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Comparing Apples to Chocolate — A baby carrier show down

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There is one very common question I get all of the time when people see me babywearing. “How does ____ carrier compare to ____ carrier.” While my default answer tends to be something close to “how do apples compare to chocolate?” — I do actually understand that people want to attempt to figure out which will work best for them and their baby by means of a carrier lineup.  Since most people don’t own close to every major carrier on the market, I’ll be happy to give you an honest breakdown of how these 4 particular carriers stack up and how they work for us. My point of view is somewhat unique, as I have to accommodate a below average (okay… he’s below below average..) size baby who is obviously not a newborn. I also have to accommodate my toddler.

Carrier Comparison FinalThe 4 soft structured carriers (SSC’s) I get asked about most often are the LÍLLÉbaby Complete, Ergo 360, Beco Gemini and the Beco Soleil. 3 of the 4 will allow for ergonomic outward facing, which is a very popular feature right now.

Lillebaby CompleteWe’ll start with the Lillebaby Complete: The name is very fitting for this carrier. I truly feel like it is a *complete* package. Boasting a weight limit of 7-45 pounds, this carrier will last a very long time, especially when you have smaller sized kids. A panel that narrows accommodates most newborns to be legs out from the beginning without ever needing an insert. You can also do a fetal carry with a wide seat and a rolled blanket if you or baby are uncomfortable in a legs out position. The narrow seat also accommodates outward facing carries up to the 45 pound weight limit, though I don’t know that I would recommend carrying a 45 pound child in an outward facing carry. Along with the nice weight limit comes a feature to help you bare that load comfortably. A feature I have yet to see on  another carrier. The lumbar support. This pad sits nicely in the small of your back and helps to displace the weight that the carrier belt puts on your spine. (It also makes an amazing muffintop reducer when used with back carries! The #lillegirdle, if you will..) The Lillebaby Complete has 6 carry positions – A wide base fetal carry, narrow base outward facing carry, a narrow base inward facing carry, a wide base inward facing carry, a back carry, and a hip carry. (The Lillebaby also allows you to cross the straps in any front or back carry) It also comes in 4 fabric options and several colors for versatility. The Complete Original (a soft brushed cotton canvas), the Complete Organic (a buttery smooth organic cotton), The Airflow (a soft, layered mesh panel for optimal ventilation and breathability.. This carrier has a standard canvas belt and straps), and then the Complete All Seasons (Essentially the ideal combination of the Complete Original and Complete Airflow. Cotton canvas with a zip down center panel revealing the airflow mesh underneath for ventilation) For my small baby, the narrow seat option on this carrier is a sanity saver. At a year old but the size of a 4 month old, he has no interest in being stuck in an insert or on a rolled blanket. (Also, let’s be real, no parent wants to have to stick their kid in an oven mitt of an insert then strap that little heater to their chest!) He’s also a very curious little toddler who loves to see the world around him, so outward facing is a huge hit! The adjustable head/neck support is cushioned and very comfortable and attach with elastic to provide maneuverability. For my older son, this head support allows the panel of the carrier to become taller supporting more of his back. This carrier also has a removable hood and two-way adjustability on the arm straps.

 

Beco SoleilNext we’ll discuss the Beco Soleil. A well made cotton canvas structure with a nice wide panel with a high back. This carrier is very nice for bigger babies. The Soleil has a weight limit of 7-45 pounds and offers a PFA (perfect fit adjuster) strap adjustment on the shoulder straps. This carrier has a nice cushioned neck support and cushioned leg openings for a comfortable ride. The Soleil provides 3 carry positions – front, back and hip – as well as the ability to cross the straps on back. As my baby got older but not bigger, this carrier is not as ideal for us, as it does require an insert for babies that don’t fit in the wide seat yet.. And at over a year old, he does NOT want to be in an insert, but is still much too small for the wide panel. It is very comfortable for our toddler, however and the PFA’s make adjusting the panel between kids of varying sizes quite convenient. The lap belt is very comfortable for front carries, but I find it a little narrow for back carrying, especially because we mostly use this carrier for our 27 pound toddler. The lap belt does adjust from both directions which is nice for the multi-tasking mama who only has one hand available! The only feature I wish the buckles for the belt had is a safety elastic enclosure to secure to buckle clip through. The Beco Soleil also has a removable hood and comes in a wide variety of colorful prints to choose from, but only one fabric option. It’s very clean looking and easy to use.

 

Ergo 360Now on to the Ergo 360. Truth be told, I was very hopeful to have success with this carrier. My very first carrier was an Ergo and I loved it’s low maintenance wearability. With my small baby/insert issue, I was thrilled to hear Ergo had made a narrow based carrier with the ability to outward face, as well. With a weight limit of 7-33 pounds, I anticipated a carrier capable of nicely accommodating a smaller child — but still able to accommodate my toddler. I quickly realized that my baby was still not big enough and would still require the infant insert in the 360 to get a good fit for his legs. (A narrow base carrier that still requires an insert?!) Oddly enough, Even though his legs didn’t fit quite right, I found the structured seat aspect a little snug on his bum – pretty sure if he gained 5 pounds, his little booty would be suction-cupped into it. (Though, I guess he would be secure!) Our toddler is well within the weight limits of this carrier, but I am unable to get a proper seat for him in it. It may be partially because the seat often collapsed back somewhere between wide and narrow while wearing it, and the fact that the structured seat just wasn’t quite a good fit for his bum. The Ergo 360 has 4 carry positions (inward facing front carry, outward facing front carry, hip carry, and back carry). The fabric is a very nice quality, true to Ergo’s traditional carrier material. Quite sturdy, work-horse material! It comes in limited colors, but they are nice color options. The adjustable neck support was nice and padded, attaching to the structure with buttons.. and the straps were quite cushioned. It also has a stowable hood, which stows really well. The waist belt was definitely lacking, though. You secure it with Velcro first, which I had a hard time attaching tight enough. I even asked my husband to help and we, together, still couldn’t get it to give a good, sturdy feel to the belt. Then, once the velcro is attached, you hook a thin webbing buckle strap around it. The webbing is clearly there for extra security, but seemed like an after thought. The velcro was incredibly loud to remove and startled my baby. Thankfully he wasn’t sleeping. The waist panel is over all very flexible and floppy and not structured.. it bent easily while wearing. Though, this may be due to the fact that with the velcro, I was unable to get it as tight and fitted as I need to create a good stable carry.

 

Beco GeminiFinally, the Beco Gemini joins the party! A close sibling to its Soleil counterpart, the Gemini gives the fun prints and comfortable fabrics of Beco a more versatile structure. This carrier has a weight limit of 7-35 pounds and does not require an infant insert. An adjustable width base allows for smaller babies to fit comfortably before the widest seat fits, as well as allowing for ergonomic outward facing carries. The Gemini has 4 carry positions, inward facing, outward facing, hip and back carries. It also allows you to cross the straps on your back and has the dual side waist belt adjusters, just like those on the Soleil. The bulk of the shoulder strap is padded and very comfortable, but the part closest to the panel had no padding at all and feels, well, odd. The panel is a soft cotton canvas and very plush/padded. Moreso than any of the other carriers. I felt like baby was sitting inside a plush pillow.. So nice! (It definitely restricted ventilation, though. Baby gets quite sweaty in this one) This carrier is very comfortable to use for front carriers, but was awkward feeling when I attempted a back carry with my toddler. The waist belt not only accentuated my muffin top, but split me in half and gave me two! (Less is more.. especially when we’re talking about muffin tops! Haha) Speaking of the belt — The 3-point “safety” buckle makes the carrier quite interesting to get off of yourself when front carrying. Also, take caution. I didn’t press the safety release hard enough and the side prongs snapped back and pinched/cut my finger. (While this was probably a user error issue, I’m super paranoid – maybe even scared – of the buckle now.. hahaha. The Soleil has the same buckle enclosure.) The back panel on the Gemini is a bit narrow for a toddler, it does support his legs, but not as well. It is very accommodating of small babies, though. In both the wide and the narrow positions. It’s narrower panel width allows my small baby to fit the wide seat well, long before the wider panel’d carriers. The neck support was substantial and very cushioned. Attaching to the carrier with a buckle clasp. Unfortunately, however, the streamlined simplicity of this carrier means there is no hood. With no hood and the thick fabric, this is definitely not a good hot weather carrier.

So there you have it. A nice break down on these 4 carriers. We use the LÍLLÉbaby most often because of its versatility to be used well for both of our wearable kids. We also keep both Beco’s in rotation – one for each child as each accommodates one of them  well – but neither works for both kids. The Ergo 360 is not in rotation. It is simply not practical for us to use for either of our kids.

My biggest suggestion to you is, if you are able, find a local retailer and go try on multiple carriers. See how they fit your kids and your body. Baby carriers really are like jeans.. Some fit well, others won’t work for you, and one is bound to be your perfect match. Also, just like jeans — sometimes you need (okay.. want is a better word..) more than one. 

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Babies Baby Gear Baby Registry Baby Shower Baby Wearing Gifts Lillebaby Parenting

Littles wearing littles.. 

There is one question that constantly swirls when people learn of my love for LÍLLÉbaby carriers. “How does it fit on petite people?”

While I can speak for the petite height aspect (I am 5’4.. and it fits me really well!), I am definitely not in the exceptionally thin realm.. So I decided to test how small the carrier could go. What better way to test this than on a 49″, 56lb, 9-year-old boy?!

That’s right. I adjusted my LÍLLÉbaby All Seasons carrier and attempted to get a good fit on our 9 year old to see if he could wear our 11 month old, 24″, 12.5lb baby. It ended in adorable success! I will show you all just how small this carrier can go!

IMG_3069IMG_3070First: I tightened the waistband as far as it would go, but left a small amount of laxity just in case I needed to adjust a little once it was on him. (I then rolled the rest of the webbed belt up. I can’t stand when its all flopping around!)

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Next: I tightened the double adjuster on the straps all the way (note the overlap of the strap padding) and then rolled the extra webbing up as well for a cleaned up look.

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Once that was done, I took the carrier to him and strapped it around his waist. Notice the tight fit? I did have to let the belt out a tiny bit, but not much. Note the rolled webbing. (Also: please take noticed that I did not use the lumbar support for him.. the thicker section of the waist panel covered enough of his back that it added the support itself.)

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Once I had the waist fitted nicely to him, I set the baby in the seat and attached the straps across his back one at a time. I did not need to loosen them any.

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This is what the buckled straps look like. The rolled extra webbing isn’t overly obvious and he said he couldn’t even feel it.

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The completed back straps and buckle.
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Fully straight with baby in. High and knee to knee.

 

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Lots of snuggles (and brotherly nose picking..) resulted from this. It is possible and if my overly dramatic 9 year old says its comfortable.. I’m going to guess it must be fairly comfortable!

 

 

So.. there you have it! Littles wearing littles!! Let me know if you have questions. Myself, or any of my LILLEwearing friends, can attempt to answer them and troubleshoot fitting issues!

 

(I have also made a helpful diagram. Feel free to save it or pin it!)

Sibling Baby Wear Diagram copy

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Shopping and Baby Registries

If you’ve been reading my blog, you know I love to shop. If this is the first time you’ve come to my blog, now you know. Shopping is my pleasure.. Something I’m very good at. (Much to my husband’s dismay..)

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When it comes to my children, that is where the bulk of my shopping expertise is put to use. There are a million and one products on the market that all do the same thing.. All at different prices.. All of different quality. Especially for babies.

You must consider a few things when shopping for baby products.

1. Price-point – Are you on a strict budget, or is your budget more flexible?

2. Form or Function – Where does your priority lie? Do you simply want something that does the job, or something you don’t mind being a long-term piece of furniture in your home?

3. High or Low Tech – Are you a gadget lover or do you prefer less complicated gear? Or perhaps you don’t care one way or the other?

4. Brands – Are labels important to you, or do you not care who made it, so long as it works?

Once you’ve answered all of these questions, most shopping comes easy. You’ve figured out which brands are common, which brands are expensive, you can see which products have bells and whistles.. and you can obviously see which products will look like a toy store exploded in your house versus a magazine-esque photo shoot.

Now that you’ve decided on these criteria for yourself and your budget, it’s time to build your registry. Registries are good for more than just telling Baby Shower attendees what you desire. They are a good way for you to keep track of the products you need and want for baby even if purchased on your own. You’ll have a list of what still needs purchased, what has already been purchased and can see in front of you what it all will cost. If you know you will be thrown a baby shower, I would include items of all sizes and a variety of price ranges to easily accommodate your attendees preferences and budgets.

With my oldest, the only registry options were going into a store with the registry scanner and manually scanning each desired item. I thought that was fun at the time and my husband loved the scanner. Since then, I’ve learned. Online registries are so much better! When you create online registries, you have a larger array of items to choose from, you can compare products easier, there is a wider selection of premium brands that often aren’t carried in big box stores, and you can keep track of what is discontinued or out of stock.

My favorite online registry? Diapers.com – I’m on baby number 4 and the first thing I did for him was start my registry. Not for a baby shower per say, (…he is baby number 4..) but as my own shopping list and a place to send people when they ask. Why Diapers.com? First, they have such a wide variety of products, they accommodate nearly all of my very particular tastes of baby gear. Second, once you reach $500 in purchases from your registry, you earn credits. When you’re buying large furniture, car seats and strollers.. The numbers can quickly add up and the credits pay off! Lastly, my favorite part of a Diapers.com registry.. FREE 1-2 day shipping on most items (unless shipping direct from manufacturer which may take longer, but is stated as such) It doesn’t matter if its a crib, a stroller, a bottle of baby shampoo.. No item too big or small, it will ship free. If others are shopping from your registry, they can opt to have it mailed directly to an address you have provided or delivered to themselves. This is particularly nice for out-of-town family that may want to buy a gift for baby but can’t deliver it to you in person. They can even request gift wrapping on many items.

In addition to all of those wonderful features, they provide a “Ship Later” option. Something can be purchased that you won’t need immediately, and shipped to you at a later specified date. Also, a “Thank You Manager” to keep track of who sent or purchased what, and check off when you’ve sent a Thank You note. The “Dollars for Diapers” option allows people to purchase credits that will be added to your account to be used for diapers as you need them! A fabulous feature, which allows you to not over-purchase one size of diaper that baby ends up outgrowing. Just use your credits as needed for the size you need. (They’ll arrive in 1-2 days, after all!) And last but not least is the “10% Registry Completion” perk that allows you to purchase any of your remaining registry items after baby is born at a 10% discount.

Go forth, find your baby gear preferences, enjoy building your registry and start shopping for baby! It’s such a fun process! (Might I recommend adding some Aden + Anais Muslin Swaddle Blankets.. A Diaper Bag Confessions Favorite!)

If you’ve never shopped at Diapers.com, or their sister sites, before — feel free to take advantage of 20% off your first order: Use code SIMP0570 or click the image below.

use code: SIMP0570
Buy Baby Items at Diapers.com

New customers to Diapers.com, YoYo.com or other Quidsi sites only. $20 maximum discount. Subject to change or cancellation.

Note: This post is not sponsored in any way by diapers.com – the opinions I’ve expressed are my own, simply because I love shopping with diapers.com and the registry program they offer.