****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I was searching for a replacement for the Bjorn when my baby out grew it, he really enjoyed forward facing out, so I wanted to have that option. I tried out the Bjorn, Stokke, Ergo, Lillebaby, Tula, Boba. Of those that forward face out (the first 4), I found the Beco 8 to be the easiest and most comfortable. Because forward facing out is for when the baby is awake, and I would likely have to turn the baby around on longer journeys, I personally found that how the carrier converted into the forward facing out and back to forward facing in an important feature.Baby enjoyed all the carriers, but for me, a 20lb child needs to be properly supported so that it doesn't strain my back and the carrier need to be easy to put on and adjust.The Ergo fit low on me despite many adjustments and just felt odd, additionally it only goes up to 33lbs which I worried would leave me with a short usage period. It did have a easy conversion to forward facing out, but to me it seemed like the fabric was pinching the baby's legs a bitThe Stokke was very complicated, I took it home in hopes that having enough adjustable straps would ensure that I could make it fit, I just needed to figure it out right? Nope, no matter how I adjusted it, the shoulder straps put awkward strain on both my husband and I, the straps should have sat flat but once the baby was in it pulled away. The carrier was incredibly time consuming to get on--but you can do a lot of adjustments before you put the baby on you. The carabiners that hook on were cumbersome, annoying and truly just for show, a simpler snap/hook could have done the same thing and not been in the way (plus I imagine that hunk of metal near the baby's hands/head could get hot in the sun!). I wanted so much to like their carrier, but after a few weeks I had to return it.The Lillebaby fit pretty well, it was pretty easy to figure out and comfortable once properly adjusted. But I share my carrier with my husband and various sitters, so I couldn't just leave it in 1 position, I need to be able to adjust it frequently. The strap material did not slide through the buckles easily, thus adjusting the straps once I had the baby in was VERY difficult. I found myself putting the baby in, then taking him out to re-adjust, then putting him back in and so on. My normally chill baby would get frustrated with me, I would get frustrated, but after 2 weeks I decided to return this carrier. Also a big design flaw on the lillebaby is that to do forward facing out you must take the entire carrier off and struggle with removing the 2 loops on the belt portion (requires 2 hands) and snap them up. This was by far the most difficult conversion on all the carriers I tried. When I reviewed my difficulties with this carrier, not being able to easily switch from forward facing out to other positions was a big negative, if I was at the grocery store I would not have a place to put down my child while I messed with the Lillebaby. So I continued my search.The Beco 8 has exceeded my expectations for a carrier, it's comfortable, easy to use, has many positions and a few extra features that are nice to have. Out of the box, I quickly snapped on the belt, picked up the baby and put on the shoulder straps, done in moments no fidgeting no fussing. It was incredibly easy to adjust all the straps to fit and the chest strap (the center of the "H" shape if you wear it backpack style) adjusts up and down to fit many heights and weights. Being over 6' it fit my tall frame well, my other users also found it very comfortable and easy to adjust. I love the pocket, the hood, the cooling feature, optional lumbar support, etc. The front facing out is incredibly easy to convert, unsnap 2 snaps in the front and then snap them together, turn child around and put straps back over your shoulder. Baby appreciated the smooth action of the conversion and when he wants out (to eat or other things) I can get him out in a moment--release the chest strap, take off the 2 shoulder straps and you're done. The infamous safety buckles that this carrier shares with the Beco Gemini that require 2 hands to release are only on the shoulder straps (where a toddler could potentially reach and release while you are holding them), if you are wearing the carrier straps backpack style you will never need to undo these. If you are criss crossing the straps, depending on your method of putting the carrier on, you may need to undo them to take the carrier off. When I wear the Beco 8 with the straps crossed I loosen the straps so I can slide them over my head as opposed to undoing the buckles--because the straps are so smooth to loosen and tighten, it's easier for me to put the carrier on in this method rather than attempting to grab the unhooked buckle from behind. It is made in china in case anyone asks, but the quality on my carrier was great. One final note, petite users may not be able to use the lumbar support because the padded section of the belt extends around your waist a decent bit. All in all a fabulous carrier, I am really impressed.I did also enjoy the Tula and Boba carriers but because they had no forward facing out option, I chose the Beco 8. If I were looking only at forward facing in and backpack positions, I would have chosen the Tula. Also I did not get to try out the Beco Gemini that I am told is very similar to the Beco 8 and should be on your radar as well if you're looking at the Beco 8. If you're not sure, and want to try on a carrier, check out a local chapter of Baby Wearing International who lend out carriers https://babywearinginternational.org/ I highly recommend trying on a carrier before buying, the fit is different for everyone and feeling comfortable outweighs any color/pattern for me!
