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 |
