Black Friday/pre-Christmas Sale!

Please join us for our Black Friday/pre-Christmas sale running from Friday, November 26 to Friday, December 3!

Here are the details:

-- all in stock Beco Baby Carriers, both the Butterfly II and the Gemini, are 15% off from Nov 26-28 only!
-- all CF Pouch Slings on sale for 30% off!
-- get a fleece carrier cover for only $25 OR a FREE babywearing support belt with the purchase of a Pikkolo baby carrier (difference in price will be refunded)
-- FREE SHIPPING to US and Canada on orders over $59 USD (shipping charges will be refunded on qualifying orders)*
-- HALF PRICE SHIPPING to outside North America on orders over $59 USD (shipping charges will be refunded on qualifying orders)
-- lots of other items in our Clearance section on sale at 25% off!

We will also be having some Facebook Exclusive deals throughout the week, so please join us there to get in on those!

*Please note that Beco Baby Carriers do not qualify for free shipping or any other specials while they are 15% off (Nov 26-28) but will after that

Soft Structured Baby Carrier Comparison Chart

I have been wanting to put this chart together for some time, as we get so many questions from people asking about the differences in features among the various soft structured carriers out there. Choosing the right carrier for your needs can be an overwhelming decision to make, and I'm hoping this chart helps make that decision a little easier.

I have chosen to include in this comparison chart the two that we sell (Beco and Pikkolo) and two that we don't (Ergo and Baby Bjorn). I include the Ergo and Baby Bjorn because they are probably the two most well-known carriers -- BUT they are not the most well-designed soft structured carriers out there (in fact the Baby Bjorn is probably one of the poorest designs out there in my opinion).

I used to use an Ergo and loved it at the time, but then discovered Beco and Pikkolo and you will see that both of these come out above the Ergo based on the chart features. I've never used a Baby Bjorn, so cannot speak from experience on this one. I include it because it's mass-marketed but in my opinion a it's a very poor option that I would like to prevent people from choosing if at all possible. I just cringe every time I see a baby dangling in one of those things! Baby Bjorn, you make a good potty but please, get out of the babywearing market!

So, without further ado, here's the chart. I welcome constructive feedback in the comments.

SOFT STRUCTURED BABY CARRIER COMPARISON CHART

	Beco Butterfly	Pikkolo	ERGOBaby	Baby Bjorn
Price	$139 USD $149 CAD	$129 USD plus $22 USD for Babywearing Support Belt	$105-135 USD plus $25-38 USD for infant insert accessory	$80-145 USD
Wearing Positions	Front carry (facing in only), back carry (made easier than with other carriers due to internal harness)	Front carry (facing in or out, ergonomically), back carry, hip carry (not recommended for long periods of time due to uneven distribution of weight)	Front carry (facing in only), back carry	Front carry only, facing in or out BUT does NOT allow baby to be carried in ergonomically correct seated position; instead baby hangs suspended by the crotch which concentrates pressure at base of baby's spine
Age/Weight	Newborn through toddler with removable infant insert (included in purchase price) 7 to 45 lbs	Newborn through toddler 8 to 40 lbs	Newborn through toddler but need infant insert for babies <4 months (purchased separately) Up to 40 lbs	Newborn to about 1 yr maximum but more likely 6 months 8 to 25 lbs stated but due to its design it is likely to be very uncomfortable by about 16 lbs
Carrier Fabric	Shoulder straps and carrier lining are 100% organic brushed cotton as of 2010 collection; select organic options in prior years' models;gorgeous printed panels (non-organic) on body of carrier as well as solid color options	No organic fabric options at this time; 100% brushed cotton straps with gorgeous printed panels on body of carrier as well as solid color options	Both organic and non-organic options; solid colors only, some with embroidery	Both organic and non-organic options; solid colors only
Carrier Height	16" from top of waistband	15" when worn folded at the bottom with apron-style waistband; 17" from top of waistband when Babywearing Support Belt is attached	13" from top of waistband; wearer may find it too short in the body for older babies	11.5"
Carrier Body Width at Seat	13"	8" when cinched to narrowest setting; 13" at widest setting	14"
Infant Insert	Yes, removable insert for babies 8-15 lbs (included in purchase price) that holds them higher in the carrier and allows for minimal leg spread	No, but carrier body cinches narrower at base to accommodate smaller baby	Yes, purchased separately, a bit awkward and bulky	No
Harness System	Yes, baby is buckled into carrier and carrier is then put on; baby can be passed from one person to another while in the carrier	No, parent buckles carrier on and then puts baby in; baby cannot be passed to another wearer while in the carrier	No, parent buckles carrier on and then puts baby in; baby cannot be passed to another wearer while in the carrier	No, parent buckles carrier on and then puts baby in; baby cannot be passed to another wearer while in the carrier
Sleeping Hood	Yes, elasticized and snaps to shoulder straps; detachable with snaps for storage in sleeve on carrier base	Yes, elasticized and attaches with snap hooks to D-rings on shoulder straps; detachable with velcro but no storage on carrier; height not adjustable	Yes, hood-shaped to hold baby's head; elasticized sides; non-detachable with snaps; height adjustable	No
Shoulder Straps	Always worn backpack style and held together with height-adjustable chest clip; single direction pull to adjust strap	Can be worn with straps crossed at the back for front carries or backpack style with a height adjustable chest clip for front and back carries; dual adjustable straps can be tightened from either direction and buckle can be relocated forward or back for customized comfort	Always worn backpack style and held together with height-adjustable chest clip; single direction pull to adjust strap
Ergonomics	Weight is distributed to wearer's lower body via padded hip belt and balanced on wearer's shoulders with nicely padded shoulder straps	Weight is distributed to wearer's lower body via unpadded hip belt (padded belt is an optional accessory) and balanced on wearer's shoulders with comfy memory foam shoulder straps	Weight is distributed to wearer's lower body via padded hip belt and balanced on wearer's shoulders with fairly bulky padded shoulder straps	Does not have a hip belt and therefore does not distribute the weight to the wearer's lower body; the baby's weight is almost entirely borne by the wearer's shoulders and upper back
Ease of Nursing	Possible for most moms: loosen shoulder straps and lower baby down to latch on then tighten straps to get baby back in proper carrying position; T-shaped harness might be in the way for some wearers; high carrier body and sleeping hood (if attached) provide good privacy	Easy for most moms: loosen shoulder straps (easy due to placement and dual-adjustment straps), lower baby down to latch on then tighten straps to get baby back in proper carrying position; sleeping hood provides good privacy if attached.	Fairly easy for most moms: loosen shoulder straps, lower baby down to latch on then tighten straps to get baby back to proper carrying position; sleeping hood provides decent privacy coverage but shorter carrier body means less privacy than with other carrier	Possible,but likely not very secure, comfortable or private (due to small carrier size and lack of sleep hood)
Where Manufactured	California	Chicago and Estonia	China	Sweden

Happy (Canadian) Thanksgiving -- October Specials

Thanksgiving is an especially celebratory time for us. Our second daughter, who just turned 3, was born at home on October 9, 2005, the day before Thanksgiving that year. Continuum Family online was launched a year later, on October 3, 2006. We are thankful for two beautiful, healthy girls (and have a boy on the way, due in January 2009!). We are thankful for the great success of Continuum Family. We are thankful for the opportunity to be able to work and be home with our children. I get a lot of fulfillment out of being able to provide families with information and products to support them in their natural parenting journey.

So, please celebrate with us this month! We will have a FREE SHIP day -- on Monday, October 13th -- all orders placed between 12:00 a.m. and 11:59 p.m. PST on that day will have the shipping charges refunded. Please note that this applies to orders shipping within North America only, but we will refund 50% of the shipping charges to international destinations.

Also, we have new shipments of both Beco Butterfly II and Pikkolo baby carriers arriving later this month. Both are available now for pre-order. For the rest of October, with the purchase of either of these carriers, you can receive a FREE basic pouch sling in any size from our Everyday collection. Just let us know in the notes at checkout which one you want. Please note that this offer is good for a basic sling (without padding or pocket) but you can upgrade to these features as well as upgrade to one of the Designer/Luxury or Organic fabrics for an extra charge. Also, sorry but this offer cannot be combined with the free ship day on Monday, October 13th.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Beco Butterfly or Pikkolo?

Julie writes:

"Hi There! Just looking for a little advice... I have been trying to decide between the Beco and Pikkolo for some time now. A friend of mine has the Beco 4th generation and LOVES it. I have tried it a couple of times with my 21 lb. 6 month old son and found it pretty comfy- it didn't hurt my back at all which was awesome! However it did push the top of my pants down and I kept feeling like I should scoot my son's behind up so it stopped pulling down on my waistband. My son loved it- both times he fell asleep within about 10 minutes- and was totally content while I walked, talked, played with my niece. I am buying it for this summer as a convenient way to keep him close and get things done around the house and as we run errands, take day hikes, etc. As for the pikkolo- the reviews are fabulous. I was just unsure about the unpadded waistband- and I know you are supposed to wear it on your natural waist- which I would think dug in- and may not distribute the weight as well as your hips would?? Cool thing is it looks like the baby can see out better- but can they sleep or feel as secure because they aren't as supported? We are planning on having another baby in the not too distant future- so I'd like something that can last me for a couple years if possible. If you had to but only one- what would it be?... Thanks for your advice in advance!" Julie

Hi Julie,

Hmmm, a Beco or a Pikkolo? Really good question! :)

I loved the Beco 4th Generation too. As I'm sure you are aware, Beco has discontinued making it in favor of the Butterfly model, which is quite a bit different than the 4th Generation.

I know what you mean about the padded waistbelt pushing the top of your pants down. I also find this a minor annoyance of that feature, despite it making the carrier very comfy to wear for long periods. I too was skeptical about the unpadded waistbelt of the Pikkolo... until I tried it! I found it surprisingly comfortable. It didn't cut into me at all and the top of my pants stayed put! You do wear it a bit higher but I find that once my toddler is in it ends up settling right on top of my hipbones anyways, so it still distributes her weight evenly and properly. The body of the Beco and Pikkolo are about the same length, so baby will be equally supported in either.

The Butterfly takes a bit of getting used to, especially if you're not used to putting baby in the internal sling of the carrier first, then putting the carrier on. A nice thing about the internal sling though, is that baby is perfectly positioned in the carrier every time. The Butterfly is a great carrier for those new to doing a back carry, and makes it easy to do a back carry with a very young infant using the built-in infant insert. The internal sling also allows you to adjust the distance of baby from your body, totally separate from the shoulder strap adjustment. Wearing baby very close with the sling buckles tightened up, but keeping the shoulder straps fairly loose, makes it so that baby's weight sinks down and is supported by your hips, not your shoulders.

I really like the unique cinching mechanism in the body of the Pikkolo. Not only does that enable you to do ergonomic forward facing front carries (only with babies under 20 lbs though, otherwise it kills your back!), but smaller babies don't have to spread their legs as wide while riding. The Beco Butterfly achieves the same thing with their infant insert, which is narrower than the main body of the carrier. Oh, and you can do hip carries with the Pikkolo, but not with the Butterfly.

The Pikkolo has great memory foam shoulder straps which I found really conformed nicely to my body. The Butterfly has narrower, ergonomically curved shoulder straps which makes for a very nice fit and is especially great for narrow-shouldered wearers. The fabrics used in the Butterfly are softer quilter cottons and twills. They are gorgeous, unique and colorful designer prints. The Pikkolo fabrics are more neutral, subtle, heavier canvas-like fabrics that soften up great with washing and are ultimately probably more durable.

Also, you will be able to get a padded waistband sleeve for the Pikkolo as an accessory option that will attach to current models -- should be available in the next couple of months and will make that carrier even more versatile.

As for which one I'd personally choose? Hard to say - they're both great! I do reach for the Pikkolo more often at this point because my youngest is 2.5 and I find it too awkward to get her into the internal sling of the Butterfly. I'm also an experienced babywearer so don't like having to put her in the carrier first, I like to just quickly hoist her onto my back. But, if we were to have another baby, I think I'd lean towards the Butterfly as the fabric is softer and I like the idea of the built in infant insert to do early back carries.

Another important consideration for many when choosing a carrier is -- which one has the fabric/pattern you like best?

Hope this helps you some!

pikkolo™ Coming Soon!

I received my sample pikkolo™ soft structured carrier from Catbird Baby the other day and finally had a chance to test drive it on a hike yesterday. Here's my review:

Overall... what a great carrier! I was really skeptical that the unpadded waistbelt would be comfortable but in fact I think I might prefer it to a padded waistbelt now. The downside of a padded waistbelt (and maybe this is just me) is that it pushes the top of my pants down. I didn't have this issue at all with the unpadded waistbelt, and I really liked how un-bulky it is. And it didn't dig in to my middle at all, even though it seems like it should.

Another thing I LOVE is the memory foam shoulder straps - what a dream! The straps are designed to cross in the back when used for a front carrier but when using as a back carrier it comes with a removeable chest beltto cinch the straps together in front. The chest belt is a bit awkward and doesn't attach to the shoulder straps so would be easily lost, but I believe this is a feature that will be improved in future releases.

I personally don't find the pikkolo™ as pretty as the Beco, but the patterns are neutral and muted enough to appeal to those who don't want a solid color carrier but don't want something that clashes with their outfit or won't be worn by Dad. The pikkolo™ fabric is much stiffer and canvas-like, although I have read that with washing it softens up nicely and it's probably a more durable carrier fabric overall.

Another very cool feature of the pikkolo™ (which I don't get to test as my youngest is 2.5 years old) is a cinching mechanism on the carrier body to make it narrower. This allows for carrying very young babies without an separate insert. It also allows for a comfortable forward facing front carry, which is very handy and not do-able with any other soft structured carrier I don't think (but I wouldn't recommend it once your baby is over 20 pounds as it will throw off your center of gravity and kill your back).

So, I will be carrying the pikkolo™ in addition to the Beco and should be getting my first shipment in mid-April. Please feel free to contact me to get added to an interest list.