo will, but that isn't a deal-breaker to me, as it still puts baby in the optimal knees-above-bum seated position.  For my body (5'1, slender shoulders but large bust), I'd pick the Beco. How old is your baby? One of the things I love about the Gemini is that I could put even a new baby in it. The Ergo infant insert is a pain and hot, IMO.

    imageimageimage

    image
    More Green For Less Green

    Report Reply
  • katfazkatfaz member
    I am 5'4'' and my LO is 5 months old and can almost sit unsupported (yipee!!)  I've worn her in the Bjorn and she absolutely LOVES facing out, but it's killing my back obviously.  I like the thought of her being able to face out in the Beco (or in the Cybex 2Go, have you heard of that one?) but if being able to wear her facing out is short-lived I don't want that to be the only reason I buy the Beco.  Since it's a hefty investment, I just want to make sure I explore all carriers and weigh all the options before investing.  Thanks!
    Report Reply
  • pixieprincsspixieprincss member
    katfaz said:
    I am 5'4'' and my LO is 5 months old and can almost sit unsupported (yipee!!)  I've worn her in the Bjorn and she absolutely LOVES facing out, but it's killing my back obviously.  I like the thought of her being able to face out in the Beco (or in the Cybex 2Go, have you heard of that one?) but if being able to wear her facing out is short-lived I don't want that to be the only reason I buy the Beco.  Since it's a hefty investment, I just want to make sure I explore all carriers and weigh all the options before investing.  Thanks!

    If your back is already hurting with this, I'd just plan to switch to back carries soon and focus on other features than facing out. 5 months is a fine age to work on back carries if baby's body fits the height of the carrier's body well, and it sounds like she's sturdy.

     

    I have not seen a Cybex in person, but I did notice that in their manufacturer's pictures, the babies don't seem to be in an optimal position (head high enough to kiss without straining, baby's face visible to wearer). It may be a fine carrier, but I figure if the model in the promos, working with the makers, can't get it "right" then I probably can't either. YKWIM?

    Do you have a babywearing group around you? That is a great way to try out different carriers before you buy.

    imageimageimage

    image
    More Green For Less Green

    Report Reply
  • katfazkatfaz member
    To my knowledge there is no baby wearing group in my area, I've asked around and no one has been able to point me in the right direction.  If so, that would be optimal as it would allow me to talk to other moms and possibly try them on to see which works best before purchasing!

    ClaryPax: The Ergo allows for front carry (facing in), hip carry, and back carry.
    Report Reply
  • JJ_13JJ_13 member

    @katfaz: I am also 5'4" and like the Beco. I think the Beco's wide crotch carry is great - not sure what Pixie was talking about - the Beco has a narrow carry option but you just unsnap/resnap to get to the wide crotch carry.

    I will say, however, that I prefer my Ergo for back carry position. Maybe i just haven't got the Beco quite right, but it seemed awkward on the back carry whereas the Ergo was very comfortable in that position.

    Maybe check on Craigs List for used ones? That could maybe allow you to buy both! In my opinion, while they are both SSC, they are quite different in feel and fit.

    Report Reply
  • PumpkinAndThePeanutPumpkinAndThePeanut member
    I have both (for my twins) and although I haven't worn the Ergo much yet (it's more for DH), my Beco hurts my back. Not sure if I'm just not wearing the waist strap at the right place on my waist? but after wearing my 13 pound DD on my front for 45 minutes, my lower back hurts. I'm 5'5", average build but I guess I have a slightly long torso.

    I agree with PP about the tricky safety clips on the Beco; they're a bit annoying while the Ergo is really easy to get on and off. I like the pockets on the Ergo too for storing keys, phone, etc.
    Image and video hosting by TinyPic
    Report Reply
  • opheliainwadersopheliainwaders member
    ClaryPax said:
    Thanks for posting this.  I have been coveting the Ergo hardcore and didn't realize that it only works facing forward.  When LO is facing me, she is constantly banging me with her head- thats just the way she moves (very bouncy), and it is very uncomfortable.  I know facing me is better for them, but I like to have the option of either.  Can you do a back carry in the Ergo?   
    Yep, you can back carry. They need to have strong head control, and be comfortable with their legs spread relatively wide, but you could probably start around 5 months, maybe 4 if you had a prodigy.
    Baby Birthday Ticker Ticker
    Report Reply
This discussion has been closed.
Choose Another Board
Search Boards
"
"