Thanks to the innovation of the baby wrap carrier, mothers can carry on with their daily activities while being close to their babies.
To mothers, there isn’t a feeling that beats being close with your newborn child. This closeness is beneficial to both parties, as it builds the much-needed chemistry between them.
However, due to circumstances that are inevitable, it is impossible to hold the infant in your arms throughout.
The contemporary market has a wide variety of carriers, all of which cater for every taste and preference.
Identifying the appropriate carrier may present a conundrum, primarily due to the presence of numerous options to choose from.
What is a baby wrap?
For a long time, wraps have been the carrier of choice for a significant portion of mothers.
Their relatively simple design makes them popular among the majority of the female population.
Baby wrap carriers come in an assortment of fabrics and sizes. Knit wraps are ideal for newborns, while gauze ones are appropriate in warm weather. Other fabrics that are commonly used include wool, linen, and cotton and much more.
Baby Wraps are highly versatile, thus they are able to carry babies in a variety of positions, including the front, hip, and at the back.
However, in the case of carrying a toddler on the back, a stronger fabric is paramount. In the early days, fitting a baby wrap may be challenging, but the process is easy once mastered.
Also, wraps are perfect for newborns, as they are for older babies.
The Best Baby Wrap Carriers In The Market
The modern society is heavily saturated with a myriad of baby carriers, with each manufacturer boasting about the superiority of their product.
While the designers are always showing off their products, parents are left on crossroads, finding it hard to choose the appropriate baby carrier for their needs.
In a bid to salvage parents from this tricky situations, our team reviewed some of the best baby wrap carriers available on the internet.
By analyzing both sides of the coin, good and bad, we hope to be of assistance to our readers as they look to get the best carrier in the market.
Listed below are the products:
Baby K’tan Original Baby Carrier
The Baby K’tan prides itself as one of the few ‘ready to wears’ wrap style carriers in the market.
It is renowned for being user-friendly and being suitable for a variety of positions.
As opposed to the common design where a wrap is made of one piece of fabric, the K’tan has two loops that cross over the shoulders of the wearer.
This feature, in addition to a storage pouch, make this wrap stand out amongst its peers.
Features
• Two loops for supporting the carrier
• Storage pouch
• Ready to wear
Pros
• Simple design
• Versatility
• Ideal for newborns
• Highly comfortable
Cons
• Limited range of sizes
• Not suitable for toddlers
Boba Wrap
For cotton enthusiasts, they will find this product appealing as it is made of French Terry, a durable cotton knit fabric.
The fabric is stretchy, with the capability of reaching over five and a half yards.
Also, the product comes in an assortment of colors, giving users a variety to choose from.
This wrap is specifically made for children aged less than twelve months.
Features
• Cotton fabric
• Elasticity of the material
• Available in multiple colors
Pros
• The fabric feels soft
• Elasticity
• Even weight distribution
• Optimum hip positioning
Cons
• Cumbersome
• Its design promotes hot temperatures
• Hard to use, especially for beginners
• Lacks support
Moby Classic Baby Wrap
At first, handling the fabric may be tricky, primarily due to its abnormal length.
However, it gets easier with practice.
The wrap is highly regarded for its adaptability, being able to accommodate the baby in different postures such as hug hold, kangaroo wrap, and hip hold among others.
Features
• Long fabric, up to eighteen feet
• 100% cotton
Pros
• It is highly ergonomic
• Firmly secures the baby
• It is cozy
• Easy to clean
• Even weight distribution
Cons
• Fabric is heavy, thus likely to cause overheating
• Difficult to setup for first-timers
• Lacks support
Infantino Sash Wrap
The Infantino Sash Wrap is the ideal carrier for beginners due to its simplistic designs.
It has two supports reminiscent of those in a backpack, with the only difference being that the straps are on the front.
Also, unlike in bags where the straps are held using buckles, the Infantino relies on the straps being tied into place.
The fabric is robust and durable, and easy to clean as well. A readable user guide is also included in the package of this amazing carrier.
Features
• Two support straps
• Beautiful design
Pros
• Relatively cheap
• High-quality fabric
• Easy to use
• Very comfortable
Cons
• Does not support newborns
• Inconvenient to carry babies at the back
Ergobaby Aura Baby Wrap Carrier
The Ergobaby wrap is designed with the unique 4D stretch fabric, a feature that allows it to possess unrivaled elasticity.
The fabric secures the baby tightly onto the wearer’s body, enabling him/her to carry the child for prolonged periods.
Also, this baby wrap carrier is versatile, with the capability of carrying the baby both on the hip, as well as the front.
Features
• Unique 4D stretch fabric
• Instructional videos on product website
• User guide include with the product
• Additional pocket
Pros
• Comfortable
• Can carry the baby in different positions
• Elastic fabric
Cons
• Difficult to use
Solly Baby Wrap
The Solly baby wrap is made of lightweight fabric and is available in a variety of colors.
In addition to being light, the material is slim, making it easy to carry around.
Features
• Light material design
Pros
• Easy to use
• Comfortable for newborns
• Aesthetic design
• Easy to wash
• Affordable
Cons
• Does not support heavier children
Mamaway Baby Carrier
The Mamaway baby wrap carrier is made of Pima cotton, which makes it breathable as well as free of allergy.
It consists of nylon rings and can support weights of up to 110 pounds (54 kg).
Not only is it washable, but it is also easily portable due to its small nature.
Features
• 100% Pima cotton
• Nylon rings
• Weight limit of 110lbs
Pros
• The fabric is sturdy
• Easy to wash
• Easy to use
• Works across all ages, from newborns to toddlers
Cons
• Thin fabric is not suitable for chilly weather
• Weight is not evenly distributed
Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier Sling
The sleepy wrap is entirely made of cotton, enhancing its breathability.
It features a long piece of fabric that is wrapped around the wearer’s shoulders, with the baby in the front.
It works for both newborns and toddlers.
Features
• Material is entirely cotton
Pros
• Comfortable and soft
• Durable
• Works for newborns and toddlers
• Easy to wash
Cons
• Hard to use
• It is uncomfortable in hot weather
Daisygro Breastfeeding baby wrap
Daisygro baby wrap is well-known for its extremely soft texture that caresses the baby, soothing it in the process.
The product is purely made of cotton and strong spandex. It’s an easy to use baby carrier brand since the material is stretchy to secure the baby comfortably. It can hold up to 35 pounds while offering adequate privacy when breastfeeding.
The DaisyGro wrap gives you more time to bond with your little one while at the same time leaving your hands free to attend to other house chores.
Features
- Soft texture
- 100% cotton
Pros
- Easy to wash
- Secures the baby firmly
- Cheaper than its competitors
- Easy to use and comfortable for both parent and baby
- Ideal for nursing because of the stretchy material
- Helps alleviate colic/reflux discomfort
Cons
- It can be inconvenient in hot conditions
Mom-me Baby Wrap
This Baby wrap carrier uses a popular design that allows the baby to support itself on your shoulder while your hands get a rest.
The fabric is a combination of cotton and spandex, making it resistant to substantial amounts of pressure.
Features
• Fabric is a mixture of spandex and cotton
• Robust fabric
Pros
• Easy to wash/ Machine-wash is supported
• Design makes baby carrying comfortable
• Baby can be carried both on the front and at the back
Cons
• The material permanently stretches with time
Factors To Consider When Choosing A Baby Carrier
The market boasts of a vast collection of quality choices, all of which have appealing and cutting-edge designs.
Having a broad pool of choices is perplexing, especially for parents, who are often left confused on what to purchase.
It would have been nice to have a carrier that works for all babies, but that remains to be the holy grail of this industry.
Hence, one has to accept this bitter truth and compromise some features when identifying the appropriate baby carrier.
The following are the topmost criteria a parent should look out for when shopping for a baby carrier:
1. The age of the baby
The age of the infant is fundamental in the selection of a suitable baby carrier.
This is because, within the first five months after birth, toddlers usually lack adequate strength in their neck vertebrae to support the head.
Therefore, it is imperative for parents of babies who fall within this age set to buy carriers that sufficiently support the neck while holding the head in position.
Hence, it is preferable to choose carriers that have the baby on the front in this situation.
As the child grows, more forms of carriers will be available, thus the parent can change at their own volition.
For this reason, mothers should acquaint themselves with the various needs of their babies at various developmental stages.
2. The baby’s weight and height
In addition to the child’s age, the weight and height must also be considered when identifying a baby carrier.
Thankfully, manufacturers often include the carrying capacity in the carriers.
Despite this wonderful inclusion, a parent is advised to choose baby wrap carriers whose weight limits are slightly above their toddler’s weight, as the indicated figures are often mere estimates that are bound to crumble under intense pressure.
Height is equally important as weight in selecting a baby carrier.Choosing a short baby wrap for a tall baby may result in unwanted back strain, while the vice versa is not good for aesthetics.
3. Physical Development stage of the baby
As mentioned earlier, babies below five months of age have underdeveloped bones, thus cannot support themselves.
For this age group, it is recommended to use unstructured baby carriers, preferably wraps.
This is because the upright carrier can increase the probability of the infant getting neck strains and adverse spinal conditions.
Once the toddler has considerably stronger bones, upright carriers can be gradually introduced.
4. Comfort
A good baby carrier should be comfortable to both the mother and the child. As the baby is still in developmental stages, the appropriate carrier should be designed to optimize this process, rather than be a hindrance.
For instance, newborns are comfortable in flexible carriers, while older children can use upright carriages without any concerns.
For the mother, the most vital feature should be the presence of an excellent weight distribution mechanism.
The more even the weight is distributed, the more effectively the parent can carry the toddler without straining.
Regarding this aspect, baby slings are dismal performers, as the entire weight of the child is carried on one shoulder.
A much better option would be the ergonomic backpack, which is exclusively designed to guarantee even weight distribution.
5. Quality of the baby carrier
Due to the flooding of the market with an array of baby wrap carriers, mothers often find it difficult to select products of their desired quality.
Choosing a sub-standard carrier has several shortcomings, with cases of carriers breaking while carrying a baby being on the rise.
Such unfortunate happenings should motivate moms to go the extra mile while determining which carrier to buy, as it may affect the well-being of their beloved ones.
While other aspects of a carrier might be compromised, the quality is non-negotiable since it directly impacts on the safety of the infant.
Moreover, parents should go for established brands to avoid being victims of fraud.
Also, the carriers should be well maintained and promptly replaced when they show signs of wear and tear.
Taking into place such measures considerably reduces the chances of carrier-related accidents.
6. User-friendliness of the baby carrier
The usability of a baby carrier may vary according to an individual’s taste and preference.
Typically, first-timers experience hardships with carriers, but after time, they become well acquainted with the stuff.
In this regard, it is appropriate to go for the versatile carriers, since they can accommodate babies in a variety of positions, giving the wearer a myriad of options.
This, however, is not imperative because in the end, regardless of the carrier you choose, you will eventually learn the way around it as practice makes perfect!
7. Aesthetics
While most of the carriers are made for functionality reasons, a significant portion incorporates stunning looks that make them appealing to the eye.
This aspect purely relies on the buyer’s taste, as some prefer bright colors while others are attracted to duller coloring schemes.
You may choose to buy several carriers of different colors to suit various occasions, but that is entirely up to you.
Nevertheless, if you have made up your mind to purchase a carrier, why not go for the eye-catching option?
8. What is the purpose of the baby wrap carrier?
Different persons have different reasons for acquiring baby carriers. For one, they may be planning a vacation where a carrier may come in handy.
Others may be looking for carriers or shorter outings such as shopping and going to workplaces. All these scenarios have different tasks, thus they demand different types of baby carriers.
It is paramount to keep in mind that a carrier is only good if it serves its intended purpose.
Hence, parents need to consider the intended function or otherwise, they will end up shelling out cash on useless products.
9. Ease of washing
Typically, babies are messy by nature. Therefore, mothers will be regularly required to clean up the carriers for them to look presentable.
Hence, when buying one, you should go for washable fabrics, lest you spend a lot of money on stain-removers and detergents.
General safety tips regarding baby carriers
After identifying the appropriate baby carrier, the next step is using it.
More than often, mothers unknowingly expose their infants to danger when they carry them with carriers.
This is due to ignorance, or in some cases, lack of adequate knowledge.
Here are some of the guidelines that moms should follow regarding baby wearing safety.
1. Avoid Baby falls at all costs
It is fundamental to observe that the baby is securely carried at all times.
Due to their fragile nature, babies are vulnerable to potentially fatal injuries when exposed to falls.
Babies should be held closely every time and in the appropriate manner. To avert baby falls, parents should;
• Make sure they are familiarized with the baby carrier they are using. Before you are fully acclimatized with the new carrier, it is recommended that you always put one hand around the bay to prevent falling. Also, moms ought to ensure that all buckles and joints are tightly secured.
• If the need for bending arises, ensure that you bend at the knee and not anywhere else. When you bend at the hip while wearing a carrier, the baby is not only put in a tricky posture, but is also greatly vulnerable to a back dive fall.
• Observe that the carrier’s fabric is supporting the baby’s back. Additionally, the infant should be in an upright position, and if below five months, adequate support should be provided to the head and neck region.
2. Supporting the head and the neck
After birth, the newborn’s bones do not have the strength required to hold the head upright.
Hence, parents should restrain from carrying the babies with the head facing outwards, until they develop bones strong enough to support the head.
Secondly, back carrying positions should be a no-go until the toddler reaches six months.
This is because when the baby is at the back, the parent cannot monitor the child’s actions, exposing them to various dangers.
Also, carrying a baby on the back considerably reduces the support on it.
3. Ensure a constant breathing airway
Breathing is vital to human life. Without it, no person can survive, and this goes for the baby as well.
In the case of babies below four months old, extra care should be accorded, since their pulmonary system is underdeveloped.
Consequently, parents should make sure that the baby’ face is visible to them while they are carrying them.
Further, they should be certain that neither they, nor the carrier, is in anyway causing breathing difficulties to the carried infant. Moreover, parents should ensure that at no any given time is the child’s chin in contact with its chest.
This can be achieved by placing the child’s cheek on the parent’s chest with the face gazing at either side. Also, the nose of the baby should not be in contact with the fabric of the carrier.
4. Protecting the infant’s hips
When a child is born, several tests are usually performed on the little one. Among the most common is hip examination, to establish the presence of hip dysplasia, a condition which affects the hips among newborns.
While this disease is mainly a birth defect, it can be acquired as a result of improper handling of infants. A majority of hip complications are reported within four months after birth; hence children at this age are most susceptible.
To avoid developing such impediments, parents should regularly remove their babies from the carriers so that they can move their limbs freely.
Conclusion
The market offers a wide variety of options from which prospective buyers can choose. Before settling on a particular choice, it would be of great benefit to acquire knowledge on the available options.
Based on your financial capability, you will be able to scale down to the specific product that suits your need. However, your child’s safety should be your top most priority when selecting the appropriate baby carrier.
For this reason, parents should go for the highest quality product in their price range. By doing this, you can avoid undesirable situations that arise from using second-rate products.
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