The Art of Babywearing: Wraparound Carriers

Infant carriers allow you to keep your baby close and secure while your hands are free. They make it easy for caregivers to bond with baby while accomplishing daily tasks. Despite the incredible variety of baby carriers on the market today, nearly all fall into one of four basic styles – Baby Wraps, Baby Slings, Mei Tai Baby Carriers and Soft Pack Baby Carriers. Today we’ll explore Baby Wraparound Carriers.

Baby Wraparound Carriers (aka. Baby Wraps)

A wraparound baby carrier is one of the most traditional styles of baby carriers. Baby wraps – also called simple cloths or wrap-style baby carriers – have been used for generations due to their simple yet incredibly versatile nature. No more than a large piece of fabric, a baby wrap carrier is wrapped around baby and the wearer to create a pocket for baby to lay or sit inside. The carrier is then secured with a series of tucks, ties or knots.

Available in a variety of fabrics, the most common are stretchy wraps (such as The CuddlyWrap) or woven wraps (such as an EllaRoo Wrap). A stretchy wrap is popular for infants as they are slightly easier to tie and generally “give” more than a woven wrap, so it’s easy to get an infant in and out of the wrap quickly. Woven wraps can be more supportive with less bounce than a stretchy wrap, so they are a popular choice for parents looking for a wrap to use from birth through to toddler hood.

So versatile!

With a wraparound baby carrier you have the ability to carry your baby in an unlimited number of carrying positions. While most parents use the wrap over two shoulders, you can also tie a wrap over one shoulder and use it “sling” style with an infant or on your hip with an older baby. Your baby can be on your front facing in or facing out, and back carrying is easily accommodated with a wrap-style baby carrier. The possibilities really are endless because with a baby wrap you aren’t limited to the placement of buckles, rings or straps.

A baby wrap also has uses beyond that of carrying your baby. A wrap can be used as a lightweight blanket on a cooler day, for protection against the sun or wind, or used as a safe and clean place to lay your baby down on in a pinch. We’ve even used ours as a seatbelt harness when we found ourselves without a highchair at a restaurant!

Advantages of a Wraparound Baby Carrier:

• Hands-down the most versatile baby carrier with unlimited carrying positions.
• Will easily accommodate any sized baby or wearer – ideal for sharing between partners.
• Ergonomic support for both baby and adult.
• One of the easiest carriers for hands-free nursing.
• Very comfortable with no buckles, rings or snaps to get in the way of wearing.
• Provides excellent support for a new baby’s head and neck and for a sleeping older baby, even when used for back carrying.
• Grows with your child – an ideal baby carrier to use from infancy up to 40+ lbs.
• Wraparound carriers are particularly suited for kangaroo care, the practice of holding premature and full-term newborns skin-to-skin for optimal neurological development.
• Folds flat and is compact for travel or diaper bag.

Disadvantages of a Wraparound Baby Carrier:

• Steeper learning curve than most other baby carriers – requires practice to become efficient in tying the baby carrier and adjusting to you and your baby.
• Extensive length fabric can be somewhat confusing to many parents.
• Not as easy to pop baby in and out of the carrier in a hurry (hungry newborn? fussy toddler?) unless you keep the carrier on at all times.
• Can be hot in the summertime (but keeps baby warmer in cooler weather!).

While the skill of wrapping may take some time to master, don’t let this scare you off of giving a baby wrap baby carrier a try. The “hug” that results from successfully securing your little on in a wrap is wonderful feeling. If you are really intimidated by the challenge they may present, there are now hybrid wrap carriers on the market. A great way to achieve the wrapping feeling without the fuss!

WIN IT! We’re giving one randomly selected T.O.P. reader their choice of any in stock wraparound carrier from Parenting by Nature! To enter, head over to choose your potential new carrier and leave a comment telling us your choice before noon mst on Monday, March 30, 2009. Canada and US mailing addresses only please.

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This is part three in a series of guest-written articles by Parenting By Nature’s founder and mother of two, Tamara Champion. For more articles and information visit Babywearing 101 on the Parenting By Nature website or browse their extensive baby carrier selection. You’re sure to find the right baby carrier to suit your individual needs, style and desires! Be sure to come back next week for another of Tamara’s educational features and another chance to win!

CONTEST CLOSED & WINNER EMAILED (Congratulations Amelia!)

March 23rd, 2009 in Babywearing, Canadian Businesses, Giveaway! |

98 Responses to “ The Art of Babywearing: Wraparound Carriers ”

1. # 1 Rita G Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 4:06 am

   I like the Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid in night! I am about to have my fourth child I would love to have my hands free in confidence!!

2. # 2 chelle Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 4:25 am

   I always wanted to try a Moby Wrap Baby Wrap. I find wraps great at home but out too long to deal with

3. # 3 susan varney Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 4:32 am

   ORGANIC Cotton CuddlyWrap Baby Wraps mvenro@roadrunner.com

4. # 4 Ammie Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 7:20 am

   I love the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier. It is so vibrant and bright. My husband absolutely loves wraparound carriers, and is always giving them away to friends. We’d love to add this one to our stash.

5. # 5 SANDY Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 am

   EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier
   EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier Ysabel

6. # 6 Heather Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 7:40 am

   I would love to have the The Organic Cotton Blue Celery Baby Sling for my baby! It looks perfect for my 4 month old since it has so many carry options and goes up to 35lbs so it will last.

7. # 7 Bridget Stevens Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 9:26 am

   oh man this is impossible… but that ellaroo Maiija baby wrap rocks. or the moby in chocolate. oh man they are so neat!

8. # 8 Rebecca Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 9:47 am

   The Blue Celery sling looks amazing – plus, it’s based in Ottawa which sounds great!

   Thanks!

9. # 9 Jen Says:
   March 23rd, 2009 at 10:18 am

   I would choose the ORGANIC Cotton CuddlyWrap Baby Wrap.

10. # 10 Julie Long Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 10:20 am

    I have used a sling and a wrap. The sling is great for short sorties or quick cuddles, but I have also used it while walking and nursing at a museum exhibit and both baby and I were very comfortable. The wrap took a few tries to master, but baby loves it! We take a dance class together and he enjoys being close and moving around with me. Papa has used both too and prefers the wrap now that baby is bigger. The one drawback to the jersey-knit wrap is that it has a bit too much give for larger babies. I would love to try a woven wrap such as the EllaRoo!

11. # 11 Jennifer Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 10:57 am

    I love the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier in the Ysabel style!

12. # 12 Rachel Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 11:23 am

    I would choose The Moby Wrap – The Ultimate Newborn Baby Carrier!

13. # 13 Debbie Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 11:33 am

    nice

14. # 14 lace Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 11:58 am

    I think I’m leaning towards an EllaRoo wrap because the girls are bigger. I think the Kristen and the Ysabel are beautiful. I’ve yet to try a wrap but am looking forward to learning all about it.

15. # 15 Erin Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 12:39 pm

    My vote goes to the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier…I run a home daycare and the kids would love to see me tote our littlest crew member around in it, it’s so colourful!

16. # 16 Irene Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 1:05 pm

    I would choose the Cuddly Wrap. Looks so comfortable for mom & child.

17. # 17 Veronica Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 1:10 pm

    My big baby has outgrown stretchy wraps, so I’d lve to try an EllaRoo Woven wrap in Kristen, 4.6 m.!

18. # 18 Anne Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 6:07 pm

    I love the Kozy Mei Tai Baby Carrier in Stony Creek, Natural !

    Thanks very much!

    anne_c_taylor@hotmail.com

19. # 19 susan Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 6:34 pm

    I would love the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap in Maiija ~ my little one is huge so we need lots of support from a carrier.

20. # 20 Madeline Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    I would love the Kristen EllaRoo woven wrap in medium. All of the EllRoo’s are so beautiful.

21. # 21 Madeline Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 7:18 pm

    I’m a subscriber.

22. # 22 Madeline Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 7:19 pm

    Your button is on my blog.

23. # 23 Erica G Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 7:22 pm

    I love the Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid. Thanks!

24. # 24 Jessica Cote Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 7:43 pm

    I like the Chocolate Brown Maya Wrap Baby Sling

25. # 25 Andrea Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 8:29 pm

    I’d LOVE the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier!!

26. # 26 Michelle Says:
    March 23rd, 2009 at 10:13 pm

    I would love to have the Ellaroo wrap in Seattle. This would be so nice to use with my daughter

    yzgirl4[at]verizon[dot]net

27. # 27 Meredith Rogen Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 4:00 am

    I like the “Sienna” color.

28. # 28 Jennifer W. Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 6:36 am

    My favorite is the Beco Butterfly in the Carnival pattern, however it’s out of stock so my second pick would be the EllaRoo Mei Hip in the Oskara pattern.

29. # 29 Laura Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 7:30 am

    I would love the Moby wrap in Moss green

30. # 30 James Jenkins Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 9:17 am

    wow

31. # 31 April Jacques Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 10:46 am

    I would like to have the Maya wrap in Blue/purple. Thanks.

32. # 32 Monique Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 11:01 am

    Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid in earth colour look amazing!

33. # 33 sandra Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 11:21 am

    i’d like to try the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier

34. # 34 Xiomara Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 1:57 pm

    I loved the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier.

35. # 35 Linda Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 3:24 pm

    The Moby Wrap in red for me.

36. # 36 Jill W. Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 5:00 pm

    I would love the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier in lsa or Claudia. A woven wrap would be better than a stretchy wrap for my almost 2 year old, thanks!

37. # 37 Jill W. Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 5:01 pm

    I am an email subscriber, thanks!

38. # 38 Jill W. Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 5:02 pm

    Your button is on my sidebar, thanks again!

39. # 39 Jill W. Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 5:05 pm

    Tweeted: http://twitter.com/idahojill/status/1384619963 , thanks!

40. # 40 Monique Rizzo Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    Love the chocolate brown Maya Wrap. Thanks for the Chance.

    mogrill@comcast.net

41. # 41 Kate Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 7:11 pm

    The Ellaroo woven wrap in Kristen (LG) is beautiful and functional. Thanks for the chance

42. # 42 Autumn H. Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 8:26 pm

    i like the blue celery in earth

    autumn398 (at) yahoo.com

43. # 43 Michelle Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 9:27 pm

    EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier is the carrier I thought I bought from someone else, but that is not what I got. I am confused to what the Moby and Cuddlywrap? I like the kristan color or the brownish one. (sorry I forgot the color).

    Thanks,

    Michelle S.

44. # 44 Bethany Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 10:33 pm

    I would choose the cuddly wrap

45. # 45 Marina Says:
    March 24th, 2009 at 10:40 pm

    I am huge advocate of baby wearing. I used slings a lot and thought that baby wraps are complicated. But then one day a friend showed me how easy it actually to use. Slings are great if you have to pop in and out of the car, and baby wraps are great for long walks, if child naps, older babies or back wearing. I like EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier http://www.parentingbynature.com/150_ellaroo_wrap.htm Color Jan.

46. # 46 Sonya Says:
    March 25th, 2009 at 12:56 am

    I like the Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid in Earth XL!

47. # 47 LYT Says:
    March 25th, 2009 at 10:31 am

    EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier in Medium, Kristen

48. # 48 Simone Says:
    March 25th, 2009 at 1:33 pm

    My fav is the Blue Celery Baby Sling size L in Night. Thanks! thebubbledies(at)gmail(dot)com

49. # 49 Gill Says:
    March 25th, 2009 at 2:11 pm

    I love the bright colours of the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap (probably medium) – my baby girl is so alert and into colours, it would be great if she could have a colourful wrap to look at while we go about our day, having endless cuddles and fun.

50. # 50 cininjax Says:
    March 25th, 2009 at 5:31 pm

    blue celery sling size large would be wonderful

51. # 51 Emily R. Says:
    March 25th, 2009 at 5:53 pm

    I like the Moby Wrap in the color chocolate.

52. # 52 israel y Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 12:45 am

    I like the Blue Celery Sling in Night (Grey)

53. # 53 Laura C Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 11:54 am

    I love the Blue Celery sling in Earth, medium size. What a great hybrid sling.

54. # 54 Multi-Tasking Mommy Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 6:27 pm

    Here’s my question…I just don’t get how you can use a sling/wrap/carrying device and breastfeed. Whenever I put my son in mine, he is way too high to reach the breast. Any tips?

    TOP Says: Tamara may have a better answer for you, but with my kids I’ve always had to loosen my sling a little to nurse in it (ring sling) or adjust baby’s position (wrap). With my structured carriers, I take them off to nurse.

55. # 55 Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 7:48 pm

    Hmm, I’d like to try the Blue Celery in grey.

56. # 56 Jennifer @ Quiverfull Family Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 7:50 pm

    I’m a subscriber!

57. # 57 Christina Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 7:52 pm

    Ooh, I have always wanted an EllaRoo woven wrap in Maija. The only way I can get another carrier past hubby is to win one.

58. # 58 Jennifer Hedden Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 8:16 pm

    EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier

59. # 59 Carrie Says:
    March 27th, 2009 at 9:19 pm

    I would love the Cuddly wrap in the red! Love it! and I need it with my 3rd baby just born 3 weeks ago!

60. # 60 Sherry R Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 6:25 am

    I really like the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier!

61. # 61 mir Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 8:15 am

    I’d love to try the Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid in Goddess.

62. # 62 Christine Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 10:14 am

    I like the Cuddly wrap in sage. Thanks for the chance!

63. # 63 Tobster Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 10:27 am

    I would love the Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid, I think the gray would be my choice

64. # 64 Karen Gonyea Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 2:27 pm

    Love the cuddly wrap

65. # 65 KTanjaTK Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 6:37 pm

    I like EllaRoo Wrap – LaRae

66. # 66 C. clemens Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 6:47 pm

    I liked The Moby Wrap The Ultimate Newborn Baby Carrier! very cool

67. # 67 Lisa Taylor Says:
    March 28th, 2009 at 10:19 pm

    I would pick the Moby Wrap in chocolate

68. # 68 Bing Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 12:51 am

    I’d love to win the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier. Thanks for the great giveaway!

69. # 69 Tanya Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 8:15 am

    I’d love the Ellaroo LaRae!

70. # 70 Tanya Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 8:15 am

    I’m a subscriber!

71. # 71 Carolyn Walsh Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 10:01 am

    I love the ellaroo…that’s my favorite. Thanks for the giveaway.

72. # 72 djgroz Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 12:16 pm

    EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier

73. # 73 Pam Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 12:52 pm

    I would like the Moby Wrap. Our baby is due May 1st and this is a wonderful way to help bond with our little one.

74. # 74 shawna Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 2:01 pm

    I like the Blue Celery in Earth.

75. # 75 Jen Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 2:56 pm

    I love the CuddlyWrap in Black. Thanks for the chance!

76. # 76 Marla Morris Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 5:18 pm

    I would loove to win one for my daughter who is currently pregnant with her first child.

77. # 77 Mary Mc Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 5:36 pm

    I just found out that we are expecting our 6th child! I need all the hands I can get. I would love the Moby Wrap in Moss Green.

78. # 78 Storm Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 8:22 pm

    oooh I love the EllaRoo woven carrier in Seattle! The LaRae color is gorgeous too!

79. # 79 kaycee Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 8:23 pm

    I would LOVE Cuddly Wrap in Sage!! Would be perfect for baby #2 on the way!!

    kayceewilliams at gmail dot com

80. # 80 carla Pullum Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 8:44 pm

    I like the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier!
    Carla
    cpullum(at)yahoo(dot)com

81. # 81 Chrysa Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 8:53 pm

    I would definitely go with the EllaRoo!

82. # 82 Cara Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 9:21 pm

    I love the Blue Celery wrap in Earth color. I love the idea of a sling and wrap in one.

83. # 83 Jennifer M Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 9:44 pm

    My friend/neighbor across the street has one of these and she was able to get my 4 month old to rest securely and comfortably against her when she babysat her form me a couple of weeks back. You must understand that my daughter is quite fussy and won’t let anyone near her. (She loves her momma!) I was very pleased to learn that this carrier seemed to make all the difference! I think it is the “hug” feeling that worked wonders with my baby girl.

    I would love to try one as it gets hard carrying my daughter in my arms day and night. I have tried a sling, but she doesn’t seem to like that and won’t stay settled. I’ll admit that I am a little nervous about figuring out how to correctly tie this, but my friend assured me that once you do it a couple of times – it’s a breeze! I would choose the chocolate color and can guarantee that it will get LOTS of wear in this house.

    Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

84. # 84 Angie O Says:
    March 29th, 2009 at 10:25 pm

    I’d love to try the Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid!

85. # 85 Jennifer Jozwiak Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 4:01 am

    I like the blue celery wrap in Night. I would use this every day since i don’t drive so winning it would be such a blessing.

86. # 86 Lily Kwan Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 7:10 am

    I love the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier in Natural Aloe!

87. # 87 susan Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 8:20 am

    I love the Blue Celery sling, or the moby in chocolate! they are great!

88. # 88 Lindsey@A Kindred Spirit's Thoughts Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 9:51 am

    I like the EllaRoo wrap in Ysabel! Thanks for the giveaway!

89. # 89 Kendra Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 9:53 am

    I’d love to win the EllaRoo Wrap in Maiija! Thanks for the giveaway!

90. # 90 Allison Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 10:20 am

    I like the Blue Celery wrap/sling combo! Very cool Thanks for the opportunity!

91. # 91 Becca Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 11:02 am

    Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid In Goddess looks especially groovy to my eyes……what a great win this would be!! What baby or momma/daddy wouldn’t love taking a stroll with their baby in ANY of these wraps?

    Thank you for the opportunity!!

92. # 92 Esther Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 11:12 am

    I like the EllaRoo Woven Baby Wrap Carrier!

93. # 93 Heather Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 11:32 am

    I like the Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid.

94. # 94 Meghan Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 11:35 am

    Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid it my pick!

95. # 95 amy h Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 11:43 am

    Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid in Earth. Thanks for the chance to win!

96. # 96 Denise Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 12:53 pm

    The EllaRoo sounds wonderful!!

97. # 97 dorothy l Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 3:06 pm

    Blue Celery Baby Sling/Wrap Hybrid

98. # 98 Thao Says:
    March 30th, 2009 at 9:31 pm

    I would love the Goddess (undyed) blue celery sling/wrap hybrid.

    member(dot)thao(at)gmail.com

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