Babies love to stay wrapped up and cuddled, close to their parents. But with our daily hectic lives, it can be very difficult to lie next to your child, all day, every day. That’s why baby wrap carriers are the perfect option for you. You can keep your baby close to your body, all while moving freely to do work. But how do you choose the best baby wrap carrier?
There are tons of options in the market and choosing one can be tough, especially when you have no time to research. Fret not, that’s why I’ve researched for you. The most popular option among parents is the Moby Wrap. It is strong, durable, and snuggly enough to keep your baby cozy.
While the Moby Wrap is a great option, it might not be the best one for your child. Each baby wrap carrier is designed to cater to a different need and they all provide different features. Which one will work best for you depends on your baby? Check out what each of these options has to offer to find the right one for you!
But first, here’s a side-by-side comparison of each of these products at a glance so that you have a basic idea of the product I will be reviewing here.
Baby Wrap Carrier | Orientation | Supported Weight (lbs) | Material | Price | |
Moby Wrap | Back, Hip | 8 – 33 | 100% cotton | Check Price On Amazon | |
Boba Wrap | Front | 3 – 35 | 95% cotton, 5% spandex | Check Price On Amazon | |
Acrabos Baby Wrap Carrier | Front | 8 – 35 | Polyester, rayon | Check Price On Amazon | |
KeaBabies Wrap Carrier | Front, Back | 2 – 35 | Cotton | Check Price On Amazon | |
Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier | Center | 8 – 35 | Cotton | Check Price On Amazon |
Why You Should Get a Baby Wrap Carrier
Before we head on to the list of the best baby wrap carriers, you might be wondering whether you even need one. Baby wrap carriers have lots of different benefits. They free your hands for work, you can multitask without worrying about your baby and most importantly it gives your baby physical contact and warmth for long periods. (Also look at How to swaddle a baby)
Babies demand to be held almost 24/7. They cry much less when they are in constant movement, with the warmth of their parents. And especially with newborn babies, you can’t leave them alone in a room or lying somewhere while you work.
This is where baby wraps come in. You can tie your baby to your body, while you work. You can keep your baby close and safe, and your baby also gets slight swaying motions so they cry less. Your hands are free to multitask and do other work.
Plus, physical contact is amazing for both the baby and you, as it produces oxytocin and improves bonding with your baby. This can also help with postpartum depression and anxiety, which a lot of mother’s face.
As much as we would love to sit around and play with our baby all day long, there are just too many responsibilities to attend to. Even just tending to the baby alone, might require you to work with free hands. So, baby wraps are the way to go for this day and age. It keeps both parent and child happy and comforted.
5 Best Baby Wrap Carriers
Now that we’ve covered why you need one, you might get confused with the wide range of options available on the market. With baby wrap carriers, it can get very difficult to choose, as they all seemingly look the same. I mean, it is just a piece of cloth at the end of the day, so how do you choose which is best for your baby?
Fret not, I’ve got you covered. Each wrap, while they look pretty much the same, provides different features. Take a look at the top 5 off the market, and choose one which you think will work best for you.
Moby Wrap
The Moby Wrap has been around for generations. Chances are your parents used it with you when you were a baby as well! This wrap has survived the test of time and works for a whole different range of ages from newborns to more than 1-year-olds, by which time your baby won’t want to stick to you 24/7 anyway.
This one is great if you are looking to buy just one baby wrap and make it last. The Moby wrap is stretchable, durable, and washable. So you can get good use out of it until your baby grows out of the wrapping stage. It is also adjustable to different body sizes so that people with larger builds can also use it with ease.
The Moby Wrap comes with an instruction manual, which was sort of difficult to follow through. The knots can get a little complicated, in my experience and it took a little while before I could do them properly. I would suggest you learn one knot you like before the baby arrives. This way you can easily wrap your baby around because parents never have enough time.
Features
Expandable: The Moby wrap’s soft fabric expands as your baby grows. From 8 lbs to 33 lbs, the stretchable fabric fits snugly around your newborn. It can support your baby and evenly distribute weight to your body.
Multiple Folds: You can wrap your baby with you in multiple different ways. The Moby Wrap comes with an instruction manual that teaches you how to do different wrap styles like the Hug Hold, Newborn Hold, Kangaroo Hold, etc.
Time-tested: This wrap has been around since 2003 and it is still just as popular as it was when it got released. It has been tried and tested among generations of parents, and they are still going strong.
- Cotton Fabric
- Breathable
- Stretchable
- Adjustable
- Different colors and prints
- Fits different sizes
- Warm and cozy
- Washable
- Need to readjust frequently
- Wrapping can be difficult
- Unwrap completely to take baby off
Boba Wrap
The 11.5 inches Boba Wrap is very long, stretchy and is easy to tie. There is only one way to tie it and after a few turns, it was pretty easy to use. The fabric feels like how t-shirts feel, not so soft that it becomes saggy, but not so rough that it becomes uncomfortable to wear.
If different tying styles and knots confuse you, this one is the one for you! With a one-size-fits-all approach, the Boba Wrap can only be tied in one way and the same technique works for babies of different sizes and ages. It will support your child up to 35 lbs. and is washable and durable.
Its large size made it perfect for nursing, even in public as it provides quite a lot of privacy. Though this might be a problem for shorter people, as there’s a large trail which can be difficult to manage, especially with a baby in public.
The Boba wrap when used did hold its shape quite well, but it was much warmer than the other products I’ve used in this list. It gets hot pretty fast, especially if there’s no air conditioner. Coupled with my body heat, and the baby’s heat, there was sweat all around. But this might be a great thing in winter though.
Features
Large Size: This wrap is huge, and will wrap around smoothly with many different body types. It holds your baby snug and keeps them comfortable, close to your heartbeat. Can even hold twins together, without squishing them in.
One Wrap Style: The Boba Wrap is very easy to use and there’s only one way to tie it. There are no hassles with learning different techniques and no confusion.
Made with 5% Spandex: The spandex with the 95% cotton makes the Boba wrap not only soft and comfortable but also slightly stretchable and keeps it from sagging. It retains its shape and you can move anywhere with your baby wrapped in the Boba wrap.
- Ergonomic
- Comfortable to wear for both baby and parent
- One size for everyone
- Machine washable
- Easy to tie
- Stretchable
- Durable
- Encourages air-flow
- Large size might be a hassle for some people
- Very warm and can make your baby sweat when indoors
- Bulky fabric
Acrabos Baby Wrap Carrier
The first thing I noticed about the Acrabos Baby Wrap Carrier is how long it is. Even for your average height individual, the fabric is pretty lengthy. There’s a noticeable trail left even after tying it properly. But the back of the trail can be tucked in, and the length is supposed to make the wrap work for all types of parents.
The trail did not bother me much, but it might be annoying if you’re shorter than average. It can get a little difficult to handle, especially if you’re in a hurry. And the instructions that come with it were rather hard for me to decipher. I ended up watching a video tutorial from the internet, and then it worked fine.
But apart from the trail, this wrap is soft and comfortable and feels very light. It didn’t feel warm like the other ones and felt comfortable and snug. Supporting babies up to 35 lbs, this one is great to let your kids’ legs hang free. If you’re looking for a great, affordable option for your baby, the Acrabos Baby Wrap Carrier gives amazing value for money.
Features
Breathable: Made with polyester and rayon, the Acrabos wrap is soft and breathable and does not leave your baby sweating buckets. It is still sturdy and holds shape, but isn’t uncomfortable.
Very Long: With a 210 x 22 inches size, this one is very long and customizable for different body types. You can tie the rest of the trail if you don’t need it. But its long size makes it perfect for larger body types.
Free-legs: The Acrabos Baby Wrap comes with only one instruction for tying, and the technique allows your baby’s legs to hang freely. Unlike most other wraps, this one won’t squish your baby’s legs (once they are older), while still providing knee support.
- Affordable
- Breathable
- Very Long
- One size fit all
- Simple tying technique
- Gender-neutral design
- Affordable
- Washing machine-safe
- Light-weight
- Fabric is not that stretchy
- Might cause back pain
- Instructions can be hard to understand
KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier
Lugging around a baby for hours while you do your work can be very exhausting. Especially if your baby is on the heavier side, using a wrap can take a toll on your back. The KeaBabies wrap was designed to counter exactly that.
Its sturdy fabric, with just the right stretch, gives proper support to your back and your baby. After using it for 2 hours straight, I didn’t feel any strains on my back, as opposed to some of the other wraps I’ve used. The fabric, while being sturdy, is not rough or uncomfortable. It’s still soft and breathable, but with the tying technique, it all works.
I would highly recommend this one for people who have back problems and shy away from carrying their babies for too long. With the added support, this event is better than just simply carrying your baby around even when you are free. It also comes at a reasonable price point.
The only problem with the KeaBabies Wrap Carrier may be its size. It’s a little shorter, especially compared to the ones that leave long trails even after being tied up. It might be difficult to fit your baby in properly if you have a larger body structure. But apart from this, it’s a great option for those of us with back pain.
Features
Ergonomic Design: The KeaBabies Baby Wrap is designed to provide proper back support to the parent all day long. Carrying around a baby and doing work can strain your back. But the designers have kept the material and tying technique suitable to provide support and give you an ergonomic posture.
Perfect Gift: The KeaBabies Baby Wrap comes in an adorable little box that makes it the perfect gift for baby showers and new parents. Your loved ones will surely love this useful present.
The Stretch Amount: Made with breathable, cotton fabric this wrap has the right amount of stretch: enough to hold its shape and keep your baby in place, but not so stretchy that your baby weighs it down. There’s no need to readjust every two seconds. It’s sturdy yet soft.
- Reasonable price
- Comes in a cute box
- One size for everyone
- Works as a breastfeeding cover
- Gives back support
- Soft and comfortable
- Comes with specific tying instructions
- Size might not be long enough
- Fabric may be bulky
Baby K’tan Original Baby Wrap Carrier
Perhaps the main hassle with a Baby Wrap is that there’s a learning curve in trying to tie it. Instructions can be difficult to understand and even when you’ve got a hang of it, it still takes time to wrap a moving baby to your body.
The Baby K’tan solves all of these problems. There’s no need to wrap it, it’s already “wrapped”. All you need to do is put it on as you would with a t-shirt, and that’s it. It’s easy and quick and is perfect for parents in a rush, who do not have time to wrap yards of cloth across their bodies.
The double-loop design is like a cross belt, that you wear across your body. I loved not having to look through tutorials with this one. I tried different positions, carrying my baby on one side, and the regular front-facing position as well. They were all comfortable and calmed my baby (How to calm fussy baby at night). You can even choose to wrap your baby’s feet up or let them hang free, as you wish.
It comes in different sizes, and you choose one according to your body size, and not the baby. The first one I ordered felt a little too big, as the lowest point fell below my hips. I changed it for a smaller one, and then it was perfect. The sizing chart can be a bit difficult to understand, but once you get the right size, the rest of it is a smooth sail.
Features
Slip-On Design: With its double-loop design, the Baby K’tan is completely hassle-free and can be easily slipped on like a t-shirt. It’s easy to wear and take off, and to store.
Adjustable Back Support: Approved by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute, this one comes with adjustable back support to give you the most comfortable, even with larger babies. The double sling design evenly distributes the weight of the baby across your body, so you don’t get strained.
Multiple Wearing Styles: Even though you can’t wrap it in different ways, you can still use the Baby K’tan in 5 different positions according to your needs. From newborns to toddlers, there’s a different way to hold your baby with the Baby K’tan.
- Comes in a range of different sizes for both men and women
- No need to wrap
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Adjusta
- Comes with a free carry bag
- Washable
- Dryer safe
- Comes in different colors and patterns
- Can be difficult to select the proper size
- Expensive
- Can be difficult to keep with an active baby
Baby Wraps vs Baby Carriers vs Baby Slings
There are tons of different options when it comes to accessories designed to carry babies. Even if we put strollers in a whole different category, there are many different ways to lug your baby around with you, close to your body. These include baby wraps, baby carriers, and baby slings.
You might be wondering which type of carrier is best for you or if you should get all three of them. While each of them is different in design, they all serve the same purpose. They allow you to free your hands while carrying around your baby with you and giving you extra support.
Baby Slings and Baby Wraps are the most similar. They are made from a single, long piece of fabric that you wrap around your body to fit your baby snuggly inside. Baby slings usually have a ring on the side, and allow you to carry your baby on the other side over your shoulders and across your torso. Unlike baby wraps, they can only be worn in one way.
While all of these are technically baby carriers, when people refer to Baby Carriers, they usually mean a structured carrier with belts and buckles and different accessories. It looks more like a car seat and is big and bulky. And is usually more expensive. You can use them to wear your baby on your front or your back, usually.
In my opinion, Baby Wraps are the best out of all of these three. They are the most versatile and affordable and they are very customizable. For example, you can only use a structured carrier and a baby sling in one or two ways. But with a baby wrap, there are tons of different ways to tie it, each serving a different purpose.
The best part about baby wraps is that they grow with your baby. You don’t need to buy a new one when your baby grows out of its carrier. They can be tied differently for newborns and toddlers. Whereas structured carriers may not be suitable for newborns, and you’d need to wait until your baby is big enough to fit in it.
And once they grow out of, after a few months, you’ll need a bigger size. With how much more expensive structured carriers are, it’s just not worth it buying one that you won’t even be able to use for a long time.
This is why baby wrap-style carriers are the way to go, in my choice. They are customizable, you only need to buy them once, they are affordable, versatile and you can use them exactly how you need them.
When Should You Buy A Baby Wrap?
You can start putting your baby in a baby wrap from day one. Baby wraps are supposed to hold your baby as close to you as possible. It might feel like they are restricting movement and might be uncomfortable. But children of that age actually prefer to be like that.
It helps them stay warm which is a big thing as children of that age can’t regulate body temperature that well. So, a baby wrap can keep them warm which is an essential part of their growth.
Also, the tight-fitting grip the wrap provides helps your baby feel secure and protected, which is a natural biological response. This reduces stress and helps your baby grow. So, bottom line is, you can start wrapping your baby like a little burrito as early as you want.
When Should You Stop Using the Baby Wrap?
You should stop using the baby wrap when your baby is around 4 months old. A general rule of thumb is to stop using the wrap as soon as the baby starts wiggling and rolling around trying to move.
Babies love the coziness that baby wraps provide. But to a certain age. When babies hit 4 months, they start getting more control over their limbs and muscles. And naturally, start experimenting with them to learn movement.
At this stage they are biologically tuned to focus on learning this basic skill and anything that limits their movements will feel claustrophobic and uncomfortable. Not to mention, it will hamper the learning process.
So, when you notice that your baby is rolling around and throwing its arms and legs in every direction, take it off the wraps and upgrade to a baby carrier. The best would be to let it play and tumble around as much as possible to enhance physical and mental development.
Conclusion
Even though children become the center of attention of every parent, there are other responsibilities that need attending to as well. But leaving your baby to do them can be a worry some. A proper baby wrap carrier can enable you to move around, perform your daily duties and provide your newborn with the attention it deserves, all at the same time.
In this article, I have tried my best to talk about everything you need to know about baby carriers before you buy one. I hope that by now, you have probably decided on which one is the best baby wrap carrier for you. Order one right away, and I promise you, you will not regret it. Baby wraps have been a great addition to my daily life, and I’m sure they will help you out too!