When I see someone wearing their baby in this town, it’s usually in an Ergo. With Pooky, I had an organic denim Ergo and, as she grew out of the newborn stage, it was definitely our go-to carrier because it was so convenient, supportive, and sturdy. Once I was able to do back carries with her, life with a babe became so much easier. I got things done around the house, didn’t need to lug around a big stroller, and kept Pooky nearby and happy.

With Bugsy, we upgraded from the denim Ergo to the most current style Ergo in black with green trim/hood. Some people complain about the bulkiness of the Ergo, but I actually found it very lightweight compared to the denim version. When it’s really hot out, it can be uncomfortable, but I think you’ll find that in general with any baby carrier.

PROS

• wonderful weight distribution means effortless carrying for long stretches without shoulder or back pain
• convenient pocket that’s great for storing wallet, keys, diaper change
• easy on and off for both front and back carries
• sturdy fabric that doesn’t require delicate treatment and can potentially last through all your children
• adjustability means most caregivers will be able to share the carrier
• great investment since the carrier can be used for a long time (newborn to toddler)

CONS

• although Josh and I can both wear it, it’s not as great of a fit on Josh as it is for me (he’s 6′, I’m 5′2″)
• not ideal for carrying a newborn. We started using it once Bugsy was able to spread his legs out around the carrier (about 2.5 months old)
• wide waistband is super supportive but makes it awkward to sit down when carrying in the front

We reviewed an older version of the Beco a while back and, since then, this baby carrier has gone through a number of different changes to arrive at the most current version known as the Beco Butterfly 2. I’ve been searching for a carrier with the convenience of buckles and ability to carry both a newborn and an older baby, so I decided to give the Butterfly 2 a try.

The Beco Butterfly 2 has a removeable infant insert that attaches to the inside panel with velcro. It allows newborns to be carried in it froggy-legged without being swallowed by the carrier and before they’re able to spread their legs out. I was really attracted to this feature. After a few times wearing Baby Brother using the insert, I realized that he was actually already large enough to go without the insert. This was back when he was about two months, weighed 10-11 pounds and measured just under two feet. We still carry him froggy-legged (legs tucked in at his side in the carrier with weight on his tushy) and were glad to be able to remove the infant insert because it was actually a bit of a pain to try to get him into it unless you actually had the time and space to insert the baby into the carrier before putting the carrier on.

As I mentioned above, the infant insert that I was looking forward to turned out to be not so convenient for quick in and out, but what about the rest of the carrier? Once the baby is in and adjustments have been made, it’s a very comfortable carrier. The padded waistband transfers weight to your hips and the lightweight material is sturdy without being bulky. I love how easily the side buckles adjust (just pull to tighten and lift the tab to loosen) and the sleeping hood is large and useful for supporting baby’s head as well as providing shade from the sun. Both Josh and I can wear the Beco comfortably, and the ease of adjusting the side buckles makes it much simpler to switch the carrier back and forth between the two of us and adjust for our different sizes.

Although the Beco is stylish and comfortable, there’s just too much to it. It’s more complicated than I think it needs to be. I miss the simplicity of the older versions of the Beco. The Butterfly 2 has a lot of buckles and a Y-shaped panel that’s not removeable (baby sits between this Y-shaped panel and the outside panel). The buckles and panel make it a hassle to put on and get the baby into the carrier. I’m always having to untangle the carrier before putting it on because it gets all twisted with the many different parts to it.

I really thought I would eventually get used to the Butterfly 2 and all the things that bothered me about it wouldn’t bother me so much anymore, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. A buckle carrier should be quick and simple, and this carrier isn’t. It’s a shame because it comes in great fabric and color options and is very comfortable once you actually get the kid into it. Price: $140.

The folks at Rockin’ Baby sure know how to create hip and stylish baby carriers. The fabrics they use for their ring slings and pouches are to die for! I’m not sure if you’ll find more beautiful fabric combinations anywhere else. This is probably one of the reasons why celebrities like Gwen Stefani make sure their babies are carried in a Rockin’ Baby carrier.

The Rockin’ Baby Pouch is reversible and adjustable. The adjustable zipper feature means that you can get the right fit most of the time, and other people who aren’t your size can also wear your baby or toddler. Unlike some other pouches out there, this pouch is made with a deep seat which is perfect for getting your newborn in and settled easily. I did find, however, that the deep seat pocket also meant that there was a lot of excess fabric when carrying a toddler in the hip position. For the most comfortable wear, make sure the fabric around the shoulder area is spread out wide.

If you’re interested in being able to adjust the fit of your carrier even more, a Rockin’ Baby Ring Sling may be perfect for you. You can get the perfect fit every time by adjusting the fabric around the rings, and you’re also left with a flowy tail of beautiful fabric (which is great for discreet nursing). It comes in only one standard size which will work on everyone, but if you’re a shorty like me, you may want to hem the length a bit depending on how long you’d like the tail. I didn’t find the ring sling shoulders to be as comfy and supportive as others I’ve tried. If you end up feeling the same way, I’d recommend seeking the amazing service of Jan at Sleeping Baby Productions who can redo the shoulder style into one that’s super comfy (my favorite shoulder style for ring slings). Jan can also shorten the sling for you if needed (and all this for only $13).

If there’s a store around you that carry these carriers, I’d highly recommend seeing them and trying them on in person. I think they look even better in real life, and the weight of the fabrics used for each carrier design can vary quite a bit. Price: $92-102 for Ring Slings and $82 for Pouches at Rockin’ Baby Sling.

Special offer for Googababy readers: Through Aug 31, receive 10% off your order at Rockin’ Baby Sling. Mention “Googababy” in checkout.