Boba = Beco?

Cari24 · #1 October 8th, 2009, 11:00 AM

I have a Sleepy Wrap, which is very similar to the Moby. Today I got an email from the Sleepy Wrap company about their new carrier, the Boba. I got on their site to check it out and it is very similar to the Beco. It sells for $99.00 - not sure how much the real Beco goes for. Anyway for those of you looking into baby carrier options, just thought I'd share in case this is cheaper (the Sleepy is a bit cheaper than the Moby).

www.sleepywrap.com

Nykoal · #2 October 8th, 2009, 05:15 PM

Hmmm...I checked it out. I have serious ethical isues when companies design products with similar names and features as other products. (Boba vs. Beco)

They've now taken the designs of 2 carriers (Moby and Beco) and practically copied them. I wish they would come up with their own ideas.

Here's my initial thoughts on the Boba.

The Boba is for 1+yrs and not for young babies. The Beco is from birth to 4yrs since it comes with an infant insert.

The Boba has to be taken off to move from back to front or front to back. The Beco is designed that even if the bottom clasp came undone the baby would be fine, and you can switch from back to front or front to back with the baby still in the carrier.

The Boba may be $100 and the Beco is anywhere from $130-$180 depending on fabric choices. Since you would need to buy another baby carrier before baby was big enough and old enough for the Boba you might as well spend the extra money and buy the Beco. Invest in 1 carrier intead of multiple. Even the Ergo is another good option since you can buy an infant insert and use it from birth. The Beco comes with infant insert and doesn't cost extra.

I guess it just depends on your needs. The foot straps looked interesting but I don't know how comfortable they would be for the adult.

Thanks for posting this though. I like knowing what's out there.

Cari24 · #3 October 8th, 2009, 06:01 PM

I can't afford either one lol!!

It is weird how they have these products that are just like other's products. I didn't think much of the wrap since there are tons of WAHM's and others selling homemade Mobys. But the Beco is much more distinctive and their product looks just like it! But wouldn't there be a copyright issue or something..???

Anyway, thanks for letting us know the differences. If ever DO decide to buy one, I'll know what to do.

Nykoal · #4 October 8th, 2009, 06:11 PM

I hear ya on the price. I had a hard time even looking at one and was seriously looking at buying one used (Diaperswappers has a FS section with babycarriers and there are a few other babywearing sites that have used ones for sale). Since Maddie won't go in a stroller without letting the entire free nation know she's unhappy

I figure I'd save myself the money I got from selling my double stroller and investing in the Beco.

I'm using it everyday and wear Maddie on my back around the house (and she's been taking her morning nap in it lately). It's already paid for itself in terms of my productivity and being able to get things done now. Even while at the mall today she napped. Never makes a peep in it.

Even if you don't buy one of the expensive ones babywearing is the way to go IMO.

If you really want one let me know and I'll keep my eye open for them as I see them and I can send you the links for the listings. Gosh...you'd think with all the promoting I've been doing for the Beco I was employed by them.

Cari24 · #5 October 8th, 2009, 07:34 PM

For now we are ok with the Sleepy - I don't use it enough to warrant investing in something else you know? She likes it, but she also likes her stroller so we do about 50/50 depending on her mood and what we are doing. And at home I am so blessed that she is often (not always but often) willing to hang out and watch while I get something done. Probably because I've had 6-7 kids here all day since she was 6 weeks old so she's gotten used to waiting her turn....lol.

If I decide I really want one, I'll letcha know though, thanks!

mutleysweet · #6 October 9th, 2009, 04:05 AM

You should really work for Beco, Nykoal! Haha!

With all the great research you've done, I am ALMOST tempted to buy a beco. LOL. Good thing I stopped myself in time.

Especially as you mentioned there are a lot of good used ones in FSOT in different sites (my favorite is thebabywearer.com although i bought my APLX in diapperswappers)...

Update us Cari if you do decide to buy a carrier

j mama · #7 July 20th, 2011, 02:48 PM

Boba does NOT equal BECOI completely agree with you about the Boba knocking of BECO!

I have actually compared them both and the Boba is lesser quality. I checked out the company, it seems like that copied Moby as well, I guess that corporation saw a great product and they have cash in on the design. As far as copyright laws and patens, from what I know, a product has to be 30% different for it to be valid, and I guess that�s where the useless foot straps come into play.

For my money, I would rather go with a trusted brand than a knock off, plus, the Beco looks better and has a higher resell value.