Originally Posted by
thelilprincess
Do you know at when its appropriate to use the soleil without the infant carrier? I'm confused because I see charts saying the ssc is for weight 7-45 lbs and infant insert 7-15lbs.
The chart includes the use-time with the insert.
I hear that the Soleil does NEED the insert for it to fit a smaller babe properly, but I haven't looked at it much. It's too new for me to have learned enough about it and the Beco offerings at the time I was registering didn't sound like they would suit my frame - I have broad shoulders and am bigger than their "fit model" at the time, so I ruled out the Butterfly II then.
As far as using the insert, it's usually for positioning more than for weight. You want a floppier baby to be "visible and kissable" while being worn, so the inserts usually position a baby so they don't curl up into the chin-to-chest "C" position like a curled shrimp, which can cut off their airway.
Once a baby has better head control/neck strength, you can usually pitch the insert. That said, I had an Ergo and absolutely HATED its infant insert (new "burrito" style insert with bum-pillow) so I used a wrap until my DD fit properly in the carrier without it. I just googled the Soleil's insert and it looks VERY similar to the Ergo's insert that I hated so much.
Originally Posted by
thelilprincess
Do you think the soleil could easily be customized with fabric panels? I know the gemini is harder because the fabric ends up covering the snap buttons. I have a seen the soleil IRL so inhale no idea but I have found tutorials for customizing geminis.
I think you could customize it with your own choice of fabric by playing with a print one in person to see how it's constructed.
BUT ... why not look through the prints & see if there's one that suits you instead?
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Liz
DD (3/2010)
"Make mistakes! Get messy!" - Miss Frizzle