Best Baby Wraps of 2021
Truth: babies love to be held, especially during the newborn days.
Also truth: sometimes your arms just need a break.
Meet the baby wrap, a favorite among new parents everywhere. Baby wraps have been around for centuries and used across cultures as a way to keep your little one close while also freeing up your hands to get other things done. They may look a bit intimidating at first, but with a little practice you’ll be babywearing like a pro in no time.
What is a Baby Wrap?
A baby wrap is essentially a piece of long fabric you tie and knot around yourself to create a pouch on your chest, hip or back where your baby can sit. The fabric usually wraps over your shoulders and across your torso. It’s meant to distribute the baby’s weight across your shoulders and hips. Unlike other carriers, there are no clasps, rings or buckles that might dig into you or your child’s body.
Wraps can typically be used with newborns (as long as they meet the weight requirement) up until your child is 18 months old or so, although parents tend to get the most use out of them in the first several months.
Do You Need a Baby Wrap?
While a baby wrap isn’t necessarily a need, it’s one of the most popular items Babylist parents choose when building their baby registries. That’s because wraps have so many benefits both for parents and babies, especially during the fourth trimester (the first three months of your little one’s life). Wearing your baby in a wrap can help calm and soothe them, help them fall asleep (and stay asleep) and free up your hands so you can get other things done.
A few things to consider when you’re deciding whether or not you need a baby wrap: - Are you registering for a swing or bouncer? If not, a wrap is a good spot for baby to hang while you get stuff done. (Even if you are registering for one of these items, you may want a wrap as an option too.) - Are you adding any other carriers to your list? It’s a good idea to get a baby carrier of some sort, and a wrap is just one of the choices. Others include a ring sling, babywearing shirt, or a soft structured or hybrid carrier. This guide can help you choose. - If your stroller doesn’t accommodate a newborn or an infant car seat, or if you don’t plan on using either of these items very much, a baby wrap is a great way to get around with your little one in tow.
How We Chose Our Best Picks
We asked thousands of real Babylist families about the baby products they love the most. We took the top products they shared with us and added our own research and insight to tell you about the best baby wraps.
Supersoft Favorite
What Our Experts Say
The Solly is one of the most popular baby wraps on the market, and it’s no surprise why. While the thicker fabrics of some other wraps can make them good options for cooler climates, the Solly is made from a thin piece of super breathable modal fabric. It’s not only ultra soft but can be used all year long in any climate without turning you in a sweaty mess. There’s zero bulk and the wrap folds easily into almost any size bag, and the universal fit works for wearers of all sizes. This pattern is a limited edition designed just for Babylist, but there are lots of other colors and patterns to choose from too.
What’s Worth Considering
You’ll only be able to do a front upright inward-facing carry with the Solly. And the weight limit is 25 pounds which is a bit lower than many other wraps.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Easy to use and my baby loves being carried in it. Watch the instructional videos and practice a few times before you try to put a baby in it. Maybe test it with a teddy bear to make sure you know how to position the baby in it. I actually found it easier to use than my structured carrier.” -Shelby
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-25 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward |
Extra Stretch
What Our Experts Say
Similar to the Solly, the Boba is a swath of fabric you use to bind your baby to your torso in the inward front-facing position. The standout feature here is the fabric; it’s soft French terry and made from 5% spandex so it’s stretchy yet snug at the same time. It fits parents of all sizes and works for babies up to 35 pounds.
What’s Worth Considering
While the elasticity of the wrap is great for tying tightly around you and your child, some Babylist parents report that the weight of a heavier baby can stretch out the fabric. Parents also say the wrap isn’t great for warmer environments as the thicker fabric makes it easier to overheat.
What Babylist Parents Say
“My daughter LOVES to be worn, and sometimes, will sleep for several hours in this wrap. I was initially intimidated by it, but our doula showed me how to wear it, and it’s been amazing. YouTube videos also will work! Try it! Don’t let it intimidate you. It’s worth it!” -Kasha
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | Newborn to 25 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward |
Two Carry Positions
What Our Experts Say
Like the Solly and the Boba, the Moby is also made from one long piece of soft, stretchy fabric. But unlike the other two wraps, you’ll have two carry options here: inward front-facing and hip carry. The Moby fits wearers of all sizes and can be used with babies from eight pounds up to 35.
What’s Worth Considering
Because the fabric is so long, it drags on the ground and can get dirty when you put it on in public places. Also, parents report that the thicker fabric of the Moby can make you and your baby hot and sweaty, especially when it’s warm.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I use this every single day. I had to get a second one as a back up for when baby spits up or pees on the one I’m wearing! He loves sleeping in it and loves being close to me while I grocery shop or do chores around the house.” -Bree
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward, hip |
User Friendly + Five Carry Positions
What Our Experts Say
If you love the idea of a baby wrap but are intimidated by the origami-like wapping process, the K’Tan is for you. It’s made from two loops of fabric that are already stitched together to hold your baby safely and securely in place. Simply slip it over your head, put an arm through each loop and position your baby where the two loops cross over. Belt the fabric sash around you and the baby for extra security and you’re ready to go. Another great perk of the K’Tan: five carry positions, including front and back options.
What’s Worth Considering
Unlike most wraps, the Baby K’Tan comes in clothing sizes. That means other caregivers won’t be able to use it unless they’re the same size as you. The brand recommends to size down if you’re between sizes.
What Babylist Parents Say
“Sooo much easier to use and understand than the normal wraps of one long piece of fabric, but with all the benefits of being super portable and lightweight!” -Julie
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Kangaroo, sling, front-inward, front-outward, hip |
Organic Option
What Our Experts Say
Made from organic bamboo and cotton, this wrap is sturdy but soft and wicks away moisture, making it a solid, year-round choice. It’s also naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic. The bonus? Happy Baby makes all of its products in the U.S. and employs stay-at-home moms in the sewing process.
What’s Worth Considering
Like all classic wraps, this one takes some getting used to. Plan time to watch the instructional video and do some practice babywearing sessions around the house.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I love that the Happy Wrap was so lightweight compared to the Moby. It was still very durable and strong but was much better in our sweltering Florida heat. It was also just as soft as the day we bought it after every wash!” -Brittany
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | Newborn to 25 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward |
Hybrid Option
What Our Experts Say
Not quite a wrap and not quite a soft structured carrier, this hybrid option falls somewhere in the middle and is a good alternative if you’re looking for a carrier with a little extra support that’s easier to get on and off than a traditional baby wrap. The ComfyFit is made from soft, lightweight material with a hint of spandex. There are three steps to get your baby in: fastening the padded waist belt buckle and positioning the shoulder straps, placing baby in the soft structured seat and finally wrapping and tying the fabric tails around your torso and back. There’s inward front-facing and outward-facing carry options and the ComfyFit works up to 35 pounds.
What’s Worth Considering
Parents complain that the fit isn’t great and can be a bit uncomfortable, especially for long periods of time. The fabric ties around the back can also be a bit unwieldy.
What Babylist Parents Say
“I love this carrier! The material is amazingly soft, lightweight, and a great color. The carrier is super easy to put on and does not require that much adjustment, so it is easy if my husband needs to put it on. The carrier has little tags to tell you where to put your baby, which is super easy for those not familiar with carriers.” -Samor
Additional Specs
| Weight limits: | 8-35 lbs |
| Available positions for baby: | Front-inward, front-outward |
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