Stretchy & Gauze Wraps

Stretchy Wraps
Stretchy wraps are wonderful option for beginner wrappers with babies under 18 pounds. Stretchy wraps can be pre-tied and the baby can easily be popped in and out of the carrier. These are safe for front-carries only, and should only be used with the child facing mother. In a back carry a child can easily lean out of the wrap and fall. Stretchies are usually not supportive or comfortable for the mother after 18 lbs and can be unsafe to use with larger children because of the stretch.

Stretchy wrap brands:
Sleepywrap
Moby
Gypsy Mama Bali Baby Stretchy
Natibaby Stretchy
Anaju

Pros: They are one of the easiest options for beginner babywearers. They are very snuggly for newborn wearing and are machine-washable.

Cons: The material gets very hot in warmer temperatures/climates and they are only comfortable until about 18 pounds. They cannot be safely used in back or hip carries.

Gauze Wraps
Gauze wraps are recommended for warm weather wearing. The breathable material allows for good air flow through the carrier so that neither baby or mama get too warm. These wraps are not stretchy and therefore should be wrapped like a woven. These can be safely used on the front, back or hip and are generally used with multi-layer carries such as a Double Hammock Carry because of the thin nature of the material.

Gauze wrap brands:
Gypsy Mama Bali Baby Breeze
Babyette

Pros: The breathability
Cons: May be diggy for larger babies

Woven Wraps

Woven wraps are essentially long pieces of fabric woven on a loom specifically for carrying newborns through preschool-aged children. They come in a variety of brands, colors/patterns (referred to as "colorways"), fiber blends, and lengths (typically measured in meters). The recommended length for an average-sized mother or father just learning to wrap is a 4.6 meters. This will allow length for most people to do most of the carries. The next length up would be 5.2m for someone who would like extra length.

Woven wraps are the most versatile carrier in our opinion. They can be worn in front, back or hip carries safely and can accomodate as much weight as the wearer wishes. They are appropriate for newborn and up. Many parents happily wear their pre-school aged children, and there are several wrap weaves woven to accomodate heavier weights. There is a learning curve to wrapping. Only a few of the carries can be pre-tied, most involve holding the baby while wrapping the fabric. Carries can be practiced over a soft place like a bed, couch or pillows and can be perfected in front of a mirror if need be.

Brands:

• Didymos



• Natibaby



• Hoppediz



• Colimacon et Cie



• Storchenweige



• Girasol