Beco Baby Gemini Carrier In Metro Black

by Gemini Kaleidoscopes

• 4 in 1 baby carrier *newborn to toddler (7-35 lbs/3.5 - 16 kg) *Front carry (facing in and facing out), back carry, and hip carry *Great for nursing *Direct contact intuitive baby carrier *high quality tested materials *machine washable *Instruction manual included *Made in USA
• *body 13" wide x 18.5" tall with head rest up, 14" tall with headrest folded *shoulder straps 23" (can be adjusted up to 22" LONGER for a total of 45") *waist belt 28"(size 0) can be adjusted up to 57" *weight capacity of the carrier: 7-35 lbs (3.5-16kg) *weight of the carrier: 1.5 lbs

Product Description

Carry your baby with ease and comfort.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

264 of 266 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great carrier, could use a few tweaks November 8, 2010

By curiousgeorge

I spent a lot of time online researching this carrier before purchasing it for use with my newborn, as it had just come onto the market when I purchased it and I wanted to make sure it was worth it. All in all, it is the most supportive and comfortable carrier (for the parent) I have used. I have an Ergo, a Babyhawk Mei Tai, a Moby wrap, a ring sling, and a hotsling. I purchased this one because of the compelling, additional feature that it allows babies to face out, as in the Baby Bjorn (which kills your back and is not ergonomically fit for baby). We went for a long hike with my son when he was 7 months, and after using the front, side and back positions, he really wanted to just face out.

First of all, I put this carrier on with my 33 month old while I was 38 weeks pregnant, and it was actually comfortable (granted, I would not have taken a hike, but it was as good as I can imagine, better than Ergo). I like that for toddler (it is rated up to 35 lbs), the back goes up higher than the Ergo (they can back-arch and threaten to fall out even as a baby in the Ergo). This one feels much more secure for a toddler. I have put my toddler on my back since having the baby, and it is still comfortable -- well, more so, as there is no big belly there! This would be my choice (out of the ones I have) if I needed to carry a toddler in a carrier for a hike or the airport or something.

Second, I used this carrier with my newborn. To use the carrier for a newborn, you snap the bottom part in so that their feet can go through a smaller opening. The feet do hang down, like in the Bjorn (not like the Mei Tai or Ergo with infant insert, where legs are inside carrier in froggy position). My husband says he has trouble sitting down with the carrier on because baby's legs are uncomfortable.... I haven't had this problem, though, they just sort of fold under the carrier when I sit. However, I could see how switching parent positions from sitting to standing might disturb him a bit more because of this feature. I have to say that even though it is rated to a minimum of 8 lbs, I put my approximately 10 newborn in there at about 2 weeks, and he seemed to curl out to the sides, and was too floppy in there. I did not feel safe with him in there, so I did not use it for a while. I tried again at about 5 weeks, when baby was 12 lbs, and it felt much more comfortable. He still seemed to curl out to the sides a bit, though. Also, his arms hang right over where the shoulder straps attach to the carrier, and it seemed like it could get uncomfortable for him (straps hit right under his armpit, so could maybe cut off circulation if he were in a certain position. However, I discovered that if I put a (relatively thick) blanket in there around him, folded so that it covered his back and went around the sides, he did not budge from the correct position, and the blanket kept his arms inside the carrier. I imagine this would work for a smaller baby as well, even though I didn't try it earlier. So, even though I think the carrier is not really well designed by itself for such a small baby, this is a quick and easy fix.

Third, I have had two of my friends try it with their 7-8 month olds. The carrier also works well for that age. This is the age where they can face out, and are interesting in seeing and learning about the world around them. If they get overstimulated, you can just switch them to facing in again. The carrier looked comfortable for the babies. It was funny that only their eyes and nose made it over the top of the carrier, but I guess that was enough for them to see out.

Some features:
Positions for use: Front facing in, front facing out, back carry, side carry
Shoulder straps can be used backpack style, or crossed in the back if you are doing a front carry, which is more comfortable
Has a sleeping "hood" (really just extra carrier) that snaps up
Bottom part snaps to smaller size for small babies and for front facing out position
Very comfortable, cushy shoulder straps and waist belt
Waist belt expands longer than Ergo, so good for larger people without having to purchase extra strap
Safety features on shoulder and waist straps
Carrier itself is very cushy and padded, comfortable for baby
Body of carrier is thinner than the Ergo, and even the Babyhawk Mei Tai

Pros
Great for newborn up to 35 pounds
Very comfortable for the adult
Has option of facing in or out in front carry
Overall, the versatility of this carrier make it a great investment

Cons
For newborn, really requires use of blanket or something to keep baby well-positioned. This is not a huge con, but just something to be aware of, even though the manufacturer says you can use it as is, I didn't feel safe.
There is no useful pocket on the front to carry things like cell phone, keys
The straps for the hood just kindof dangle down, but you can attach them together under the sleeping hood to keep them out of the way
Sleep hood probably doesn't go high enough for a toddler, though I haven't tried it.
Sleep hood cannot really be used to cover up while nursing (like the Ergo can), because it doesn't go up very high
The safety mechanisms on the straps are really just a pain. It means you need two hands to open them (unless you are very coordinated -- I'm trying). As you know if you have a baby, you usually need one hand to support baby while you are taking the carrier off. While I know they are trying to be safer, this is not a feature I like.

While I have a lot of cons listed, I write them so that you can keep them in mind and maybe the manufacturer will consider making these minor changes in future models. Overall, I really do love this carrier, and I think it will be my go to carrier once baby is about 4 months, and I like it better than the Ergo for most features. However, as a newborn, my go-to carrier is the Moby wrap to calm him, or the Mei Tai for quick hands-free shopping. I still use it at this age, but if I really need to calm him, I grab the Moby, and the Mei Tai is more transportable for shopping at this age. But, I know that once baby is a bit heavier, these options will no longer work, so I look forward to getting even more use out of the Gemini in the future.

UPDATE at 4 months:
CONS
First, I have to second the opinion of the commenter that the sleeping flap is pretty awful! The strings dig right into baby's head! The design would have been much better with some sort of cloth strap instead.
Second, the back strap (chest strap if in back carry) can come undone and is not very secure. It seems there is an option to remove it, so you can just slip it off entirely. Unfortunately, you can't close off that opening, so it is a bit dangerous. Plus, the clip is not that secure to begin with.
Third, the waist strap is strangely too short on one side. For those of us who put on carrier while holding baby, this is problematic. I always have it on the max and would like to be able to loosen it more for putting carrier on, to then adjust once it's on.
Still hate the extra secure button on the waist strap snap, but have been learned to do it one-handed.

PROS
Still very, very comfortable for the wearer
LOVE that baby can face out (which he really loves at this age) and still be ergonomically comfortable/safe
THIS is now my and my husband's go to carrier for everything.

UPDATE at 10 months:
This is definitely my go-to carrier. It is much more comfortable than the Ergo, as baby gets heavier. Crossing straps in the back even make front carrying relatively comfortable (though not recommended for long periods of time). My husband and I both use this one all the time, and it is quick and easy to adjust. After 10 months, my complaints are still the following:
1. The "chest" strap (strap connecting shoulder straps) comes off relatively frequently and this is a nuisance. There should be no opening in the plastic allowing that to happen.
2. The two-handed safety for the waist strap is a nuisance -- you really need one hand for baby and one hand for the buckle! We solved this problem and disabled ours by carefully removing the part that buckles for the third (extra hand) release. I guess I would not recommend this as I am sure the manufacturer would not approve, but it is what it is.
3. The sleeping panel connectors are still really a pain and basically not very usable. The string connecting to the top is hard on babies head, except if you pull it very tight, but baby pushing head back can loosen them so that they are long again and digging into head.
4. It's kindof a pain that the waist buckle is so far to the right of the body. I really prefer a placement closer to the center because I often delicately remove carrier while holding sleeping baby and this makes it a bit tough if I am using my left hand. Not a huge issue, but would be nice if it were improved in next version.
HOWEVER, I only mention these cons because you should be aware of them. We are VERY happy with this carrier. It is by far the most COMFORTABLE, VERSATILE carrier out there that I am aware of! Read more ›

19 of 21 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Better Than Ergo Because of Versatility! July 12, 2011

By Lucy In The Sky

I have a lot of carriers--the Hotsling Adjustable, the Moby Wrap, the Baby Bjorn, the Ergo, and the Beco Gemini. If I had to do it over again, I'd go with just the Beco Gemini, and maybe the Hotsling.

The Beco Gemin is superior to the Ergo because of its versatility. I will say that I like the hood on the Ergo better than the pop-up collar on the Gemini, especially for privacy when nursing (I'm sorry I waited so long to try nursing in the carrier...once I was brave enough to do it, it was so easy!) or when the baby is sleeping. I also miss the Ergo front pocket on the Gemini. The buckle for the Ergo is easier to unlock one-handed. But the cons of the Gemini stop there, and are far out-weighed by the fact that I can do front-facing or inward facing with the Gemini.

My son loves facing outward, especially now at 13 months, but even when he was much younger, if he was awake, he wanted to face out. The Ergo was only okay for him if he was taking a nap or nursing--then it was great--but the Gemini does the same thing, and does outward. Before I bought the Gemini, I was toting along the Baby Bjorn (incredibly uncomfortable and not ergonomic! but does outward facing) or the Moby (don't love it for outward facing--getting my son to sit lotus-style was hard, and if I didn't tuck his feet up, it didn't feel as secure, not to mention the incredible amount of fabric that dragged the floor while I had to set him down to put it on...to much work!). I already tote enough with the stroller and diaper bag...two carriers is too much.

I loved the Hotsling far more than the Moby when he was a newborn, but he did outgrow it. I never found the sitting position on the side for the Hotsling to be easy or secure, but maybe I just never mastered it, once he was too big for the sling.... But the Moby did not get much use at all. I got the Ergo around when he was 4 months, and from that point on, it was my preferred carrier--if I'd had it when he was younger, maybe I wouldn't have loved the sling so much.

We did a lot of baby carrying in the early months, as he was not a good sleeper and slept only while being worn or on the go, so I got my use out of the Hotsling and the Ergo...but once he was older, and he was awake for longer periods, it was hard that I couldn't rely on the Ergo...and that's when I found the Gemini. I invested in it even though I already had the Ergo because I knew I'd get my use out of it, assuming it was comfortable.

Comfort wise, the Beco Gemini is absolutely just as comfortable as the Ergo. I can do without the pocket, and I can use a blanket if I miss the hood for privacy while nursing, but I don't have to carry a second carrier anymore, and for that, I love it.

I will say the Gemini and the Ergo are both great for air travel--you can't wear the baby in a carrier during take-off or landing, which means you have to unhook the baby if he is sleeping. Fortunately, with both the Ergo and the Gemini, you can unhook the buckle behind your neck and slip your arms out while still holding the baby close, so he won't wake....or at least that worked for me! Love both for air travel! Read more ›

56 of 71 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars DO NOT WASH THE METRO BLACK GEMINI February 17, 2011

By J. Thompson

We purchased the Metro Black Gemini when our baby was born 5 months ago and just started using it about 2 months ago. I decided to wash it for the first time last week and followed the instructions that were given. It looks HORRIBLE!! The material faded badly and it looks to be about 10 years old now! I emailed customer service and they told me that it was due to the nature of the organic fabric and dyes that were used. They recommended spot treating instead of washing but that was NEVER stated in the directions! You can't actually spot treat when your child vomits or drools on half of it. I do love my carrier but will be purchasing another one (not a Metro Black Gemini) soon because it looks so worn and old. For $130 you would think you would get superior quality, but sadly this wasn't the case with Beco.

25 of 31 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Two handed "child-safe clips"??? Are you kidding? August 2, 2011

By Sarah

This carrier has all the potential of being the best on the market. It is *very* comfortable. It doesn't require an extra infant insert. It allows both front and back facing kids, on your chest or your back. It has one fatal flaw. All the clips on it are "child-proof" requiring one hand to hold the safety clip down and the other hand to pinch open the clips. Really??? Are we now concerned the under age 1 kid is going to "open" clips like this? The result is that you literally cannot escape the carrier after putting it on. Once there is a baby + carrier + post-partum you in the carrier, it is impossible to wrap both arms all the way around to reach the clasps (granted, I am short so my arms are not long). The only way out is to loosen the connectors with one hand and weave your way out, BUT I did this and the narrow webbing folded up on itself, thus locking the carrier in place! I had to get help to get out of it while calming my 5 week old.

I often wish I had three hands. Top rated products are things that only require one hand. This product fails that mom test.