Beco Carrier Comparison: looking at Beco 8, Gemini and Gemini COOL

There are a number of different types of Beco Carrier currently available – of the ones still in production, the Beco Gemini was launched first. They then introduced the Beco Gemini COOL and, later, the Beco 8. Beco also currently produce the Beco Carrier and Beco Toddler Carrier (which also has a COOL option).

The most popular ones from newborn are the Beco 8, Gemini and Gemini COOL. Lots of people ask me about the differences between them all so I thought I’d do a blog post going through the similarities and differences between the three.

All three carriers are available via South East Slings – and all can be purchased on my try-before-you-buy scheme – so once you know which one you’d like, CLICK HERE to make your purchase.

The table below compares the main features:

OVERVIEW

Design-wise the Beco Gemini and Gemini COOL have the same shape, settings and features. They are essentially the same design of carrier.

The Gemini has a more structured, padded body than the Gemini COOL. Some people find this a little bit easier to use – especially if they are new to babywearing.

The Beco 8 is basically the ‘big brother’ to the Gemini, it has a similar shape and settings but adjusts to be taller and wider than the Gemini, meaning it lasts a bit longer. It has a few more features too.

SIMILARITIES

DESIGN: The three carriers all have two different width settings for their body panel. The narrowest setting is always used for facing outwards, with either narrow or wider setting being used for the other 3 positions (facing in, hip carry and back carry), depending on baby’s size and developmental stage.

STRAPS: All three carriers now have the same dual-adjust straps to tighten the shoulder straps and waistband. These make tightening them really versatile, regardless of how flexible your arms are. The straps can be crossed over the wearers back, or worn straight – making them very versatile and easy to swap between wearers. They also have dual adjust webbing on the waistband. (Please note, second-hand models may not have dual-adjust straps. See my blog post here to compare the difference between the new and old straps).

AGE-RANGE: The three different carriers are all suitable from birth to walking and can be used for parent-facing, hip/side carry and (once baby is at the appropriate developmental stage) facing-outwards. All three have a back panel extender piece, to increase the height of the body panel as your little one grows.

POCKET: All three carriers have a pocket on the waistband for storing keys or other essentials when out and about.

DIFFERENCES

MATERIAL: The Gemini is made from 100% cotton. The Gemini Cool and Beco 8 are made from cotton with a polyester mesh panel.

COOL MESH PANEL: Both the Gemini COOL and the Beco 8 have a breathable mesh panel over baby’s back. The Beco 8 has the addition of a zippered panel over the mesh, meaning it is ideal as an all-seasons carrier – keeping baby cool in summer and warmer in winter.

STRAPS & BODY PADDING: The Beco Gemini COOL has more lightly padded shoulder straps and body panel than the Beco Gemini. This means it tends to suit people and babies who run hot, plus tends to be a bit cooler to wear in the summer months.

The Beco 8 has similar straps and body thickness to the Beco Gemini Cool.

CARRYING NEWBORNS: The Beco 8 has an integrated insert which provides two different width settings for supporting baby from birth, before they’re big enough to fit the main carrier without the insert. The Beco Gemini and Beco Gemini COOL do not have an insert from birth. Depending on how long baby’s torso is, you may need to wear the waistband higher – to shorten the back panel over baby – if using from birth.

CARRYING OLDER CHILDREN: Due to its taller panel and wider width, the Beco 8 is suitable for carrying older toddlers. All children are different, but I generally find it suits children up to around 3 years old. The Beco Gemini and Gemini COOL tend to work best for the first 18 months.

WAIST BAND: All three carriers have a similarly structured waistband. The Beco 8 has the addition of a removable lumbar support, which many people find helps to spread the weight more – especially as your little one gets heavier.

HOOD: All the carriers have a body panel extender piece at the top of the carrier. This can be used to extend the height of the body panel as baby grows, or be used as a support over one side of baby’s head when they are sleeping. The Beco 8 also has a soft sleep-hood, which is particularly useful if little one falls asleep on your back and you’d like to give them additional support.

PRICE: Beco Gemini and Beco Gemini COOL carriers have a RRP of £105 and the Beco 8 has a RRP of £125.

I hope that’s been helpful to you. If you would like to purchase any of these you can do so on here

If you’d like further information on any of these, to try some carriers out in person, or would like help with your existing carrier, please get in touch.

I offer one-to-one Consultations – in person and online – via Roamy Hunt Consultancy and also hold Sling Library sessions in Petersfield

You can also view videos, demonstrating the various Beco Carriers in various carrying position, on my YouTube Channel