First Impression: Tula vs Beco
This review is just my personal opinion. I purchased the Tula with my own money and the Beco I received after attending the baby wearing VIP at Mommycon Orlando. My hopes are that after you read this, you can make an informed decision about what type of carrier would work for you and your child.
I have a toddler Tula right now and the Beco Soleil
Lets start with the specs. I will be giving the specs of the standard Tula and the Beco Soleil since they are comparable. Toddler Tula weight and hight limit starts at 25lb and 35in. I want to write this article with first time babyweares in mind. I have also owned a few standard Tula but I don't have pics to compare at this moment. They have a lot of similar specs so I will just put down a few differences. If you would like the full specs of the Beco Soleil and The Standard Tula just check out the links.
Front, Hip and back carry options
Newborn to toddler(with purchase of infant insert) 7-45lbs
padded headrest
ability to cross straps across back
key ring and toy ring on carrier
Has detachable pocket that is great for storage when out and about. Also has pocket on waist belt.
weight of carrier is 1.3lbs
100% cotton which is great for warm temps
Wanted to add that for a newborn option you can also use the Beco Gemini($150). NO need for infant insert because you can make the base narrow to fit newborn and change it as baby gets older, unlike the Soleil and the Tula you also have the option of facing baby forward(as well as side carry, back and facing parent)it also has the padded headrest that the Tula does not have. This carrier goes from 7-35lbs.
Standard Tula($149) Toddler Tula($169)
Used from 15-45lbs
can be used from birth with toddler insert as well
has pocket on waist belt
weight of carrier 2lbs
carrier has canvas which can be very warm in hot temps
There are some of the differences. I have to say that I love both of them but the Beco beats the Tula for me only because you have so many more options of how you can carry. I also LOVE the padded head rest, so does my son who sometimes likes to lean back and his head is supported better with the Beco.
One main difference is the safety buckle feature. With Tula you have a small elastic band that you are supposed to feed the buckle through. Many people do not use this which is not good. It's so important to use. Sometimes buckles can come undone, little hands could unbuckle it. This elastic band keeps your child IN your carrier and not falling to the ground.
The Beco has the same kind of latch that you see in shopping carts. You need two hands to unlatch the buckles. This is great because is a no fuss approach.
The Tula has elastic for the shoulder straps and waist band, the Beco has the tri lock for shoulder straps and waist. They tighten differently as well. While wearing a Tula with baby facing you, you would pull straps towards the front. The Beco you pull straps back(like you are skiing) Can be a little confusing when you are wearing these two interchangeable but not a deal breaker.
The straps are what sold me on the Beco. I loved that my ergo had straps that I could wear cris -cross however I like the comfort of the Tula better so I purchased that(I also didn't know about beco at the time). Beco is the baby of the ergo and tula in my mind lol. It takes the best of both and adds new features.
Tula is comfortable because the straps come down lower past your shoulders however, as my son gets bigger I like that I can reinforce my carry by making the straps cross in the Beco. My husband who has a bad back also liked this feature as well.
The truth about carriers is that they are like jeans, what works for me may not work for you. I would greatly suggest going to a local learn and play at your baby wearing chapter. If you don't have one then check out a store local to you that sells different carriers and try them out. If that is not an option there are a few online stores that offer a 30 day return policy, that way you can try out the carrier and see if you like it. (Abby's Lane is a great online store that offers this)
All in all I have to say that I really do love the Beco over the Tula. The price point is about the same but I like the added features that Beco has to offer and the comfort is key. What have been some of your favorite carriers and why?
