Manduca vs Beco Butterfly vs Beco Gemini

[blushingmare]

OK so I think I have narrowed down my selection to these three, based on what my needs are and how I like the way they look. But I'm really not sure how to chose between these three and whether there is much difference - can anyone help?

As a guide, my basic needs are:

• SSC
• to carry newborn
• due in June so nothing too hot
• to use regularly instead of a pram for when using public transport etc, so needs to be ergonomically brilliant for parent and baby
• would like the option of being able to try wearing it off my shoulders (instead of the reverse back pack style) in front carry - have heard rumours that this is possible with Manduca and maybe the Gemini, but not mentioned on either of their websites, so maybe it's not?

I feel like I'm veering towards one of the Becos, because I think they look a bit smarter. But I really can't see what the difference is between the Butterfly and Gemini, apart from being about to face out in the Gemini (which I understand isn't that great for babies anyway?).

Would be really grateful for any advice/experiences - thanks!

I havent bought one myself but plan to go for the Gemini as I think it's more adjustable for newborns without an insert (and therefore not too hot - the inserts look v snuggly)

You can cross the straps across your back in a front carry with the Manduca. You can't with the Beco Butterfly. I tried a Gemini briefly months ago but can't remember.

The Becos are both narrower than the Manduca so tend not to be as comfy for toddlers for as long.

Someone will come along and recommend the Ergo - I wouldn't get it for a summer baby as the infant insert isn't great at the best of times and definitely not for a summer baby as it is very hot.

The Beco Butterfly has an extra internal harness to help with back carries when your LO gets bigger. I personally don't love it - I find it isn't difficult to get a baby on my back without it, and I don't think it encourages them into the optimal position (it tends to result in a loose waistband and not great leg positioning for the baby unless you faff with it a fair bit) but some people love it because they are nervous about back carrying without it.

Personally the Manduca is my favourite of the buckle carriers out there (I run a sling library so have tried lots even if I mainly wrap with my own kids) BUT different carriers suit different shaped people. If you have any chance of getting to a sling meet or sling library to try in person it might be worth it.

I don't like the Becos for a young baby because there's an extra bit of fabric between you and them so you can't do skin-to-skin and feeding is harder (or impossible depending on physiology). I have a Manduca, Ergo, and Beco Butterfly but didn't use them when my daughter was young (had a Sleepy Wrap). So out of the ones you are considering, the Manduca.

I went for a Butterfly rather than a Manduca because you can put the straps on first then put the baby in and I found it much easier than the Manduca. But objectively I suspect the Manduca is the better carrier. I would personally use a stretchy wrap for a newborn rather than a SSC though.