Imagine making a tasty sandwich while holding your baby. But here’s the best part: you get to use both hands! You don’t have to starve, and they don’t have to scream. Baby wraps and baby slings can be a lifesaver for fussy babies, especially when you want to keep them close and need to get things done. Here’s a look at the contenders for the best baby carrier wrap. They’ve been tested for safety, sagging and overall fit, comfort, and functionality.
Best Baby Carrier Wraps
The Baby K’tan wrap is the most user-friendly for new moms because it doesn’t involve any tying unlike the other 3 wraps below. With that being said, the other wraps come in one size making it a flexible choice if more than one person will be carrying baby. The Baby K’tan wrap comes in various sizes.
Acrabros Baby Wrap Carrier
The Acrabros Baby Wrap Carrier is similar to the Boba Baby Classic Wrap but considerably less expensive. The polyester and rayon material allows the wrap to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, offering you a year-round baby wrap option. It’s designed for babies who weigh 8 to 35 pounds and comes in 9 different colors!
Budget-Friendly
For moms who want a classic baby wrap, but are on a budget, the Acrabros Baby Wrap Carrier offers quality at a great price. The siding is double-stitched for durability when the wrap stretches. Each wrap measures 210″ long by 22″ wide. It arrives with a storage bag that cinches closed to keep the wrap clean whenever you’re on the go.
Other Considerations
One mom who stands 5’4″ and is 190lbs said she doesn’t think this wrap would fit anyone who normally wears larger than an XL. Keep this in mind not only for you but for your husband if you’d like him to share in baby carrying.
Pros
- Soft and comfortable
- Can adjust tightness
- Inexpensive
- Available in 9 different colors
- Breathable fabric
Cons
- Long material (maybe inconvenient for short women)
- May only fit women/men up to size XL
Boba Baby Classic Wrap
The Boba Baby Classic Wrap is designed for babies from birth to 35 pounds. Being made of 95% cotton and a little spandex, it is breathable, slightly stretchy, and supportive.
Ease of Use
For parents who are frequently on the go, the Boba wrap can be put on beforehand and worn. You can pull your little one in and out of the car easily without struggling with their car seat.
There are clear tutorials on the Boba website that showcase more than one way to use the wrap, which is nice (especially in the summer months).
Other Considerations
The French terry cotton blend is soft and breathable. It also stands up to the washing machine well, so you don’t have to worry about inevitable messes. The fabric also holds its shape well, which is important for maintaining elasticity through frequent use and washing.
The width of the Boba Baby wrap makes it perfect for breastfeeding discreetly in public. It also provides plenty of support for your back and shoulders, and your little one’s head and neck.
One downside is the length of the wrap. Even though the extra layers provide great support for your little one, you may have to wrap the Boba around more than once, which can be hot in warmer weather. The extra material also drags on the ground as you wrap it, which can cause the material to get dirty.
Pros
- Easy to tie and use the wrap
- Material is breathable, soft, and machine washable
- Stretchy but supportive
- Wide width is good for support and discreet breastfeeding
Cons
- Can be hot in warmer weather
- Long ends drag on the ground while wrapping
KeaBabies All-in-1 Stretchy Baby Wrap
The KeaBabies All-in-1 Stretchy Baby Wrap is everything you want in a baby wrap and nothing you don’t. It is flexible and is also slightly wider and longer than other wraps, making it comfortable for mom and comfortable for baby.
Ease of Use
This is a traditional-style wrap that lets you hold your baby in a variety of ways. It is long enough to be used by plus-sized mothers or those that are smaller.
One downside is that even though the KeaBabies wrap can be used with babies up to 35 pounds, it may not last that long.
The material holds its shape well in the wash and when your baby is young, but it does begin to sag over time, especially as your little one gets heavier. While the stretchiness should go back after being washed, it can be frustrating to wash every time you use it, which is what you’ll need to do for older babies.
Other Considerations
If you are looking for a great wrap that won’t break the bank, this is the best wrap on a budget. The sling is made using a cotton spandex blend that offers some breathability and is nice and stretchy. However, like others of this blend, it is a little hot in the summer.
As an added bonus, this comes in a gift box. This makes it easy to wrap or put in a pretty bag and gift at a baby shower. It also comes with a storage bag that keeps your baby’s wrap clean when it is not in use.
Pros
- Versatile style wrap
- Budget-friendly baby wrap
- Breathable and stretchable fabric
- Comes with a gift box and storage bag
Cons
- Sags over time
- A little hot in warmer months
Baby K’Tan Breeze Baby Wrap
The Baby K’Tan Breeze Baby Wrap is designed for those parents who are too intimidated by the idea of a wrap to give it a shot. It is a ready-made’ style, though you lose some of the benefits of a wrap when choosing this model.
Ease of Use
Unlike other models where you have to watch tutorials and lookup instructions, this wrap features a ready-to-wear’ style. The closeness that it allows between you and your little one is still great and this wrap works well for discreet nursing as well.
There are no complicated buttons, buckles, rings, or zippers. However, there is a single adjustable back strap that lets you adjust the Baby K’Tan original to fit. There are a few more versatile ways to use this sling, though it is limited compared to other slings.
Other Considerations
For many of the models mentioned, the fabrics used are ill-adapted to warmer summer temperatures. The fabric is made using a 50/50 mesh-cotton blend. This allows plenty of breathability and will keep your little one cool. Baby K’Tan also has an original model and an active model, with the active model being made of moisture-wicking fabrics.
There aren’t as many sizing issues with this and you don’t have to worry about extra fabric since the wrap is designed ready to use. However, you’ll need to choose between an XS or XXL, which you can do using the chart on the website. The struggle is that both parents (or anyone else who may carry the baby) might not be able to wear the same size.
Pros
- Breathable and keeps your baby cool
- Less of a learning curve for using the wrap
- Works with a single adjustable back strap
- Material is soft and stretchy
Cons
- Less versatility than other wraps
- Cannot transfer baby sling between people of different sizes
Best CuddleBug Wrap
CuddleBug Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier
The CuddleBug Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier is available in six colors, including neutrals like black and gray and bright colors including pink, yellow, blue, and red.
Ease of Use
There are plenty of tutorials on the CuddleBug website that help you use this wrap how your baby will be most comfortable. You can also change techniques as they get older and weigh more, keeping you both comfortable and supportive.
For parents who are larger around the top, including dads with large shoulders and women with large breasts, this wrap is not the right size to tie securely and it may feel as if your little one is slipping after you put them on your waist.
Other Considerations
The blend of this wrap is also 95% French terry cotton and 5% spandex, which is stretchy, comfortable, and holds its shape well in the laundry and after wash. It does not have any uncomfortable or scratchy tags either, so the material is soft.
In addition to the fun colors, the wrap is designed so there is a small logo over your little one’s back. Parents will also like the warmth in the winter though this is another wrap that might be uncomfortable to wear in the heat.
Pros
- Very versatile
- Cute, small logo on your little one’s back
- Holds its shape well through use and in the wash
- Lots of fun color options
Cons
- Too warm for summer wear
- Not a good choice for parents with a large chest and smaller waist
Best Ring Sling Wraps
The Nalakai carrier is made of bamboo and linen unlike the Kids N’ Such and Hip Baby Wrap which are made of cotton. The Nalakai carrier is a bit more expensive than the other wraps, but has great reviews to back up its quality.
Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Each Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier puts babies safety first as it is compliant with CPSIA and ASTM safety standards.
Moreover, it’s eco-friendly as it’s made with super soft bamboo and linen to keep babies warm and comfy. Choose from nineteen different colors.
Use this ring sling from birth until your child is a toddler or no longer fits comfortably for your back. You can wash it in cold water on gentle cycle or put it in a delicates bag. Do hang it to dry though instead of putting it in the dryer.
The company donates five percent of its profits to families in need through a charity. Also, they offer a lifetime guarantee if you run into any problems with the sling. It’s owned and operated by two moms who wanted the best sling for their babies.
Other Considerations
A baby carrier sling like this one won’t make your husband run for the hills when you ask if he wants to wear it. However, it may be too short for some husbands as it’s not as long as other slings. While this is great for shorter mom’s it’s not for tall me. Another perk is the ease of putting the sling on, plus the bamboo fabric keeps baby secure without giving too much stretch.
While most parents love the bamboo fabric, some feel that it’s not lightweight enough.
Pros
- Bamboo and linen fabric
- Breathable
- Meets safety standards
- Easy to wear
- Keeps baby secure
- Run by two moms.
Cons
- May be thicker than you’d like
Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Carrier Wrap and Sling
Kids N’ Such offers a great 4 in 1 Carrier Wrap and Sling that offers four modes of usage: Sling, Basic, Belly Band, or Dad Carry. The cozy cotton material measures a little over 5.5 yards and it is available in a Charcoal or Grey/White Stripes design.
Four Modes of Use
You can use this baby carrier wrap in four ways so you’ll get more bang for your buck! First, there is the sling carry which is the most popular and common way of using a baby carrier wrap that includes a ring. Second, there’s the basic carry which is another popular way of carrying when there isn’t a ring involved. Third, you can use this around your midsection as a post-partum belly band! Finally, your hubby can wear it! Sharing is caring after all!
Other Considerations
Parents rave about how comfortable the material of this baby carrier wrap is. They also like that they can use the wrap with or without the ring, resulting in more carrying options. The Kids N’ Such 4 in 1 Baby Carrying Wrap comes with 2 metal rings, 1 carrying pouch, and 1 instruction booklet and resource guide.
Pros
- Four different modes of use
- Comes with 2 metal rings, 1 carrying pouch, 1 instruction booklet, and a resource guide
- Comfortable material
- Available in Charcoal and Grey/White Stripes
Cons
- Some say the fabric is difficult to tie
Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier
Cotton fabric and aluminum rings come together in the Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier. It also has light padding in the shoulder area, which is nice for reducing the strain on your shoulders.
Ease of Use
One of the best features of the ring-style sling is that it is incredibly easy to use once you master the ring. Simply wrap around yourself, position your little one inside. You can move the fabric up or down, whether you are carrying an infant or toddler.
Another easy feature is the large pocket in the fabric. You can easily carry along your phone, keys, and cash securely in your wrap. You do not want to put too much in though, or the wrap will be heavier.
Other Considerations
The Hip Baby sling is 100% cotton, which allows air to permeate better than blends made with spandex. The ring is made of rust-resistant aluminum that is sturdy, but lightweight. The woven cotton design also makes this wrap more supportive for your little one.
The one downside is the wrap only comes in one size and the size will not fit all moms. Some moms want padding too and this option does not include padding. However, this option does save you a lot of money and comes in multiple colors.
Pros
- Reduces strain on the shoulders
- Holds shape well and provides great support
- Made of quality materials
- Tons of patterns and color choices
- Very affordable
Cons
- No padding
- Not a good choice for plus-size moms
Baby Carrier Wraps Compared
The table below compares only the recommended products on this page. A low or high Price means it is low or high compared to the other products listed.
The Popularity Score reflects how often readers click on and buy the product. The Quality Score is our assessment of the overall performance and satisfaction with
the product compared to others in the table.Nalakai Ring Sling Baby Carrier 7.5 8.8 69.99 Baby K'Tan Breeze Baby Wrap 8.7 8.4 62.96 Boba Baby Classic Wrap 9.9 9.0 44.99 Hip Baby Wrap Ring Sling Baby Carrier 9.0 8.8 44.95 CuddleBug Baby Wrap Ergo Carrier 9.3 8.8 29.99 KeaBabies All-in-1 Stretchy Baby Wrap 9.7 9.0 26.96 Acrabros Baby Wrap Carrier 9.7 8.8 22.99 Baby K'Tan Breeze Baby Wrap 7.9 8.4 - Kids N' Such 4 in 1 Carrier Wrap and Sling 3.9 8.6 -
Baby Carrier vs Baby Wrap
We’ve already discussed the benefits of babywearing. The problem many parents face is choosing a baby-wearing carrier or wrap that works for them. Let’s take a look at the options.
Baby Wraps
A baby wrap or sling has a soft structure that cradles your little one to your body. It’s perfect for those early months when you want as much skin-to-skin contact with your little one as possible. Wraps also can be quite calming for babies, helping them get to sleep and cradling their heads regardless of their age.
They also come in a wide range of fabrics, which can be useful for keeping your baby cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Finally, if you are worried about breastfeeding in public, wraps can make feeding your little one incredibly discreet.
The one downside of baby wraps is that they can be difficult to master at first. Just like swaddling your infant, there is a learning curve that some parents master faster than others.
We’ll break down how to use a baby sling in the next section. You can also find plenty of online videos that can help master specific slings and styles.
Baby Carriers
Soft-structured carriers are usually designed to go over a parent’s shoulders. They hook around the waist and your little one sits in the carrying pouch. Most are adjustable to grow with your baby and can even be used with toddlers.
While carriers are convenient and easier to master than a baby sling, they are also bulkier and might not be as convenient to throw in your diaper bag. They also rarely provide the head and neck support that babies need in their first few months, so you may want to wait until your little one is 3+ months for this type of carrier.
Carriers also concentrate more weight on the shoulders, which might not be a problem now, but can be tiring once your little one is older.
How Do I Use a Baby Sling?
One of the biggest reasons parents choose a popular baby carrier over a baby sling is that they believe it will be easier to fiddle with the straps and buckles than throw a sling over their shoulder and go. Once you familiarize yourself with the wrap style though, it’s really easy to wrap up your baby and go.
Here’s a look at some of the ways you can use your baby wrap.
The Basic Sling Wrap
Baby slings are usually wide so to do the basic wrap, you’ll want to start by folding your sling in half lengthwise. Keep it smooth and even as you do this. Then, wrap the sling around your abdomen, placing the middle against your stomach.
Take the ends of the wrap and criss-cross them, bringing them up to hang over your shoulders. There should be an X’ in the back.
Then, you are going to bring each piece of fabric down to your opposite side, crisscrossing them across your chest. Tuck the pieces of fabric through the band’ you made around your belly and bring them around your back. You can tie them here or make another cross in the back, depending on length.
Once the sling is tied, you are ready to cradle baby inside. Place your little one inside and be sure his or her neck is supported. One thing to consider as you choose the best baby carrier wrap is fabrics, as you need plenty of support.
Basic Tie for a Sling with Rings
Baby wraps with rings work similarly to the way a belt does to secure. You’ll start by placing the side of the sling with rings on the opposite shoulder that you carry your baby on. If you tend to carry your little one on the left, you’d place the rings on the right and vice versa.
Wrap it around your back on the opposite side. The rings should be on your shoulder and the wrap should stretch around your opposite hip, with the extra fabric hanging down your back on the same side as the rings.
Next, spread the sling out completely and be sure it is not wrapped. Take the piece that is on your back (without rings) and pass it under your arm on the same side as the rings. Spread the sling again and be sure it isn’t twisted on the backside.
Crinkle the sling so it will fit and pass the side without rings through the rings. Now, you’ll use the rings to tighten or loosen the fit to accommodate your little one’s size.
You’ll secure the sling by taking the loose end and pulling it over the top ring and through the bottom ring. You should be able to tighten it by pulling on the end.
One of the benefits of this style of sling is that you will not need to untie it every time that you use it. You can just adjust to fit your little one as needed.
The Cradle Hold
The traditional cradle hold begins by preparing with a basic wrap. You’ll have two sections across your midsection created by folding the sling in half as instructed earlier.
Hold your baby against your shoulder and slide their feet into the wrap, positioning his or her feet by your midsection.
Keeping your little one against your body, slide them gently into the pouch. You’ll want their head to be on the highest side by your shoulder.
One thing to keep in mind when using this method is that you do not want the fabric to cover your baby’s nose or mouth. Keep their face exposed to ensure there is good airflow through the wrap.
Chest-to-Chest (or Back-to-Chest)
This hold starts with your wrap in the same position as a basic wrap. Hold your little one against your chest, either facing toward you or facing away from you. (You’ll need to wait until your baby is old enough to do the back-to-chest position so they have adequate neck support.)
Place your baby with their bottom in the pouch, pulling their legs through between the fabric on either side. You’ll want to be sure that your baby’s legs are in an M’ shape, bent at the knee instead of hanging straight down. Baby carriers that allow your little one’s legs to hang straight down can harm the development of their hips.
Once in position, pull the fabric around your baby’s bottom until it provides enough neck support. Be sure their butt stays supported to keep them from falling out.
The Back Carry Position
Once your baby grows into a toddler, you can transition to this back carry position. This is a good choice for comfortably supporting the heavier weight of a toddler, without having to hold your arms under them as you would when giving a piggyback ride.
Lay the wrap out on the floor and have your toddler sit in the middle of the wrap. They should be positioned so the fabric stretches between their armpits and buttocks.
Sit in front of his or her feet while facing away. Grab either side of the wrap and pull them toward your shoulders as you would a bookbag.
Then, pull the ends across your chest, creating an X, and wrap around your abdomen. You’ll tie the two pieces securely together using a knot under your little one’s butt.
Stretchy Baby Wraps vs. Woven Baby Wraps
Some baby wraps are stretchy, while woven wraps are designed to provide more support. Stretchy wraps are the go-to for beginners since you can tie them before putting them on your body and they are more flexible. As your baby ages (and you get better at using the wrap), woven wraps provide more support and a tighter fit.
The Best Baby Carrier for Twins
If you have twins, you may be wondering if you can wear a baby carrier or wrap that holds both babies at one time. The hard answer is, yes! If anything, being a mom to twins means you most certainly need a baby carrier.
