The Best Baby Wrap Carriers to Keep Baby Close

Babywearing is an age-old practice that’s still embraced today—and for good reason. The best baby wraps let your little one snuggle into your body, keeping them calm and cozy, while you get on with your day. Better yet, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babywearing promotes parent-infant attachment and prevents crying—win-win!

Although there are many wonderful types of infant carriers, a lot of parents opt for a baby wrap, since they’re super versatile, lightweight and comfortable. Not sure where to begin your search for a baby wrap carrier that suits your lifestyle and ticks all the safety boxes? We’ve done the hard work for you and selected the best baby wraps on the market.

What Is a Baby Wrap?

A baby wrap is a carrier made from a long piece of fabric. A traditional baby wrap is folded, knotted and tied around the body to form a pouch that baby can sit in comfortably. This type of carrier is suitable for newborns, babies and toddlers, depending on your child’s weight and size. It’s important to check the manufacturer’s guidelines to determine if a particular baby wrap is the right fit for your family.

Unlike a baby ring sling—which is worn over the shoulder and fastened with a circular clasp—most baby wraps can be worn a number of ways once you’ve mastered the art of tying them. Baby can be held in four basic positions: Facing the wearer, facing outward (also known as world-facing), on the hip or on the back.

If you’re baffled by the prospect of using a fabric baby wrap, there are plenty of hybrid styles on the market that require minimal folding and tying. Hybrid baby wrap carriers are made from structured material, rather than one long piece of fabric, and many have added features such as padded shoulder straps and buckle fasteners.

How to Use a Baby Wrap Safely

The best baby wraps are comfortable, chic and most importantly, safe. The best way to learn how to wear one is by reading the instructions, as the maker of your specific baby wrap is the authority on how to use it and will provide important weight specifications and safety tips. If you’re really stumped, you can also turn to instructional videos and even reach out to a babywearing consultant (yep, they’re out there and super-knowledgeable!). With that being said, here are a few general safety considerations and babywearing tips to keep in mind when using a baby wrap:

• Read the manufacturer’s instructions. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again—always read the instructions and double check the age and weight specifications before using a baby wrap for the first time.

• Do a trial run. Laura Brown, a certified babywearing consultant, recommends testing your carrier before your due date so you’re familiar with the features and tying process. If baby is already on the scene, try out the carrier when baby is fed and freshly changed. If baby starts to fuss, Brown recommends swaying your body from side to side or walking in an attempt to soothe them. “A change of scenery, such as going outside, is also a good way to get baby acclimated,” Brown continues.

• Ensure baby’s face is not covered. “Carriers are one of the safest ways to transport a baby, keeping in mind baby should be high and snug on the body at kissable height, with face and airway visible,” says Brown. If baby’s face is pressed against your body or obstructed by the wrap fabric, they may not be able to breathe.

• Position baby correctly. Incorrect babywearing can potentially cause hip dysplasia in infants. According to the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI), carriers should hold baby in an “M” position that supports the thighs and allows the legs to spread, keeping the hips in a stable position.

• Check for wear and tear. It’s important to check your wrap for general wear and tear along the seams and on the wrap hardware on a regular basis.

What to Look for in a Baby Wrap

When researching the best baby wraps, here are three things to consider before making a purchase:

• Material. Holding your little one close is a beautiful thing, but all that body heat can make things uncomfortably warm, especially during the summer months—and young infants already have trouble regulating their body temperature. So it’s best to opt for a breathable wrap that allows air to flow between you and baby. Our advice? Opt for a baby wrap made from a lightweight material like cotton, linen or bamboo, as these fabrics are naturally porous and breathable.

• Fit. If a wrap carrier doesn’t fit well, it can make babywearing a frustrating experience. Check the manufacturer size guidelines to make sure it is appropriate for your child’s age and stage. Then, where possible, test out the wrap in store and ask the retail assistant for tips on how to put it on correctly. It’s also important to consider your own clothing size. While most baby wraps and carriers are one-size-fits-all, some brands offer options for plus-size caregivers too.

• Quality hardware. If you choose a hybrid baby wrap, check the hardware (think: buckles, straps and clips) to make sure they’re easy to fasten and durable.

The Best Baby Wraps

A baby wrap carrier is a go-to product for many babywearing parents. Why? The best wrap carriers are safe, versatile and offer plenty of support for parent and baby. From classic fabric wraps to hybrid wraps that you put on like a T-shirt, we’ve gathered options to suit every type of parent.

How We Chose the Best Baby Wraps

We get it—you want to keep baby close and get on with your day. While structured carriers can be large and bulky, a fabric baby wrap is lightweight so you can wear it around the house or while running errands. To help you find the best baby wrap, our goal is to do the bulk of the research for you, so you don’t have to spend hours scrolling through online retailers. We do this by considering a list of criteria when sourcing baby wraps, including ease of use, quality and durability, value, style and, last but definitely not least, safety. This way you can count on getting the best bang for your buck, while also having a dependable carrier that will meet your and your child’s needs.

To decide which wraps are the best options on the market, we leverage our familiarity with leading baby brands to make sure items are from reliable manufacturers. We read user reviews to get the low-down on how these products work for families, and typically don’t consider anything with less than an average four-star rating. And since many of us are also parents, we rely on our writers’ and editors’ experience using these products with their own families.

To make sure we’re highlighting products that are safe and effective, we spoke with a babywearing consultant to understand essential features and safety considerations to keep top of mind when you’re shopping. We also follow the safety recommendations of the American Academy of Pediatrics and look for certifications from key organizations like the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

Interested in learning more about our editorial process? Read about how our team develops and reviews all articles here.

Plus, more from The Bump:

Plus, more from The Bump:

Best Baby Carriers for Every Kind of Parent

Ring Slings to Keep Baby Close and Comfortable

Babywearing Exercises for the Multitasking Mom