Beco, Ergo or other?

[JAM3]

I just finished doing a search of the forum because I remember a conversation not too long ago on these carries but can't find the answer I am looking for. I have used a sling with DD for awhile now but have somehow misplaced it. I am looking to purchase something to hold DD in lines at Disney. She is a year and a half. I have read about these carries used as front and back carries a lot but not as side carries. They are both costly so I want to make sure I make the right choice! Can anyone help me?

 

[tanyaandallie]

The Beco, Ergo and Patapum are all soft structured carriers. They totally rock!!!! I much prefer them as back carriers, but they can be used as hip and front carriers as well. I've not used mine on the hip b/c I just prefer the back carry. I've used the Beco as a front carrier many times. It works fine, I just prefer my mei tai for front carries.

My personal favorite is the Beco, but all 3 are great carriers. The Beco has a taller body than the Ergo. It also has the waist band seperated in 3 pieces which allows it to fold up nice and neat. The patapum that I had (and sold) didn't have that feature so it just got shoved in a heap inside the stroller. The Beco is made of cotton material (usually) rather than the more canvas type material of the Ergo and Patapum. I just love ours. I still carry my 2.5 year old in it. We used at WDW last Nov and again last May. If you have not tried a back carry before, I highly recommend it. It's so darn comfy!!!

 

[LoveBWVVBR]

We love our Ergo, but the Beco looks nice too. I don't think that you can go wrong with either! I used to use the Ergo all the time with my 30+ lb toddler, but she's taken to whacking me in the head whenever I try to put her in a back carry now

 

[Davids-Coco]

I have two becos and love them. They make my life easier... and I was able to wear my much (15 months) through security (which was very helpful). However, they fit people differently. I would suggest trying to find a place that has one or both and try them a bit. The ergo didn't work for me because I am 5'1" and petite. I couldn't get the shoulder straps tight enough. I find the dual adjustable straps of the 4th gen beco to be perfect for me.

They can both be used as side carriers too. Beco has an instruction manual (I think ergo does too) that shows how to do that. I don't do it much though since the munch would rather be on my back.

In addition, there is a site that has a 90 day trial/guarantee on the ergo. I don't have the site off hand... but it should be easy to find through a search. But you buy a new one and then if you don't like it within the 90 days, you send it back. They don't sell the used ones (unless noted as such and you are looking for a used one) and most of the time donate the few that are returned to charity.

 

[Ariel8676]

I say Beco, its prettier and has a taller body, which means you can use it for much longer!

 

[Nanu57v]

I really wanted a BECO, but at the time it was like a 2 month wait, so I got an ERGO, which I love! DD is 2.5 now and still rides in it!

 

[design_mom]

I have an Ergo and love it. I still use it sometimes with my 3.5 year old. I have heard that th Beco has a taller body which might be nice, but I think your child will probably prefer to walk before she outgrows the Ergo.

In addition, there is a site that has a 90 day trial/guarantee on the ergo. I don't have the site off hand... but it should be easy to find through a search. But you buy a new one and then if you don't like it within the 90 days, you send it back. They don't sell the used ones (unless noted as such and you are looking for a used one) and most of the time donate the few that are returned to charity.

I bought my Ergo from the site with the 90-day money-back guarantee. Great service. I highly recommend them. I think it's against TOS to post web sites like that, but I can give it to you if you want it. Just PM me.

I hope you have a fantastic trip.

 

[thaisa47]

There are others to check out if you are interested in a SSC to use. Ergo and Beco are the two biggest names out there - Patapum, Pikkolo, CarryMeMama, Connecta, Nana's Jetpack, Kangarose, Moshi, Sutemi, and Tentoes are all examples. You can check out a list, as well as vendors of each of these carriers, at thebabywearer.com

Good luck finding a carrier! I used all of mine (wrap, SSC, Mei Tai, and pouch) while at the park a couple of weeks ago. And, of course, I chose to wrap on the rainiest day!

 

[Nanu57v]

I bought from a site with the free return service too, but I bought one of the returns and saved $15!

 

[El&Asmom]

I've had both, and for a 1.5yo, I would recommend the Ergo. The beco is beautiful, but for me the Ergo was a bit more supportive for a back carry. When dd was about 1, we didn't do as many front carries as she is tall.
I would check out thebabywearer.com forums. There is a FSOT forum where people sell gently used carriers at great prices. I have a hard time buying new carriers anymore b/c you can usually get the one you are looking for there at a much cheaper price. After you're done with the carrier, or if it doesn't work out, you can go back and sell it yourself.

Good luck

 

[snugglepeas]

I have a sutemi pack, Ive used it twice at disney and it's great you can use it front on the back or on the hip.

 

[JAM3]

Thank you for all of your suggestions. I just ordered a Ergo. Hopefully it will work out well for our upcoming trip!

 

[sbroglie]

Congrats on your ERGO purchase...it was me a while back that posted about babywearing around the park.

You WON'T regret your decision....all the carriers are great!!!!! I love my carrier and use the front carry alot with my 32 lbs, almost 2 year old (she is very tall too). I like that the ERGO comes with a DVD instructional video (unlike the BECO that is just written instructions). I've never used it for a hip carry since I use my pouch sling for that purpose.

I love the fact that I can nurse DD in the ERGO on the front and when she falls asleep, I can tighten it back up and she can ride quite comfortably in the ERGO for a long time.

Just so you know, you may have to wear your DC a few times and build up the muscles that it takes to wear a heavy toddler. The ERGO is very comfortable, but if you haven't been wearing your DC since birth, then you might need to work those new muscles.

 

[kim_o]

I need a carrier for Disney in May as my 6 month old has outgrown the Baby Bjorn. I'm looking into either a Beco or Ergo. I've read that the Beco is higher, and therefore you get more use. But does the increased height of the Beco impede the baby's head movement and sight when they are smaller? Is the lighter fabric of the Beco better for summer use or does it really not make a difference?

 

[tanyaandallie]

I need a carrier for Disney in May as my 6 month old has outgrown the Baby Bjorn. I'm looking into either a Beco or Ergo. I've read that the Beco is higher, and therefore you get more use. But does the increased height of the Beco impede the baby's head movement and sight when they are smaller? Is the lighter fabric of the Beco better for summer use or does it really not make a difference?

Your baby is 6 mos now so for Disney will be about 10 or 11 mos, right? I think she would be fine in a Beco. The beco/ergo is not my no. 1 choice for a 6 mos old. I much prefer a mei tai, but if you are buying with a Disney trip in mind, I'd definitely get one if you plan on back carrying. If you just want to front carry, I would get a mei tai. Mei tais are my preference for a front carry. I find that the big thick waist band just feels funny in a front carry. But, for a back carry, the Beco and other ssc just cannot be beat. Don't be afraid of using a back carry. They are awesome!!!

I don't think you should have any issues with the Beco being taller. We got ours when my ds was 16 mos old and he didn't have any problems with it being taller. He is pretty tiny (3% for weight and 10% for height).

I much prefer the cotton fabric of the Beco. I also like that the waist band is split into 3 so that the carrier can be folded up nicely and put away.

 

[JAM3]

I was the OP and had purchased the Ergo for DD. I wished I had it long ago when she was younger. I used the Bjorn with her. The Ergo was sooo much more comfortable for front carrying than the Bjorn. Having said that though, I ended up returning the carrier because I was really looking or a side carrier. DD is almost 2 and I will not be carrying her in the front for long. I HATED the side carrier position. The strap dug into my neck and was not comfortable for myself, DD or DH. Then personally I am not a fan of back carrying. I worry that something will happen to them. It is just a personal opinion. I was happy that I was able to return the carrier with no problems though! I have not checked to make sure I have been credited the amount yet, but the return was simple, so I would suggest the company to you as well! Oh, I also purchased the lap extension belt and thought that was nice as well.

 

[bunnyscootles]

OP Have you looked at a scootababy? These are meant to be worn on your side/hip. I don't like the Ergo for a side carry either, we use a ring sling for that because it's always a short carry for us.

 

[Ariel8676]

I would check out the Scootababy too they look really cute and people seem to really like them. I also use a ring sling for my 2 yo when we are doing hip carries for quick tips...I have a Didy wrap that was made into a RS..very comfy!

 

[encinc]

Did you try your Ergo in a back carry? My almost 3-year-old loves to be worn on my back. I used hip carries with DS1 in a ring sling before I discovered SSC's like the Ergo, but now that I've discovered them, DS2 and I are so much happier with back carries. They are a little nervewracking at first, but with a little practice you can have your child on your back in no time. Just like a piggyback, but the carrier supports all the weight.

Ellaroo makes (or used to make, I'm not sure) a hip carrier called the mei hip. It was comfy enough.