Choose this carrier if: | You want a rugged and comfortable carrier that works well for both parents. You do a lot of hiking or day trips. The extra padding on the ERGO makes it the most comfortable for long carries. Your child is already a heavy toddler or preschooler. You are not petite or very narrow-shouldered. You want extra matching accessories, such as a backpack. Your child hates to have his arms restrained. You want a carrier that is quick and easy to get in and out of. | You want one carrier to do it all: from birth to toddlerhood, in a variety of carries. You want the flexibility of a mei tai with the convenience of buckles. You want a carrier that is customizable to your child. Shorter with a narrower base for little ones, and wider and taller for your toddler. You have small baby who wants to be able to see everything. You want to be able to cross the shoulder straps for front carries. You want a carrier that is quick and easy to get in and out of. You are petite or narrow-shouldered and find that other carriers are too big and bulky for you. | You want a carrier designed for newborns that works with toddlers, too. You want a sleek, trim carrier. You have trouble getting your child into a back carry, or worry that you will. You’d like to be able to put your child in the carrier before putting it on, or transfer baby between wearers without taking baby out of the carrier. You want the extra security provided by a safety harness even if it means extra time getting baby into and out of your carrier. You are petite or narrow-shouldered and find that other carriers are too big and bulky for you. | You want one carrier to do it all: from birth to toddlerhood, in a variety of carries. You want a carrier that is versatile and customizable to your child: shorter and with a narrower base for little ones, wider and tall for your toddler. You want to be able to cross the shoulder straps for front carries. You want a carrier that is quick and easy to get in and out of. | You like the look of a Mei Tai but want the ease of use of a buckle carrier. You want a carrier to toss in the diaper bag. You want to be able to cross straps in back for front carry. You like the prettier look of rings vs. sporty buckles. You like a more natural look. You want a reversible carrier. You want a more affordable option. | You want the ease of a pouch without the sizing hassles. You want a dedicated hip carrier that is easy to use. You want a carrier that is daddy-friendly. You primarily do hip carries – this carrier is more comfortable for hip carries than our other buckle carriers (can also be worn on front or back). |
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| Features you'll love: | Easy to use. Attached chest strap provides extra support for back carries and never gets lost. Pocket on carrier body can fit a diaper and wipes, plus your wallet and keys. Matching accessories provide extra storage. | Customizable for different size/age children and wearers. Can be made shorter or longer, narrower or wider. The only true buckle carrier that can do a high back carry. Versatile - lots of positions. Optional support belt adds extra support for carrying heavier children. Fun patterns. | Detachable infant insert makes Beco a snap to use with infants, then easily converts to a carrier for older children. Safety harness makes back carries easy to achieve, can put baby in before putting on carrier. Slim-fitting design looks great. | Customizable for different size/age children and wearers. Can be made shorter or longer, narrower or wider. Very versatile - lots of wearng positions. Slim-fitting design looks great. | Beautiful fabrics, natural look. Small and compact. Least expensive. | The most comfortable buckle hip carrier on the market. Fleece shoulder cups your shoulder without restricting arm movement. Padded waistbelt draws weight onto your hips and off your shoulders (unlike most hip carriers). |
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| Possible downsides | Base of carrier is too wide for some small babies. Not ideal for newborns due to need to use infant insert, which is bulky and can feel awkward. The short body isn’t as supportive for kids who are “leaners.” Some wearers find the padding in straps and body overly bulky. Hip carry is less comfortable. No forward facing carry. | The variety of options can be intimidating at first. Slightly greater learning curve compared to ERGO and Beco. Chest strap can be easily lost. No pocket or accessories. | If you are already comfortable with carriers, you may find the safety harness a hassle. Older children's shoes can get tangled in the straps when loading up. There is fabric between you and baby. No hip or forward-facing carry. Most people need two hands to unsnap buckles. | No pocket or storage options. Slightly greater learning curve, due to versatility. | Can’t be used for newborns. No hip or forward facing carry. Padding on waist straps is very light, doesn’t shift as much weight to hips. Sleeping hood isn’t the best. No pocket or accessories. | Weight carried on one shoulder means this carrier is best for shorter trips. Not usable with newborns. No sleeping hood. No pocket or accessories. |
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