woman holding baby in a baby wrap

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You need to use your hands to do things no matter how much you love your baby. The baby wrap is a good friend of a busy parent.

If you have a little one who needs to be upright after feeds or just loves that skin-to-skin time, a baby wrap can be a lifesaver.

Are you curious about the product that can give you back valuable time while still keeping your baby close? We have all the information you need to choose the perfect baby wrap.

A baby wrap is a long piece of fabric that can be tied around a person and used to create a pouch. It is usually wrapped over the shoulders and torso to help distribute the weight.

You can secure your baby in the pouch for baby wearing.

“Although some wraps may be used for babies up to 18 months, many parents find them most useful during the first months of their child’s life.”

Keep in mind that baby-wearing products can lead to a greater risk of injury and hospitalizations in children under age 1. Using a baby carrier that is the correct size and wear can help reduce risk of injury. As your little one ages, you may want to switch to a more structured carrier.

Many parents find a baby wrap to be useful. Baby wraps offer your little one comfort and affection while allowing you to get things done.

If your baby enjoys swings or bouncy seats, you may find you don’t need a wrap as much, but it’s still helpful if you need to be out and about.

If budget is a concern, know that it’s possible to find these on clearance or even being sold very lightly used. That said, when buying a used wrap, you’ll want to make sure that it doesn’t have any defects.

There are no clasps or buckles on the wrap, which is one of the big differences between a baby carrier and a wrap.

Many parents of very young newborns love that wraps don’t include these features because they can dig into an infant’s sensitive skin.

As your baby ages, you may find that the added structure and support offered by clasps and buckles is nice to have.

We considered the things that we know matter to you when we were thinking about which baby wraps to choose.

Extra points were given to the wraps that could serve multiple purposes, like being a breastfeeding cover, a belly band, or having pockets to keep track of pacifiers, because of their comfort and affordability. The wraps that were especially eco-friendly or supported making the world a better place got bonus points.

We took into account what parents had to say when making decisions about using the wraps. Adults using baby wrap are better able to judge the pros and cons of it.

Pricing guide

  • $ = under $30
  • $$ = $30–$59
  • $$$ = over $59

Best overall

CuddleBug Baby Wrap

  • Price: $
  • Weight range: 2–36 pounds
  • Number of color options: 5
  • Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

The CuddleBug model is one of the more affordable baby wraps. It can be used as a breastfeeding cover, a sling, or even a wound to provide support for your torso.

This wrap also gets rave reviews from parents of colicky babies for its ability to soothe them.

The manufacturer produced a video that shows you how to position your baby in the wrap.

It can get a little hot during the summer months, but the warmth can be great in the winter and autumn.

Pros

  • “A lifetime manufacturer’s warranty is included.”
  • It can be used as a breastfeeding cover.
  • Comes in recycled, eco-friendly packaging.
  • a portion of proceeds goes to the Guatemalan charity Long Way Home

Cons

  • On hotter days, can get a little warm.
  • Users said they could feel the difference in fabric quality between this and more expensive wraps.
  • The fabric was almost too stretchy.
Shop now at Amazon

Best for beginners

Baby K’tan Original

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight range: 8–35 pounds
  • Number of color options: 18
  • Fabric: cotton

One of the most intimidating parts of baby wraps is learning how to wrap the fabric around yourself to make a safe space for the baby.

You just have to put your hand through each loop if you slip it over your head. You can put your baby where the fabric crosses, put the extra piece of fabric around the outside for security, and you are done.

“Downsides? The K’tan Original is only available in clothing sizes that are the same as their actual size. It usually takes a little while to wash and dry, but it usually restores the fabric’s tension.”

Pros

Cons

  • Wrap option more expensive.
  • Only people who wear the same clothing sizes can share this wrap.
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Best ring sling

Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight range: 7–35 pounds
  • Number of color options: 23
  • Fabric: cotton

Ring slings are similar to a wrap in that they are easier to put on.

The Maya Wrap is a ring sling that has exceptional padding and pocket placement.

“The padded fabric in the shoulder area helps keep your baby out of the way. The pocket in the tail of the sling is perfect for your phone, baby’s diaper, or pacifier.”

The fabric is 100 percent cotton and it stays cooler than other ring slings.

The ring sling is worth the higher price because it has extras that many parents find worth it.

Pros

  • The padded shoulder is 8 inches wide.
  • The sling has a pocket in the tail.
  • The hand-loomed in Guatemala are by Indigenous Maya weavers.
  • There are less steps to getting this sling on than there are other wraps.

Cons

  • Not designed to hold the baby in many different positions.
  • One of the more expensive options.
Shop now at Maya Wrap

Best stretchy wrap

Boba Wrap

  • Price: $$
  • Weight range: 7–35 pounds
  • Number of color options: 22
  • Fabric: 95% cotton, 5% spandex

The Boba Wrap is similar to the MOBY Wrap Classic. This one only allows for a baby to be sitting up and positioned towards you.

The 5 percent spandex in the cotton knit of the Boba Wrap is a positive thing that makes it stand out from the other versions. This allows you to position the wrap perfectly and also feels like your baby is still snug and secure.

As your baby ages, the fabric may stretch and not properly hold them, so be careful with this wrap. You should keep an eye out for this issue or you will be stuck with a structured carrier.

Pros

Cons

  • The baby was held in one position.
  • “Doesn’t have the same eco-friendly or charitable giving aspects as other wraps.”
Shop now at Amazon

Best for breastfeeding

Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Wrap and Baby Sling Carrier

  • Price: $$
  • Weight range: 8–35 pounds
  • Number of color options: 3
  • Fabric: cotton blend

As your baby develops more neck strength and head control, you may want to feed them in a more upright position to help with digestion.

“The Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Wrap and Baby Sling Carrier has a ring sling that holds the baby in a reclined position and a wrap style that will keep the baby upright, which means you can breastfeeding in whichever position works best.”

It can be used as a breastfeeding cover and a belly band.

The price is one of the cheapest on the list, and it Comes with a lifetime guarantee..

Pros

  • can be used as a ring sling, wrap carrier, breastfeeding cover, and postpartum belly band.
  • Comes with a lifetime guarantee.
  • budget friendly

Cons

  • It does not include eco-friendly or charitable aspects.
  • More limited color options than some other wraps.

Best for all sizes

MOBY Wrap Classic

  • Price: $$
  • Weight range: 8–33 pounds
  • Number of color options: 18
  • Fabric: cotton

“The Wrap Classic is a strip of fabric that is easy to tie into a wrap. The fabric is long, so it is possible to form a wrap that is almost any size. It’s perfect for multiple caregivers in a family to take turns wearing and using it.”

Downsides? If you are on the shorter side, the tail can drag and get dirty. The hotter summer months can leave you and your little one sweaty.

Pros

  • Multiple caregivers can use it.
  • There are lots of design options.
  • Users can carry a baby on their hips or in front.

Cons

  • It may be too long for people with shorter arms.
  • Can get hot on warm days.
Shop now at Amazon

Best for dads

Baby K’tan Active Oasis

  • Price: $$$
  • Weight range: maximum recommended weight of 35 pounds
  • Number of color options: 2
  • Fabric: hi-tech performance fabric

Finding a baby wrap that fits and remembering how to put it on are two of the problems dads face when using baby wraps.

“The Active model is the one that Baby K’tan solved the problems with. It’s easier for dads to wear their baby with a wrap that slips on like a T-shirt because of the sizes specifically designed for male bodies.”

“The Baby K’tan Original carrier is the same size as the one that the baby is in, but it won’t fit all caregivers.”

Pros

  • There are different sizes that will fit taller, bigger people.
  • No need to learn any techniques for wrapping.
  • “fabric blocks over 99% of the sun’s rays.”

Cons

  • caregivers with similar clothing sizes can share this carrier
  • It does not come in as many colors and designs as some wrap options.
  • Not one of the cheapest options.
Shop now at Amazon

Best for around the house

KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier

  • Price: $
  • Weight range: 7–35 pounds
  • Number of color options: 15
  • Fabric: cotton

This wrap is incredibly versatile and affordable, which makes it a great option. It can be used as a sling, belt, or breastfeeding cover.

If you are short, you can easily wrap this around your waist twice if you are a large body. The fabric is warm, but perfect for sleeping.

Pros

Cons

  • The longer length of this wrap might not be ideal for smaller adults.
  • The fabric can get warm.
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Price Weight range Number of color options Fabric Product callouts
CuddleBug Baby Wrap $ 2–36 lbs. 5 95% cotton, 5% spandex • can also be used as a breastfeeding cover, postpartum waist support, and sling

• includes lifetime manufacturer’s warranty

Baby K’tan Original $$$ 8–35 lbs. 18 cotton • easy-on design means users won’t need to remember as many steps as some other wraps require
Maya Wrap Lightly Padded Ring Sling $$$ 7–35 lbs. 23 cotton • The padded shoulder is 8 inches wide.

• The sling has a pocket in the tail.
Boba Wrap $$ 7–35 lbs. 22 95% cotton, 5% spandex • “Can be used to hide a baby’s chest.”

• certified by International Hip Dysplasia Institute

Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Wrap and Baby Sling Carrier $$ 8–35 lbs. 3 cotton blend • can be used as a postpartum belly band, ring sling, breastfeeding cover, and wrap carrier

• includes a lifetime guarantee
MOBY Wrap Classic $$ 8–33 lbs. 18 cotton • can carry baby in-facing front or on the hip positions
Baby K’tan Active Oasis $$$ maximum recommended weight of 35 lbs. 2 hi-tech performance fabric • “fabric blocks over 99% of the sun’s rays.”

• No need to learn any techniques for wrapping. it
KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier $ 7–35 lbs. 15 cotton • It can be used as a sling, belt, or breastfeeding cover.

• certified by International Hip Dysplasia Institute

You will want to consider:

  • The fabric. How stretchy, breathable, or bulky is the fabric? How long is it? Will you be able to tie it by yourself?
  • The cost. Does it fit within your price range?
  • The extras. Is it produced in eco-friendly ways? Does the wrap include any extra features, like hidden pockets?

How safe are baby wraps for newborns?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, baby wraps can be safely used for newborns.

Before you use one, you should make sure your baby is at least 30 pounds and that there are no tears in the wraps.

“You want to keep an eye out for the baby’s face not being covered by the wrap. This can cause suffocation.”

“You should make sure to bend over so your baby doesn’t fall out of the wrap.”

At what age should you stop using a baby wrap?

Some caregivers stop using a baby wrap after the first few months, others around 18 months, and some use one even with their older toddlers.

“There is no age limit for when you must stop using a baby wrap. Refer to a wrap’s guidelines for height and weight.”

Consider what size child you feel comfortable carrying.

How do you put a baby wrap on?

You need to follow the directions that come with your wrap.

“Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the fit is safe. Many brands offer instructional videos to help you put on their wrap.”

Ready to stop holding your baby?

If you are looking for a baby wrap, make sure to check with your friends and local businesses. They may have wraps that you can try out with your baby before you buy.

They can be a great source of encouragement and guidance as you learn how to wrap the fabric around yourself.