Can you imagine how simple the idea is that a piece of fabric keeps your baby close and helps you keep your hands free?
All the best human inventions are simple, and baby wrap carriers are no exception.
From my experience, I would state that your babywearing experience cannot be smooth without the right gear.
With so many baby carrier options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the one for your individual needs.
So I’ve compiled a list of the 34 best baby wrap carriers in 2024 for every situation.
You may want something super stylish, or maybe 100% organic first, or just a budget-friendly option – this ultimate list has a carrier for every situation and taste.
So, read on to find the perfect wrap carrier for you and your precious little human.
Baby Wraps Used in the Past
Simple pieces of cloth are probably the oldest form of babywearing; many cultures still carry their children the way they have for centuries.
Wraps were re-introduced in Western culture in the 1970s when a German mama found that using wraps helped her better care for her twin infants – the wrap company Didymos was born.
Now, almost 40 years later, there are dozens of wrap brands, patterns, and styles to suit all tastes.
Why You Might Need a Baby Wrap And Not A Structured Carrier
Wraps are the most versatile baby carrier. The same wrap can be easily used by multiple wearers, can be used in multiple positions, and has plenty of other uses beyond baby carrying (hammocks, swings, blankets….). Because a wrap is literally wrapped on the wearer and baby, it provides a custom fit every time.
While there is a slight learning curve with wraps, most wrappers will tell you it’s actually quite easy with just a little practice. See practical tips on how to use a baby wrap.
Woven wraps can be used for high back carries which allows for even young infants to be back carried.
Fabrics Used in Baby Wrap Carriers
Cotton is a popular choice for baby wraps due to its softness and breathability, making it a comfortable option for wearing against the skin. It is also easy to care for and can be machine-washed, which is essential for a baby product.
Bamboo is another popular fabric used in baby wraps. It is known for its natural antibacterial and hypoallergenic properties, making it a great choice for sensitive baby skin. Additionally, bamboo fabric is highly breathable and wicks away moisture, keeping both the baby and wearer cool and comfortable.
Some baby wraps are also made from linen, which is durable and becomes softer with each use. Linen is a great option for warmer climates as it is highly breathable and helps regulate body temperature.
Types of Baby Wraps
There are three main categories of wraps.
1. Stretchy Wraps
As the name implies, these wraps have quite a bit of stretch to them. Most are made of cotton jersey knit or a stretchy bamboo/cotton blend.
Stretchy wraps are best for the newborn phase when support isn’t an issue. They are easy to “pop” baby in and out of – handy if you are wearing baby a large part of the day.
Stretchy wraps are best for front carries, but can also be used for hip carries. They should not be used for back carries.
2. Gauze Wraps
These wraps are made of lightweight cotton gauze and are great for warm weather and hot climates. They are thin, so best used in multi-layer carries.
Gauze wraps can be used with babies and toddlers, but careful wrapping is required with heavier children to avoid discomfort.
Gauze wraps can be used for front, hip, and back carries.
3. Woven Wraps
Woven wraps are the largest and most diverse category of wraps.
German Style Wovens (GSWs) are a large sub-set (most commercially purchased wraps are GSWs).
Wovens come in a variety of lengths and can be used for front, hip, and back carries; and single and multi-layer carries.
They are available in a wide variety of blends and styles – something for everyone.
Which Baby Wrap to Choose: Woven or stretchy?
If you want a wrap that will grow with your baby and offer more carrying options, a woven wrap is a good choice. Woven wraps provide excellent support for both newborns and older babies.
However take into account that using a woven wrap takes practice and learning different wrapping techniques to get comfortable with using them.
If simplicity and softness for newborns are your priorities, a stretchy wrap may be the better option. Stretchy wraps are generally easier to use, especially for beginners.
Stretchy wraps provide a snug and cozy fit for newborns, creating a womb-like environment. As your baby grows and becomes heavier, the stretchy fabric may not provide enough support.
Best Stretchy Baby Wearing Wraps
1. Wrapsody Bali Baby Stretch
Batiked, cotton jersey wraps.
It is less stretchy and slightly thinner than most stretchy wraps.
They are one of those rare brands with stretchy wraps that can be 100% safely used for back carries.
The Wrapsody Bali Stretch Wraps are especially suited for use in tropical climates.
They are hand-batiked by artists in Bali under good working conditions.
2. Happy! Stretchy Baby Wrap
Lightweight and breathable wraps are ideal for hot weather.
The Happy Wrap is a stretchy wrap for babies from 7 to 25 lbs made from a custom modal/organic cotton blend.
The fabric is soft like cashmere and has the perfect amount of stretch + support.
100% Made in the USA.
Best Baby Wraps for Newborns
3. Boba Wrap
One of the bestselling baby wraps on Amazon. Boba is a basic cotton jersey wrap suitable for babies from 7 lbs to 35 lbs, and crafted for newborns.
Made from 95% French terry cotton and 5% spandex it’s stretchy yet snug.
Moms love Boba wrap for its quality and exceptional elasticity.
Not the best choice for a warm climate because due to thicker material, sometimes it retains a lot of heat and becomes uncomfortable for moms.
On the other hand, Boba is great in the colder months for keeping babies warm.
4. Oscha Starry Night Ocean Baby Wrap
Perfect for newborns woven wraps ethically handcrafted in Scotland.
Made of 73% Organic Combed Cotton and 27% Fine Scottish Wetspun Linen.
Unique hand-drawn designs.
Most Versatile Baby Wraps (Multi-Position, Beginner-Friendly)
5. Moby Classic Wrap
The most versatile and widely available wrap with tons of positive reviews.
Moms say it’s super supportive and feels very secure.
Loved for pretty colors and nice prints, and overall good quality.
Moby is suitable for babies up to 35 lbs and can be used in several carrying styles: facing in and out, sideways, or on your back.
It’s 100% cotton jersey wrap for affordable price.
6. Hoppediz
Hopps are medium to thick wraps, depending on the colorway.
They are sturdy and supportive – great workhorse wraps.
Cotton babywearing wraps by Hoppediz are realy high high quality and they are thinner.
From the very first moment they are soft, pliable, suitable for newborn babies above all.
100% cotton. Cross twill weave.
Best Dad-Friendly Ready-to-Wear Baby Wraps
7. Baby K’tan Original
Pre-Wrapped Slip-On Wrap Carrier. A popular choice for dads and all folks preferring ready-to-wear solutions.
In order to enjoy fully all the benefits of the Baby K’tan construction, you have to carefully choose the product size, as pre-wrapped carriers do not provide custom fit.
It’s a favorite wrap for a lot of parents.
8. Boppy ComfyFit Adjust Hybrid Wrap
Hybrid type of carrier.
Boppy is half a wrap and half a soft structured carrier, bacause it has a padded waist belt while it’s still a wrap.
Due to this combination it’s easier to use and dads love Boppy, but sometimes it’s hard to find the perfect fit, especially for plus size parents.
Best Eco-Friendly Organic Baby Wraps
9. Oscha Wraps
Another great player in the wrap world, this Scottish company began by offering beautiful grads on 100% Irish linen. They offered wrap “collections” (limited editions built around a theme) in all cotton as well as silk, linen, and wool blends. Oscha has created quite a sensation for their high quality wraps.
Although there is variation among Oscha wraps, many are quite dense and lean medium to thick; some are very textured.
The 100% linen wraps are quite thin.
10. Hope and Plum Fawn Baby Wrap
Made from the highest quality fabric using a blend of 70% Tencel and 30% Organic Cotton that’s all snuggles, zero sagginess.
Ethically sewn in Minnesota.
11. Baby K’tan Organic
A version of Baby K’tan wrap (actually, no wrapping unvolved as this is a pre-wrapped carrier) made of 100% organic cotton.
Best Value for Money Baby Wraps
12. Koala Babycare Baby Carrier Wrap
An affordable wrap great for very small babies.
The only carrier moms found suitable for babies of 4-5 lbs weight.
13. KeaBabies Baby Wrap Carrier
Super simple and super affordable wrap.
14. GuGaSling Woven Wrap
Comfortable and breathable quite thin but sturdy natural cotton fabric wrap available in 8 sizing options.
15. Daiesu
Soft woven wrap, good quality material that gets even softer in time with wear and washing.
Also very supportive, does its job very well.
Pin this comprehensive article about baby wrap carriers on your Baby Stuff Must Have or Baby Carriers Pinterest board!
Best Luxury Baby Wearing Wraps
16. Didymos
The grand dame of wrap brands, Didymos wraps are more expensive than most but also have the highest retail value.
They are available in many blends (cotton, silk, wool), weaves (indios, stripes, jacquards), and thickness – something for everyone.
Didymos releases limited edition wraps on a regular basis in addition to their regular line.
17. Girasol
Girasols are a medium thin wrap available with or without fringe.
They have a more blanket like feel than some brands.
Girasols are soft and easy to wrap without any breaking in.
Best Wrap Carrier for Twins
18. Izmi Baby Wrap
Made from breathable bamboo fabric, Izmi wraps are perfect for newborns, and they are silky soft and UV protective.
Best Wrap Carriers for Plus Size Moms
19. LILLEBaby Dragonfly Wrap
Very adjustable wrap.
Its fabric, lighter than a Moby wrap, boasts just the right amount of stretch.
The fabric had some stretch but is plenty strong enough to hold baby safely.
It is supportive and fits plus size parents and tall parents.
20. Konny Baby Carrier FLEX Elastech
The carrier’s breathability is impressive.
Another fantastic perk is its water-friendly nature.
In terms of quality, the materials used are of good quality; they feel sturdy and not cheaply made. However, they aren’t as stretchy as anticipated.
While the material and overall quality are excellent, the carrier feels a tad snugger. It’s something to keep in mind, especially if you prefer a looser fit.
Best Toddler-Friendly Wraps
21. Lenny Lamb Woven Wrap
It’s a very soft and airy wrap, that still offers a nice amount of support.
Due to its softness it’s perfect for newborns, but it definitely can be used for toddlers too.
This is the perfect wrap for beginners, it’s easy to tie and offers the cuddliest of cuddles for everyone.
More experienced wrappers will love it for its wrapping qualities, and because it’s just different from other machine woven wraps.
22. CuddleBug Baby Wrap
It’s a great wrap to use it for cooler evening walks, because it’s a little thicker material, than most wraps of that kind.
Parents admit the knots don’t slip, and it’s comfortable to wear.
Fabric is well made, and enough material for bigger or taller women if needed.
Comes is very pretty colors, and what’s important they are true to the photos.
Some appreciate the instructions provided on the wrap itself.
Final verdict: definitely worth the money.
23. BB Slen
Sturdy and wide, BB Slens are great wraps for older babies and toddlers (but they work great for newborns too!).
Most are on the thinner side (solids tend to be thinner than stripes).
BB Slens are also the least expensive woven and make for a nice wrap for beginners.
24. Chimparoo
This Canadian company produces a variety of carriers including woven wraps.
Best Breathable Baby Wraps for Summer / Hot Weather
25. Wrapsody Bali Baby Breeze
Batiked cotton gauze wraps.
26. Solly Baby
Perfect summer wrap.
It is a bit pricey, but it’s much more lightweight than other wraps and keeps the baby and the wearer much cooler than in Boba or Ergobaby.
Takes a bit of time to figure out how tight to wrap.
The fabric is a bit stretchy but not in the traditional way of a cotton/spandex wrap.
27. Oscha Willow Esprit
Beautiful, breathable baby wrap. This wrap is soft and strong and wonderfully cooling.
Made with 100% Supima cotton (the finest American Pima cotton) with no synthetic fibers. Ice cotton is an innovative yarn that, through advanced spinning technology, makes a cool-to-touch and breathable fabric.
28. Ergobaby Aura Newborn to Toddler Wrap
This wrap is thin and stretchy.
Made from 100% Viscose, it’s perfect for summer.
Due to lighter fabric, it’s ideal for baby wrap beginners.
Moms love that Aura is lightweight and soft, and ultra portable (can be stored into the end pouch).
Ergobaby Aura supports babies up to 25 lbs, and though it’s stated as Newborn to Toddler option, I would not agree it’s the best option for heavy toddlers, but it’s definitely a good option for newborns.
29. Vatanai
Vatanais are among the thinnest wraps, so a great choice for summer or warm climates.
They are also very soft and easy to wrap with – nice for learning to wrap.
Vatanais come in jaquards and stripes; the stripes tend to be a bit thinner.
Vatanais have longer tapers than most brands.
Best Wrap for Outdoor Use, Hiking, etc.
30. Baby K’tan Active Oasis
No-wrap wrap. Just slip the infant carrier over your head like a t-shirt. That’s how it’s stated.
Moms like its breathable fabric, and how it keeps babies from overheating.
“Putting her in it made her feel cooler and it completely wicked away her sweat” review statement may be the one that will make you consider this wrap.
But remember that such type of carrier (pre-wrapped version) is so personal in sizing, that your husband or other caregivers will be unable to use it.
Best Wrap for Unique and Gorgeous Prints
31. Oscha Shire Westfarthing
Named after the Westfarthing, one of the four Farthings of the Shire and the centre of Hobbit authority, this beautiful fabric is woven on a deep forest green organic cotton backdrop.
This easy-care fabric is a great all-rounder that is suitable for all seasons.
The lovely texture of this fabric gives it a good balance of grip and glide, making it easy to tie. Strong and sustainable hemp yarns are perfect for use with bigger kids. This fabric will need just a little love to become soft enough to use with smaller babies.
32. FreeRider Eucalyptus
FreeRider is impeccably designed, from the beautiful pattern on the wrap right down to the (sustainably sourced) packaging it comes in, which is a gift box in itself. The material is incredibly soft and strong.
33. Diva Milano
Diva’s are elegant wraps …with a price tag to match!
A Russian/Italian collaboration, they are produced in the same factories as some high end Italian clothing; the result are wraps that are super soft right out of the box and thin but supportive.
Diva has produced cotton as well as wool, linen, and silk blend wraps in a “collection” format (limited editions that are seasonal).
34. Natibaby
Natibaby wraps come in a variety blends and patterns – cotton, bamboo, silk and wool. They range from thin to medium thick depending on the pattern and blend.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Perfect Baby Wrap Carrier
Woven wraps are definitely far more high profile and more readily available in greater variety than they were even five or ten years ago.
The question “How do I choose my first woven wrap?” pops up frequently. And with good reason!
With so many brands, so many blends, so many styles, it can be truly overwhelming to figure out what’s what.
Buy an all-cotton, thin-medium weight wrap that’s in your price range and that you think is beautiful.
That’s the short answer 🙂 For more details, keep reading.
#1 COST
The #1 rule in choosing the right woven wrap (or any baby carrier) is to be wise with your dollars.
While it is often true that the cheapest available carrier isn’t going to be “as nice” as a more expensive brand (in terms of materials, etc.), the same doesn’t quite hold true for woven wraps.
Some wrap companies do use higher quality materials (say organic cotton vs. conventionally grown) which means a higher price point. Some companies use US based mills (or European based mills) which means their operating costs are higher than those who say manufacture in India – so their product is likely to run higher. Certainly if those things are important to you, vote with your dollars.
But don’t be fooled into thinking “higher price tag” = “better wrap.” It’s just not always the case.
There’s a HUGE second-hand market for woven wraps. It’s gotten a bit harder to “flip” a wrap (that is sell quickly for nearly what you paid) than it used to be; however, you can still get a 50-75% return on your wrap on the second-hand market fairly easily. Consider a $150 wrap that you use for a few years – even if you sell for $50, that’s not bad given the use you got out of it.
#2 BRAND
When new wrappers ask the “what should I buy” question, inevitably they get “oh, you must have brand X” or “brand Y for sure!”
We all have our favorites. And if you get into trying out different wraps (“churning” in wrap speak) you may fall in love with some favorites too. But here’s the real scoop – if you’ve never wrapped, you don’t know what you like. And if you were to only want ONE wrap in your life (and that’s totally ok!), and if that wrap were an all cotton thin-medium weight wrap, you’d likely be totally happy and never give a second thought to brand X, Y, Z.
So again, go with what’s in your budget and what you like the look of.
#3 MATERIAL
If you are just starting out or just aren’t sure, all cotton is the way to go. Why? It’s easy to care for (requires no special washing); takes a beating and keeps on ticking; handles spit, poop, pee with grace; and it’s easier to learn to wrap with.
Many blends are sort of love/hate; they change the wrapping qualities of a wrap making them in most cases harder to get a good wrap job with. That doesn’t mean they are bad; just different. If I were to have a one and only wrap, it would totally totally be all cotton. It’s just as cool as linen (if you are worried about heat), and it’s just as supportive as hemp or linen.
#4 WEIGHT
Some parents worried about support think “thicker = better.” But trying to learn to wrap with a thick wrap is an exercise in frustration. A thick wrap generally needs quite a lot of breaking in before it’s manageable. A thinner wrap teaches you to wrap well.
The key to a supportive carry is a tight, snug wrap job.
If you have a wrap that allows you to get snug passes, to feel where you’ve over-tightened or under-tightened, you are going to get a good wrap job. You may have heard rumors about wraps getting “diggy” or uncomfortable if they are thin and baby is heavy. Diggy means you haven’t tightened evenly and that means you need to fix your wrap job – not buy a new wrap. Learn to wrap well with a thinner wrap and you will be comfortable in anything – true story!
#5 DESIGN / PRINT / PATTERN
As for the most important part of the question…this one is easy. Choose something YOU think is amazing! Don’t worry about what the resale value will be or what’s popular. Take some time to browse what’s out there and then go for it!
Which brand should I choose?
The best advice for choosing a wrap is to browse the available options and choose a colorway that is beautiful to you; if you love the way your wrap looks, you are more likely to learn to use it!
There really is no “best brand;” each brand has its fans. If you find that you don’t like the wrap you are using, talk to an experienced wrapper (or a wrap retailer) who should be able to help you figure out what brand may be a better fit for you.
That said, you may also want to take into consideration things like the climate you are in (you would likely want to avoid something thick if you live in a hot region) and the age of your wearer (a stretchy wrap would not be a good choice for an older baby or toddler).
Some wraps take some work to “break in”; if you don’t want to deal with this stage, buy a used wrap or a brand that is “soft out of the box.” All wraps will wrap more easily after a few washes and some use.
What size wrap do I need?
Most people start with a long wrap that can be used for carries with multiple layers. For an average-sized woman, a size 6 is usually a good fit as a long wrap. If you’re a larger person, you might find a size 7 more comfortable, while smaller individuals can likely use a size 5.
To learn more about various wrap sizes and what size to choose for the perfect fit, check my woven wraps sizing guide.
Buying Used Woven Wraps
Buying used on eBay or Mercari can be a great money saver or a way to get the wrap that you fell in love with that’s out of stock everywhere. Here are a few quick pointers:
- Check the price of the wrap you are buying used against the new price. Used doesn’t always = bargain.
- Be aware that some wraps are being sold at “market” value and not retail – meaning they are currently highly sought after for one reason or another and come with a price tag to match. This doesn’t mean they are “better” wraps; it means they are currently “hot” collector’s items.
- Ask questions about the wrap if you have them. If you have say allergy concerns, ask the seller if she has pets, uses scents, etc. Often this is included in the listing, but if not, it’s on you to ask.
- Have realistic expectations. You are buying a USED item. That means it may have flaws. Sellers should disclose major flaws (say lots of pulls or other cosmetic damage) but it is normal for wraps (even new ones) to come with nubs, small pulls, or small broken threads. If these sorts of things worry you, buy from a vendor with a solid return policy instead of buying used.
So there you have it. You are all set to find the perfect first woven wrap! If you haven’t already, pop on over to the babywearing guide for more information on wrapping (including information on choosing the right size wrap for you) and babywearing in general.
Safety Tips for Babywearing in a Wrap
The safety of your baby should be the top priority when using a wrap for babywearing.
Some important safety tips to keep in mind include ensuring that your baby’s airway is always clear and unobstructed.
You should also regularly check on your baby to make sure they are secure and in a comfortable position.
It’s important to follow the specific instructions for the wrap you are using, including ensuring that it is properly secured and tied according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Be mindful of your baby’s body temperature, and make sure they are not too hot or too cold while being worn in the wrap.
Always make sure to support your baby’s head and neck, especially in the early months when their neck muscles are still developing.
Lastly, be aware of your own body and movements to ensure that your baby remains safe and secure at all times.
What Should a Baby Wear in a Wrap?
The baby should wear clothing that is appropriate for the weather – not too warm or too cold.
In warmer weather, a lightweight onesie or romper is usually sufficient, while in cooler weather, a long-sleeved shirt and pants with socks can keep the baby warm.
It’s also important to consider the fabric of the wrap itself – a lightweight, breathable fabric is ideal for warmer weather, while a thicker fabric may be more suitable for colder temperatures.
Additionally, the baby should not be wearing anything that could interfere with their breathing or pose a safety hazard, such as hoods, bibs, or loose blankets.
It’s also important to ensure that the baby’s airways are clear and that their face is visible at all times while in the wrap.
Overall, the baby should be dressed in comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for easy movement and doesn’t pose any safety risks while being worn in a wrap.
Preventing Overheating in a Wrap Carrier
When using a wrap carrier, it’s important to take steps to prevent your baby from overheating. To avoid this, start by selecting a lightweight and breathable fabric for the wrap. Natural fibers such as cotton or linen are good choices, as they allow air to circulate and wick away moisture.
Additionally, be mindful of the weather when using the wrap, and dress both you and your baby appropriately.
Keep an eye on your baby for signs of overheating, such as flushed cheeks, excessive sweating, or irritability. Take regular breaks to allow your baby’s skin to cool down, especially if you are outside in hot weather.
It’s also important to consider your own comfort while wearing the wrap carrier, as overheating can be a concern for parents as well.
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Last Updated on April 22, 2024 by Tania Nizova | Published: July 3, 2023
Mom of 3-year-old superhero Michael and 7-year-old princess Stasia. 👩👧👦
Passionate about research and getting to the core, enjoying processing information & always hungry for more. 📖
Learning & sharing how to be a better mom. Join me, and let’s grow together! 🌼