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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best overall baby wrap
Let’s kickstart our list with one of our Best of Baby award winners: The Baby K’tan Active Yoga Wrap. Designed to hold babies up to 35 pounds, this baby wrap is machine-washable, dryer-safe and offers five carrier positions. A great option for parents new to babywearing, it slips on like a T-shirt so it’s ready to wear right out of the box. But the real standout feature is the super-stretchy performance fabric. Ideal for warmer climates, the fabric wicks moisture away from the skin and blocks 90 percent of UVA and UVB rays. Bonus: It comes in a range of inclusive sizes (XS to XL) to ensure you find the perfect fit.
- Double-loop design is easy to slip on overhead
- Made of breathable, quick-drying fabric
- Lets you wear your baby or toddler in 5 different hip-friendly positions
- If you share babywearing duties, you may need to buy a different size for your partner
Best hybrid baby wrap
This stylish hybrid option offers the comfort of a traditional baby wrap with the convenience of a structured carrier. It’s made from a breathable, stretchy fabric that’ll keep baby snug and supported, but it also has padded shoulder straps and an adjustable waistband with a buckle fastening so it’s easy to put on and take off. Baby can sit facing inward or outward and the wrap is one size fits most, meaning you can share it with your partner. Oh, and there’s no need to worry about spit up stains—this baby wrap is machine-washable.
- No newborn insert is needed
- Two carrying positions
- Machine-washable
- Shoulder straps are not adjustable
Best breathable baby wrap
The Solly wrap is a celebrity favorite that’s also beloved by parents nationwide. Made from a lightweight, breathable Tencel that’s oh-so-soft, this is one of the best baby wraps for summer. The fabric wrap stretches to fit your body and is the ideal newborn baby wrap (suitable for infants up to 25 pounds). Worried about getting the tying technique down-pat? Head to the Solly website for handy video tutorials that show you how to tie and adjust the wrap. Bonus: Take 10 percent off sitewide with code BUMP10.
- Soft, breathable fabric
- Available in multiple prints
- Some parents find it hard to use
- Lower weight limit than other baby wraps on the market
Easiest baby wrap to use
Go hands-free with the fuss-free LÍLLÉbaby Dragonfly wrap. Made from an all-natural cotton blend material, this carrier is soft, breathable and most importantly, comfortable. We adore the pared-back design and the padded back panel that provides added support. This carrier is pre-wrapped and worn like a T-shirt, so it’s easy to whip on and off. It’s one size fits most and holds newborns and infants between 8 and 30 pounds. Plus, this baby wrap comes in five cool colors.
- Supportive back panel
- Soft, cotton blend fabric
- Certified hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Some customers say the sizing runs small
Best baby wrap for newborns
If you’re only planning on wearing baby during the newborn phase, be sure to check out the Happy! wrap. Made in the USA, this baby wrap is ergonomic and luxuriously soft. Designed for active parents on the go, this newborn baby wrap is perfect for infants up to 25 pounds. The lightweight, breathable fabric is super-stretchy and easy to adjust. Bonus: A portion of each purchase is donated to Japanese charities in the US and abroad.
- Fully adjustable
- Lightweight fabric
- Certified as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Some parents say the linen fabric feels slightly scratchy
Best baby wrap for breastfeeding
This classic baby wrap carrier is ergonomically designed for a comfortable fit for parents and baby. Although it’s made from 16 feet of fabric, the wrap is easy to tie thanks to the super-stretchy, cotton-spandex fabric that clings to the contours of your body. It’s suitable from birth up to 35 pounds using the “love your baby” inward holding technique. Plus, thanks to the flexible fabric, it’s one of the best baby wraps for nursing: Simply shift baby into a comfortable nursing position and you’re good to go. This wrap is one size fits all, meaning it works for all body types. It’s also machine-washable, so no need to worry about spills and stains—phew!
- Boba offers a free one-on-one fit consultation with a babywearing expert
- Certified hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Machine-washable
- Baby can only be carried in an inward-facing position
Best baby wrap for all body types
Searching for a hassle-free baby wrap for any body size and type? The Konny baby carrier, which slips on overhead, may be the one for you. Designed by a mom suffering from back pain, this minimalist wrap is super-lightweight with wide shoulder sashes that evenly distribute baby’s weight across your upper body. It offers flexible carry options and is suitable for infants and toddlers up to 44 pounds.The best part? This carrier comes in tons of colors and is available in sizes XS to 4XL, making it the best baby wrap for plus-size moms and dads. Pro tip: If you’re looking for a baby wrap for hot weather, check out Konny’s summer style that’s made using a breathable mesh fabric.
- UV fabric blocks 98.5 percent of sun rays
- Ergonomic panel for back support
- Locking adjuster keeps child securely in place
- Some parents say the material doesn’t have much stretch
Best organic baby wrap
Searching for the best baby wrap made with organic materials? Check out this pick by Hope and Plum. Made from a high-quality blend of Tencel and organic cotton, it’s gentle enough for the most sensitive skin types. It also absorbs moisture to keep you and baby cool when you’re on the move. Parents love how thin, yet supportive, the material is—and the fact that it comes in two lengths for a custom fit. It’s available in a variety of muted shades and is suitable for babies from 8 to 35 pounds.
- Stretchy but supportive fit
- Organic and sustainably sourced material
- Slightly more expensive than other fabric wraps
Best budget-friendly wrap
Ergobaby is a household name when it comes to structured carriers, but did you know that they make baby wraps too? The universal sizing of this pick means it’s perfect for petite and plus-size parents (and everything in between). It’s suitable for babies between 8 and 25 pounds and is made from a soft, breathable fabric that’s machine-washable and durable to boot. Plus, the wrap has contrasting stitching along the guiding edge so it’s easy to tie for newbies and seasoned babywearers alike. Bonus: Get 10 percent off sitewide with code BUMP10.
- Integrated pouch for a key or card
- Machine-washable
- Certified hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute
- Some parents say the breathable fabric is too thin for a supportive hold
Best dual-position baby wrap
Last up on our list of the best baby wraps is from the cult brand Moby. The Easy-Wrap Baby Carrier combines the closeness of a traditional wrap with the ease of a structured carrier. It’s put on overhead like a T-shirt, buckles at the side and can easily be adjusted to accommodate fluctuating postpartum body types. It can be worn two different ways: inward-facing for infants and outward-facing for ages 6 months and up. The Moby is suitable for newborns and babies up to 33 pounds, and like many other styles featured, this wrap has been certified as hip-healthy by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute. The baby wrap carrier even has padded back support so it’s comfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Padded back support
- Sash guide makes it easy to put on
- Machine-washable
- Some parents say it doesn’t provide adequate support for heavier babies
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