I’m so confused! Which should I get?!?
Beco Gemini (Left) and Beco Butterfly II (Right)
If you’re having trouble deciding between the Beco Butterfly II and a Beco Gemini, then you’re in the right place! I help parents just like you each day at my store and have been doing so for years as a babywearing educator. So, let’s get started!
If you’re in Southern California, then I invite you to visit Granola Babies so we can try these on in person, but if you’re not able to visit, then let me share with you our hands on, in-person experience to help you determine which of these will work best for you.
The Features
Beco Butterfly II - has an unpadded body, a waist band that is not curved, padded shoulder straps that are worn backpack style and a unique inner harness that is between you and the baby and is shaped like a Y. The Butterfly II also has a removable sleeping hood.
Beco Gemini - has a slightly padded body that is adjustable to make it narrower at the base and the middle is also slightly narrower than the top and bottom. The straps are padded and meant to be worn crossed when in a front carry and backpack style when in a back carry. The Gemini does not have a sleeping hood, but has a softly structured headrest that can be folded up or down.
Body Talk
Ask in a forum which one people like the most and you’ll get all sorts of answers. The truth is that what your friend loves may or may not work for your body. So, let’s break it down to body type and which carrier it fits it best.
- Plus size male or female with average frame: Both will fit well.
- Plus size male or female with wider than average shoulders: Both will fit.
- Less than 5’2″ and average or plus size frame – Both will fit well
- Less than 5’2″ and very petite frame – Butterfly II is a better bet. Gemini will fit fine in the front carry, but not in a back carry since you won’t be able to cinch it tight enough for your frame.
- More than 5’2″ and average or plus size frame – Both will fit well.
- More than 5’2″ and very petite frame – Butterfly II is a better bet. Gemini doesn’t fit very petite frames as well as Butterfly II.
- Average height and weight – Both will fit well
- Above 5’9″ and average frame- Both will fit well.
Babywearing Preferences
- First time babywearer? Most parents we meet find the Gemini easier to learn to use.
- Never done a back carry and you’re nervous about doing so? Beco Butterfly II is easier for back carries than the Beco Gemini.
- Brand new little baby and need skin to skin contact? Gemini fits babies 7 lbs and up and there’s nothing between you and baby.
- Newborn 8 lbs and up? Both will fit.
- Need it for a newborn and also want to use it for your toddler? Both will work, but if you’re toddler is 35lbs or more than you’ll want the Butterfly II.
- Pregnant and carrying a toddler – Both will work, but if you’re toddler is 35lbs or more than you’ll want the Butterfly II.
- Have an up/down, up/down, up/down little one? The Butterfly II is easier to keep on and just put your little one up and down as needed.
More questions? Please post them here in this blog post and I may incorporate them into the post. Or email me at giselle [@] granolababies.com or call me at 714-445-4948.
{ 48 comments… read them below or add one }
Hello this was very helpful but I didnt see anything about which one would be easier to breastfeed in. I am 5’1″ 150lbs my son in 3 months 12 lbs give or take, and I am new to babywearing. I have a very demanding baby at this point always want to be held so are there any preferences at which one you think is better?
Thanks
Hi Samantha, because there’s nothing between you and baby in the Beco Gemini, it is easier to nurse in.
Thanks for the review.
Just wondering, when you say a petite frame, what is considered petite?
What is the hip/waist measurements that won’t fit the gemini for back wearing??
is it impossible to breastfeed a baby less than 4 months with the butterfly because of the insert between the mom and baby?
thanks!
Susanne, regardless of the age of the baby, you’ll need to breastfeed upright to make it work with the Gemini. I do that with actually even other carriers, as I find it easier at times to do that than cradle, but if you’re not used to it, it’ll take a little practice to get the hand of it.
For petite, I’ve found that if you’re 5′ and under and less than 100 lbs than it may not work well in a back carry for you.
How do I position my newborn’s legs with the Gemini? Legs out on the sides like the picture/instructions or tucked in inside the carrier? If tucked in, how do her legs fold in/look like inside?
Jennifer, it depends on the size of your baby, but with legs out with a younger baby, you’d snap the base to be narrower first. And with legs in, you’d leave it at the wider setting and put her legs in the same position you’d hold baby if you were holding her on your chest and she was to scrunch up her legs while you hold her. It’s like if she was to go down from standing to a squat position.
I’m average height/weight, and a first time mom/baby-wearer. I’m a nanny too, so I’d be on the go constantly and would need to be walking kids to/from school and spending a lot of time outside, rain or shine. I’d also need to breastfeed frequently, even while walking/hiking on trails. So, a few questions. Is one better than the other when it comes to outdoor use/rainy Seattle weather? You mentioned you’d have to breastfeed upright in the Gemini. Would that be the same with the Butterfly? I’ll need to be able to get it on and off easily as well. I really like the idea of putting it on my back securely with the Butterfly, but I love all the positions of the Gemini. I guess most of all, I’m concerned about comfort level since I’ll be wearing it a lot. So…which do you recommend?
Jen, based on what you wrote, I’d get the Butterfly II. The reasons why it’s because, a) the sleeping hood will serve as a rain/sun protector for your little one when you’re outdoors, b) you can take off your little one and still keep the Beco Butterfly II (quick in and out feature), and c) back carries are a breeze. With your requirements for a baby carrier, the Butterfly II is a better choice for you than the Beco Gemini. With both you’ll have to breastfeed upright, but you can recline baby to the side a little in each one to nurse.
Why do you mention that the Butterfly is better for back carrying? I’m leaning towards the Gemini (I have a 3 week old) but am concerned that I won’t be able to use it on my back down the road. Is it harder to use this way or not as safe?
The Butterfly II has an inner harness so that you can literally pass the baby to another caregiver to wear without taking her out of the carrier. Because of this feature, it makes back carries more secure to do, but keep in mind that most soft structured carriers don’t have this feature and still are good for back carries. It’s just that the BBII gives you that added security.
Hi Giselle,
Thanks for the great site! I’m new to babywearing and looking at (finally) getting a Beco. My daughter is 18 months and about 24lbs. I’d like to get a carrier that will work now, in the (hopefully) near future when I’m pregnant again, and with the newborn. I’m 5’5″ and average frame; my hubby is about 6′ and average frame as well. Which Beco would you recommend?
Thanks for your help!
Hi Stephanie, I’m glad you’ve found helpful! That means a lot to me. On sizing, you both fit the Beco Gemini and also the Butterfly II. It’ll fit your toddler now and will fit your newborn and both fit both of your frames (your husband and yourself). So, really it then comes down to what types of carries you want to do with it and if being able to pass the baby from you to your husband without taking her out is important. If so then that’s the Butterfly II, as well as for easy back carries. For having the straps crossed at the back and for ease of putting it on as well as being able to carry a newborn without needing an insert, then that’s the Gemini.
Decisions, decisions! Thank you for your help and quick response!
At the end of the day, they are both fabulous baby-toddler carriers, so either one will work.
We also have rentals, where you can rent both and then receive store credit for one to get new (the one you liked most) and refund for the other. Or you can rent them one at a time too. http://www.granolababies.com/rent-a-sling/cat_73.html
Thanks for this info! Are the shoulder straps equally padded for the Butterfly II and the Gemini? What about the waist belt? I’ve only ever tried on an Ergo Sport at this point but I found the padding on the shoulders/waist enough to not hurt my hips/back/shoulders with my 24lb. 17 month old. My primary passenger would be a new baby though coming very soon. I want the carrier to last through all of infancy and into her first year but I don’t foresee much moving around in the first couple weeks. My first little one is tall and skinny, I am average 5’5″ and about 150 lbs. when I am not pregnant. I don’t have an opinion about passing the baby from person to person because when we did that with my son, my husband and I always had tons of strap adjustments anyway (he’s taller and bigger than me), so leaving baby in the carrier I don’t know will be a big deal- we would have to hold her weight while we change straps and all anyway. I think either would make me happy, mostly I just want to know if they are equally as cushy and comfortable.
Hi Kristen, I found both padding on the waist and shoulders of the Gemini and the Butterfly II to be equally comfortable. Here’s a more detailed comparison that will also help – http://www.granolababies.com/blog/2010/08/beco-gemini-vs-beco-butterfly-ii/
I am wondering how either of these work with large breasted women? I am 5’2″ and have always found my Bjorn uncomfortable because of my large breasts. I am looking for something to use with my son (my third child) who is 2 months old and I’m not sure which to purchase. I like the forward facing feature of the Gemini, but wonder if he is too young for that? We are heading to Disneyland next week and I’m having a hard time figuring out what gear to bring. Thanks in advance for your help!
Danielle, both should still work well for you. They fit a wide ranges of bust sizes. At 2 months he’s too young for front facing out, but that’s ok since most babies are perfectly happy facing in if you don’t get them used to facing out.
For you though, I recommend just coming in (if you’re here in OC) and trying both out to see which one you like most. If you’re not local then renting them is another option – http://www.granolababies.com.
Hi!! Am not sure if I should go with the Beco Butterfly II or with the Beco Gemini. Am 5’1 and petite. If you could give some advice on which one would be the best choice for me it would really help. My husband is 6’1 and tall.
Hillary, being that your very petite, I would get the Butterfly II instead of the Gemini. http://www.granolababies.com/beco-butterfly-ii/cat_82.html
Hello there,
Thank you so much for this post, and for answering questions in the comments! This information has been so helpful to me as I am trying to decide between the two carriers. I am under 5′ tall and under 100 lbs. If I am only interested in front carry, would you recommend the Butterfly II or the Gemini? I don’t plan to do a back carry. Thank you in advance!
Thanks Caitlyn! If there’s a chance at all that you’d like to start doing back carries later on, then I’d get the Butterfly II. If you truly will only be doing front carries, then the Beco Gemini.
Hi! I wanted to start by saying your website has been very informative to me in chosing the proper carrier. My question is I am still torn between the butterfly 2 and gemini. I am 5′ 0″ and about 110 lbs….would that be considered a petite frame? I know you recommend the butterfly for petite frames, but I am leaning towards the gemini because I like the idea of front carry with the baby facing out. In your experience is that a common postion to use?
Hi Stephanie, it is a common use for parents that feel their babies prefer this position. I tell parents though that if you don’t get your baby used it the position, they’ll be just fine. With the Beco Gemini you’ll be able to do both of the front carries – it’s just the back carry that may not be able to get tight enough on you.
Thanks so much for your help
I live in SC where the summers are hot and humid. Have been reading that the Butterfly may be better b/c of the cloth between mother and baby although that doesn’t make a ton of sense to me. I think I would like the gemini better b/c of the various positions allowed. I already have a 3 and 5 year old and did not baby wear them but really need to be hands free with my third who will be here in a couple weeks. Do you think that the butterfly will be that much cooler for the baby?
Hi I live in Dakar, Senegal, Africa & as Shannon It’s hot & humid in Summers. I am 5′ 8½” and about 124 lbs. And I breastfeed my two weeks baby. My husband is tall too. Which one between the Butterfly and the Gemini will be the coolest for the baby and the more adapted for us?
Hi Geraldine, both would fit, but the Butterfly II is a cooler option since it doesn’t have padding.
Thanks a lot for your answer
What’s your best recommendation for a mom that’s all of a whopping 4 ft. 11 in tall & a dad that’s over 6 ft tall? This might be too much to ask for in a single carrier, but we’re really hoping to find something that not only works for both of us but is also reasonably easy for us to make all the necessary adjustments required for switching users + can be used for all ages/stages.
No, actually not too much to ask…..for a Beco Butterfly II! Both of you can easily wear the Beco Butterfly II. You’ll just have to re-adjust to you and vice versa as you each take turns wearing it. =)
Hi,
First I want to say that your website is great to help out in choosing between the different carriers. I used to own Ergo, but I found it very bulky with the baby insert and my girl, who is 3 months old now didn’t like being shoved in, but without the insert she will be to short to stay up. I am 5’54” and weigh 123 pounds. Which one of the Beco carriers would you reccommend for my frame? I want to be easy to use it on the go when we are out with the straller, but she wants to be held instead. And also for breasfeeding. I’d like all the positions of the Gemini and that is quicker to put on when on the move. Is that so? Thank you
Thanks Tatyana! The Beco Gemini is easier for nursing and is quicker to put on. Though both would fit your frame, from what you wrote, I’d choose the Beco Gemini.
I am 35 weeks pregnant with my second child and brand new to baby wearing. I am 5’3″ and about 105 lbs. pre-pregnancy. I’m leaning towards purchasing the Gemini for its versatility & simplicity, but want to make sure it’s not too bulky for my size if I do a back carry. Which do you think would suit me best?
Hi Casey, you’ll be fine with the Gemini. And I’m sure you’ll love it too. =)
What about if you’re tall and plus-size? Will either of these work for me since I’m 5’10″ and wear a size 28? I have a homemade mei tai, and I like it but I want something that will be easier when we’re on the go. I also really like the idea of a more secure back carry with the BBII, but I’m worried it won’t fit. Thanks!
Hi Amanda, I’ve had it fit many many sizes (both options). Here’s one way to tell though if it’d fit you – measure around your lower waist and see if it’s larger than 58 inches. If it is than neither would work well, in which case I’d switch to other options like a mei tai with longer straps or one that I rely on the most – a woven wrap. Another way is to visit a local store to try one on or rent one from us at http://www.granolababies.com. But, the easiest way is the measuring.
Hello, I am completely torn (like a lot of people it seems). I have a toddler who loves to be carried around the house, he seems to want to be doing what I do. However this may only last for a 10 mins at a time. I would like a carrier to enable me to still prep dinner and hang washing etc. and be quick and easy to put on if he decided a little while later that he wants down. I will also use the carrier for slightly longer trips to the shops or the beach. My son is 14 months and we are about to try for another. I would like to still carry him whislt pregnant but I am not sure if that is possible? Then I will probably use the carrier for the newborn and at times the toddler. What would you advise?
That one is easy Renae ~ it’s the Butterfly II. The key to why it’s that one for you is because you can buckle it on and then just keep it on and unbuckle the panel on and off for your quick up and down toddler. It’ll also work for newborns ~ I prefer the Beco Gemini for newborns but the Butterfly II does work too.
Hello, thankyou. I have borrowed a butterfly 2 from a friend to trial for a few days. I just LOVE how comfy it is in front carry but when I am back carrying my 14 month old I find the outer edge of the shoulder straps dig in at the front almost like they were too wide. Could I have it adjusted wrong? My son has never been in back carry before, he wasn’t particularly happy at not being able to see, are all ss carriers at a similar low position? He did start sucking his thumb at one stage so I put the head rest on and but he was not happy with not seeing
everything. Is this normal behavior if w baby is not used to the back carry position?
Hi Renae, the shoulder straps sounds to me like it just needed some more adjustment. I would borrow again if possible and play around with the adjustments to get it more comfortable on you. A little adjustment in the right place makes a huge difference when it comes to SSCs.
Back carries with a SSC is a lower back carry than you can do with a mei tai or a woven wrap baby carrier. But, most kids are still happy with back carries in SSCs so it could be that he just needs a little time to get used to it.
I know my kids hate it if I cover their heads when they are awake, so if you put the sleeping hood over him when he was awake that could be why he was not happy. I wait until fully asleep before putting up the sleepy hood.
Thankyou so much you have been very helpful! I have it back but this time it is the y panel that is the problem. It seems to be scrunched up and bub is getting his arms tangled in it. How can I make the panel sit close to my body or a tighter fit?
Hi There,
Your advice is very helpful. I’m writing because I have an 11 week old (who weights almost 10 lbs) and was using the Beco Gemini for the 4th time last week and one of the black straps that connects the shoulder strap to the front piece ripped completely. Luckily I noticed it pretty quickly and took my daughter out right away. I’m writing for two reasons: 1. Given your experience with these carriers, would you still trust it and just ask for a new one from the company? 2. I’m 4′ 11.5″ and weigh 115 lbs, my husband is 5′ 8″ and weighs 175 lbs. Based on what you’ve written here, if we do get a new one, should I switch to the Beco Butterfly? I was happy with the Gemini though I felt that the shoulder straps were a bit high—I kept thinking if they were a little lower they would give me more support and I’d be more comfortable carrying my baby for longer. My husband didn’t love the carrier because he felt a bit suffocated with it on as tight as we thought it needed to be—though I’m guessing that wouldn’t really change in the Butterfly, right? Thanks in advance for your feedback.
Hi Aliza, I am so sorry that you’re Beco Gemini broke! Assuming it was bought from a certified Beco retailer, like Granola Babies, I would suggest contacting Beco at http://www.becobabycarrier.com to have them fix it or replace it. Usually I’d say contact your retailer first, but Beco prefers the customer contact them directly. As for fit…do you have a local retailer that you can go visit to help you use the Beco (sometimes they have demos you can use like we do at Granola Babies). Or is there a local babywearing group? If you’re local, please stop by because I can get it to fit a lot more comfortable on you. It would be good to also try on the Beco Butterfly II to compare and see which one you both like most.
Thanks for your feedback. I was able to return the carrier to the seller, though Beco offered to repair/replace it. I’m in New York and there’s a place here where I can get fitted.
Hi Great wesite. I was wondering if you can do a hip carry with either of the becos? Really torn between them as i have a BB synergy that i don’t find very comfortable. Thanks!
Hi Anna, you can do so with the Beco Gemini.
Hi, that one is easy to fix – - once you have it on, reach under the baby and to your tummy area and pull the Y panel down to flatten it out more. It will also create a deeper seat for your little one too by doing this step.