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131 of 132 found the following review helpful:
 Great carrier, could use a few tweaks Nov 08, 2010
By curiousgeorge
I spent a lot of time online researching this carrier before purchasing it for use with my newborn, as it had just come onto the market when I purchased it and I wanted to make sure it was worth it. All in all, it is the most supportive and comfortable carrier (for the parent) I have used. I have an Ergo, a Babyhawk Mei Tai, a Moby wrap, a ring sling, and a hotsling. I purchased this one because of the compelling, additional feature that it allows babies to face out, as in the Baby Bjorn (which kills your back and is not ergonomically fit for baby). We went for a long hike with my son when he was 7 months, and after using the front, side and back positions, he really wanted to just face out.
First of all, I put this carrier on with my 33 month old while I was 38 weeks pregnant, and it was actually comfortable (granted, I would not have taken a hike, but it was as good as I can imagine, better than Ergo). I like that for toddler (it is rated up to 35 lbs), the back goes up higher than the Ergo (they can back-arch and threaten to fall out even as a baby in the Ergo). This one feels much more secure for a toddler. I have put my toddler on my back since having the baby, and it is still comfortable -- well, more so, as there is no big belly there! This would be my choice (out of the ones I have) if I needed to carry a toddler in a carrier for a hike or the airport or something.
Second, I used this carrier with my newborn. To use the carrier for a newborn, you snap the bottom part in so that their feet can go through a smaller opening. The feet do hang down, like in the Bjorn (not like the Mei Tai or Ergo with infant insert, where legs are inside carrier in froggy position). My husband says he has trouble sitting down with the carrier on because baby's legs are uncomfortable. I haven't had this problem, though, they just sort of fold under the carrier when I sit. However, I could see how switching parent positions from sitting to standing might disturb him a bit more because of this feature. I have to say that even though it is rated to a minimum of 8 lbs, I put my approximately 10 newborn in there at about 2 weeks, and he seemed to curl out to the sides, and was too floppy in there. I did not feel safe with him in there, so I did not use it for a while. I tried again at about 5 weeks, when baby was 12 lbs, and it felt much more comfortable. He still seemed to curl out to the sides a bit, though. Also, his arms hang right over where the shoulder straps attach to the carrier, and it seemed like it could get uncomfortable for him (straps hit right under his armpit, so could maybe cut off circulation if he were in a certain position. However, I discovered that if I put a (relatively thick) blanket in there around him, folded so that it covered his back and went around the sides, he did not budge from the correct position, and the blanket kept his arms inside the carrier. I imagine this would work for a smaller baby as well, even though I didn't try it earlier. So, even though I think the carrier is not really well designed by itself for such a small baby, this is a quick and easy fix.
Third, I have had two of my friends try it with their 7-8 month olds. The carrier also works well for that age. This is the age where they can face out, and are interesting in seeing and learning about the world around them. If they get overstimulated, you can just switch them to facing in again. The carrier looked comfortable for the babies. It was funny that only their eyes and nose made it over the top of the carrier, but I guess that was enough for them to see out.
Some features:
Positions for use: Front facing in, front facing out, back carry, side carry
Shoulder straps can be used backpack style, or crossed in the back if you are doing a front carry, which is more comfortable
Has a sleeping "hood" (really just extra carrier) that snaps up
Bottom part snaps to smaller size for small babies and for front facing out position
Very comfortable, cushy shoulder straps and waist belt
Waist belt expands longer than Ergo, so good for larger people without having to purchase extra strap
Safety features on shoulder and waist straps
Carrier itself is very cushy and padded, comfortable for baby
Body of carrier is thinner than the Ergo, and even the Babyhawk Mei Tai
Pros
Great for newborn up to 35 pounds
Very comfortable for the adult
Has option of facing in or out in front carry
Overall, the versatility of this carrier make it a great investment
Cons
For newborn, really requires use of blanket or something to keep baby well-positioned. This is not a huge con, but just something to be aware of, even though the manufacturer says you can use it as is, I didn't feel safe.
There is no useful pocket on the front to carry things like cell phone, keys
The straps for the hood just kindof dangle down, but you can attach them together under the sleeping hood to keep them out of the way
Sleep hood probably doesn't go high enough for a toddler, though I haven't tried it.
Sleep hood cannot really be used to cover up while nursing (like the Ergo can), because it doesn't go up very high
The safety mechanisms on the straps are really just a pain. It means you need two hands to open them (unless you are very coordinated -- I'm trying). As you know if you have a baby, you usually need one hand to support baby while you are taking the carrier off. While I know they are trying to be safer, this is not a feature I like.
While I have a lot of cons listed, I write them so that you can keep them in mind and maybe the manufacturer will consider making these minor changes in future models. Overall, I really do love this carrier, and I think it will be my go to carrier once baby is about 4 months, and I like it better than the Ergo for most features. However, as a newborn, my go-to carrier is the Moby wrap to calm him, or the Mei Tai for quick hands-free shopping. I still use it at this age, but if I really need to calm him, I grab the Moby, and the Mei Tai is more transportable for shopping at this age. But, I know that once baby is a bit heavier, these options will no longer work, so I look forward to getting even more use out of the Gemini in the future.
UPDATE at 4 months:
CONS
First, I have to second the opinion of the commenter that the sleeping flap is pretty awful! The strings dig right into baby's head! The design would have been much better with some sort of cloth strap instead.
Second, the back strap (chest strap if in back carry) can come undone and is not very secure. It seems there is an option to remove it, so you can just slip it off entirely. Unfortunately, you can't close off that opening, so it is a bit dangerous. Plus, the clip is not that secure to begin with.
Third, the waist strap is strangely too short on one side. For those of us who put on carrier while holding baby, this is problematic. I always have it on the max and would like to be able to loosen it more for putting carrier on, to then adjust once it's on.
Still hate the extra secure button on the waist strap snap, but have been learned to do it one-handed.
PROS
Still very, very comfortable for the wearer
LOVE that baby can face out (which he really loves at this age) and still be ergonomically comfortable/safe
THIS is now my and my husband's go to carrier for everything.
UPDATE at 10 months:
This is definitely my go-to carrier. It is much more comfortable than the Ergo, as baby gets heavier. Crossing straps in the back even make front carrying relatively comfortable (though not recommended for long periods of time). My husband and I both use this one all the time, and it is quick and easy to adjust. After 10 months, my complaints are still the following:
1. The "chest" strap (strap connecting shoulder straps) comes off relatively frequently and this is a nuisance. There should be no opening in the plastic allowing that to happen.
2. The two-handed safety for the waist strap is a nuisance -- you really need one hand for baby and one hand for the buckle! We solved this problem and disabled ours by carefully removing the part that buckles for the third (extra hand) release. I guess I would not recommend this as I am sure the manufacturer would not approve, but it is what it is.
3. The sleeping panel connectors are still really a pain and basically not very usable. The string connecting to the top is hard on babies head, except if you pull it very tight, but baby pushing head back can loosen them so that they are long again and digging into head.
4. It's kindof a pain that the waist buckle is so far to the right of the body. I really prefer a placement closer to the center because I often delicately remove carrier while holding sleeping baby and this makes it a bit tough if I am using my left hand. Not a huge issue, but would be nice if it were improved in next version.
HOWEVER, I only mention these cons because you should be aware of them. We are VERY happy with this carrier. It is by far the most COMFORTABLE, VERSATILE carrier out there that I am aware of!
37 of 40 found the following review helpful:
 FINALLY! May 06, 2011
By madge gooligan
"madge gooligan"
We've tried every carrier-maya sling, pouch, bjorn, ergo, mobywrap. THIS is the one that works! Here's a summary of what's worked or not and why:
Maya sling - not suitable for long periods of wear. The metal o ring digs into my shoulder, and becomes painful after extended use. I also have personally never felt quite 100% confident that my baby was securely in the wrap, though i'm sure this is probably operator error. Other people love slings.
Pouch - we tried this when our girl was very little, and the ease and portability of this piece was undone by my constantly having to support her within the pouch. Again, probably operator error, but I wasn't too pleased with its performance.
Bjorn - this is a great option if you have the back strength of an olympian. Our daughter absolutely loves the bjorn, as she can face out and see the world. I hate it because even after a 5 minute walk, i'm nearly in traction from the back pain. We live in brooklyn, so we walk a lot, and this is just not an option. I should mention our baby is now 8 months old, and weighs about 17 lbs.
Ergo (sport) - my favorite. supportive, easy to use, fantastic for extended wear. This is a super option IF your baby likes it. Ours does not, because as mentioned, she prefers to face out and engage with the world, and actually gets frustrated having to face me. When in the ergo, she spends her time craning her neck, to try to look out. Also, when used in the hip carry position, i found myself to be incredibly off balance, with so much weight on one side. I fell - with baby - while in hip carry position, due to uneven balance. Once again, this is probably operator error, and my own sense of imbalance, but perhaps worth noting for the clumsier baby-wearer.
Mobywrap - simply put, too much going on for me. The ends of the wrap, when unwrapped, would wind up sweeping the dirty floor/street, etc. when not done up, and again, brooklyn.... dirt... gross. If you live in an extremely clean environment, this might be a great option, though it requires a lot of wrapping to get going. Certainly fine for many, just not my preference.
Beco Gemini - oh thank god. This combines the face-out feature of the bjorn, with the fantastic ergonomic weight distribution of the ergo! The fabric is organic - always a plus - and the print is cute and chic. The carrier also features 4 ways to wear, so i feel like i'm getting the best of all carriers here. I'm quite tall (5'9"), and while my baby does not seem to sit as high on my chest as in the instructions, we're both quite comfortable and happy. We can now take long walks without pain (me) and frustration (baby)! As the weight limit is up to 35 lbs, we'll be using the gemini for a long time to come.
I'm very pleased with this carrier, and i'd highly recommend to all.
Update: our baby is now 15 months, and we still carry her in the Beco Gemini twice a day ~ we're all very happy with this purchase.
31 of 33 found the following review helpful:
 DO NOT WASH THE METRO BLACK GEMINI Feb 17, 2011
By J. Thompson
We purchased the Metro Black Gemini when our baby was born 5 months ago and just started using it about 2 months ago. I decided to wash it for the first time last week and followed the instructions that were given. It looks HORRIBLE!! The material faded badly and it looks to be about 10 years old now! I emailed customer service and they told me that it was due to the nature of the organic fabric and dyes that were used. They recommended spot treating instead of washing but that was NEVER stated in the directions! You can't actually spot treat when your child vomits or drools on half of it. I do love my carrier but will be purchasing another one (not a Metro Black Gemini) soon because it looks so worn and old. For $130 you would think you would get superior quality, but sadly this wasn't the case with Beco.
12 of 12 found the following review helpful:
Two handed "child-safe clips"??? Are you kidding? Aug 02, 2011
By Sarah
This carrier has all the potential of being the best on the market. It is *very* comfortable. It doesn't require an extra infant insert. It allows both front and back facing kids, on your chest or your back. It has one fatal flaw. All the clips on it are "child-proof" requiring one hand to hold the safety clip down and the other hand to pinch open the clips. Really??? Are we now concerned the under age 1 kid is going to "open" clips like this? The result is that you literally cannot escape the carrier after putting it on. Once there is a baby + carrier + post-partum you in the carrier, it is impossible to wrap both arms all the way around to reach the clasps (granted, I am short so my arms are not long). The only way out is to loosen the connectors with one hand and weave your way out, BUT I did this and the narrow webbing folded up on itself, thus locking the carrier in place! I had to get help to get out of it while calming my 5 week old.
I often wish I had three hands. Top rated products are things that only require one hand. This product fails that mom test.
14 of 15 found the following review helpful:
Beco vs Baby Bjorn vs Ergo Aug 25, 2011
By TZ
I own the original Baby Bjorn (classic), the Baby Bjorn Synergy, the Beco Gemini and a Balboa Baby Sling. I've test driven the Baby Bjorn Comfort, the Ergo, and the Beco Butterfly in the store with my baby. In order of preference, I like the Beco Gemini best, then the Beco Butterfly, Ergo, Baby Bjorn Comfort, Baby Bjorn Synergy, and the BB Classic last. The baby sling is in a category of its own because it is slung only over one shoulder.
Here's my evaluation of the different carriers
**Baby Bjorn Classic (I own this)
Pros: Really good design with clasps that click when secure, easy to take on and off. Well made carrier. Can carry baby facing in and out. Can be used with newborn.
Cons: Hurts your neck and back. The problem is that the Baby Bjorn is designed to put the weight on your shoulders and once your baby is over 10 lbs, the average woman will develop a neck ache from using this carrier. I've talked to lots of moms and they hate the Bjorn for this reason. Men seem to have fewer problems with it, maybe because their shoulders are stronger. Made of thick material which overheats baby.
**Baby Bjorn Synergy (I own this)
This is almost exactly the same as the Classic except that it has an added lumbar support and is made of mesh, so the baby doesn't get too hot. Everything else with the clasps and the use of the carrier is the same. I bought this thinking the lumbar support would help my neck strain but it didn't help at all. My neck still hurt a lot. This is a lot more expensive than the Classic but doesn't seem to add much benefit.
**Baby Bjorn Comfort (Tried it on in store)
Pros: Puts weight on your hips. Allows baby to be carried facing in and out.
Cons: Bulky and difficult to put on. Weight is on hips but it still isn't as comfortable as the Ergo, which distributes the weight better. Cannot be used with newborns. I think the minimum weight is 13lbs.
**Ergo (Tried it on in store)
Pros: Puts the weight on your hips. Comfortable to use. Can carry baby on front, back, and side.
Cons: Clumsy to put on and take off. Difficult to put baby into carrier and take him out. Cannot carry baby on your front facing out. For newborns, you have to buy a separate infant insert which is huge and awkward, and carries the baby with his legs scrunched up. My baby hated it and screamed the whole time he was in it. Design is kind of ugly.
**Beco Butterfly (Tried it on in store)
Pros: Puts the weight on your hips. Comfortable to use. Has an internal pouch so you can strap on the carrier to yourself, adjust the straps, before putting the baby in (you can't do that with the Ergo). This internal pouch makes it a lot easier to put the baby on your back, because you can put the baby in the pouch, turn around, and strap the carrier to your body. Comes with built-in infant insert. Nice looking carrier. Can carry baby on front, back, and side.
Cons: Easier to put on than Ergo but still clumsy. Baby cannot face out. Baby's legs are scrunched up inside infant insert.
**Beco Gemini (I own this)
Pros: Puts the weight on your hips. Comfortable to use (no more neck ache!!!). Baby can face in or out. Nice looking carrier. Can carry baby on front, back, side.
Cons: Very clumsy to put on and take off. Straps drag on ground while you struggle to put it on, and you have to be careful the baby doesn't fall out while you do so. Clasps are difficult to click and unclick. Straps and cords don't seem well thought out and sort of drape over the baby's face. Carrier is supposed to carry newborns but baby would have to have his legs scrunched up froggy style inside or stretch out wide on side, so I don't recommend it. I think it's OK for babies 3-4 months and up. (Note: I have a lot of cons for this carrier not because it's a bad carrier, but because I use it a lot so I have had a lot of time to think of things I could change. I still really do like this carrier. I use it allll the time.)
**Baby Sling (I own this)
The baby sling is slung over one shoulder so it's a totally different creature than the front/back carriers. My baby couldn't use it as a newborn as he had no neck control and just slouched over with his neck buried into his chest in a dangerous way when I put him in. When he got older and could hold up his neck, he hated being squashed into the sling. Finally when he hit 5 months old and could sit up with support he started to like the sling as he could sit up and look around in it, but by then he was too heavy to lug around on one shoulder. I use the sling mostly for short trips from the car to the store, when I don't want to take time to strap on a carrier. I know other moms use the sling a lot, even with newborns, but I think it really depends on your baby. Some love it, some hate it. I'd still say be careful with newborns though, as a newborn might not be able to breathe properly with his head folded into his chest.
Conclusion: I love the engineering of the Baby Bjorn. They've thought very carefully about where straps go and how clasps click together, and how the baby goes in and out of the carrier. Unfortunately the Baby Bjorn just hurts my neck too much to be usable. Ultimately there is still no perfect carrier, but I went with the Beco Gemini because it is comfortable and allows my baby to face forward, and I sort of put up with the weird straps.
An extra note for the Beco. If your baby doesn't mind facing inwards, I would actually recommend the Beco Butterfly, just because the internal pouch makes it so much easier to wear the carrier and put the baby in and out. My baby loves facing out, so I went with the Gemini. Using the Gemini takes practice, and I can't even imagine how I'm going to put the baby on my back unassisted. Still, I have been using the Gemini for over a few months now and I love how my neck no longer hurts. Baby rides in it comfortably. I'd put the extra $20 in and get the strap drool pads, as baby sucks on the straps all day. Love the different patterns the Beco comes in. I own Ginger and it's beautiful!
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