Remember the Beco Soleil carrier drama? Well, it all worked out! (See the FB status from them.) The good people at Beco were very easy to work with and just all around great and want to get these carriers into your hands. Even though the Soleil isn’t officially release or available for sale anywhere, Beco wants 10 lucky people to have them, the winners will be the first people under the sun to have the Beco Soleil. Sweet!
I got to give this carrier a try and I liked it. A snapshot look at the differences between the Soleil and the Gemini: the Soliel can’t face outward but can do back/front/hip carries. It’s an open carrier like the Gemini (no panel between baby and the wearer). The back doesn’t come up AS high but it is still very supportive. The Soliel has an accessory pack you can customize for coordinating prints, etc. with a detachable bag that covers that middle print panel (so switch out prints, try a solid, AND have a place to hold your stuff), a hood, etc. It has a nice wide seat with padded legs supporting baby and toddlers much better, a pocket on the waist belt, and more adjustable options for improved comfort in the fit. The retail on both is $130, the Soleil also has an option accessory pack available for purchase. Comfortable and easy to use, I think this is a great carrier choice, whether it would be your only carrier or one of many.
Since I’ll be asked, yes I could breastfeed in the Soleil though it took some work to figure out. The seat is so well constructed to keep baby high that dropping down to breastfeed wasn’t as easy as it is in the Gemini. Moms with very large or low hanging breasts may have some difficulty.
Some quick details on the Soleil:
- It’s not available until next month, the winners of these giveaways will be the first to get their hands on this new carrier.
- 3 carry positions: front, hip, and back.
- Built-in waist belt pocket, key and toy ring
- Carries 7-45lbs
- Carrier weight 1.1lbs
- Material: 100% cotton
- Seat: 16″ and 17″ tall
- Shoulder straps extending from 18″ to 45″
- Waist belt extending from 27″ to 59″
- Recommended fit for adults 5′ to 6′ 5″
- Compatible accessories: hood, drool pads, infant insert, carry-all
Use the widget below to enter the giveaway, for one Soliel carrier and you can enter here AND over at The Baby Guy. These giveaways are open to US and Canada residents only. Thanks for participating!