The time has come for me to share the results of the great Soft Structured (Baby) Carrrier Smackdown. In case you don’t remember, for the past few months I’ve been trying out a box full of popular baby carriers, sent to me by Laurel of Carry Me Away, an independent store that specializes in all things baby carrier. She also sells slings if you are in the market! So I’m not redundant I will say that all of these carriers (except the Ergo) come in some really gorgeous fabrics and patterns. The Ergo tends to be a little more basic in its style options. One big lesson? It is nearly impossible to get an action shot highlighting, you, a happy baby and the carrier all at once. With every carrier I was stopped when I was out and about and asked how I liked the carrier, the straps, could I put it on myself, did the baby like it – proof to me that carriers can be overwhelming!
Specifically I was sent the following carriers to give them all a run for their money:
- Beco Gemini
- Beco Soleil
- Pikkolo Carrier
- Tula Baby Carrier
- Boba Carrier
I also ran our Ergo through its paces, although it is something we already owned prior to the review. How did I test them? With each carrier I tried out the different carries (back/front/hip/forward facing when applicable) and tried to use them all for a spin through the grocery store (or something similar) as well as on a commute type trip- taking the El (Chicago’s subway system) or bus with Gracie. B tried them all on as well although he stuck mostly to the comfort of our home (when out and about Gracie typically ends up on his shoulders). So what did I think? Overall they all had something I liked, although I ended up with some favorites.
Here we go….lets get carried away….(sorry I could not resist)….
Beco Gemini
This was the carrier B was most excited about- he loved the idea of a forward facing option, in addition to being able to use it like a “traditional” carrier with the baby facing the wearer, as well as with a back carry. This was the most structured of the carriers- you could not fold this up very small as the main “front” of the carrier is padded and thick. To switch between forward facing/inward facing, you move some snaps around to change the shape of the support panel:
Ready to front carry-forward face (Beco Gemini)
Ready to forward carry-inward face (Beco Gemini)
Overall it was a nice design, but I could never get fully comfortable wearing Gracie in it. When Gracie was facing out I really felt “top heavy” and like she was pulling me forward (this probably would not be an issue with an infant). Because of design modifications made to allow for the flip carrying style (forward facing versus inward facing) I never felt like it was perfect for any one thing. That said, if you want forward facing, I’d choose this carrier over a more traditional forward facing carrier any day (Bjorn). I liked how you can use thes straps like a traditional carrier or criss cross them for your comfort. It has no pockets and no sun cover/modesty cover for breastfeeding on the go. It also features a Beco safety feature, buckles that require two hands to open. This seems like a great idea but in reality is a pain to operate when you are solo (although with practice/daily use I’m betting would become no big deal). The waist strap tightens from one side.
- Carries (4): forward carry facing out, forward carry facing in, back carry, hip carry
- Infant: no infant insert required!
- Weight: carries babies from 7 lbs to 35 lbs
- Fabric: comes in standard canvas/cotton, 1 organic color available
- Overall take: a very versatile carrier, but the versatility means you give up some comfort. Harder to pack/stow than some carriers.
Pikkolo Carrier
Pikkolo Carrier (Catbird Baby)
The next carrier on my list was the Pikkolo Carrier. I wasn’t familiar with the company- Catbird Baby- but I’m now a fan. Neither B nor I realized right away that this carrier also allows for four carry positions, just like the Beco Gemini. Unlike the Gemini, you do not have to move any snaps in order to switch back and forth, you just adjust a waist cinch.
This was the most minimal of all the carriers- the waist band is really just a nylon strap (like an airline seatbelt), and the main fabric front is thick canvas and no padding. Definitely the easiest carrier to stash and go! It also has a well designed sunshade/modesty shade that truly tucks back into the carrier when you don’t want to use it. It does not have any storage pockets. Because the waist band isn’t substantial, you can purchase a separate support belt- definitely more comfortable when you are carrying a bigger child. Between the Pikkolo and Gemini in the “forward carry facing in AND out” competition, I think I’d select the Pikkolo. It was all around more comfortable for me in both carrying positions. B liked the minimal design.
- Carries (4): forward carry facing out, forward carry facing in, back carry, hip carry
- Infant: Can be used from newborn to 40 pounds, and does not require an insert
- Weight: newborn to 40 pounds
- Fabric: canvas cotton
- Overall take: versatile carrier, with minimal design and comfortable carry. Waist strap might be undesirable for people with back problems/seeking more support, but the additional support belt (sold separately) addresses some of this issue.
Beco Soleil
Beco Soleil
Another carrier from Becco, I liked this carrier, and if it was the only one I ever tried or used, I know I’d be happy with it. It has a pocket for storage (keys/phone/etc) in the front of the waistband and the waistband is very structured- a plus for anyone with back concerns. It has a very large sun/modesty shade (for breastfeeding) that snaps into place with numerous snap locations that allow you to get a good fit. B thought the shoulder straps were very comfortable on this carrier. This carrier felt like it was a good size/fit on both B and myself, which is nice considering we’re built differently (like many couples). It has the signature Beco buckle that requires two hands to undo, which is a great safety feature but I found difficult to use when I was by myself. The waist strap tightens from both sides, a feature I liked- I felt like I got a better, faster fit.
- Carries (3): forward carry facing in, back carry, hip carry
- Infant: insert needed for infants, sold separately
- Weight: carries babies from 7-45 pounds (insert required for babies between 7 and 15 lbs)
- Fabric: canvas cotton
- Overall take: a solid carrier that would be excellent for a family with multiple adults who are going to baby-wear
Tula Baby Carrier
Tula Baby Carrier
I really, really liked the Tula carrier. It also comes in a toddler size, so if you are considering wearing a larger/heavier child, I would endorse this carrier with two thumbs up. This carrier features a sunshade that hooks instead of snaps, which I found little easier to use on the go without looking in a mirror, and I felt as though the main fabric panel was a great width for Gracie as she was a little older- it was just supremely comfortable and I could wear her for longer periods of time. B also liked this carrier and found it easy to use. B does not, however, understand the hip carry. So it did not remotely faze him when he found out this carrier does not allow for hip carrying, which might or might not bother you. The extra padding around the leg support area for the baby was a nice touch.
- Carries (2): front and back carry
- Infant: insert required, sold separately
- Weight: carries babies from 8 to 44 pounds (infant insert required for babies 8-15 lbs)
- Fabric: canvas cotton, hand-sewn
- Overall take: an easy to use, comfortable carrier that is really nicely made. I would recommend the toddler version for anyone looking to carry an older child. Updated to add: after publishing my review, I realized that my love for the Tula (and the Boba, below) was pretty equal and I think the Tula is better for where we are with a 22 pound child, so I’m keeping the Tula to love for forever and ever.
Ergo Carrier
Ergo Carrier
I owned my Ergo (organic, navy blue), but Carry Me Away carries them and I would not hesitate to buy one from them. They also carry gently used Ergo’s at a discount! This was the first carrier I ever used and after a few trial runs, it is how I survived maneuvering the airport and its security lines by myself with a 6 week old. It has a large sun/modesty shade (snaps into place) and a storage pocket in the main fabric panel (rather than the waist band, like all the other carriers). The waist band is easy to cinch, and our old nanny (very petite), B and myself were able to easily adjust the straps and get Gracie ready to go in just a few minutes.
The infant insert is VERY thick and warm- fine for us with a February baby, but I wouldn’t have used it in the summer. The flimsy snap on the insert carrier was pretty worthless- something I hope they reconsider in future models. The waistband is nicely structured- more substantial than the Pikkolo, less than the Beco models.
- Carries (3): forward carry facing in, back carry, hip carry
- Infant: insert required, sold separately
- Weight: carries a baby 8-45 pounds (infant insert required for babies 8-15 pounds)
- Fabric: comes in an organic cotton model as well as a lightweight mesh “performance” model in addition to the traditional
- Overall take: a very popular carrier for good reason. I’m glad this is what we started with, especially when Gracie was a tiny infant (it took 6 weeks to get her up to the 8 pound mark to even use the infant insert!)
Boba Carrier
Boba Carrier
This carrier and I got together like peas and carrots. I tried the 3G (which is now discontinued and available at a discount from Carry Me Away) and the 4G is now the standard model (which comes with an infant insert). I loved this carrier- so much so that I got behind in my review because I didn’t want to stop using it. Gracie is comfortable in it, it comes with foot straps for older kids and is easy to get adjusted.
I love that to tighten the waist band you can tug a strap on both sides rather than one side. This carrier is taller in the body than others, and the support is obvious in the comfort level for both the parent and baby. It has a storage pocket in the waist band and the sunshade zips away (unlike the others where it detaches/tucks away) which is genius.
- Carries (2): forward carry facing in, back carry
- Infant: insert required, but comes standard with 4G model
- Weight: 7-25 pounds for front carrying, 25-45 pounds for back carry
- Fabric: canvas cotton, organic models available
- Overall: this was my favorite carrier of the bunch. It was just SO comfortable and Gracie was the happiest in it. I think the standard infant insert is smart. It doesn’t allow for hip carrying though, which might be a deterrent for some.
So which carrier should you buy? After factoring in personal preference:
For your first carrier/main carrier? Ergo or Boba. Both are comfortable, easy to use and well designed. The Boba’s foot straps might give you more longevity, but the Ergo also allows for hip carrying. If you are going to use it with an infant, the fact that the Boba now comes with the infant insert standard might tip the scale in its favor. Both have a place in my heart!
For a larger child? The Tula or the Tula toddler.
For front carry forward facing models? The Pikkolo – it was a great all around carrier and so easy to fold up on the go. B strongly endorses the front carry, forward facing option, but only because he saw a photo of a friend sailing on San Francisco Bay with her toddler strapped to her chest and he has had visions of repeating this scene with Gracie. Not necessarily the biggest factor in selecting a model…
Be sure to check out Carry Me Away if you are in the market for a carrier, because in addition to competitive prices and free fast shipping in orders over $50, they will let you return a carrier within 30 days of purcahse if you find that one doesn’t work as well for you as you’d hoped. With Amazon’s universal baby registry button you can even register for a carrier from Carry Me Away but it will show up on an Amazon baby registry! You can find all their info here:
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I have partnered with Carry Me Away to compare and review baby carriers. I was not compensated for my writing and I will send all but the Tula carrier back (my favorite for where we are now in life!) at the conclusion of my review. My opinions have been and always will be entirely my own and I am not paid to publish positive comments.
