Buying guide for Best baby wraps
Babies often run on a timetable that’s totally independent from their caregivers. You may have had a busy afternoon scheduled, but your baby has other plans. So now you must choose: do you put her down and endure her protests, or do you hold her and watch your piles of work grow?
A baby wrap can help keep you both happy. These long, rectangular fabric carriers wind around your body to create a secure pouch for your baby. Wraps balance your baby’s weight on your hips and shoulders to avoid straining any one area. They give your baby the closeness they craves while keeping your hands free to tackle your to-do list.
Newborns lack head control, so they can’t ride safely in most strap-on baby carriers. That leaves massive travel system strollers as your main transportation method in the early months. But with your baby tied to your torso, you can go places that bulky strollers can’t maneuver. Your wrap’s airy layers allow you to breastfeed discreetly on-the-go, too.
Babies who are at risk of having a flat spot on their heads benefit from being in baby wraps instead of strollers or car seats because it allows them to not have pressure on their heads.
Which baby wrap will get you some well-deserved peace? Keep reading to learn more, and when you’re done, check out our recommendations for the best baby wraps on the market.
Key considerations
How old is your baby?
Baby wraps are primarily designed for infants during the first three months of life, when they prefer snuggling and swaddling because it mimics the womb. All baby wraps are designed to hold newborns in the inward facing position, and some offer an additional position or two. A number of wraps can be tied to let older babies to face outward and see the world. Most wraps can hold babies that weigh up to 35 pounds.
Safety tip
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that when using a sling, you should
make sure the baby's body does not curl into a C shape, which may cause breathing problems. Instead, the baby's neck should be straight and the head above the fabric. Check frequently to make sure you can see your baby's face and fabric is not blocking the baby's mouth or nose.
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What is your size?
The size of the person wearing the wrap is also key. You’ll need enough fabric to create a stable base of support, a secure pouch, and a tight knot to hold it all in place. Too little fabric puts your knot at risk for slipping and sliding. Too much, and you’ll need to wrap multiple winding layers in order to keep yourself from tripping.
Thankfully, you shouldn’t need multiple baby wraps for different caretakers. Many wraps are adjustable, and most have enough fabric to fit bodies of various sizes. If you or your partner wear an exceptionally large or small size, though, it’s best to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Many wraps are one size fits most, measuring 180 to 220 inches long. But some brands come in specific sizes. This is a great option if a one-size-fits-all wrap would be either too small or too large for you or your partner. The smallest size-specific wraps give you around 100 inches of fabric to work with. The largest non-custom wraps run around 250 inches. Remember, if you order a specifically sized wrap, there’s a chance it won’t fit other caregivers.
TICKS
An acronym, TICKS, has been devised to help parents ensure that their babies are safe in baby wraps. TICKS stands for Tight, In view, Close, Keep chin off chest, and Supported. It advises parents to ensure the baby is held tight and high, is in close view of the parent at all times, is close enough to kiss, is in a position so their chin is off their chest, is never curled into a “C”, and the baby’s back is well supported and in a natural position.
Baby wrap features
Color
Choosing a favorite hue is one of the best parts about shopping for baby wraps. Pick a color that coordinates with your nursery, or go with something neutral if you plan to use it for multiple children. Treat yourself to something fun, or select a neutral earth tone if you’d like your partner or another caregiver to take a turn wearing the baby wrap.
Materials
If you live in a warm climate, or if you’re caring for a newborn over the summer, a wrap made of a cool, breathable fabric is essential.
Most wraps are made from cotton to improve breathability, but many are blended with materials like bamboo, spandex, linen, wool, or silk to add flexibility or structure. Spandex gives a wrap hip-hugging flexibility; linen allows for more air circulation; wool adds structure and warmth to the wrap. A handful of manufacturers use a moisture-wicking fabric for extra comfort.
Other features you’ll want to consider include the following.
- Some wraps can be folded into a hidden pouch stitched into the fabric. This helps keep the wrap clean in your diaper bag.
- A handful of baby wraps are outfitted with a pocket for storing snacks, pacifiers, keys, and credit cards.
- Some wrap designs come pre-looped for you. This is a convenient option, but it requires you to order a specific size, so you may need to order a second wrap for another caregiver.
Expert tip
Bend at your knees if you need to pick something up while wearing a carrier. If you bend at the waist, the baby could fall out of the carrier, and you could hurt your back.
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Baby wrap prices
Inexpensive
The least expensive baby wraps can cost as little as $20 to $25. Wraps in this price range work well for newborns. They may be shorter than other wraps (but not necessarily), and color choices may be limited. An inexpensive baby wrap may be produced with lower-quality fabric that stretches over time and does not support heavier, older babies very well.
Mid-range
Mid-grade baby wraps cost $25 to $35. Wraps in this price range will be made of higher-quality fabric that supports the baby for longer. They should also include more color and pattern choices than budget wraps.
Expensive
Higher-priced baby wraps often cost $35 or more and come in a wide variety of color choices. Some may come pre-looped in specific sizes. These wraps should be constructed from quality fabric that securely holds older babies as well as newborns. The fabric should be breathable and comfortable for most seasons.
Tips
- Parents of preemies should check with their doctor to make sure a baby wrap would be safe for the child’s size, weight, and level of development.
- If you must bend over while wearing your baby, lower your body from your knees instead of your hips. Doing so will help keep your baby safe and upright.
- Baby wraps can make it hard to see steps and tripping hazards in your path, so avoid stairs and narrow pathways if possible.
- Never consume hot beverages like tea or coffee while wearing a baby wrap.
- Don’t be embarrassed if you need a larger wrap. Your body needs time to return to normal. Spend this time taking care of yourself and enjoying your newfound closeness with your bundle of joy.
FAQ
Q. How do I know if my baby is positioned correctly?
A. Babies can be wrapped in several different positions, but only a few are appropriate for a newborn. In the most common newborn position, your baby should be wrapped upright and tightly with his head close enough for you to kiss. His bottom should rest where the two loops cross, near your navel. Both back and bottom should be well-supported, and his knees should be slightly higher than his bottom. Make sure you can see your baby’s face: his chin should never be tucked to his chest, as this position could constrict his airway.
Expert tip
Do not put infants who were born prematurely or with respiratory problems in backpacks or other upright positioning devices because it may be hard for them to breathe.
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Q. How long can I use a baby wrap?
A. Many wraps have an upper weight limit of 35 pounds, which many babies hit between 15 and 18 months of age. Some wraps can be tied many ways to accommodate older babies and toddlers. That said, wraps may not be ideal at this older stage. As babies grow, they often need more support — and so does the wearer’s back.
Q. How do baby wraps differ from slings?
A. While a wrap winds around your entire torso, a sling loops over your shoulder cross-body and stabilizes your baby over your abdomen and hip. They tighten through a pair of rings at the shoulder. Slings have advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, they are cooler to wear than wraps because they allow more airflow and add fewer layers. On the downside, they balance almost all of the baby’s weight on your shoulder, so they’re not ergonomically the best. Additionally, most slings cannot go in the washing machine because the fabric could warp and lose its stability.
