Soft Structured Carrier Guide

A soft structured carrier (buckle carrier) is a baby carrier...with buckles! :) It is based on the mei tai design, but instead of straps that you tie on, it has buckles that you buckle on. They are super easy to use and a favorite among daddies. Most buckle carriers have a padded waist and shoulder straps. Some cross at the back when doing a front carry and some go over your arms and shoulders like a back pack. 

Comparison Chart

Purpose/Need	Boba (both Organic & Classic)	Ergo	Beco Gemini	Beco Butterfly II	Scootababy
Front Carrier
Back Carrier
Hip Carrier *We are only marking the Scootababy, since the others are not the most comfortable for hip carries.
Use with both partners
Recommended for infants
Supportive for heavier babies/toddlers
Best for nursing new baby
Housework
High back carry (peek over shoulder)
Hiking
Quickest for in and out
Purpose/Need	Boba	Ergo	Beco Gemini	Beco Buttefly II	Scootababy

Soft Structured Carrier Features

Boba 2G Baby Carrier in Organic and also Classic

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded curved waist band that adjusts two ways (front and back)
• Tall body that is recommended with only older babies and toddlers. My 10 month old fit into it just right, but at 6 months, he'd be too small for it.
• Curved panel that conforms to your little one's body.
• Feet stirrups so that your little one rides at the ergonomically correct 45 degree angle.
• The shoulder straps are worn like a backpack.
• Has less bulky shoulder straps than the ERGO.
• Removable sleeping hood and foot straps

Ergo Baby Carrier

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded waist band
• Shorter body
• Sporty look
• Has a pocket
• The shoulder straps are worn like a backpack.
• Removable sleeping hood

Oh Snap by BabyHawk

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded straight waist band that adjusts two ways (front and back)
• Tall body that is recommended with only older babies and toddlers. My 10 month old fit into it just right, but at 6 months, he'd be too small for it.
• Has a structured head rest and the body of the BabyHawk mei tai.
• The shoulder straps are crossed on your back when doing a front carry, similarly to a mei tai.

Beco Gemini

• Padded shoulder straps and waist straps
• Body size can be used with a baby, as well as toddlers.
• The body can be narrowed at the bottom to allow baby to ride legs out early on and also facing forward in an ergonomically correct position.
• The shoulder straps are crossed on your back when doing a front carry.
• Has a headrest that comes in handy when your little one falls asleep.
• Dual adjustable buckles, so you get a really nice fit with your baby.

 Beco Buttlerfly II

• Padded shoulder straps
• Padded curved waist band that adjusts two ways (front and back)
• Tall body
• Curved panel that conforms to your little one's body.
• Removable infant insert so that you can wear it with your newborn comfortably.
• There's also an insert inside of the panel, which many moms find helps them feel more secure when using the baby carrier.
• The shoulder straps are worn like a backpack.
• Removable sleeping hood

 Scootababy Baby Carrier

• One shoulder support
• Padded curved waist band
• Tall body
• Curved panel that conforms to your little one's body.
• The shoulder straps are worn like a backpack.
• No sleeping hood
• Functions best as a hip carrier

You are probably wondering what's the difference between the Beco Butterfly II and the Beco Gemini?

Well, there are few main differences between the two. First, the Beco Butterfly II has back pack style shoulder straps, similar to the Boba and the Ergo. And the Beco Gemini has straps that can be worn crossed on your back when doing a front carry, similar to the Pikkolo and the BabyHawk Oh Snap.

The Beco Butterfly II has an internal harness, so it's easy to learn a back carry. It's a very unique feature and helps parents wanting to do a back carry, learn to do so with a lot of confidence. The Beco Gemini doesn't have a harness, but this does not mean that you can't do a back carry! You can learn to do a back carry and it's actually super comfortable, but it has more of a learn curve do so.

The Beco Butterfly II has an infant insert. It's removable and it's there so that you can use your Beco Butterfly II with a new baby. When your baby is in the infant insert, it lifts the position of the baby higher. The Beco Gemini does not have any inserts...because it doesn't need any! The straps are dual adjustable and the body is shorter when the headrest is folded down, so you can get a nice snug fit with a new baby without needing an insert.

With the Beco Gemini, you can do front facing out. But, wait...isn't that a bad position for baby? The concern with most soft structured carriers that are used in front facing out is that the baby is dangling from the crotch and also baby can easily get overstimulated. There's no way for baby to hide out from too much stimulation. In the Beco Gemini, the position of the baby in a front facing out carry is one that is much ergonomically correct than the Bjorn or Snuggli. And for over-stimulation, you simply stay aware of that and switch baby back to facing you. In order words, use this position for short periods of time. And remember...you don't have to do this position! It's meant for parents who have babies that insist in this position.

Basically, now you have the option of two great soft structured carriers to meet your needs!

Beco Butterfly II and Beco Gemini Comparison Chart

There are two Boba 2G baby carriers! What are the differences?

The difference is that Boba 2G Organic is made of 100% certified organic cotton and the Boba 2G Classic is made of 100% cotton. Both are the same fabulous design and are recommended for babies 15 lbs - 45 lbs.

How to choose among these carriers?

• Carrying a newborn? The Beco Butterfly II and Gemini would work. The Beco Buttlerfly II has a removable infant insert. The Beco Gemini can be used without an insert and the fit is perfect for a newborn.
• Carrying a toddler? Of these, I'd choose a Boba, Beco (Buttlerfly II or Gemini)  or a Oh Snap, since the bodies are taller.
• Have lower back pain? The Boba, Beco (Buttlerfly II or Gemini)  and Oh Snap can be tied on your hips so will ease your lower back and the padded waist adds additional support.
• Need cute prints? For sure the Beco Butterfly, Beco Gemini, Boba 2G Classic or Oh Snap would meet that need.
• Have a baby that insists on front facing? The Beco Gemini allows you to carry your baby in an ergonomically correct front facing position.
• On a budget? For sure the Boba 2G and Beco Gemini  are the most affordable and believe me... really nice too!
• Couldn't figure out a ring sling or pouch, but would love an easy to use hip carrier? Scootababy is your answer.