Review: Beco Butterfly 2 Baby Carrier

We reviewed an older version of the Beco a while back and, since then, this baby carrier has gone through a number of different changes to arrive at the most current version known as the Beco Butterfly 2. I’ve been searching for a carrier with the convenience of buckles and ability to carry both a newborn and an older baby, so I decided to give the Butterfly 2 a try.

The Beco Butterfly 2 has a removeable infant insert that attaches to the inside panel with velcro. It allows newborns to be carried in it froggy-legged without being swallowed by the carrier and before they’re able to spread their legs out. I was really attracted to this feature. After a few times wearing Baby Brother using the insert, I realized that he was actually already large enough to go without the insert. This was back when he was about two months, weighed 10-11 pounds and measured just under two feet. We still carry him froggy-legged (legs tucked in at his side in the carrier with weight on his tushy) and were glad to be able to remove the infant insert because it was actually a bit of a pain to try to get him into it unless you actually had the time and space to insert the baby into the carrier before putting the carrier on.

As I mentioned above, the infant insert that I was looking forward to turned out to be not so convenient for quick in and out, but what about the rest of the carrier? Once the baby is in and adjustments have been made, it’s a very comfortable carrier. The padded waistband transfers weight to your hips and the lightweight material is sturdy without being bulky. I love how easily the side buckles adjust (just pull to tighten and lift the tab to loosen) and the sleeping hood is large and useful for supporting baby’s head as well as providing shade from the sun. Both Josh and I can wear the Beco comfortably, and the ease of adjusting the side buckles makes it much simpler to switch the carrier back and forth between the two of us and adjust for our different sizes.

Although the Beco is stylish and comfortable, there’s just too much to it. It’s more complicated than I think it needs to be. I miss the simplicity of the older versions of the Beco. The Butterfly 2 has a lot of buckles and a Y-shaped panel that’s not removeable (baby sits between this Y-shaped panel and the outside panel). The buckles and panel make it a hassle to put on and get the baby into the carrier. I’m always having to untangle the carrier before putting it on because it gets all twisted with the many different parts to it.

I really thought I would eventually get used to the Butterfly 2 and all the things that bothered me about it wouldn’t bother me so much anymore, but unfortunately, that’s not the case. A buckle carrier should be quick and simple, and this carrier isn’t. It’s a shame because it comes in great fabric and color options and is very comfortable once you actually get the kid into it. Price: $140.