Beco Carriers – Butterfly vs Gemini
September 29th, 2012 Filed under baby carriers, beco butterfly 2, Beco Gemini, Butterfly photos, new product arrivals.Beco Gemini – Left … Beco Butterfly – Center … Beco Gemini – Right
Color is Paige – Grey and Black
Notice the differences – the Gemini has the black area at top where they have snapped it down to baby’s shoulder level. If it were left up, the carrier body would look much taller, even above the baby’s head. The Gemini carrier has snaps also where the carrier body meets the adult’s waist belt. In the left photo those are not snapped down, they are showing the carrier at full width. A smaller baby would want those snapped down so the legs wouldn’t need to be opened as wide. Also, a baby in a front carry but facing outward will need those snapped down for the right size leg openings while they face out (shown in the photo on the right). The Beco Butterfly (right) does not snap down at the top, nor does it snap in for adjustable width at baby’s legs. Instead, the Butterfly carrier has an internal seat for baby and the use of the infant insert accomplishes this same goal. However, it will not do a forward-facing position where baby’s back is touching the adult’s chest. With the butterfly, baby is always tummy-to-tummy if on your front, or tummy-to-back when baby is riding on your back. The actual colored fabric panel doesn’t run as wide on the Gemini. Also the straps have a thinner or sleeker look to them, partly because they don’t need the extra buckles like the Butterfly straps do. It doesn’t show in this photo, but the Butterfly straps go “backpack style” that is, they connect to their own side rather than crossing the back as an X. There is a shoulder clip ( or chest strap if you prefer calling it that). The Gemini straps are more shaped to cross like an X over your back when baby is carried on your chest. Many people find this more supportive and distributes the weight better.
Beco Gemini – Left and the Beco Butterfly – Right
Color is Metro Black. Position is Backpack Carry.
This can be done about age 6 months, when baby sits up on their own and has full head control. As you can see in the photos, the Gemini base is fully extended for full support under baby’s bottom. the Gemini top is snapped down so baby’s head is uncovered. The Butterfly in this photo is showing an older child, but both carriers are suitable for about the same age range, 7-35 pounds on the gemini and 7-45 pounds on the butterfly. In fact, the Butterfly can do a back position sooner than the Gemini, because the Butterfly internal seat offers more support to the baby’s position, allowing a safe, secure, and confident back carry at 4 months old. The Butterfly carrier has more buckles and adjustments than the Gemini, or compared to the Ergo for instance. But it is this extra harness that most people appreciate so much in daily use, especially with new babies, because the carrier offers so much “help” in getting baby safe and snug. Most people put the carrier on themselves first and then lift baby in to position. However, the Butterfly also offers another way – lay the baby in the carrier first, check their position and buckles and then lift the whole ensemble to your chest (or your back). Many nervous parents prefer to do it this way, and only the Butterfly carrier can do it. However, this same infant insert and internal harness for older babies does prevent a hip carry position. To see the side (hip) position, look at the gemini below, the photo at the bottom left. Side carry positioning tends to be “a love it or hate it” issue. It’s the sort of thing that most people never even try, while other folks use every day. If you have been wishing your older Beco could do a hip carry, you’ll love it with the Gemini. But that said, most Gemini users will stick to the more common front and back positions for carrying baby around town. Both Beco carriers accommodate newborn babies without buying an extra insert or other accessory purchases.
Our most popular question so far is “when is the beco gemini coming out” or “when is the gemini carrier available”. Folks, it is here NOW! There is no more waiting! After that, people often ask which carrier is right for them. We hope this blog post helped you. If not, call us to chat about your individual situation – we love to help! (877) 333-0697
Also, you might want to look over the Gemini user manual. The PDF is here
Currently the Beco Gemini and Butterfly come in 6 prints and 2 solid colors. Availability is not so good right now and these colors will certainly sell out before the Fall colors are released. Pricing is $129 for Gemini and $139 for Butterfly. Free shipping is automatic within the USA. All Becos can be purchased here
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