Babywearing is a new term that has been coined due to the number of products available that enable parents to wear their babies as they carry on with their daily routines. Gone are the days of large, clunky baby carriers that made both parent and child sweaty and uncomfortable.
Baby wraps are a fantastic way to carry your baby although it may seem intimidating to those that have yet to try it. Once you have attempted to tie the wrap a number of times it becomes easier and the great versatility of baby wraps means you can adapt and change it to suit both you and your baby’s needs.
Baby wraps are available in different types of materials and styles and you can also purchase baby wraps that have been designed specifically for certain types of weather, such as the cold of winter or the heat of the summer sun.
Benefits of baby wraps include building a better bond between parent and child as well as making breastfeeding easier and freeing up your hands to allow you to carry on with your day while your baby is wrapped comfortably against your chest or back with you there to comfort them for whatever they may need.
Types of Baby Wraps
When choosing a wrap, while it is fun to choose colors and prints it is also important to educate yourself on the type of materials available and also what works best for your baby’s size and ability.
Wraps will differ in the way they are wrapped and it is essential that you take time to learn a safe wrap technique that can support your baby at different stages of their development.
Stretchy Baby Wraps
Stretchy one-size-fits-all baby wraps are the easiest baby wraps to use as they are tied around the parent before the baby is put in the wrap. This prevents the struggle of trying to adjust both the wrap and the baby at the same time.
This style of wrap is best suited to newborn babies or lighter babies as the wrap could dig into the parent’s shoulders if it had a heavier baby inside. Stretchy wraps are the more budget-friendly option when it comes to baby wraps and is ideal if you only need a wrap for a few months.
Woven Baby Wraps
If you would prefer a sturdier baby wrap then a woven baby wrap would be the best option for you as they provide additional support enabling you to wear your baby on your back. It’s important to take the time to learn the different wrapping techniques that can be applied to woven baby wraps to ensure your comfort and baby’s safety.
Woven wraps are more expensive than stretchy wraps but they are the better choice if your baby is larger or if you want it to last for a longer period of time.
This wrap is made of lightweight material and is silky soft to the touch. It is machine washable making it easy to care for. This wrap is hip-healthy certified as well as also being sustainably made.
A gorgeous wrap made of breathable material. Similar to the Solly Baby Wrap, this wrap is also machine washable. Unique to this wrap is the contrast stitching that runs along the guiding edge of the wrap, making it a perfect choice for newbies to babywearing.
This wrap is made from a linen blend material making it extra durable and tear-proof. This wrap would be a perfect option for older babies. This wrap is machine washable.
Each of these beautiful wraps is created adhering to fair trade standards and individually handwoven. The fabric is lightweight to prevent your baby from getting uncomfortably warm. This wrap is machine washable.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Baby Wraps?
Baby wraps are a long, single piece of fabric that is wrapped around both baby and mother to allow the mother to carry the baby while keeping her hands free. They differ from baby carriers as they do not have a structure, giving more freedom to wrap each baby uniquely to their needs and age. Baby wraps are suitable for use for babies up to 18months.
Can you Use Wraps with Babies of Any Age?
It is recommended that baby wraps are best suited for newborn babies as you can wrap the baby against your body in the cradle position, however, wraps can be adjusted to grow with your child and enable you to hold the baby inwards or outwards and to distribute their weight to ensure your comfort.
Are Baby Wraps Beneficial for Babies?
Baby wraps are beneficial for babies in the sense that they are said to help build a better bond between mother and baby.
Are Baby Wraps Better than Baby Carriers?
Baby wraps and baby carriers are suited to different needs and also offer different support levels to parents. Before deciding whether you should use a baby wrap or baby carrier it is important to consider what your needs are as well as how long you will be carrying your baby and what you want to do while carrying your baby.
If you are going for a long walk then lumbar and shoulder support might be essential for you and in this case a baby carrier would be the best option. If you have household chores to complete and need to wear your baby to keep them safe while you carry out these tasks then a baby wrap may be best for you.
If you will wear your baby for different reasons it may be reasonable to consider purchasing both a baby wrap and a baby carrier.
When thinking about clothing, there is so much to consider, such as sizing, the materials used, the quality of the products, and also how ethical they are. There is also the topic of fast fashion and its effects on the environment.
This is why I decided to set up our site Torly Kid, to provide parents and carers with the ultimate guide to everything related to children’s clothing and fashion. From the best outfits for crawling toddlers, to the prettiest dresses for tweens, we’ve got you covered.
