Beco 8 Baby Carrier review

Tested by:

Tara is a first-time mum to 5-month-old daughter, Elodie. She tested the Beco 8 out and about in Hampshire with her fiancé Simon, including on long walks in the New Forest.

First impressions?

This rucksack-style carrier has an impressive design – it's structured and supportive with generous padding, yet it's surprisingly soft and lightweight.

It isn't as pretty as some of the carriers on the market, but it is very smart and modern and now I'm a mum, it’s substance over style all the way!

What age can the carrier be used for?

The Beco 8 is weight-tested from 7 pounds to a whopping 45 pounds, so it really will see you through a few years.

The removable newborn insert ensures that your baby sits snugly at the appropriate height, and the adjustable seat unfastens to a particularly wide setting at 14 inches, which is ideal for toddlers.

How many ways can you carry your baby in the Beco 8 Baby Carrier?

The Beco 8 offers four carrying positions:

• Facing you
• Facing outwards
• On your hip or
• On your back

You can narrow or widen the seat easily with poppers, depending on the carrying position and size of your baby.

The removable newborn insert, which can be used in two different ways dependent on size, combined with the adjustable back panel, makes sure little babies are always positioned ‘close enough to kiss’ and safely snuggled up to you.

Does the carrier support your baby’s hips and allow them to sit in the ‘M’ position?

Yes. Acknowledged as hip healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, this carrier is ergonomic in all four positions and encourages the ‘M’ position.

Make sure you follow the advice, particularly relating to the minimum and maximum weights for each carrying position.

Does the Beco 8 Baby Carrier follow the TICKS guidelines?

Yes, and there are a variety of adjustments you can make to ensure your baby is positioned just right. Check out the MadeForMums TICKS guide to find out more.

How easy is the carrier to put on and take off?

I have to admit with its various features and carrying positions detailed on the handy photographic instruction sheet, the carrier is at first a little daunting! However, once you try out the carrier in each of its positions (ideally while your little one is napping), it’s extremely easy to put on and take off.

I personally preferred the front positions for Elodie, where you simply buckle up the thick waist band, carefully place your baby either facing in or out, then pull each strap over your shoulders while supporting the baby before buckling up the strap at the top of your back.

In some positions, there were some unbuckled straps, which were a little confusing and looked a little untidy!

Can you put the Beco 8 Baby Carrier on and take it off by yourself?

Yes, but I’d recommend adjusting the carrier to fit your body shape first before you add a wriggly baby to the equation! I asked my other half to tighten the straps at the back to perfect the fit on its first use.

Is it comfortable for your baby/child?

Elodie is so content in the carrier, she often falls asleep! The padding around her legs is lovely and thick so you don't need to worry about it rubbing. The design allowed Elodie to comfortably look out at the world in the facing-out position.

We're currently at the stage where everything goes in her mouth, but the fabric is soft and doesn't chafe her sensitive skin. I love the zip-down panel which unveils a cool, breathable mesh fabric for maximum airflow, perfect for the sticky summer months.

The built-in, adjustable, padded headrest with integrated, tuck-away hood is handy for keeping the sun off.

Can you breastfeed while wearing the Beco 8 Baby Carrier?

Yes, thanks to the easily adjustable straps. The integrated hood found inside the head-rest gives extra privacy for nursing on the go.

Is the carrier comfortable for you?

• This is the comfiest carrier I've tried and is absolutely perfect for our long family walks. It feels very secure, yet lightweight, and the 100 per cent cotton fabric is soft, which helps the carrier to contour to your body shape
• I loved the wide, supportive waistband, which is adjustable from 24 inches to a generous 54 inches, so it fits mums and dads of all shapes and sizes
• The easy-adjust chest-strap sliders and dual-adjustable straps can be pulled either forwards or backwards, whichever is easiest, so you can get the perfect fit without contorting too much!
• I still have some lower back issues following pregnancy, but the carrier distributes Elodie's weight evenly so I can hardly feel her, and I find the removable lumbar support pad particularly comfortable
• The handy pocket on the waistband is ideal for popping your keys, money and phone in so you can keep your hands free to interact with your baby – ideal for days out

What are the shoulder straps like on the Beco 8 Baby Carrier?

The dual-adjustable shoulder straps are wide and generously padded, but light, so you don't feel any pressure or strain during longer use.

They can be worn like a backpack or in a crossover style to evenly distribute baby's weight and ensure a snug fit, which may be better for petite parents.

Are the buckles easy to adjust?

Yes, the durable safety buckles are large and very easy to both unfasten and fasten with a reassuringly loud click.

Does the Beco 8 Baby Carrier feel durable?

The finish is extremely high-quality and I have no doubts this will see us through many family adventures in the UK and abroad!

Is the carrier easy to clean?

Yes, it’s machine washable.

Is the Beco 8 Baby Carrier value for money?

It is at the higher end of the market, but it is a quality product and given that it grows with your baby and can be adjusted to fit both mum and dad comfortably, it is excellent value for money.

How does the Beco 8 Baby Carrier compare to other carriers/wraps you have used?

At 10lb 12oz, Elodie was a large baby and has stayed in the 90th centile for her age and height. We've been using the BabyBjorn Mini, which I love, but now Elodie is getting bigger and taller, I felt we needed something with more space.

The Beco 8 did seem huge at first in comparison, but it's much more structured and it will definitely last us a long time.

Where can I buy it?

It’s available from Beco, Amazon and Babipur.

MadeForMums verdict

This is the carrier that does it all! It’s extremely versatile – you really can carry your baby exactly how you want and it is ideal if you are looking to spend more money on a quality carrier that will grow with your baby.

It comes into its own for those who like to carry their baby for a longer period of time and would be particularly suited to active families, so you can make memories together without compromising comfort for parent or baby.

Read More:

• Best baby carriers
• Buyer’s guide to baby carriers
• Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Mini Review