Beco's "innovative built in pouch"... convenient??

[Oliver's Mama]

I'm thinking of getting a Beco Butterfly II. One reason I'm preferring it over the Ergo and similar styles is the fact that the baby is secured into the carrier, so that it's simply like putting on a backpack when putting baby on the back, as opposed to having a second helper, or somehow flinging a sqirmy infant on your back as you try to strap them in (I really can't see myself doing that or trusting myself. I really don't trust myself, hence I am not doing a tradional mei tai that requires me making knots)
The website pointed out that this feature makes it convenient to switch the baby from front to back while you're out and about, or even hand the baby over to someone else to wear. This really appeals to me as I tire easily and would love to be able to switch front to back with minimal effort or assistance.

So.. am I just dreaming, or does this feature of the "built in pouch" really work and help??

[lifeguard]

I had originally wanted a beco for this reason as well but the saleslady convinced me of the ergo. Once I got the hang of the ergo (which was really quick btw) it is super easy & I think that the built in pouch of the beco would actually be a pain. Kind of a nice to have at first but in the long run not so helpful.

I totally get that some carriers can be a bit intimidating but I've found every one that I've tried has been much easier to get the hang of then I thought & proficiency with them takes just a little practice.

[Quirky]

I think it can be a great feature, but like everything in life, you pays your money and you takes your choice! I know a lot of people who are otherwise too intimidated to try back carries -- no matter how you show them that it's not too hard, they're just scared. So the Beco's safety harness really takes a lot of the fear factor out of back carries. The switching back and forth between parents works well too as otherwise you have to do a lot of back-and-forthing to get baby and carrier transferred from one parent to the other.

That said, the safety harness does add an additional step, one that might not be a problem at all when baby is younger/in arms most of the time, but might get a bit old when baby is more mobile and crawling/walking and wants up-down-up-down all. the. time.

So you just have to figure out where you fall on the tradeoff spectrum -- simpler design of a carrier like the Ergo, but a higher learning curve, vs. additional buckles and step with the Beco, but lower learning curve.

Oh, also, the Beco has the built-in infant insert and the Ergo's is separate, and quite frankly a bit bulky. The Ergo doesn't work quite as well for newborns IME -- I prefer a different carrier for newborns/small babies who aren't ready to straddle the parent's body, whether it's a MT, ring sling, pouch, or stretchy wrap. I think the Ergo is a fantastic carrier for most people from about the 5-6 month mark on.

[pixiepunk]

if you're definitely not going to try a back carry any other way, then go for it. frankly it's really not that hard. just like anything, you have to practice it a few times before you feel confident in doing it, but it's truly not a big deal. even my DH does it.

personally for me it seems like a huge PITA. like quirky said, when kids are in that up and down and up and down phase (the time when, for me, a SSC is the most convenient) the last thing i want to be doing is strapping them into an internal harness before i even get them on me. also, i EC, so having an extra step when getting a baby off of me is going to mean a bigger chance of missing a pee. and we do more up and down with EC so i need something fast and easy, and the whole internal harness thing just seems like it's be in my way.

but like i said, if it's going to get you to babywear when you wouldn't otherwise, then i think it's great and you should get one. and maybe after you have experience with it you'll be confident enough to try something without a harness.

oh, wanted to add that if i was going to buy a SC with an internal harness, I'd get a Calyx rather than the Beco. I strongly considered one simply because of the wonderful reviews of how comfy they are, even though i hate the idea of an internal harness. So anyway, you might want to check out the Calyx too, before you decide. another carrier that also has an internal harness (but that you don't *have* to use, which makes it a nice option but doesn't limit your ability to use the carrier) is a chunei. iHosa and Woori both make chunei with a harness for infants. and personally i find a chunei 1000x more comfortable than pretty much any other carrier, definitely what i use most.

[Phridae]

I have a BB2 and the pouch is handy to have when swapping out the baby to someone else for a while. However, using to to make a back carry easier..ehhh, I dont think it helps. I still need someone to help me get DS into a comfortable position. Otherwise if you're alone, and your LO is too low, and you try to cinch it up with the jump method...well, its kinda violent to say the least.

[momtomine]

i totally disagree with some of the other posts. i have a becco, and i can get my kids on to my back soooo easy. my 2.5 year old and my 5 month old both. i just lay the becco on the front seat of the van, and buckle the baby into the "pouch" then i turn around and hoist them up just like a back pack. if i were out with no car seat to help me, i would put the becco on my front, without buckling the waist part. then put the baby in and buckled. then take off the whole thing, and hoist around to the back. sooooo easy, even if my description sounds tricky, it is not at all. and yes, i transfer the boys easily to my DH when i get too tired to wear them any more.

[Natalie143]

Here is a REALLY easy way to use a beco butterfly for ups and downs... all you do is wear the beco and add the baby afterwards.. when baby wants down then open up the outside panel.. when baby wants up again just put her into the outside panel and click
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tpzlg2c2aCw
i hope this helps!

[almadianna]

I have heard that this pounch makes it easier for inexperienced babywearers or people thar are not comfortable putting babies on their baack on their own... however it gets in the way of those who do know how to do it without the pouch.

Like another mom above said, if it is the only way you will try a backcarry then by all means get one, but they are not necessary or really convenient.

[Oliver's Mama]

Thanks for everyone's input!
I've decided to pass on the Beco, partly because it does sound like the pouch will be a pain.. maybe just a little practice getting baby on my back and I'll be fine. Taking a closer look at the structure of it, it also looks like it will be one more barrier to breastfeeding in the carrier, with that big piece of fabric strapped against you between the breasts.
I'm opting for the Action Baby Carrier now.. more along the lines of an angelpack or pikkolo, and the pricepoint is definately a deciding factor.