What do we think of the bebo butterfly? Is there a cheaper similar option?

[TeWihara]

Hi all, looking at getting a sling for DC2 who is due soon. DH and I both really like the idea of this kind of carrier, with the front and back options and the newborn booster... but they are very expensive and wondering if their is a similar version that it just as good?

If you're looking for a sling that has buckles, can be used from newborn, and can be used front and back some other possibilities are:

• Manduca (also has a newborn booster bit) - although a pretty similar price to the Beco
• Connecta (no newborn booster bit but can still be used from birth, and for both front and back carries. Cheaper than the Beco, and they come up on Ebay / Natural Mamas FSOT quite frequently at around the £30-45 mark.

If you want the internal harness feature of the beco, the only other carrier I can think of that has it and can be used from newborn is the Olives and Applesauce, but again, it's not cheaper than the Beco.

Thank you - I'll check out the other options. Looks like we just like an expensive style though!

I love my Butterfly. I also have the other two listed by pootlebug

The butterfly does have some features that are better than the Manduca though (If you get the II and not the first model).

Firstly, you can actually have it fully on and adjusted and then put the baby in, because the front panel unclips and flaps down, which makes it easier to put the baby in.

Secondly, it has an inner panel as well, which means that if you're careful you can take it off with the baby in it, so you can pass it to DH to wear for a while with DC still in it. And on occasion I've laid DS down in it when he's been asleep. Whereas with the other two he almost always wakes up if I take them off.

The Manduca is also fab in my opinion. DH tends to wear it more than I do. And it can do a hip carry, although I've not really used that much.

The Connecta was the first one I had. It's very good, but much more basic. I keep it in a pouch in the pram and it's my emergency out and about sling.

When DC2 is born DS will still be well within the weight limits for them, so I'm hoping they'll get much more use when we all go out en famille attempting to justify ridiculous sling ownership

We had 3 slings for DD and I hated them all! So I think you've done well to get 3 you like Hopefully I will have better luck this time as I've a better idea of what suits me and what I actually want/need as opposed to a vague 'a sling would be nice' feeling...

Are you anywhere near a sling meet or sling library? That way you could maybe try before you buy? www.slingmeet.co.uk has details

I was about to say no, but actually there is one, I can possibly get to. Cheers.