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Best Baby Wraps of 2023
July 18, 2023

Best Baby Wraps of 2023

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Best Baby Wraps of 2023

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 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. How to Choose a Baby Carrier can help you decide.
  • 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.

What is the Best Fabric for Baby Slings?

Baby slings and wraps come in all different types of fabrics such as cotton, linen, modal, bamboo and more. One type of fabric isn’t necessarily better than another; it’s more about what’s the most comfortable for you.

If you’re choosing a baby wrap or sling based on fabric, you’ll want to think about what type of climate you live in (a warmer climate means you’ll want a lighter, more breathable wrap to avoid overheating), what feels the most comfortable against your skin and how stretchy you want the wrap to be.

How We Chose Our Best Baby Wraps

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.

Softest Baby Wrap

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

Best Baby Wrap for 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. For a lighterweight version of the same wrap, check out Boba’s Serenity Light Baby Wrap Carrier.

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

Best Multi-Position Baby Wrap

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.

Moby also makes a hybrid carrier, the Easy Wrap. It slips on like a T-shirt and has buckles on each side.

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

Easiest Baby Wrap

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.

Also worth a look: Baby K’tan wraps come in many other fabric styles for different preferences and climates. There’s an organic option, a lightweight cotton style and a wrap made from wicking fabric, among others.

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

Best Organic Baby Wrap

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

Best Hybrid Baby Wrap

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 Adjust is made from soft, lightweight yoga-inspired material with four-way stretch. The wrap is size-inculsive, with adjustable arm straps, wraps and belt, and can also be shared among caregivers. (The adjustable arm straps also means you’re able to nurse your baby while wearing the wrap.) And there are three carry positions: newborn front-facing, baby front-facing and outward-facing.

What’s Worth Considering

Parents complain that the wrap is a bit cumbersome can be uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time.

What Babylist Parents Say

“Both of my kids were very curious babies who wanted to see the world while in the carrier. I’ve searched for hours for a structured carrier that would be both comfortable for me and my kids while also allowing facing out. To sum up, there are not many in the market but Boppy Hybrid carrier actually fits the bill. I was impressed how easy and comfortable it was when I used with my big chunky baby.” -BrooklynMom

Additional Specs
Weight limits: 8-35 lbs
Available positions for baby: Front-inward (2 positions, newborn and baby), front-outward
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